Melting solar panels

[pcatterall]

My 10 year old cabin roof panels have 'crazed' over the Spanish summer,
It looks like someone has drizzled thin brown sealant over them but on inspection they are multiple cracks where the element insulation has oozed out. They are a pair of very small panels which just keep the starter battery topped up.
More serious are the 5 year old large panels which still work but look to be showing similar signs. I like to leave the boat with shore power disconnected, as it can be many weeks between visits.
Is this heat ageing common? Perhaps I should cover up the main panels and just use one small panel to keep all the bats topped up?

 

[TQA]

If they are semi flexible that is the usual failure pattern. You have done well to get ten years out of them.

 

[William_H]

Many smaller panels are made of some sort of plastic both for the transparent top layer and the backing. Most plastics will deteriorate in the sun. However you would hope the plastic chosen would last in the sun. I suggest attacking the panels with wet and dry sand paper and a plastic polish. Check actual current delivered before and after. There may be some more life left in them. I have to say my little 5w on the boat is looking a bit faded after quite a few years. (plastic also) ol'will