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martinjsto
Senior Member
Joined: 09/10/2007
Location: AustraliaPosts: 149 |
| Posted: 01:13pm 22 Oct 2007 |
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hi all,
help please, how do i test a solar pannel?
i have a problem with 1 solar pannel.
i have a 2 80w 12v pannels, in series connected in parralell to two other 80w 12v series pannels, this 24v is controlled by a steca_solarix 20a solar controler and is working fine, i use the steca_solarix 20a solar controler to test the problem pannel which is a seperate 80w 12v bp pannel controled by a steca_solarix 5a solar controler, the problem is i can see volts only on both controlers on the single pannel no amps at all
dosn matter which controler i use same problem, good volts but no charge to batteries,
is the pannel dead? i believe i can seperate the cells and test them individualy? anyone know anything about this would be apreciated
thanks
martin
free power for all
McAlinden WA |
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Gill
Senior Member
Joined: 11/11/2006
Location: AustraliaPosts: 669 |
| Posted: 02:05pm 22 Oct 2007 |
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G'day Martin,
The usual 2 quick tests are open circuit voltage, and short circuit current. Test each panel individually.
I think the voltage is around 18 to 19 volts in the sun, and the current around 4 to 5 amps.
Now if it passes the quick test and you still suspect low performance, try a load comparison. By this I mean connect the panel to a battery. Not a dead one, but one that will take a charge. Try all your panels this way and note the readings. any variation over 5% is a warranty claim.
If indeed the panels are under warranty ( 20 years for BP) do not be fobbed off by the retailer saying "but it passed the quick test". There is a specific reason the load test failures however it was to technical for me to understand. If you want to follow up on the reasons for failure, do a search of Otherpower's - Fieldlines Forum.
I had 6 x BP 80w (Mono crystal)panels and had warranty claims on all of them. One was a burnt out track inside the panel another was totally dead and the rest was the load performance failings.
So was "Not Happy Jan"
I hope that's given you something to look for.
Best of luck with it.
was working fine... til the smoke got out.
Cheers Gill _Cairns, FNQ |
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martinjsto
Senior Member
Joined: 09/10/2007
Location: AustraliaPosts: 149 |
| Posted: 05:06am 23 Oct 2007 |
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cheers gill im off tonight back for 4 days i will test it and let u know the results, i got this perticular pannel 2nd hand not sure if i can still claim warrentee
oh by the way i recieved two new rotors today and tested them on a couple of stators i have, wow the freewhweeling is amazing, i got 62vdc at lowest speed on my lathe, about 400rpm i think, put it on seccond speed and omg 103vdc is that normal?.
thanks again
martin
free power for all
McAlinden WA |
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Gill
Senior Member
Joined: 11/11/2006
Location: AustraliaPosts: 669 |
| Posted: 10:29am 23 Oct 2007 |
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Yes, such a reading would not be a surprise. Though any reading would not be a surprise if, as I suspect, you have fitted a new rotor to an old unmodified stator.
The stator for this rotor must be modified to 7 phase to work effectively. There are several configurations. Check this site for all the good info. If any doubts, or quires you can always ask the forum.
Hope your panel is OK.
was working fine... til the smoke got out.
Cheers Gill _Cairns, FNQ |
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martinjsto
Senior Member
Joined: 09/10/2007
Location: AustraliaPosts: 149 |
| Posted: 02:50pm 23 Oct 2007 |
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sorry gill,
should of explained better, the new 48 magnet rotor is fitted on a 7 phase modified stator in the lathe, not yet gaim to try at full speed, but at low i get 62vdc no load on 2nd of 5 gears i get 103vdc no load, i will try tonigh with a load fitted,i headed off tonight to my block, got half way there and dropped a con rod, had to nurse 100km home  now palked with no car bummer, ah well another project lolol
free power for all
McAlinden WA |
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