That's a grand idea to repair these panels, even if the most damaged ones only allow 3/4 of the charging that of a new panel. You still would come out ahead in the long run on the cost you paid for the panels in total. Great video, thank you for sharing the process with us!
Great job! I would also suggest checking the cells with an IR camera for hot spots. The cracks can cause hotspots that could lead to a fire. Would hate for your whole system to go up in flames. (I worked for a panel manufacturer for 9 years.)
something you guys could do to see if the panels are good is to put power into them. when you power solar panels they produce UV/purple light so you can see how well they will work for absorbing light.
I wonder if using a small hand squeegie wouldn't be better as it would put some pressure and help force some of the product into the cracks and it might go further.
Just in case you all aren’t familiar with repurposing forklift batteries for your solar system, they are getting a second look as they can hold an amazing amount of energy and are often free to very low cost if your do a little scrounging homework. Often people cite that you only get 50% of capacity but many solar applications seem to be getting significantly better results.
I keep several cans of Bloxygen to help keep expensive liquids longer. There are probably other brand names of it also. Especially useful in paints, varnishes etc. It might not work for items that are mixed and begin curing right away though. Worth it just for paints and things though.
Honestly, some expensive solution is great, but i plan on fixing some of my cravked panels with a spray can of gloss laquer. I guess time will tell if it works.
Take a voltage reading on the same panel after the coating is dry, just for a comparison. Did you get the clear coat under the metal frame around the sides?
I wonder if it was possible to process more in a day if you used a large squeege. note, not all are made the same, I've used some from Fellers which sells car vinyl applications supplies. Might use less chemical per panel too since you can put on a thinner more consistant coat.
I would not recommend this. I have used Qsil 216 in our STEM class. We actually built small panels for RC racing. The first year we used the QSil 216. The problem is that the silicone, although it does help protect the cells, is soft and debris embeds itself easily. I recommend a UV stable epoxy instead. Take care.
We’ve never heard of a UV-stable epoxy before. Usually they will yellow and become cloudy with uv exposure overtime. Do you have a link to one? I’d love to check it out!
Would be tempting to build an oven to process the panels. Use it to heat them in a controlled way. And to cure the sealer more quickly. I wonder if there’s a thinner or reducer that could be used to spread the sealer more easily.
Hey that cost 50 bucks you used half that for a 400 watt panel that you paid next to nothing for. 25 bucks to fix it yeah thats a win. You may want to do it in warmer temps it may spread more thinly and easier.
It ten end of the panel , not only the glass is broken oxigen goes inside and cells are broken. Forget them in 5 tears they will stop making any energy.....
That's a grand idea to repair these panels, even if the most damaged ones only allow 3/4 of the charging that of a new panel. You still would come out ahead in the long run on the cost you paid for the panels in total. Great video, thank you for sharing the process with us!
I think you’re right!
Clever drying rack - good thinking. I like the foam brush too. Heat gun should float out any bubbles.
Thank you! It’s been pretty handy
Great job! I would also suggest checking the cells with an IR camera for hot spots. The cracks can cause hotspots that could lead to a fire. Would hate for your whole system to go up in flames. (I worked for a panel manufacturer for 9 years.)
You guys are an awesome team, looking forward to seeing you two harvesting energy from the sun.
Fingers crossed! Thank you!
something you guys could do to see if the panels are good is to put power into them. when you power solar panels they produce UV/purple light so you can see how well they will work for absorbing light.
Very interesting! The solar shed is working out great! You two are pro's. 🌟
Thanks so much! 😊
Good morning from Forest lake Minnesota! Great episode!
Hello there! Thank youuuuu!!!
Wow ! Great deal for all those panels :) Hopefully that water repellant will work & you have free power for a long time to come !
I hope so too!
Thanks
COOP
...
I wonder if using a small hand squeegie wouldn't be better as it would put some pressure and help force some of the product into the cracks and it might go further.
I wonder that, too! I’m going to give that a try with our next round of panels 💫
I have used this on 4 bifacial panels so fare and it works great. just have a leaf/cat/dust free area for it to cure.
👍👍💪💪Keep plugging away, you got this!!
Always! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Also, i found a bondo spreader to work better than a brush.
Good to know!!! Thanks!!
Just in case you all aren’t familiar with repurposing forklift batteries for your solar system, they are getting a second look as they can hold an amazing amount of energy and are often free to very low cost if your do a little scrounging homework. Often people cite that you only get 50% of capacity but many solar applications seem to be getting significantly better results.
Thanks for the info!! I’ll look into that
Use a heat gun to remove the air bubbles and streaks out.
I keep several cans of Bloxygen to help keep expensive liquids longer. There are probably other brand names of it also. Especially useful in paints, varnishes etc. It might not work for items that are mixed and begin curing right away though. Worth it just for paints and things though.
That’s good to know! Thank you!
Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching ☺️
Honestly, some expensive solution is great, but i plan on fixing some of my cravked panels with a spray can of gloss laquer. I guess time will tell if it works.
Great job👏.
Still a great bargain!
Thank you!! I think so, too!
I need to start looking for a warehouse that sells those type of Solar Panels down here in Central Florida. Great Video, again!
You should! I hope you find some 😀
Take a voltage reading on the same panel after the coating is dry, just for a comparison. Did you get the clear coat under the metal frame around the sides?
I wonder if it was possible to process more in a day if you used a large squeege. note, not all are made the same, I've used some from Fellers which sells car vinyl applications supplies. Might use less chemical per panel too since you can put on a thinner more consistant coat.
I wonder about that too! I’m going to give that a try for the next round 💫
Some cells are certainly damaged. you can find out by comparing the voltage and the current of each panel under the same condition with undamaged one.
curious as to where you got these used solar panels
did it work??
I have a panel that I received and was shattered in transport, all the glass is still in place, thoughts...???
Don't those glass cleaners leave a residue though?
Is that a Hatz hiding in the corner? It looks familiar. You going to talk about it someday?😉👍
It sure is! It’ll be airworthy and for sale by this spring if you’re interested! 🙌🏼
I would not recommend this. I have used Qsil 216 in our STEM class. We actually built small panels for RC racing. The first year we used the QSil 216. The problem is that the silicone, although it does help protect the cells, is soft and debris embeds itself easily. I recommend a UV stable epoxy instead. Take care.
We’ve never heard of a UV-stable epoxy before. Usually they will yellow and become cloudy with uv exposure overtime. Do you have a link to one? I’d love to check it out!
Would be tempting to build an oven to process the panels. Use it to heat them in a controlled way. And to cure the sealer more quickly.
I wonder if there’s a thinner or reducer that could be used to spread the sealer more easily.
Hey that cost 50 bucks you used half that for a 400 watt panel that you paid next to nothing for. 25 bucks to fix it yeah thats a win. You may want to do it in warmer temps it may spread more thinly and easier.
I think it’s a win, too! Yes, it went on a lot better when it was 70 degrees. I’m at the mercy of the solar wall and how much sun we have that day
My panel foged up but I treated 100% of it it was really cracked
Try using a foam roller instead
That mighty work, too!
*might work
It ten end of the panel , not only the glass is broken oxigen goes inside and cells are broken.
Forget them in 5 tears they will stop making any energy.....
It’s not “open current” it’s “open circuit” voltage.
Yes, I made that correction on the text on the screen 😉. Thanks!