Checking a used solar panel

Submitted: Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 10:41
ThreadID: 38117 Views:9828 Replies:7 FollowUps:14
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Hi all

I have the chance to buy a "few" year old BP solar panel (model 275 which I assume is 75W nominal) for a good price of $450. However before I buy it, I wanted to check it was still in good condition. I measured the output voltage at the terminal block (has 2 bypass diodes) and it measured 21.3V and at the end of ~10m of heavy cable (~6mm sq area) it was 21.1V. That is (I assume) the short circuit voltage and seems about right. I also measured the current at the end of the long lead and it was 3.7A. Did not think to do the same at the terminal block. This seemed a bit low as the spec sheet says 4.75A short circuit. Is there something wrong with the panel and should I run far away? Or is the drop because of the diodes, the lack of ability of the tester (me) or something else? The panel appear to be in ok condition, a little bit of corrosion on the braid that comes out of the back of the panel (I think it was used on a boat).

Also, when connected through a regulator, which I assume steps the voltage down, does the current increase?

Thanks for any help
Tim
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Reply By: Notso - Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 11:42

Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 11:42
My knowledge only comes second hand but the panels fall off in efficiency over time so 3.7 amps might not be too bad. It also depends on how much sunlight the panel was getting and was it direct on to the sun etc.

The voltage will usually hold up OK the amps are what drops off over time according to a mate who installs these things over in Broome.
AnswerID: 196936

Reply By: Mal58 - Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 13:42

Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 13:42
Tim,
I had a look on the Australian BP web site and could not find the particular solar panel that you mention.

They did however have specs on some panels which may have similar ratings. These specs discuss both current and voltage output and how they are measured including the conditions.

The following URL may be of interest.

http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/australia/corporate_australia/STAGING/local_assets/downloads_pdfs/a/Aust_ps_solar_BP380.pdf

Cheers,
Mal
AnswerID: 196958

Reply By: LastAussieWorker - Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 14:34

Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 14:34
that is not a good price
$450/75 = $6 watt
new 85w panels $599/85 = $7.05 watt

"a little bit of corrosion on the braid that comes out of the back of the panel (I think it was used on a boat)." dont touch it as that is why they fail and you are not getting full power. buy new and get full 25 year warranty

getting 3 85w fitted to new caravan
AnswerID: 196964

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 18:05

Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 18:05
What make 85W ?

Beware if non BP units that have thinner box section and that can flex on a van roof.
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FollowupID: 455402

Follow Up By: Mainey (WA) - Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 21:02

Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 21:02
What's the brand of 85 watt panel ?

Beware of any 'elcrapo' brand panels that flex, causing damage as Derek has said!
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Follow Up By: LastAussieWorker - Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 12:45

Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 12:45
whats 'elcrapo' brand panels that flex
when finding out and do lot of research only panel with trouble is BP with poor frame and corrosion
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Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 18:04

Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 18:04
Price sounds right if it is for all 3.

How much light was on the panels when you tested them and at what temperature.

My BP80W panels are $660.00 each
AnswerID: 197000

Follow Up By: tim_s - Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 18:12

Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 18:12
Hi Derek

The panels were in full sun, but fairly early morning. I guess the temperature was about 20C as they had been in a garage overnight. Maybe the panels are a bit on the degraded side.

Any more thoughts would be appreciated

Tim
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Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 18:23

Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 18:23
No they sound fine.

Was the price for all 3 or each ?
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Follow Up By: tim_s - Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 18:31

Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 18:31
Hey Derek

I think I am getting confused as to who you are responding to (but then again it is easy for me to get confused). I am looking at one second hand panel (that I can buy for $450 and which I tested Volts/amps this morning). LastAussieWorker commented that he got 3x85W panels for $599 each (at least that is what I think he said!!) and therefore thought the price was too high.

Would a better test be in midday sun? Or how else can I test out the panel.

Thanks
Tim
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Follow Up By: LastAussieWorker - Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 12:40

Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 12:40
Tim that is what I said 85w for $599
steered well clear of BP made in malaysia as frames poor and fall apart and not well assembled
BP also corrode like you can see no warranty
there are pictures on the web of poor BP frames
checked every brand of panel and searched all the information could find
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FollowupID: 455588

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 13:09

Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 13:09
Hi LastAussieWorker

BP80W are Proudly Australian made.

Very good quality frame.

Where do you get your info from ?





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Follow Up By: LastAussieWorker - Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 17:43

Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 17:43
showed me the mono crystal panels by BP made in malaysia
there are picture on the web showing how BP panel fall apart
why pay price for BP when you can buy superior mono crystal panel for $599
85w not 80w
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Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 20:01

Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 20:01
Who showed you ?

Send a link.
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Reply By: Steve - Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 20:59

Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 20:59
Just get a new UNISOLAR 64 watt panel which will give you 5 ah charge at least ...and is not put off by a bit of shade or shadow..I have 2 of them on my motorhome and they are the best thing since....OK...you want to save $100.00 ..go ahead , buy crap..that's your call..
AnswerID: 197046

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 21:25

Thursday, Sep 28, 2006 at 21:25
Hi Steve

What model Unisolar panels do you have ?

5 amps ? Are the panels flat on the roof ?

How close do you park to the sun ? LOL :-)

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Follow Up By: LastAussieWorker - Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 12:58

Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 12:58
looked at unisolar
2 times size of crystal panel for 1/2 power
no warranty mounted flat
no good for cool temp
unisol $10 for a watt
crystal $7.05 for a watt
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Reply By: Darian (SA) - Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 08:53

Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 08:53
I was given a 10W BP solar panel for free (off a friend's farm - was once used for an electric fence supply) - would have been sitting on their post for about 10 years - 25 year warranty - the output specs were on the back - it is still producing the same figures now. I bought a 5A regulator and it maintains a couple of batteries at home. As others have said, you need 'perfect' sunlight conditions to get the max A figures.... bit like the economy figures on new cars - "conditions apply".
AnswerID: 197100

Follow Up By: honestjohn - Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 19:38

Friday, Sep 29, 2006 at 19:38
you are spot on mate conditions apply
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Reply By: Steve - Saturday, Sep 30, 2006 at 11:40

Saturday, Sep 30, 2006 at 11:40
LastAussieWorker: can you supply a link or info where you get your 85w $599 panels from?
AnswerID: 197265

Follow Up By: LastAussieWorker - Sunday, Oct 01, 2006 at 10:50

Sunday, Oct 01, 2006 at 10:50
send over an email npguide@bigpond.com
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