I'm kinda repeating a question in another thread...

Do the kyocera panels still have issues, or was their problems only in the summer of 2001? I was looking at the KC190GT.

Curious to know if we should stay away from them or are they ok.

Thanks!

I haven't heard of any issues of recent on the Kyocera panels, I do know of 5 sites that got KC-120's replaced, so that's a good sign that Kyocera will stand behind there product and yes this was all 2001 stock panels.

I assume this means it is OK to purchase them now.

Thanks Mr. Guppy!

Hi Folks, I just found this forum. I would like any details you may have regarding the KC120 units.... several of my 16 KC120 units with potential future issues. I have heard of issues before, but never any details of the problems. Any info appreciated.

Hi James,

The failures are in the inter-connection strips. You will probably see brown or black burn spots from the high resistance failures on the back side of the panel

Kyocera to my knowledge has replaced many panels, you need to contact Kyocera US to get the ball rolling. If you panels are from the 2001 Date code, they will most likely swap out the entire array

I can vouch first hand for Kyocera doing a full swap out last year, since it happened to me on an array of 38 KC-80 panels (2001 mfg dates). They paid for everything except the time & effort to replace them all (biggest hassle).

25% of the panels suffered from moderate to pretty darn full degradation. There was no sign of discoloration on the back of any panels and no tell tale signs of interconnection problems on the glass side. I've not heard of a post-2001 problem, so I surmise that Kyocera got their leadless solder process going smoothly PDQ.

it is always good to know when somebody stands by their product. when one makes an investment into solar pvs we all know of the expense involved. it's good to know it won't be wasted if something is wrong.

Does anyone know if Kyocera is automatically replacing panel, or does a definitive problem need to present itself before they will honor warranty?

You have to present your case before they will act on the warranty. All that is required is basic irrefutable evidence of sub-par or incorrect performance. I had taken a 20% sample of all panels and extrapolated that for them, which was good enough for Kyocera to go through with issuing an RA.

That is typical biz practices for most goods sold.

I checked all my panels...12 of the sixteen panels have 2001 date codes. I contacted Kyocera directly and was pleasantly suprised when i received a response back in 24 hrs. They requested the serial #'s and Date Codes in order to check with factory about a complete system swap. I have just sent them the list, now I will wait to see what the response might be. The rep did acknowledge that there was a problem in 2001.

To those folks out there that have had panels replaced, what did they replace them with? I have seen that the KC120 units are discontinued.
Did the sent the 125 units?