
Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast Unboxing Arco Solar Module with Jeff Spies
Nov 23, 2025
29:57
In this episode, Sean White is joined by Jeff Spies and Deep Patel for a hands-on unboxing and deep dive into vintage Arco Solar modules from the early 1980s. The team shares the history, technology, and quirks of these classic solar panels, sharing stories and technical insights along the way.
Key Topics Covered:
Email: jeff.spies@planetplansets.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-spies Website: www.planetplansets.com Reach out to Deep Patel here: Email: dpatel@gogreensolar.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/deeppatel Website: www.gogreensolar.com Check out the podcast with Don Bilinski here: • Apple Podcast • Youtube • Spotify • Pandora • Podbean Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean www.solarsean.com/pvsi
- The origins of Arco Solar Module
- Differences between various Arco models (M51, 16-2000, 16-2300)
- Carrizo Solar Power Plant
- Cell degradation
- Reason of encapsulant browning
- Evolution of module design.
- The importance of cell count for charging 12V lead-acid batteries and the move from 33 to 36 cells.
- Unboxing and examining the modules’ physical features, including junction boxes, grounding, and serial numbers.
Email: jeff.spies@planetplansets.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-spies Website: www.planetplansets.com Reach out to Deep Patel here: Email: dpatel@gogreensolar.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/deeppatel Website: www.gogreensolar.com Check out the podcast with Don Bilinski here: • Apple Podcast • Youtube • Spotify • Pandora • Podbean Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean www.solarsean.com/pvsi
