Found a Solar Panel in the Dumpster

[Chief Engineer]

It puts out 18 volts at the leads. There is no diode that I can see just two leads....Do I need to and where can I find a diode for it?

[AnchorageGuy]

Chief, The blocking diodes are to keep the panels from pulling down the batteries when the sun goes away. Diodes use their internal field to allow electric current to flow one way in a circuit and prevent it from flowing back. We always buy them Solar panel blocking diode, Schottky . Chuck

[forsailbyowner]

Or radio shack, check the amperage to make sure its worth messing with

[Chief Engineer]

How do I do that....you'll have to pardon me...this solar cell stuff is new to me.

[rebel heart]

Do you have the model number anywhere? Even just knowing the size will give a ballpark of the probably amperage.

You can get a blocking diode for a few dollars:

Blocking Diode for Solar Panels, 5A, 60V DC - Miscellaneous Electrical Parts @ AltE

[kismet]

It is a piece of crap and you should put it back in the dumpster..no better yet send it to me I will recycle it in a responsible way..I will even pay postage.

[Chief Engineer]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm some how I don't believe you. Heh Heh

It is a foot wide and 4 feet long

The "glass" clear cover is cracked

But it looks loke the frame can be disassembled

[IdoraKeeper]

Small project there. You can fix it if it's not shorted out. Got to put a new cover on it to keep the water out. Careful--if the sun is on it, it's making power. Enjoy,

Todd

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Chief Engineer

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm some how I don't believe you. Heh Heh

It is a foot wide and 4 feet long

The "glass" clear cover is cracked

But it looks loke the frame can be disassembled

I had an old one that fit those rough dimensions. It was rated at 65 watts.

One thing to realize is that they put out a bit less when they get old. Can't say I blame them.

[rebel heart]

It's really a *bit* less. Most are rated to put out ballpark power for 20 years.

[marc2012]

Bought on on ebay .marc

[zeehag]

most of the reason they put out less is the connections. i have not experienced significant loss in output with mine, even the crazed one. i got 2 of them because the former owners said they had deteriorated.. rofl... NOT--- they put out exactly what they did when they were purchased new. awesome. just clean connections .
a regulator has a diode in it-- with a good regulator a diode is redundant. yes a regulator is needed for any over 1 amp--i melted a battery with one 1 amp panel. (long ago--i am smart now.)