Solar Failure

[LadyInBed]

I put up 2x80w semi-flexibles on my mizzen in 2016, after the recent high winds they bent, partly due to the 10x10mm box section frames that I made for them not being up to the job!


I have just replaced them with full frame units as having removed the WG there will be no issue with the extra weight.
Inspecting the old units, I was shocked by the amount of deterioration in six years.

Lots of rust in the IP65 box that holds the tails.


Rust and a cracked thread in the in line connector


The plastic film that covers the cells has gone opaque and brittle (UV degradation I assume)
I will be putting extra sealant and using a different T junction box on the new units.

 

[geem]

I put up 2x80w semi-flexibles on my mizzen in 2016, after the recent high winds they bent, partly due to the 10x10mm box section frames that I made for them not being up to the job!
View attachment 132404

I have just replaced them with full frame units as having removed the WG there will be no issue with the extra weight.
Inspecting the old units, I was shocked by the amount of deterioration in six years.
View attachment 132406
Lots of rust in the IP65 box that holds the tails.

View attachment 132408
Rust and a cracked thread in the in line connector

View attachment 132409
The plastic film that covers the cells has gone opaque and brittle (UV degradation I assume)
I will be putting extra sealant and using a different T junction box on the new units.

Yep, we had very similar UV degradation on ours. You did well to get that long. In Tropics expect about half that life in my experience. By comparison, framed panels last years

 

[LadyInBed]

By comparison, framed panels last years

I hope so ?

 

[coopec]

I put up 2x80w semi-flexibles on my mizzen in 2016, after the recent high winds they bent, partly due to the 10x10mm box section frames that I made for them not being up to the job!
View attachment 132404

I have just replaced them with full frame units as having removed the WG there will be no issue with the extra weight.
Inspecting the old units, I was shocked by the amount of deterioration in six years.
View attachment 132406
Lots of rust in the IP65 box that holds the tails.

View attachment 132408
Rust and a cracked thread in the in line connector

View attachment 132409
The plastic film that covers the cells has gone opaque and brittle (UV degradation I assume)
I will be putting extra sealant and using a different T junction box on the new units.

I read your post very carefully but did you say what brand of panel and where they were manufactured?

Nevertheless you seem to be confirming what a lot of others are saying about flexible panels

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Thanks for posting the pictures.

What can we do to overcome the rusting electricals ?

 

[Graham_Wright]

Thanks for posting the pictures.

What can we do to overcome the rusting electricals ?

I have a lot of chocolate blocks in my vessel. They are all provided with brass cable insert but steel screws. I remove the screws and retap M4 then use stainless socket head grub screws. Being socket head, they are much easier to access and tighten.

 

[LadyInBed]

what brand of panel and where they were manufactured?

They don't appear to have a brand name on them or the invoice.
I bought them from Titan Energy near Poole, I guess that they buy them in unbranded.
This is the only info that is on the panel