Solar Panel Replacement

[LSNE]

I currently have a 150W flexible solar panel stuck to my pop top which has now failed after about 5 years.

I have a new panel waiting to be fitted but was just wondering 2 things.

1) I know it's not ideal, but bonding it directly onto the old panel is OK isn't it? (The old panel shows no signs of delamination)

2) When I chop off the connectors on the solar panel, what connectors will I need to re-attach to the existing wires in the system?

Cheers

 

[Cat007]

I want to know the same thing … did you get a reply?

 

[roadtripper]

I answered this in another thread but in summary:

1) Not ideal as the common failure mode is delamination, even if it's not visible. If it isn't then the other common failure is bus bars breaking due to differential thermal expansion and if you bond it on top you're going to get even worse flexing behaviour if that's what killed the first panel.

2) Solar tends to use the MC4 connectors

If you want specific advice to your situation best to start your own thread and take some photos of your setup, welcome to the forum.

 

[MickW]

I currently have a 150W flexible solar panel stuck to my pop top which has now failed after about 5 years.

I have a new panel waiting to be fitted but was just wondering 2 things.

1) I know it's not ideal, but bonding it directly onto the old panel is OK isn't it? (The old panel shows no signs of delamination)

2) When I chop off the connectors on the solar panel, what connectors will I need to re-attach to the existing wires in the system?

Cheers

Hi I wouldn’t stick it on top of an old panel, ours was replaced this way it’s never looked right and has now started to part with the original. I’ll remove both and fit a new panel onto the pop top.
Saved a little time and money but not worth it

Mick w

 

[monkeybusiness]

Hi I wouldn’t stick it on top of an old panel, ours was replaced this way it’s never looked right and has now started to part with the original. I’ll remove both and fit a new panel onto the pop top.
Saved a little time and money but not worth it

Mick w

Out of interest, how did you get rid of the existing bonding material?

 

[MickW]

Out of interest, how did you get rid of the existing bonding material?

I haven’t changed it yet but I plan to use a wire piano type or plastic cord to cut the panel off. I believe that it’ll bugger the paint on the pop top but that can be fixed, depending how badly it’s damaged.
AGRI Vets us a cutting wire for cutting horns etc so I’m sure something is available.

Mick w

 

[roadtripper]

If you search for "adhesive removal wheel" or "eraser wheel" on the usual sites you'll find a rubber wheel you can use in a drill that gives you a fair chance of removing bonding adhesive with minimal damage one you've removed the panel. Getting the adhesive warm generally helps as well.

 

[Cat007]

But how do I rewrite it? Will the connections be in the tubes with wire in? Sorry I’m a total novice

 

[Cat007]

Rewire or reconnect it I mean

 

[roadtripper]

There are so many manufacturers and converters it's impossible to say without being in front of the van.

As I said if you want specific advice it's best to start your own thread and post some pictures of your van and setup and then folks may be able to help.

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

But how do I rewrite it? Will the connections be in the tubes with wire in? Sorry I’m a total novice

Without seeing what you have I would guess stripping out the existing cables and taking the new cables from the new panel through your roof and straight into your solar controller would be the way forward.

 

[Martinf]

Out of interest, how did you get rid of the existing bonding material?

My own attempt is explained in the thread referenced below. Basically after removal of the panels by cutting into strips and peeling off, I used a heat gun, elbow grease, IPA and lots of time to remove the adhesive pad. Damage to the pop top under this pad itself was minimal although there was some damage around the perimeter.

Removing 3M tape from tailgate spoiler
https://www.t6forum.com/threads/removing-3m-tape-from-tailgate-spoiler.47272/post-626232