Solar feedback thread #1000

[Sodo]

And while you have a 23w lightbulb in hand, see if the panel can light it. A 50w panel can light two blinker bulbs (46w).
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'90 Westy EJ25, 2Peloquins, 3knobs, pressure-oiled GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb

[Paulbeard]

I'll post results when the sun returns and I'm not at work while it's out. Might be a couple of weeks.
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Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs

[Paulbeard]

Just to close this up…

The panel was dead. It shows ample voltage but no amperage, no matter the conditions. I suspected the diode in the junction box had given out (the manufacturer glued it to the front of the panel, to make it easier to mount as a low profile install) but I peeled it off and tested the leads directly. Even at 200 mA in full sun, there is no measurable flow. I had considered replacing the diode but it seems like that will be a waste of time. If there is no power at the bare leads, I don't think it's repairable.

It would have been useful to know to test that earlier in the game. It isn't much use testing amperage to the controller if the target battery is full: nothing will pass and there is no way to tell is the panel is working or not. Testing the panel before installation, without anything connected, is best. Then you know where you are.

A new 100w panel is here and tested at 2.75A in full sun, .13A in shade, so I know it works.

So check your warranties. Mine was not on the list of warrantable products so that vendor is dead to me. They have no comparable replacement, by which I assume this is a dead product line as well. The idea of a lightweight flexible panel is appealing but quality varies.
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Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs

[shagginwagon83]

RIP solar panel. It was time to upgrade anyway. You going back with the Victron controller?
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[Paulbeard]

[Paulbeard]

My aging transaxle has me off the road but at the same time, the sun is getting stronger each day. House battery is up to 13V and the ACR will occasionally combine the two batteries, so the starter will benefit as well. Just confirmation that the new panel is good and everything else works as expected. Having something like the Victron would save me having to meter the batteries and would also keep a running log, so I'm still thinking on that. The controller I have is good but maybe not for this application.
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Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs

[jimf909]

Good news. The day's won't be shorter until mid-September so make hay while the sun shines...or something like that.
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- Jim