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24-04-2018, 07:14
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Brazil
Boat: Custom Swedish Vindö 50 (35 ft)
Posts: 807
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Quick solar panel question
I'm about to install a new 265w rigid solar panel over the bimini and I won't be able to do the wiring at the same time. I expect I'll do the wiring a week or so later. My question is:
Is it OK to leave the panel in place (in the sun) without hooking it up? Do I need to cover the panel so it doesn't generate any power?
From what I've read on the net, it seems it's OK, but I'd like to be certain. I don't want to damage the panel.
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24-04-2018, 07:19
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Toronto summer rest somewhere else
Boat: Outremer 45/pdq36
Posts: 1,170
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Re: Quick solar panel question
My system has breakers for disconnecting so I can service down stream and I can’t imagine you could do any harm by waiting
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24-04-2018, 07:27
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Brazil
Boat: Custom Swedish Vindö 50 (35 ft)
Posts: 807
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Re: Quick solar panel question
Quote:
Originally Posted by admiralslater
My system has breakers for disconnecting so I can service down stream and I can’t imagine you could do any harm by waiting
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Thanks. That's what I was thinking as well.
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24-04-2018, 07:43
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Bahamas/Caribbean
Boat: Tartan 4400
Posts: 101
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Re: Quick solar panel question
Just so you realize is that the panel will have all of its voltage available in the full sunlight and a good portion available on cloudy days. No issue in leaving the panel up without wiring, just protect the end wires.
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24-04-2018, 07:45
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Martinique
Boat: Fortuna Island Spirit 40
Posts: 2,298
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Re: Quick solar panel question
The panel can be left disconnected..
HOWEVER, take care with the wires to ensure they won't short out.
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24-04-2018, 07:55
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Boat: Wharram Tiki 46
Posts: 1,322
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Re: Quick solar panel question
If your panel has MC4 connectors (or something like that), connect them together (short circuit) so that the internals of the waterproof connectors are protected from the weather. If the short circuit breaks the panel (melts it), it was a bad panel to begin with.
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24-04-2018, 09:44
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#7
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cruiser
Join Date: Jan 2017
Boat: Retired from CF
Posts: 13,317
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Re: Quick solar panel question
PV is fine self-shorting
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24-04-2018, 10:10
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Dortmund Germany
Boat: Topaz, Uno+, 12.7
Posts: 9
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Re: Quick solar panel question
It can depend on the cell technology. If it is a crystalline cell, ok, if it is certain types of thin film solar, it can have an adverse effect when left in open circuit or without a load on it.
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24-04-2018, 10:13
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Brazil
Boat: Custom Swedish Vindö 50 (35 ft)
Posts: 807
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Re: Quick solar panel question
It's a Canadian Solar poly panel.
Should I join the 2 connectors together from the panel or just protect them from rain?
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24-04-2018, 10:25
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Boat: Wharram Tiki 46
Posts: 1,322
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Re: Quick solar panel question
Quote:
Originally Posted by Copacabana
It's a Canadian Solar poly panel.
Should I join the 2 connectors together from the panel or just protect them from rain?
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Joining them will seal the internals of the waterproof connectors.
There will be current flowing when the sun shines, but it should not be a problem.
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24-04-2018, 10:26
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#11
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cruiser
Join Date: Jan 2017
Boat: Retired from CF
Posts: 13,317
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Re: Quick solar panel question
Join, NP
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24-04-2018, 11:50
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2003
Boat: Dragonfly 1000 trimaran
Posts: 7,274
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Re: Quick solar panel question
Nah, just paint it black.
__________________
'You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
Mae West
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24-04-2018, 19:59
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Boat: Roberts 45
Posts: 1,044
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Re: Quick solar panel question
Quote:
Originally Posted by StevenMeredith
It can depend on the cell technology. If it is a crystalline cell, ok, if it is certain types of thin film solar, it can have an adverse effect when left in open circuit or without a load on it.
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How is that? I've had two flex panels installed but not connected for many weeks without a problem. The connector (single plug, not MC4) was just dangling behind the panel. No way it can short out.
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24-04-2018, 22:34
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Cowichan Bay, BC (Maple Bay Marina)
Posts: 9,764
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Re: Quick solar panel question
Quote:
Originally Posted by Copacabana
I'm about to install a new 265w rigid solar panel over the bimini and I won't be able to do the wiring at the same time. I expect I'll do the wiring a week or so later. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
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Putting my "project manager" cap on:
Could you have simply scheduled and performed the tasks so the wiring would be done BEFORE the panels got mounted?  
__________________
Stu Jackson
Catalina 34 #224 (1986) C34IA Secretary
Mill Bay, BC, SR/FK, M25, Rocna 10 (22#) (NZ model)
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25-04-2018, 04:05
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Brazil
Boat: Custom Swedish Vindö 50 (35 ft)
Posts: 807
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Re: Quick solar panel question
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stu Jackson
Putting my "project manager" cap on:
Could you have simply scheduled and performed the tasks so the wiring would be done BEFORE the panels got mounted?   
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Stu, that would be the clever to way to approach this. I don't work that way
Seriously, my boat is undergoing about 10 projects right now, including finishing a full paint job. It's in pieces... I have to install the panels (physically) when the stainless guy has an opening. While he is doing that, I'll be installing the new acrylic portlights. The wiring will have to wait a little for me to get to it. I think I'll just isolate the terminals on the panel and cover it with black plastic. That way I can work on the wire run when I have a chance. The wiring may be a one-day job or a one-week job (like everything I've done so far in this general refit!). I don't like visible wires, so I intend to snake the wires from the panel through the SS tubing of the arch, through lockers and into the cabin, cut a whole to mount the controller, run wires to the batteries etc.
Cheers!
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