the Otherpower.com Discussion Board || Comments A PV question

Front Page - [Homebrewed Electricity-- (wind) (solar) (hydro) (steam) (controls) (storage) (mechanical)] - Classifieds - Site News
Everything - Newbies - [Remote Living-- (housing) (heat) (light) (water)] - Rants & Opinion - Diaries - Our Products

A PV question | 4 comments (4 topical, editorial)

Re: A PV question (3.00 / 0) (#2)
by richhagen (richhagen (a t) Juno.com) on Thu Sep 11th, 2008 at 02:03:59 PM MST
(User Info)

In general, it does little harm to the panel to dump the power. When in Fiji, where the climate is harsh with many more sun hours, salt water in the air, ect. I was able to observe aging defects on older panels, Arco's and such from the 80's and 90's. The Plastic (maybe tedlar?) backing would crack, exposing the EVA, and in some cases that would exhibit cracks as well. Additionally corrosion around exposed junctions on old panels was a problem, especially to the frames where mounted and to exposed junctions. Wear and tear from panels leaned against something and moving around without a permanent mount was also problematic as it allowed for scratches and damage which the weather could exacerbate. Some of the panels put out significantly less than there rated amperage. Some of my panels here in Chicago are old Arco's from the 80's and put out fairly close to there rated outputs, however I do not know their exact history prior to my acquisition of them, they have plastic over steel on the backing. I am meaning to clean and coat the few locations where there is damage to that plastic but it is still on my list of things to do. :-( If I live long enough I may get proper maintenance done - although not in a timely manner.

My thinking is that in general it probably isn't worth the risk of moving and handling the panel to store it for the summer unless your climate/use is extremely harsh physically on the panel. In a residential setting physical damage is likely the biggest risk to the continued functioning of your panel when compared to the sun exposure or lightning. Just my opinion, others may disagree. Rich
'A Joule saved is a Joule made'

A PV question | 4 comments (4 topical, 0 editorial)

Menu

· create account
· How to use the board
· FAQs
· search the board
· Google search the board
· Old Otherpower Board

Login

Make a new account

Username:

Password:

You must be a registered user to post here. It's easy and free, and the link is on the upper right side of your page.
All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective companies. Postings are owned by the poster, but may be deleted or moved at the ADMIN's sole discretion. The Rest © 2003 Forcefield.
You can Email the board ADMIN here. PLEASE include the username you signed up with!