Sharp close their Wrexham PV factory

[Gavin A]

Electronics giant Sharp is ceasing solar panel production at its Wrexham factory with the loss of hundreds of jobs.

bbc

Sorry to see the jobs go, but frankly the panels were never really up to scratch.

It does make me wonder a bit what it is about the UK that means that we seem to be incapable of producing consistently high quality solar PV panels at a significant volume.

Sharp should really have been cleaning up in the UK, we'd have loved to have worked with them, but the product just wasn't right for the price, then they withdrew their panels for a few weeks in the summer of 2011.... really bad timing.

 

[SibertSolar]

A shame indeed, feel for the guys losing their jobs.

Is everyone aware of SunSolar in B'ham setting up a 36MW fully automated production line? They expect to have panels off the line by Ecobuild in March, if not before....the CEO is extremely passionate about the UK being a viable manufacturing base

 

[Martyfox]

On this note... does anyone know who supplies Sharp modules, if there is anyone? Had a PV owner get in touch with damaged modules (flying ridge tile) needing 3 x replacement NU180E1. I suspect this may be an impossible task.
Thanks.

 

[Gavin A]

segen, navitron, would be good places to start

 

[Martyfox]

Perfect, that'll get me off to a good start. Thanks Gavin.

 

[JulianC]

If that fails, I know a few pubs in Wrexham you could try ;-)

 

[Martyfox]

The helpful chap at Navitron actually said to phone Wrexham... I did, and they know a guy in Germany who should have some of the old modules for cases like this. He appears to be on holiday though. Good to know for the new year.

 

[yellowvanman]

I've got 3 x NU-185E1s in my shed - electrical parameters not significantly different, physically same size. Probably work! Although I'd bow too someone with more knowledge!

 

[SolarCity]

185E1s will work fine

 

[Martyfox]

Yes, agree they would do fine. I'll give you a shout after I get in touch with Sharp in the new year Yellowvanman - we're in Scotland, so bit of a trip to a shed in Dorset to collect . Many thanks though for opening up another option, appreciated!

 

[SRE]

That's what couriers are for