Solar Panels

[duncan99210]

OK. Just acquired some old Solara semi flexible panels that someone here has removed from their boat. The panels are putting out about 17v with no load under an overcast sky. They're cosmetically tatty but seem to be otherwise OK. Does the panel think that they're worth hooking up to the system? I have spare capacity on the MPPT controller.

 

[VicS]

OK. Just acquired some old Solara semi flexible panels that someone here has removed from their boat. The panels are putting out about 17v with no load under an overcast sky. They're cosmetically tatty but seem to be otherwise OK. Does the panel think that they're worth hooking up to the system? I have spare capacity on the MPPT controller.

you dont say with what current load you are getting 17 volts!

Test them. see what current you can get out of them.

Ideally load them, in full sun, so that the terminal volts is equal to the specified volts at max power. Measure the current and calculate the power you are getting .. anything like the original specs and its worth considering using them.

 

[duncan99210]

OK I'm getting about 7 amps per panel out of the 2 I've wired in the system, so they're keepers!

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

OK I'm getting about 7 amps per panel out of the 2 I've wired in the system, so they're keepers!

Sounds good to me.

My panels mounted on a gantry off the stern deck give a bit more than that in good sun so if yours came cheap, you seem to have a very good deal.