Failing PV panels

Posted by Bruce Friedman on July 24, 2009, 09:48:08 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
 

Posted by Thomas Allen Schmidt on July 26, 2009, 01:08:03 PM

Re: Failing PV panels (Reply #1)
Diodes?
 

Posted by The other Michael B on August 20, 2009, 07:30:14 AM

Re: Failing PV panels (Reply #2)
Excessive heat from a lose connection.  Clean and re-seat/tighten all connectors.
 

Posted by Tom Mayrand on August 20, 2009, 06:55:30 PM

Re: Failing PV panels (Reply #3)
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.
 

Posted by Michael B on August 20, 2009, 06:57:58 PM

Re: Failing PV panels (Reply #4)
Woah!! Time to move..
 
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