Sod's Law! - Failed Nasa 20w Solar -panels

[Robert Wilson]

Any ideas what's gone wrong. And how to rectify?
Both worked fine for two years ashore, charging both batteries well, but now within weeks of re-launch no charging and "error message E07 - Battery voltage too low" showing on Nasa control unit; even though my independent charge indicator show both batteries in good health.
I've checked for obvious wire disconnections at the panels (been working around there in past weeks) but no apparent damage.

They are three years old, worked fine throughout until this week.
Do these panels have a defined short life (£130 each .)

TIA, as always

 

[eddystone]

Any ideas what's gone wrong. And how to rectify?
Both worked fine for two years ashore, charging both batteries well, but now within weeks of re-launch no charging and "error message E07 - Battery voltage too low" showing on Nasa control unit; even though my independent charge indicator show both batteries in good health.
I've checked for obvious wire disconnections at the panels (been working around there in past weeks) but no apparent damage.

They are three years old, worked fine throughout until this week.
Do these panels have a defined short life (£130 each .)

TIA, as always

I have 2 x 20W NASA panels which have been working OK for over 4 years; the only issue was overcharging which was down to a faulty Blue Solar controller. Although I suspect they have a finite life, I would replace the controller first.

 

[VicS]

I'd start by checking the open circuit volts and the max ( short circuit) current that you can get from each panel in full bright sunshine.

I'd guess 20 -22 volts and 1.5 to 1.7 amps.

If the panel outputs come close to these figures Id suspect the controller

 

[NormanS]

Wow! 20 watt panels at £130 each!

My 100 watt panel was about £70. (And, fingers crossed, it's working perfectly).

 

[ghostlymoron]

Unusual for a panel to completely fail suddenly let alone 2. Try each one separately with and without the controller (for a short period). Measure voltage and current.

 

[lpdsn]

Wow! 20 watt panels at £130 each!

My 100 watt panel was about £70. (And, fingers crossed, it's working perfectly).

Which NASA were selling them at that price? Perhaps the £130 includes a visit from an astronaut to service them.

For RobertWilson: as GhostlyMoron says just chec the panel output. An ordinary multimeter should handle checking the output of a 20W panel. I don't know the spec but it would be typically about 18V and just over 1A max output in brilliant sunshine. Lower current at lower light levels. Most multimeters have a setting that allows you to check 10A or so for a very short duration.

 

[LittleSister]

For RobertWilson: as GhostlyMoron says just chec the panel output. . . .

Vic has been Lakesailored!

 

[lpdsn]

Vic has been Lakesailored!

Isn't that just when the OP thanks the second poster? Anyway if LakeSailor still frequents the forum it must be under an assumed name.

 

[Robert Wilson]

Which NASA were selling them at that price? Perhaps the £130 includes a visit from an astronaut to service them.

Force4 2018 catalogue page 139 £129.95 each. I'm not sure if I paid less when I bought mine 3 years ago.

Anyway, some good news.
I left the fuse out overnight and put it back this morning to confirm still inoperative.
Hey presto, working fine again.
Must be my resident gremlin which affects all things electrical and electronic for me :sorrow:

Thanks for your responses and advice. Ta muchly

 

[NormanS]

Force4 2018 catalogue page 139 £129.95 each. I'm not sure if I paid less when I bought mine 3 years ago.

Anyway, some good news.
I left the fuse out overnight and put it back this morning to confirm still inoperative.
Hey presto, working fine again.
Must be my resident gremlin which affects all things electrical and electronic for me :sorrow:

Thanks for your responses and advice. Ta muchly

Ah, they must be "Marine" solar panels.

 

[lpdsn]

Must be my resident gremlin which affects all things electrical and electronic for me :sorrow:

The Gremlin was probably holding out for his cut of the action.

May not make you feel better but I was quite impressed with the similar sized £30 panel I got last week to counter self-discharge of the battery I got for the Bison motor.

 

[chriss999]

The Gremlin was probably holding out for his cut of the action.

May not make you feel better but I was quite impressed with the similar sized £30 panel I got last week to counter self-discharge of the battery I got for the Bison motor.

Well, the OP may not be particularly interested, but I am. As a matter of interest can you let us know where it came from?

 

[PaulRainbow]

Check out the 20w panels https://www.force4.co.uk/nasa-solar-panels-m.html

I'll have some of what they are smoking.

 

[Robert Wilson]

Marine?

Bummer! I ought to have looked at the small print........

 

[Robert Wilson]

Check out the 20w panels https://www.force4.co.uk/nasa-solar-panels-m.html

I'll have some of what they are smoking.

That's interesting. Your link shows the same part number as the 20watt panel but the price for the 10 watt panel.

I think I'll give Force4 a ring and see what's going on.

Thanks.

EDIT: Ah HA!
Look at the add again and see at the top left FROM

 

[pvb]

That's interesting. Your link shows the same part number as the 20watt panel but the price for the 10 watt panel.

Just below the part number there's a box which says "Size: Choose an option". Select 20w and you'll see the higher price.

 

[lpdsn]

Well, the OP may not be particularly interested, but I am. As a matter of interest can you let us know where it came from?

Amazon. I'm using them a lot for non-specialised stuff as they now deliver to Ireland for free, whereas most UK chandlers charge a king's ransom for postage. You do need to wade through a few pages to get exactly what you want.