Modifying old Panels

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Kappy
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Re: Modifying old Panels

Post by Kappy »

Decided to experiment with one panel.

Now I have some confidence to move forward.

It was a lot easier than I had expected.

Might even do a little movie

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Kappy
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BruceS
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Re: Modifying old Panels

Post by BruceS »

Good job & well done!
Now you know the side wall on a solar panel is double skin!!! I've seen a few people mount the solar panels by drilling a hole through the side panel, the moisture gets in and trouble starts.
It's a bit like two bits of angle iron with the solar cell between.
Make REAL sure you totally seal where you made that first 'wrong' cut....
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Re: Modifying old Panels

Post by T1 Terry »

Well done Wayne, looks good and the rest is relatively easy once you've done the first. With a bit of practice you won't need to cut away the frame or at least not as far so it maintains its strength. As far as that wrong cut in the frame, it faces down so it will drain any water that collects between the two sections. Every attaching screw or rivet adds an entry point for water between the two layers so a drain isn't a real issue. I actually drilled holes at each corner very close to the back of the panel to allow a bit of air flow in an attempt to remove the hot air trapped by the frame, no idea if it helped or not but it didn't cause any problems.... at least I don't think it did :lol:

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Kappy
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Re: Modifying old Panels

Post by Kappy »

BruceS wrote: Wed Aug 30, 2017 9:46 pm Good job & well done!
Now you know the side wall on a solar panel is double skin!!! I've seen a few people mount the solar panels by drilling a hole through the side panel, the moisture gets in and trouble starts.
It's a bit like two bits of angle iron with the solar cell between.
Make REAL sure you totally seal where you made that first 'wrong' cut....
Thanks Bruce,

All sealed up

Did panel No 2 today made a video, just needs editing.
20170831_173831.jpg
Testing each side using artificial light producing 19.5 Volts.

Cheers
Kappy
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Re: Modifying old Panels

Post by T1 Terry »

Kappy wrote: Thu Aug 31, 2017 8:03 pm
BruceS wrote: Wed Aug 30, 2017 9:46 pm Good job & well done!
Now you know the side wall on a solar panel is double skin!!! I've seen a few people mount the solar panels by drilling a hole through the side panel, the moisture gets in and trouble starts.
It's a bit like two bits of angle iron with the solar cell between.
Make REAL sure you totally seal where you made that first 'wrong' cut....
Thanks Bruce,

All sealed up

Did panel No 2 today made a video, just needs editing.

20170831_173831.jpg

Testing each side using artificial light producing 19.5 Volts.

Cheers
Kappy
Would that be because sunlight over that way is a rare commodity? ;) :lol:
A person may fail many times, they only become a failure when they blame someone else John Burrows
Those who struggle to become a leader, rarely know a clear direction forward for anyone but themselves
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Kappy
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Re: Modifying old Panels

Post by Kappy »

Last weekend was in the low 20's and the start of this week nice and sunny.

Last few days grey again.

Testing with 200 watt spot lamps inside shed as too lazy to lug outside and was nearly dark.

Retested 2 panels this morning in very grey overcast conditions and producing nearly 22 volts.

Gotta be happy with that.

One panel to go.

I'm producing a video of the conversion . I'll post when edited.
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Kappy
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Re: Modifying old Panels

Post by BruceS »

Artificial lighting isn't usually very effective.
I seem to remember BBB testing it out camping in a supermarket carpark over night, under floodlights, and getting little to none watts into his system.
Mabe those freeway vapour lights might be better!! ;) :lol:
I can hear it now...

Officer: What are you doing parked under this light Terry?
Terry: Out of fuel again Officer!!
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Re: Modifying old Panels

Post by Kappy »

The artificial light was really only to see if each side of the panels were the same.

Proved to be about the same so far on 2 panels.

Also consistent in natural light as well.

Gotta be happy with that.
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Re: Modifying old Panels

Post by T1 Terry »

BruceS wrote: Fri Sep 01, 2017 11:36 am Artificial lighting isn't usually very effective.
I seem to remember BBB testing it out camping in a supermarket carpark over night, under floodlights, and getting little to none watts into his system.
Mabe those freeway vapour lights might be better!! ;) :lol:
I can hear it now...

Officer: What are you doing parked under this light Terry?
Terry: Out of fuel again Officer!!
So either you charge me or these lights are gunna charge the battery.... should be able to move on once the sun comes out.
Officer: You can't fool me with that one laddie, this is WA and the sun doesn't come out here
A person may fail many times, they only become a failure when they blame someone else John Burrows
Those who struggle to become a leader, rarely know a clear direction forward for anyone but themselves
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Kappy
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Re: Modifying old Panels

Post by Kappy »

Not true Terry.

I consulted with Annie and she conforms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KahOD-93D7U

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Kappy
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Kappy

Growing older is inevitable, growing up is optional.

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