Clive Posted June 22, 2022 Share Posted June 22, 2022 1 Do you have glass or flexible panels? 2 Have you checked that they are working correctly recently? 3 Have you had a panel failure? Ta. Clive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spirou Posted June 22, 2022 Share Posted June 22, 2022 Rigid, factory fit would have been flexible and I avoid those at all cost No failure (on 2 vans) current one works fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamRienza Posted June 22, 2022 Share Posted June 22, 2022 Rigid 100 watt fitted by dealer at start of 2016. Just back from 8 weeks france/Spain virtually all Aires and panel functioning well. Original hab battery still 90%+ effective, a Varta agm 90 watt unit. Davy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve928 Posted June 22, 2022 Share Posted June 22, 2022 2 x 100w rigid/framed. Very nice 5 busbar panels from Germany (pre Brexit). I check them regularly with a DC clamp meter and they continue to work fine although one panel has always been about 50mA below the other - just normal tolerances in the silicon wafers I presume. In series through a Votronic MPPT controller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikefitz Posted June 22, 2022 Share Posted June 22, 2022 Own vans, rigid framed glass panels, 100 watts x 3, and 150 watts x2. No failures. No noticeable reduction in power output at 7 years old. I also advise and install on vans and sailboats. All flexible panels have failed within a few years either completely or with much reduced output. No glass framed failure of the panels. On a related subject its important to use/install quality MPPT solar controllers to capture maximum power from the panels and also correctly charge the batteries. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simian Posted June 22, 2022 Share Posted June 22, 2022 3 X Glass panels, of which 2 are now 23 years old Saturn (very expensive at the time) Technology, and 1 of Far East origin 5 years old. Working correctly, the 23 year old panels being nearly quarter of a century old presumably have reduced performance but were guaranteed to retain minimum of 90% of original output. The cheap Chinese? panel seems much the same output as new, or at least no discernible decline. No panel failures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BruceM Posted June 23, 2022 Share Posted June 23, 2022 Clive - 2022-06-22 1:48 PM 1 Do you have glass or flexible panels? 2 Have you checked that they are working correctly recently? 3 Have you had a panel failure? 1. Glass (rigid) 2. Not required. Although we have the means to monitor their output why bother? We’re seldom on EHU so if the hab batteries are showing 100% charge by midday in November they’re doing their job. 3. Nope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laimeduck Posted June 23, 2022 Share Posted June 23, 2022 BruceM - 2022-06-23 10:18 AM Clive - 2022-06-22 1:48 PM 1 Do you have glass or flexible panels? 2 Have you checked that they are working correctly recently? 3 Have you had a panel failure? 1. Glass (rigid) 2. Not required. Although we have the means to monitor their output why bother? We’re seldom on EHU so if the hab batteries are showing 100% charge by midday in November they’re doing their job. 3. Nope. Same as above - except we usually have EHU when away for 4 months, therefore for 8 months we don't. Have no idea how to measure the output other than on the van control panel - the panel is the same age as the van - 2005 vintage. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arthur49 Posted June 23, 2022 Share Posted June 23, 2022 Clive - 2022-06-22 1:48 PM 1 Do you have glass or flexible panels? GLASS 2 Have you checked that they are working correctly recently? YES 3 Have you had a panel failure? NO Ta. Clive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keninpalamos Posted June 27, 2022 Share Posted June 27, 2022 Glass 2x100 watts on the motorhome put on in 2007. Still working doing 19.5v each. On the campervan poptop 2x100 watt semi flex. Lasted 5-6 years. Both died together so removed and replaced with the same. Reason, it’s a pop top. Height is critical and I have to lift a heavy roof and struts need to hold it up. Grass would be to heavy and the wind noise that close to your head needs consideration. Apparently the new ones are guaranteed for 25 years which I don’t really believe. We will see. ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas Posted June 27, 2022 Share Posted June 27, 2022 One 90watt framed panel, 13years old, recently fitted MTTP controller, much better than original PWD, lead acid battery will change eventually to an AGM one. Saving up to fill fuel tank with £120 of diesel 8-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simian Posted June 27, 2022 Share Posted June 27, 2022 2 of my panels are over 20 years old, as far as I can tell they are presently outputting much as they did originally. They were cutting edge and pricey at the time. So yes I'd believe a 25 year guarantee on a branded product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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