CountryPlans Forum

Off Topic => Off Topic - Ideas, humor, inspiration => Topic started by: peternap on May 07, 2011, 04:24:16 PM

Title: Anyone know how to troubleshoot a Solar panel
Post by: peternap on May 07, 2011, 04:24:16 PM
I have some old, cheap, Harbor Freight Solar Panels that I move around to spot charge the tracttor or other things.
Two have stopped charging.

The Diodes seem fine. No contunity one way but good flow the other.

Does anyone know what else to look for. I'm getting zero voltage out of them.
Title: Re: Anyone know how to troubleshoot a Solar panel
Post by: StinkerBell on May 07, 2011, 05:10:27 PM
Any chance you bought the extended warranty?  ;D
Title: Re: Anyone know how to troubleshoot a Solar panel
Post by: peternap on May 07, 2011, 05:28:10 PM
Quote from: StinkerBell on May 07, 2011, 05:10:27 PM
Any chance you bought the extended warranty?  ;D

Not on them and they're over five years old anyway.
Title: Re: Anyone know how to troubleshoot a Solar panel
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 07, 2011, 11:05:00 PM
Thin film on glass I think.  About all I can think of is the obvious things - cracks in solder strips - etc.  Not much help am I?
Title: Re: Anyone know how to troubleshoot a Solar panel
Post by: peternap on May 08, 2011, 07:06:36 AM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on May 07, 2011, 11:05:00 PM
Thin film on glass I think.  About all I can think of is the obvious things - cracks in solder strips - etc.  Not much help am I?

That's about what Google said. I'll pull them apart this week and see what's going on in there. Not sure why though. I still have four sets of 3 that I haven't even opened.
Title: Re: Anyone know how to troubleshoot a Solar panel
Post by: Windpower on May 08, 2011, 06:12:46 PM

any voltage if the diode is taken out ?

   
Title: Re: Anyone know how to troubleshoot a Solar panel
Post by: peternap on May 08, 2011, 06:17:16 PM
Haven't tried yet. That's first on the list tomorrow. I figure it's either that or a burned connection.