Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Can Solar Panels Wear Out

November 04, 2019, 12:52:52 pm

My 2002 MB, 26.5 ft. unit has 2 factory insatlled 85 Watt panels.  Can these paels wear out? Can they easily be swapped out for better panels? Seems like I never see the indicator in the unit read even 2 amps.  I cleaned the panel also. Thanks Matt

Re: Can Solar Panels Wear Out

Reply #2 – November 04, 2019, 01:43:41 pm

I would check a lot of other things before suspecting that the solar panels have 'worn out'.  Wires and batteries would be a good place to start.  There is probably a charge controller in the mix somewhere too, and those wear out more frequently than panels. 

Can you tell how many Volts they generate in full sun?  If so, how does it compare to the panels rated voltage (on a label somewhere).  If you're getting the voltage reading from a panel inside, try and figure out what the voltage is very close to the panels. 

It will be a troubleshooting project, but you can track things down if you can use a multi-meter.

Tell us what you can about the device where you are seeing the 2 amp reading.

By way of example, I have a 200w panel on my roof and the voltage and amperage readouts vary depending on how much sun, how full the batteries are, the temperature, and how long the controller has been charging the battery that day.  2 amps could be a perfectly normal reading for the conditions, or it could indicate that something is wrong.  In my case, I once had a fuse holder partially melt and that cut in half the max amps that I would be sent from the panels to the batteries.  After replacing the fuse holder, everything was back to working as expected. 

Rich
'03 MB in NC

Re: Can Solar Panels Wear Out

Reply #4 – November 04, 2019, 05:52:10 pm

Unless damaged, the original panels should still output 6-8-amp, mid-day in the summer. Our 2003' LDs Factory panel's output has not drop off noticeably .

After 17 years of use, multiple items may need attention in your solar charging system. As Rich pointed out, the wires and parts that connect the panels to the controller and batteries can and will develop resistance and other issues that can severely restrict or eliminate charging. 
Your LD's solar charging system's wiring needs to be inspected from the panels down to the batteries, checking for loose connections and voltage drop across wires and terminals. You probably have poor electrical connections or a dying solar controller.
If the controller is the original, upgrading to a MPPT controller is recommended. Use a controller that can accept additional panels, if you think you may upgrade in the future.
If additional panels are installed, the lead-in cables will need to be upsized for best efficiency .

Larry

Re: Can Solar Panels Wear Out

Reply #6 – November 04, 2019, 07:42:58 pm

"Is there a local place or person you know of that could effectively evaluate my system?"
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Where's 'local'? 

Re: Can Solar Panels Wear Out

Reply #8 – November 04, 2019, 10:06:15 pm

Kent

Pleased that you are holding out for AM Solar in lieu of others. I swear by their capabilities and service. Believe that I've gone there 3 or more times to have solar work done on my 2004 30'IB with which I have no issues.

As you probably already know, they have the facilities behind their building where they let their customers stay overnight if it takes that long.

Springfield and Eugene are sister cities and if you should need a longer stay (free) you can drive over to Eugene, locate the 'Valley River Center', located on the banks of the Willamette River, park on the river side of the mall and wait for Mall Security to arrive. When he/she/they appear ask if they will write you a pass to stay in the parking lot. I've never been refused and have stayed there up to 3 consecutive days. In addition to the view of the river there are tons of good restaurants nearby.

There's a bit of family promotion here, a cousin of mine is the Asst. City Manager for the City of Eugene!      




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