Page 3 of 3 FirstFirst 123
Results 21 to 25 of 25

Thread: Bad experience using thin 'flexible' solar panels

  1. #21
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Adelaide Hills
    Posts
    13,298
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by DiscoMick View Post
    He suggested hosing them down on really hot days
    there is the risk of the glass on the panels cracking if you do that.

  2. #22
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    West Gippsland - Victoria
    Posts
    2,907
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by Eevo View Post
    therefor, the panels are not fit for purpose and a refund given under Australian law.
    Bull**** ............................. solar panels NEED airflow for cooling to a/ allow them to operate efficiently and b/ so they don't overheat and cook. If they've been installed without proper ventilation and they have failed because of this it is the fault of the installer not the panel or the retailer. Having nice flat low profile panels might look aesthetically pleasing but is no bloody good for efficiency and longevity of the panels. To hold the retailer responsible for the panel failure is like blaming Landrover for your engine failure if you run it without coolant.


    Quote Originally Posted by Eevo View Post
    there is the risk of the glass on the panels cracking if you do that.

    Double Bull**** ................... it actually rains in Australia sometimes, even on hot days and you don't see or hear of solar panels ****ting themselves enmasse do you ? The toughened glass required on solar panels is well capable of taking a bath from a suburban hose without catastrophic failure. If you want to see the effect of temperature on solar panel output read the output on a clear sunny day and the give the panels a good dousing, an increase in output of around 10% is not uncommon. The added advantage is that the panels are cleaned of dust and bird **** also increasing the output.


    Deano

  3. #23
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Baldivis WA
    Posts
    1,275
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by spudboy View Post
    The 12V shop took a look at the chalkiness and thought it was because the panels had got too hot.

    They are installed flat on the camper roof on 'rails' that leave about 5mm air gap between the panel and the roof. They suggest this is not sufficient to keep airflow in hot 45 degree Adelaide days, and they've overheated, damaging the surface.

    On my replacement panels, I am going to drill 12mm holes all around the sides to promote air-flow, and maybe even mount them on a slight angle to get some convection airflow happening.
    How hot is too hot?

    The panels have a maximum operating temperature of 85*C secs of the panel (Assuming they are Rich-Solar which is what the home of 12v sell on their website) in this link RS-M100
    2014, MY14 Discovery TDV6, Fuji White (2018-Now)
    2003, Discovery 2a, Td5 Manual, Zambezi Silver (2012-2018)
    2007, Adventure Offroad Campers, Grand Tourer (2015-Now)

  4. #24
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Adelaide Hills
    Posts
    13,298
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by DeanoH View Post


    Double Bull**** ................... it actually rains in Australia sometimes, even on hot days and you don't see or hear of solar panels ****ting themselves enmasse do you ? The toughened glass required on solar panels is well capable of taking a bath from a suburban hose without catastrophic failure. If you want to see the effect of temperature on solar panel output read the output on a clear sunny day and the give the panels a good dousing, an increase in output of around 10% is not uncommon. The added advantage is that the panels are cleaned of dust and bird **** also increasing the output.


    Deano
    manufacture wont cover it under warranty if you do that.

  5. #25
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    FNQ
    Posts
    1,723
    Total Downloaded
    0
    I bought a 100w flexible panel may 2014 and stuck it to the roof of the 110 with urethane adhesive (no advise not to glue) .About 6 months ago it carked it zilch output,when I removed it the roof paint was all blisters .Thinking 3 years life was acceptable I purchased a replacement but 6 months on this has gone the way of the dodo .I am now thinking of getting a framed unit and trimming 15 -20mm to lower the profile and drill vent holes in the remaining frame .I need a permanent install and if anyone has a better solution please share

    Thanks AM

Page 3 of 3 FirstFirst 123

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Search AULRO.com ONLY!
Search All the Web!