solar panels

[gonad]

hi all anybody out there know how to tell if it is working? using a digi voltmetre? total tech dunce me there are brown patches on the metal squares bargain second hand at 100 euros for 40 or 50 watt solid panels or waste of time?ta for any advice

 

[sarabande]

Face it up to the sun so that it's getting full light, then use a voltmeter across the terminals. Depending on the designed use (12v or 24v, or...) you should get about 15v, 28v, etc.

If some sections within the panel have degraded, then the failed cells may prevent the whole panel working. Some more expensive panel can cope with this, or a small shadow across a couple of cells.

Any makers id ?

 

[gonad]

bp i think will go have a look thanks they are 12 v i hope

 

[castlevar]

to test panels open circuit should be approx 21 volts but to test correctly you should fit a load in parallel say 50 watt on a 100 watt panel then connect volt meter it should read about 15 volts try this

 

[scarlett]

I'm no electronics technican but I would have thought if you measure the voltage being delivered to the battery when there is no load on the battery would have to be in the region of 14 volts to be of real use.

You may wish to know that my nominal panel watts total 56 into just the service battery. Open circuit voltage is 18 or 19 volts. I think the 10 YO panels are working but cannot measure their contribution.

 

[markdj]

Has anyone ever bought from these guys?

http://www.affordable-solar.com/

A 200watt Kyocera panel for $899 is too good to pass by. I have emailed them about international postage but no reply yet.

 

[ccscott49]

Remember import duty/VAT and stuff! On the total amount, including postage.

 

[Jonny_H]

Please report back on how much they charge for postage

 

[ITH]

The Kyocera factory in Germany (www.kyocerasolar.de) might also be worth contacting for a better deal in terms of shipping & tax? Anyway, let us know how you get on - the price seems very good.

 

[castlevar]

kyocera panels I have 2 fitted on boat 24 volt 120 watt one failed this year.
Contacted kyocera as there is 25 yr warranty on panels and as they no longer manafacture 120 watt they have supplied me with 2off 130 watt units no charge.
can recommend this panel very effecient

 

[markdj]

Good report of service geoff, where did you purchase the panels from and who gave you the good service?

Thanks

 

[castlevar]

I bought the panels in america it was the cheapest inc import duty 6 years ago might be different now?
from emarine@bellsouth.net waranty is universal at 25 years

 

[markdj]

Did you need to send solar panel back to america or did the German dealer replace under warranty?

Many Thanks

 

[mandlmaunder]

When ever you get anything posted to you for your vessel have the words 'Yacht in transit' on the package as this will some times avoid the inport tax problems ,and if it dont you aint lost nothing

 

[castlevar]

Hi Mark
If you buy in america if you have a problem you return to america but they send a carrier to collect you have no expence all foc.
If you buy in germany the german co will collect.
But the panels are very good I would not expect a warranty claim we have been cruising for some time and the panels have been very good.
where is your home port we are in Denia home port carrick

 

[markdj]

We're based in Strangford Lough, just south of your home port /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif