Broken solar panel glass
Submitted: Thursday, Mar 20, 2008 at 10:31
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brushmarx
Greetings
The solar panel I use to top up the CT batteries when not travelling attempted to try gliding the thermals in a gust of wind, fell on top of the battery compartment door, and has a very attractive wedge shaped broken glass design now.
Does anyone know if it is feasible to :
1. Simply silicon another glass or acrylic sheet over the broken glass to prevent the broken glass from falling out.
2. Remove the broken glass and glue a new sheet over the doohickies that change the light to power.
3. Dump the thing and learn from the experience?
Thanks
Ian
Reply By: Member - joc45 (WA) - Thursday, Mar 20, 2008 at 12:26
Thursday, Mar 20, 2008 at 12:26
Hi Ian,
Before I bought my panels, I was loaned a couple of panels with cracked glass. They worked fine for me, and put out pretty close to what they reckoned.
The glass is (or should be) bonded to the cells underneath. There is no way of replacing it, but if they continue to work, then leave them. Water ingress may cause deterioration, but what the heck.
To see if it's working to full rating, place an ammeter in series with one lead to
check what current it's delivering in full sun. Voltage alone will not give you the answer.
Gerry
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