If I have a remote off grid outpost and I'm only there part of the year, then do I need to shield the panels, our dismount them, does it hurt them to be in the sun and not connected to charge controller / batteries etc. How do I arrange my system for this situation ?
Intermittent use
- Thread starter Theodore
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No harm to panels from non-use. Their capacity will deteriorate about 1/2 to 2% per year whether they are in use or not. I don't know if sunlight causes the deterioration, in which case shading them will make them last longer, or if it's just oxidation in general. Would be curious if anyone knows!
Edit: Decided to look - article on degradation, and link to NREL paper.
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
Edit: Decided to look - article on degradation, and link to NREL paper.
What forces cause solar panel degradation and failure
Solar power panels degrade automatically. There are also a number of outside forces that can contribute to a panel’s degradation and possible failure.
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
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Theft may be a problem.
Do you take the batteries with you?
Davepar
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What forces cause solar panel degradation and failure
Solar power panels degrade automatically. There are also a number of outside forces that can contribute to a panel’s degradation and possible failure.
From that article, "Performance declines as solar cells experience degradation due to unavoidable circumstances like UV exposure and weather cycles."
So sounds like yes, it would be better to cover them? I'm guessing with something reflective to reduce heat build-up, which is just generally hard on mechanical components.
If the panels are easy and safe to access, sounds good. There are good quality silver tarps available, I think that would be adequate. Whatever you use, if you fold over a covering at the panels' bottoms, I would leave openings so that no moisture could accumulate and freeze.
spoofer
New Member
I unhooked mine for the winter and wire nutted the wires-Don't. Burnt out my diodes ....
spoofer
New Member
I kept them separate, but I guess by putting a wire nut on the wire (so I didn't short it out). There was no where for the power to go so it burned out the diodes. At least what the Rep told me at the time. He sent me 2 new one and it was good again.
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