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Forum Index : Solar : Have I damaged the solar panel
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| bergy Newbie  Joined: 27/10/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 4 |
I accidently shorted my 90w solar panel today .It went BANG and now I'm only getting 5 volts form it .I opened the junction box to see a burnt diode.I have no idea of the workings of the panel & seek some guidence form forum members.Can it be repaired ? what type of diode (and does it matter) it goes from + to - seems it would not matter ! |
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Gizmo Admin Group  Joined: 05/06/2004 Location: AustraliaPosts: 5078 |
The diode is the bypass diode, used to protect the panel if it becomes shaded while other panels are not. You can remove the diode to test if the solar panel is OK. Its unlikely you have damaged the solar panel itself. Glenn The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now. JAQ |
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| bergy Newbie Joined: 27/10/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 4 |
Hi Glenn,Thanks for the response.I did remove the diode and now I'm getting 20 volts to the regulator ( is that correct)It does seem to be working OK. Do I need to replace the diode ?? Thanks |
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Downwind Guru  Joined: 09/09/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2333 |
Im not sure how you shorted the panel as the panel should be able to be shorted to give a current output, that is just the single panel with its leads plugged together, and not shorting a panel while in a string of panels. Sounds more like the panel was connected to a battery backwards to blow the diode. Yes you should replace the diode, although this can depend on how the panel is used, if its just one panel to a battery it wont matter greatly, other than protection for what i suspect happened the first time. If used in a string of panels then yes replace the diode. Is there one or two diodes in the junction box, because some panels have a blocking diode as well, this is to prevent power being lost to the panel during dark hours if connected directly to a battery. Some grid tied panel designs dont include the blocking diode as there is no power source to discharge at night. Just remember the original diode was across the power rails in REVERSE with the pointy end of the diode arrow towards the Positive rail. ( + -|<- N ) Pete. Sometimes it just works |
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| bergy Newbie Joined: 27/10/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 4 |
I think you are correct I probably did connect it up wrongly.It only has one diode and I do use it by itself to maintain a 12 v battery & run a security light at night.I was concerned I had stuffed it up.But it is working again .Thanks for the imput |
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