Can anybody identify this really old module?

I have been trying to identify this Solar panel for a while now. It has very unique cells with radial traces. There is no Mfg. info anywhere to be found. The cells are about 2 1/2". The back of it is aluminum. The glass is textured. It still works. My guess is that is pre-Arco and possibly early 70's vintage. The radial traces on the cells seem to be pretty hi tech compared to most early cells of its time.
I have inquired with Home Power magazine. This info was published but no replies. Any info would be helpful.
Many thanks, Mike
2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric, 460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.
Comments
- Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric, 460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.
2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric, 460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.
If so used, in grid tied inverter mppt tracking is installed already y it can be used in off grid system,since in off grid we use mmpt charger controller for battery.
Can you please keep all of your questions about inverters to one thread... This is going to make conversations "confusing".
-Bill "moderator" B.
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2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric, 460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.
http://www.advantagesolar.com/solarcells.htm
2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric, 460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.
Close up of Photowatt cell detail and The newly identified "Tecstar Inc." aerospace cells. Thanks to all who have taken the time to help.
2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric, 460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.
From: http://www.spacedaily.com/news/solarcell-98j.html
"TecStar Inc. was founded in 1954 as the country's first supplier of space solar cells."
The web site seems to be dated at 1998. How is it still alive?
"The company maintains an unblemished on-orbit performance on over 400 satellites from Vanguard, the first satellite powered by solar cells in the late 1950's,"
Your panel could be old indeed.
Back in 1998:
"TECSTAR Claims 26.1% Solar Cell Efficiency" .http://www.spacedaily.com/news/solarcell-98h.html........................
EDIT: Just read that they use a lot of silver in solar panels. So aerospace panels are highly likely to have gold instead of silver. Gold alloys I am sure. Alloys make the gold stronger....and cheaper.
The one with square cells is definitly made by Photowatt. These cells were made till appr. 2000.
2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric, 460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.
2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric, 460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.
Scott, Thanks for the info and inquiry. I am in the solar business and keep this panel for informational purposes. It has a lot of miles on it and still works. At this time I'd have to say NFS.
LH2
2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric, 460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.
2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric, 460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.
- Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
Sorry for the flash photography, It was at dusk. Try to get an overall view and maybe more label info tomorrow.
Junction box? Who needs a stinking junction box? The prism glass went away soon after, I think. The claim was it allowed better production from off angle light. Not cheap, but back then These were around $10-15 a watt.
I bought 3 and got the pre-drilled aluminum mounting rails (for 4 panels), They are actually very heavy 'U' channel, particularly when compared to the ultra thin short sides.
- Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric, 460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.
sorry I did not reply to your comment.
Why do I think the cells are from silicon sensors?
I do have a solar panel where the solar cell look very much allike the ones your panel shows. Only difference is: Mine are cut in halve. An on the rear is a sticker it says silicon sensors.
concerning the panel from solar power corporation Braintree:
Your are right: this panel is using silicone as embedding material. I have a smaller one the same company. See the image.
This panel is shown in the book of the photovoltaic dawn by John Perlin: From space to earth.
I do collect vintage solar panels and cells for a long time.
Please take a look at a small exhibition (file attached) I did in Cologne.
These are some samples of PV dating back from 50ies till late 70ies.
If any one of you wants to sell their vintage panel I'd be delighted to buy them and make them part of this PV archive.
Hope you like the imegs
Cheers
Chris
P.S: The text in the file is German but I think it is self explanatory
Equinox, Thanks for all the new info. It's great seeing these unusual cells in other modules. I know that these cells were available for sale as raw cells, in surplus NOS form, in the past. Very cool seeing all the vintage panels you've added
2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric, 460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.