Pinetops
Member
Last year we installed two 32W flexible panels on the bimini, connected in parallel and back charged the batteries through the cockpit 12V socket. We have not used a regulator but only plug them in when on board and not on marina power or motoring.
Last year we were quite pleased with the modest 2 - 3 amps charge they provided in the Med. This year it was much less so I put a voltmeter across each seperately in open circuit. One panel gave 17 - 19 volts continuously. The other gave the same for about 2 seconds then held only 1 volt thereafter. The supplier says the second panel must be faulty and there is nothing that can be done (except return it to the manufacturer and hope for dispensation outside the 1 year warranty). Apparently solar panels are totally sealed and either work or not - no repair is possible.
Lightning during electrical storms has been suggested a s a possible cause. We have experienced some whilst in the Adriatic and Ionian but no close strikes. If solar panels are vulnerable in this way it is quite a costly risk.
Any comments most welcome
Thanks Pinetops
Last year we were quite pleased with the modest 2 - 3 amps charge they provided in the Med. This year it was much less so I put a voltmeter across each seperately in open circuit. One panel gave 17 - 19 volts continuously. The other gave the same for about 2 seconds then held only 1 volt thereafter. The supplier says the second panel must be faulty and there is nothing that can be done (except return it to the manufacturer and hope for dispensation outside the 1 year warranty). Apparently solar panels are totally sealed and either work or not - no repair is possible.
Lightning during electrical storms has been suggested a s a possible cause. We have experienced some whilst in the Adriatic and Ionian but no close strikes. If solar panels are vulnerable in this way it is quite a costly risk.
Any comments most welcome
Thanks Pinetops