Faulty panel, any help?

[Deleted member 3614]

Just found out one of on my panels is not working.

Opened the box on the back of the panel, used the multimeter only to see nothing, no volts yet the other panel of the same make and size at the same time is was putting out 19 volts.

it is under warranty but wondering if there's a simple fix?

 

[SCClockDr]

If there is no voltage on the PV side of the diodes it is toast, time to exercise your warrantee.
Most likely an internal open somewhere in the PV cell string.

 

[Steve_S]

A few different things can go wrong with a panel itself and none of which can be owner repaired.
Time to get the warranty card out and get a replacement.

 

[Deleted member 3614]

thanks, I think its never worked, when it was wired in with the other panel the amps never went up which was a bit of a puzzle.

only just learnt how to check the panels for power, wish i did that when it first turned up.

When connecting the system up the other day, the first panel was ok and putting out power but after connecting the second panel the power went the wrong way.

the voltage on the display was going from 12 to 22 on a 12-volt system in a matter of seconds.

so now its calling and arguing like mad lol with the people I bought it from.

Not sure, but if its faulty would the mppt flag it up? or just show an odd power range?

 

[SCClockDr]

Have you checked the diodes for short or open?

 

[SCClockDr]

In series an open will kill the string.
In parallel the good should hold its own, provided the bad panel diodes are good.

 

[Deleted member 3614]

Have you checked the diodes for short or open?

i've just looked into the diodes, never heard of them until now!.

how do i check them? there are two, i have a basic multimeter.

 

[Deleted member 3614]

the panels are in parallel, well was down to one now.

 

[SCClockDr]

Does your meter have the below symbol?

 

[Deleted member 3614]

Does your meter have the below symbol?View attachment 5946

yeah, just been looking how to. so will this test still work with the diodes in place on the panel? it looks a simple job.

 

[SCClockDr]

yeah, just been looking how to. so will this test still work with the diodes in place on the panel? it looks a simple job.

YES! check with your leads in both directions.

• One will show Open or OL
• The other will show a reading, voltage or resistance.

 

[Deleted member 3614]

YES!

great, nice one, as its raining will be testing that tomorrow.

 

[SCClockDr]

@Cloudy-Day, please keep us posted.

 

[Deleted member 3614]

@Cloudy-Day, please keep us posted.

yes will do.

its these panels have two, well I mean one haha at the mo. just got the 4-way tilt system working and now this dead panel. think I've taken more steps back than forward with somethings.

 

[SCClockDr]

Most tech failures in this century will occur as DOA or in the first hours of operation unless it gets killed by enthusiasm (pushed beyond limits).

 

[Deleted member 3614]

Most tech failures in this century will occur as DOA or in the first hours of operation unless it gets killed by enthusiasm (pushed beyond limits).

As i said, i think its never worked, when it was connected with the other panel the power (amps never went up) so i think i have been using one panel since September last year even tho i thought there were two workings.

it was connected with a slightly more powerful and bigger 150-watt panel, that bigger panel is 1 amp more in power so i hope that hasn't killed it.

 

[Deleted member 3614]

Ohh you can help here to I hope.

the power ratings.

Specification

Peak power: 150 W

Nominal voltage: 17.8V in testing the good panel it was showing 19,1 volts so is that the open VOC i,m seeing?

Maximum power current: 8.4A is this the main power output or the short current of 9.1A?

Open circuit voltage (VOC): 21.6V

Short circuit current: 9.1A

Power allowance range:+/- 3%

 

[SCClockDr]

Nominal voltage is NOT open circuit.
Maximum power is NOT short circuit current.
Short circuit current is as it states.
Open circuit voltage is as it states.

Nominal voltage: 17.8V in testing the good panel it was showing 19,1 volts so is that the open VOC i,m seeing

Was the panel connected to the SCC?

 

[Deleted member 3614]

it was connected in parallel to the mppt, using Renogy MC4 Y Branch Connectors Solar Connectors MFFFF + FMMMM Pair

 

[SCClockDr]

Then that panel was producing.
One thing to note, if your system is not needing the amps it will depress solar power production. Turn on a couple of 5 amp loads & production will ramp up to meet the new loads.