Solar Panel Ripped off roof of RV; How to replace with similar panel?

[whatismouse]

I had a renter hit somethings with my RV and ripped off one of my panels. If they even noticed, they didn't tell me, and I didn't notice myself until a while later when confused why my solar output was so low...

Anyways I need to replace the panel but I can't find an exact replacement:

.


What considerations do I need to keep in mind while replacing a panel with a different panel? I figure the most important is to match the open circuit voltage? How close do I need to be?

My solar arrangement is 3s2p for a total of 1800w, each of the two parallel strings is 120Voc, or around 110V in real world conditions.

My other consideration is that I can't exceed the dimensions of this panel in either width or length.... (Dimensions: 65″ x 39″ x 1.5″)


Here is the out of stock panel: https://store.santansolar.com/product/santan-solar-300w-65in-new-gradeb/


Any help getting my array back in to form is much appreciated!!!

 

[12VoltInstalls]

Where these screwed down?

I’d find a similar panel VOC and maxpower and buy enough to replace that string and sell the remaining ones.

 

[whatismouse]

I'd rather not replace any more than just the one... they are custom mounted by me and it was some damn hard work fitting them all in to limited roof space. Panels riveted to aluminum angle that is then double-sided eternabonded to roof, with a few screws on the leading edge for good measure.

 

[whatismouse]

Actually I found what appears to be an identical panel with different branding:

Mission Solar MSE300SQ5T 300 Watts 60 Cell Mono-Perc Solar Panel

Mission Solar MSE300SQ5T 300 Watts 60 Cell Mono-Perc Solar Panel with Black Frame Black Back Sheet

www.solar-electric.com

However I cant seem to find one actually in stock anywhere either...

 

[12VoltInstalls]

cant seem to find one actually in stock

Get two at half the watts that add to the same ratings

 

[MrNatural22]

Keep checking Santan, stock comes and goes quickly.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

I had a renter hit somethings with my RV and ripped off one of my panels. If they even noticed, they didn't tell me, and I didn't notice myself until a while later when confused why my solar output was so low...

Anyways I need to replace the panel but I can't find an exact replacement:

. View attachment 95627


What considerations do I need to keep in mind while replacing a panel with a different panel? I figure the most important is to match the open circuit voltage? How close do I need to be?

My solar arrangement is 3s2p for a total of 1800w, each of the two parallel strings is 120Voc, or around 110V in real world conditions.

My other consideration is that I can't exceed the dimensions of this panel in either width or length.... (Dimensions: 65″ x 39″ x 1.5″)


Here is the out of stock panel: https://store.santansolar.com/product/santan-solar-300w-65in-new-gradeb/


Any help getting my array back in to form is much appreciated!!!

In series, it's critical that the panels all have the same Imp/Isc. If not, all panels in the string will only operate at the lowest panel current.

In parallel, you need to be reasonably close with Vmp/Voc. That's likely a 60 cell panel based on the voltages and the "60M" in the model number. You'll need to get a 60 cell panel.

You may find you need to replace an entire string.

 

[whatismouse]

I found one locally that has very similar specs, so I think it should work:

Canadian Solar CS3K-310MS Monocrystalline 310 Watt Solar Panel with Black Frame

Note: This panel is unavailable, Please email us or give us a call if you would like help finding an alternative.

www.solar-electric.com

 

[sunshine_eggo]

I found one locally that has very similar specs, so I think it should work:

Canadian Solar CS3K-310MS Monocrystalline 310 Watt Solar Panel with Black Frame

Note: This panel is unavailable, Please email us or give us a call if you would like help finding an alternative.

www.solar-electric.com

Other panels in series will pull the 9.43 Imp down to 9.17 - about a 3% loss, or that extra 10W on the 310W panel.

 

[whatismouse]

I can live with that

 

[sunshine_eggo]

It's a little larger. Will that work too?

 

[WYtreasure]

Please use a better method to secure your panels.
Google this: solar panel kills driver

 

[whatismouse]

Please use a better method to secure your panels.
Google this: solar panel kills driver

I'm pretty sure it was a low or medium speed incident where they hit a branch and it just lifted the panel and popped a bunch of rivets off. Had it been screwed down everywhere, yes maybe the branch breaks first, or maybe the panel comes off anyways and then I'm left with a bunch of holes in the roof.... is that better?

obviously if it just flew off on its own on the highway I would be concerned....but I can see damage on the front corner of RV that indicates something was hit.

 

[HRTKD]

If a panel came off once, it'll come off again unless you change how you mount them to the roof. I've driven past tree branches and encountered very high winds with no issues. I have very little confidence in "tape" mounting methods, especially if it's on a rubber roof.

My two 320 watt panels each use six brackets. Each bracket has at least one screw that goes into the truss of the RV's roof. My panels aren't going anywhere unless the bolts holding the brackets to the panels come loose. I check those annually. The brackets are checked annually during my roof inspection to ensure they are still firmly attached to the roof.

 

[12VoltInstalls]

have very little confidence in "tape" mounting methods

Ya