Solar Panel has Failed

[Stealaway]

I think I've shorted out my 100W solar panel, it doesn't seem to charging.
Is it going to be the diode?
Anybody want to guess which type / size its going to be?
I'd like to take it down and put it back the same day.

 

[Deep Owl]

I’ve had 3 flexible solar panels fail, but Roadpro were very helpful replacing them.

 

[DBK]

You can't damage a solar panel by shorting it. They are not like batteries as the current will only increase marginally over the MPPT current.

More likely a wire has come loose. I would disconnect it from the controller and check for a voltage - in daylight of course. If nothing found try to work back to the panel. You might be able to see the terminals on the back of the panel and measure there using a mirror.

 

[Stealaway]

Thanks for that
I disconnected the pos wire from the controller as I was changing the controller and there was a slight 'crack'. I don't think I could short it to neg but now I've installed the new controller there no voltage on the wires from the solar panel. - 21.9 V previously.

 

[DBK]

Thanks for that
I disconnected the pos wire from the controller as I was changing the controller and there was a slight 'crack'. I don't think I could short it to neg but now I've installed the new controller there no voltage on the wires from the solar panel. - 21.9 V previously.

That's weired. When I said a solar panel can be shorted this is true but perhaps if there was a weakness somewhere the shock has damaged something?

A typical output graph looks like this in shape, note the short circuit current on the left - in mA in this case.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

Firstly check if you are getting 20v from the panel with it disconnected from the regulator.
Then disconnect the cables at the panel and check the voltage to prove it's not a fault in the wiring.
Diode could be faulty enough to disconnect in the box on the back of the panel, the diodes can be just in series with the output or often fitted across each bank of cells.
Now know how you like cheap regulators Alex is the new one duff?

The diodes are normally 6A 50v .

Solar Panel Blocking Diode for sale | eBay

Find great deals on eBay for Solar Panel Blocking Diode. Shop with confidence.

www.ebay.co.uk