What's happened here?

it was a blocking diode or bypass diode. Jaycar have them. make sure you get one thats rated for at least 3x your systems delivery voltage (Nomimal panel voltageX # panels in series) AND at least double the number of amps you're capable of delivering (max panel amps X # panels in parallel)

if that doide was only a 20V diode and you put the panel it was in in a sting of 4 panels in series it could have been seeing up to 60v (based on 12V panels with an open voltage of near enough 20V) Similarly if it was rated for 10 amps and you had 4x8 amp panels fedding it it could have been trying to carry 24 amps.

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Originally Posted by cafe latte

Is it the same size though? Probably, but we cant be sure.
Chris

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The two diodes would have been the same. They are doing the same job. The first diode bypasses the first half of the panel if it is shaded. The second diode bypasses the second half of the panel if it is shaded. Most silicone diodes have a reverse bias of over 1000 volts, so any one with a high enough current rating will be good enough. If using a germanium diode, check it's reverse bias voltage.

Aaron

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Originally Posted by Aaron IIA

The two diodes would have been the same. They are doing the same job. The first diode bypasses the first half of the panel if it is shaded. The second diode bypasses the second half of the panel if it is shaded. Most silicone diodes have a reverse bias of over 1000 volts, so any one with a high enough current rating will be good enough. If using a germanium diode, check it's reverse bias voltage.

Aaron

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Correct !! They "blew" into 3 sections mostly, which I ( temporarily) re attached using rubber bands. The most amps ( battery charging) I have seen from 12 x 150 watt (12 volt) panels has been 59 amps & they are facing the sun. Of course they were the cheapest on Ebay - I suppose I can't name & shame here..


Did you have a thunderstorm? The only time I have seen something like that was the result of lightning.

John
No, nothing locally since installation.


Those diodes and wiring are nowhere near big enough for 150 amps. If you mean 150 watts, they would be about 4 amps (assuming 40 volt panel). Are they cheap panels? It might have just been a bad diode. Jaycar should have a suitable diode.

Aaron

My bad, I meant 150 watts.
I have connected them up 4 lots of 3 @ 40-50+ Volts- I think only a couple of strings are working properly.


Also assuming these are 12v panels, how are these arranged (wired) and what charge controller are you using. Just curious


I haven't finished everything yet but I'm using Blue Solar (Victron) 150volt 85 amp charge controllers into a bank of 18x 105 amp AGM batteries. There are other strings working just great, feeding in a charge. This one ( string) was added as I have a new shed & felt these extra panels would get me through those Melbourne days that are dull..I went for these controllers as they "spill" any extra amps over 85, so basically you can't overload them.