Failing PV panels

Bruce Friedman
9 Posts
Jul 24, 2009 09:48 pm
Failing PV panels

I found this issue on another site...wondering if anyone has some advice or insight about this issue:

"In 2003 I had 20 solar panels installed on my home, each 150 watt modules (BP3150S) - now that they are 6 years old, they are starting to fail at the junction box on the back side of the panel, where the wires connect to the panel. They blow & burn, shattering the panel's glass, and knocking my power production down significantly."

I am thinking bad connections or connectors or undersized wiring causing some kind of catastrophic short circuit and/or arcing. 

Anyone else have any ideas

Thx - BF
 
 
Thomas Allen Schmidt
679 Posts
Jul 26, 2009 01:08 pm
Re: Failing PV panels

Diodes?
 
 
The other Michael B
13 Posts
Aug 20, 2009 07:30 am
Re: Failing PV panels

Excessive heat from a lose connection.  Clean and re-seat/tighten all connectors.
 
 
Tom M
462 Posts
Aug 20, 2009 06:55 pm
Re: Failing PV panels

Bruce, just another reason why roof installations can be bad. Excessive heat and damage from the weather, especially in areas that receive snow and ice. Hopefully you have some access to the j-boxes. Most installations leave little or no room for service, especially if the bad panel or connection is in the middle of the array.
 
 
Michael B
46 Posts
Aug 20, 2009 06:57 pm
Re: Failing PV panels

Woah!! Time to move..
 
 

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