Troubleshoot Solar Panels – A quick overview of locating problems with your DIY Solar Panel

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Home Page > Home Improvement > DIY > Troubleshoot Solar Panels – A quick overview of locating problems with your DIY Solar Panel

Troubleshoot Solar Panels – A quick overview of locating problems with your DIY Solar Panel

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Posted: Nov 04, 2009 |Comments: 0
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The sun is out but there’s no electricity is being produced from your solar panel, what’s going on!
Let’s do some quick trouble shooting. Let’s assume that your array has been operating properly for some time and in a short time or suddenly, power output has fallen or simply stopped altogether.
Remember, your array produces electricity so take proper care of your safety, if you’re not confident, get a professional to assist. Remember, if you have more than one array and they are connected in parallel, the system will push out much more power(Amps) than a series connected system. Remember that shorting your battery terminals is extremely dangerous, so – respect electricity!

If your solar array is a commercial “off the shelf” system, pick up the phone, they should, have all the diagnostics needed. If your array is a DIY Solar Panel project then lets make start. We will also assume that you have checked the obvious, like someone hasn’t ripped the array output lead out with a ladder or something, and, there are no bullet holes through your array. Do the panel a favour, and clean the protective surface from dust. Now, this sounds obvious, but disconnect the array from your controllers and simply check that current is flowing at the output lead. If it’s operating properly, check your contoller system. Normally solar cells and arrays are extremely reliable and stand up to weather extremes and even hail if properly constructed. However, there are a few things to keep an eye out for.

Checking the array with a Selective Shading Test
Disconnect the array and monitor the output with a voltmeter or test load. This trick will help you locate a faulty cell or wiring section without disconnecting the array wiring. Shade at least 4 cells. Shading just a few cells should drop the arrays output to less than half. If it does not, then the cells in that area of the panel is not working properly, also look at the wiring of the nearby in-series cells.

Over-Heating Problems
Sometimes, the voltage coming out of the system drops during the hottest part of the day and is due to the cells operating outside their optimum temperature range. A typical 12V PV cell is designed to work at about 17 – 18V at 25C, in this case you should still get about 12V when efficiency falls at higher temperatures. If your “drop” is worse, then its very likely there is a weak PV cell or poor connections somewhere in the array. Check the array output by cooling the array, (pour water over the array – WITH the cover still in place or you’ll short out the array!). Disconnect the panel from the system and check the open voltage on your output lead, once cool, your voltage should return to normal. If it is below 18 volts, look for a faulty cell by shading each in turn while watching power output with a voltmeter or test load.

Faulty Connections
Over time, oxidation and corrosion can affect electrical metal connections. Screws can loosen, metal can warp, and electrical resistance can occur, warpping of the support can even crack a cell. Replace all corroded or oxidized metal parts and connections, rewire the cell tabs if needed. Look for damaged wiring and replace it. Most PV arrays use a blocking diode to prevent your array from discharging your batteries at night. Occasionally, a diode can short out, replace the diode – or if in a remote location, remove the diode from the circuit, BUT, remember to disconnect the array at night or you will drain your batteries. Good luck and may your panel keep converting.

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Greg Murry –
About the Author:

Providing information to online users interested in living, lifestyle and marketing. Helping people find DIY and Eco-Friendly solutions to everyday living. Visit SolarDIYTips for information solar DIY solutions.

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diy solar, troubleshooting, solar panel, electricity, home repair

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Troubleshoot Solar Panels – A quick overview of locating problems with your DIY Solar Panel

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