Bad experience using thin 'flexible' solar panels

[spudboy]

If anyone is thinking of using those thin (1.5mm thick) flexible solar panels, well my advice is don't bother.

I put 600W (6 x 100W panels) on top of my truck to supply both 12V and 24V systems (400W for one and 200W for the other). I chose them for being light-weight (1.5Kg per panel) and low profile. To start with they were fine, probalby for the first year or so.

After 3 or 4 years they are putting out bugger all power, like less than 1A on a bright sunny day.

The surface has gone all chalky, so that can't help either.

The manufacturer is not interested in giving me a refund, even though they supposedly came with a 10 year warranty. That looks like it's going to be a bunfight.

So I've just forked out for replacement panels of the standard garden variety solar panels, which weigh a lot more and are a lot thicker, but they'll probably keep generating power for a whole lot longer.

Cheers
David

[AK83]

Brother and I have been looking a a small solar system for when camping.
We liked the 'compactness' of those flexible roll up panels.

Good to know.


.....

After 3 or 4 years they are putting out bugger all power, like less than 1A on a bright sunny day.

The surface has gone all chalky, so that can't help either.

.....

Cheers
David

LOL!
Probably some cheap quality plastic coating, not properly UV stabilised.
So, it seems, they appear to breakdown under the conditions that they're meant to operate under! :confused:

Hope the warranty issue works out for 'ya.

[Toxic_Avenger]

What brand?

Are we are talking about the $700+ ones that are Red, don't Arc, and fold up into a neat little package? Or some chinesium alibaba junk?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

I would've thought 3-4 years ago, 1.5mm panels would have been quite exxy to buy---:o

[spudboy]

They were 'generic' solar panels from our local specialist 12V shop, so no, not the RedArc unfolding ones, or nasty eBay ones.

Cost was $250 each, so $1500 for the 6 of them.

They look like this:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/02/691.jpg

[Eevo]

thats disappointing to hear.

who refused the warranty? the seller or the manufacturer?
what was the reason given?

[Bytemrk]

Hopefully my cheapy that I bought last yer wont go the same way:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/alternate-energies/243126-camping-solar-d4.html

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/02/672.jpg

But if it does, at least I'm not likely to be relying on it for long periods of time and I ended up buying a decent regulator, so I have the basis of something better if i have to improve the panel.

Mine supposedly come with a 25 year output warranty.... but who knows :angel:
https://www.vicoffroad.com.au/sport-outdoor/solar-panel.html/100w-12v-flexible-black-silicon-solar-panel-generator-power-mono-charging.html.html

[Blknight.aus]

when you strip them down older style "traditional" solar panels are nt actually all that thick. its all the other layers of material that go to strenthgening and supporting them so they dont bend, flex and crack the power making part of the panel making high resistances and open circuits.

[ozscott]

119280

Just purchased one of these roll up 100w.

Cheers 119281119282

[ozscott]

But only for camping not to be put out day after day after day...

Heavy little tiger though. But small pack. Cheers

[Bytemrk]

What sort of cost Scott, if you don't mind me asking?

[weeds]

What brand are they Scott??

[ozscott]

I got them at Redlands 4wd boys. In Capalaba. It's Red 4x4. Prices attached. Cheers 119284

[DiscoMick]

Is there any way to clean or repair the chalky surface? I know they need to be wiped down regularly, but your problem sounds worse than that

[spudboy]

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.

[spudboy]

thats disappointing to hear.

who refused the warranty? the seller or the manufacturer?
what was the reason given?

12V shop has been extremely helpful. Issue seems to be with the supplier.

The shop is "Home of 12V" in Mt Barker, if anyone in Adelaide is looking for a great specialist retailer.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

so a product designed to be in sunlight,, gets damaged by sunlight?
:Thump:

[nismine01]

If they have a ten year warranty get an 'expert' opinion and take it to the small claims court.

It may take time and effort but if you have been dudded over something get it sorted.

I'm into the second year of a claim for dodgy work and overcharging by way of fitting parts not required nor accepted. The company has been playing me and the court for suckers for nearly 12 months now but I aint gona quit.

The same thing goes for every body, if you have the evidence that the part/ workmanship/ deal was faulty take it to court, the costs are negligible.

Regards and good luck

Mike

[Eevo]

The 12V shop took a look at the chalkiness and thought it was because the panels had got too hot.


therefor, the panels are not fit for purpose and a refund given under Australian law.

i know the 12v shop have been helpful but they need to stand by that they are selling.

[DiscoMick]

The solar installer who did our house told me the ideal temperature was about 26 and above that they lost efficiency. He suggested hosing them down on really hot days.
I have just fitted an 80 watt hard panel to the roof rack of the Defender and so far it is OK but it has plenty of air space under the roof racks to keep it cool.

[Eevo]

He suggested hosing them down on really hot days

there is the risk of the glass on the panels cracking if you do that.

[DeanoH]

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.



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 :)

[kelvo]

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 (http://www.richsolar.com/solar/monocrystalline_solar_panel/2016-03-07/75.html)

[Eevo]

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.

[Ancient Mariner]

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