Simple solar setup

The 160w flexible solar panel on my boat has carked it, Its only putting out 1.5a even on a nice sunny day.
This is the second panel to die, The first one was a $700 fold up 120w Primus panel that only lasted 3 months because it couldn't handle getting wet and all the wiring connections in the panel corroded and failed unfortunately.
The 160w panel doesn't appear to have any corrosion or damage that is visible But it still only puts out 1.5a Max, When new the panel was putting out 4a-5a.
I have ordered a 250w flexible panel ( 12.60a rated output) to replace the dead 160w unit and I am hoping that this one will last more than the 6 months the old one lasted.
I only paid $79 for the no name 160w panel So I probably got what I paid for, The new 250w panel cost me just under $200 and it appears to be a better quality unit it is also IP65 rated.
I do have a new 125w Companion folding solar blanket that puts out about 6a on the boat (Just in Case) But I cant fit that permanently because the corrosion from salt water spray will kill it like the last one.
The fixed ridged panels I have fitted onto the 79 series, Navara and the caravan haven't missed a beat and are still working perfectly and I am wondering if the flexible panels are an inferior design to the ridged ones.

I’ve also have issue with cheap semi flexible panels.

The new $400 panel puts out more than to two same size cheapies

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Originally Posted by trout1105

The 160w flexible solar panel on my boat has carked it, Its only putting out 1.5a even on a nice sunny day.
This is the second panel to die, The first one was a $700 fold up 120w Primus panel that only lasted 3 months because it couldn't handle getting wet and all the wiring connections in the panel corroded and failed unfortunately.
The 160w panel doesn't appear to have any corrosion or damage that is visible But it still only puts out 1.5a Max, When new the panel was putting out 4a-5a.
I have ordered a 250w flexible panel ( 12.60a rated output) to replace the dead 160w unit and I am hoping that this one will last more than the 6 months the old one lasted.
I only paid $79 for the no name 160w panel So I probably got what I paid for, The new 250w panel cost me just under $200 and it appears to be a better quality unit it is also IP65 rated.
I do have a new 125w Companion folding solar blanket that puts out about 6a on the boat (Just in Case) But I cant fit that permanently because the corrosion from salt water spray will kill it like the last one.
The fixed ridged panels I have fitted onto the 79 series, Navara and the caravan haven't missed a beat and are still working perfectly and I am wondering if the flexible panels are an inferior design to the ridged ones.

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Is there a way to seal the connections, maybe using grease, plastic pipe or tape?

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Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Is there a way to seal the connections, maybe using grease, plastic pipe or tape?

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I have used MC4 connectors so waterproofing isn't the issue with the 160w panel, It's simply a crap panel and at $79 I got what I paid for.

Yes, I have a MC 4 connector and it's fine, although I did seal it with duct tape.
Certainly seems to be a big quality difference with solar panels.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Yes, I have a MC 4 connector and it's fine, although I did seal it with duct tape.
Certainly seems to be a big quality difference with solar panels.

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I am not a fan of tape on electrical connections especially when moisture is concerned as I find that the tape tends to hold the moisture in.
If I need a watertight connection I usually use silicon and heatshrink.
I had problems in the past with joins that get wet shorting and corroding so I experimented with putting a smear of silastic over the join and an inch either side of it and then covering it in heatshrink before the silicon set completely.
This is especially effective on joins like bilge pumps, boat lights etc.[thumbsupbig]
You can get commercial waterproof joining kits But they are bloody expensive, Heatshrink and silicon are cheap as chips and readily available[biggrin]

I fitted the 250w pannel to the boat today, WOOHOO it's pushing 11a+ in full sun and 3.5a in overcast conditions[thumbsupbig]