Damaged EvaKool solar panel - will it still work?
Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 18, 2011 at 06:55
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ghostgum28
A while back I bought a set of EvaKool solar panels (2 x 50 watt) and I was using them for about the third time the other day when I noticed a mark on the front. Upon inspection, I found that one of the folding legs had been scraping the back of the panel each time the leg is folded out, which has resulted in it damaging one of the cells.
I am not sure if this will render that panel useless due to it shorting that row out or not, or if it will be insignificant, as I dont know the science behind how these great things work
Upon inspection, it would appear that the bolt holding the leg on the frame had been done up too tight at the factory, and it had elongated the square metal leg at the hinge point which was enough to not clear the back of the panel while it hinges out.
Having a few marks on the panel does not worry me, but if it effecting the output of the panel by any great margin, I guess I will have to chase up a warranty job with EvaKool.
A few photos to show what I'm talking about:
Any help would be appreciated.
Matt
Reply By: ghostgum28 - Tuesday, Jan 18, 2011 at 06:57
Reply By: Member - Boobook - Tuesday, Jan 18, 2011 at 07:12
Tuesday, Jan 18, 2011 at 07:12
That does look serious Matt.
I would definitely contact Evercool, they possibly have had other claims.
If you can, put it in full sun connect it to a battery and firdge and see if the cvoltage goes up tp about 13.8 at the battery. Better still if you can, measure to see if there is about 5 - 6 amps flowing to a discharged battery.
If it is caused by faulty manufacture I am sure Evercool will stand by it. They seem to have a good reputation for after sales service.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Evakool - Tuesday, Jan 18, 2011 at 11:04
Tuesday, Jan 18, 2011 at 11:04
Hi Matt,
Please give Evakool a call in relation to this and we will see what we can do for you.
Thanks.
AnswerID:
442181
Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Tuesday, Jan 18, 2011 at 15:49
Tuesday, Jan 18, 2011 at 15:49
How's THAT for customer service?
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Follow Up By: ghostgum28 - Tuesday, Jan 18, 2011 at 22:16
Tuesday, Jan 18, 2011 at 22:16
Exactly. I rang the guys (and girls) at EvaKool today, they were more than helpful with the issue. Top service I must say !! Thanks EvaKool.
Matt
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Wednesday, Jan 19, 2011 at 07:48
Wednesday, Jan 19, 2011 at 07:48
You can't ask for much more than that. It would be interesting to see the outcome.
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Follow Up By: ghostgum28 - Saturday, Feb 12, 2011 at 17:27
Saturday, Feb 12, 2011 at 17:27
Just a followup.... I posed the damaged panels back to EvaKool in QLD, and within about 2 weeks I had a brand new replacement set delivered to me at
home. I cant fault the EvaKool customer support!. Excellent. Matt
FollowupID:
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