Solar panel wont charge! why?

Submitted: Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 09:09

ThreadID: 64103 Views:3277 Replies:5 FollowUps:2

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Member - G N (VIC)

Hi all
I have a fold out type solar panel that has worked well for many years but now only works now and then and only briefly. ie i have to disconnect / reconnect from battery a number of times before it will work (i have the output running through an amp meter) and when it eventualy does work it will only gor for a minute or two. (i have run through a 2nd amp meter to check that the main one is not playing up)
I think it must be the regulator?
Do they bugger up that way? I kind of expect something electronic to work or not work, not somewhere in between.

What do you think?

Kind regards
GN

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Reply By: Neil & Pauline - Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 09:32

Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 09:32

I had a panel not always working and it turned out to be a faulty diode. Simple to change and about $1.20 to buy. Was told by an "expert" that it was not worth fixing.

Neil

AnswerID: 338766

Follow Up By: Member - G N (VIC) - Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 12:22

Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 12:22

Hi Neil and Pauline
Thanks for info
where is the diode?, nah i just pulled open the black box and found it.
so was yours stopping / starting like mine when it had a crook diode?
i just took mine out but it still doing exactly the same so i guess it cant be it (i am guessing the diode just stops the discharge at nigh?)
GN

FollowupID: 606307

Reply By: Notso - Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 09:37

Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 09:37

It could also be the regulator, if it has one in the circuit.

AnswerID: 338767

Reply By: Peter 2 - Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 10:35

Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 10:35

If you have a relatively small output panel which is only connected during the day you can safely remove the regulator and even the diode which will give a small gain in power output from the panel and not affect anything.
Leaving a panel connected overnight without the diode will discharge the battery to varying degrees.
I've been running a small foldup solarport for years in this fashion with no problems, the two panels together are only 44w though.

AnswerID: 338775

Reply By: Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 18:14

Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 18:14

By-pass the regulator and see what the voltage and amps do.

If all seems to work then replace the regulator.

Note that your symptoms also sound like a loose connection somewhere or the battery voltage is too low to keep the regulator energized.

Regards

Derek from ABR

AnswerID: 338839

Follow Up By: Member - G N (VIC) - Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 20:55

Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 20:55

Thanks all for the help
Derek was correct, it was the regulator had carked it.

Many thanks GN

FollowupID: 606381

Reply By: dizzy - Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 19:13

Monday, Dec 08, 2008 at 19:13

GN

Definately sounds like the diod .Replace it and make sure it goes in the same as the old one,otherwise it still wont work.
It is amaising what that small thing does.

Tony