Questions about Siemen panels

Posted by Thomas Anderson on September 25, 2009, 10:10:38 PM

Re: Questions about Siemen panels (Reply #15)

Re: Pledge. If there's some residue left behind which is capable of repelling dust, that residue will probably impair the solar collector. Just use glass cleaner or soapy water to ensure maximum insolation.

Posted by The other Michael B on September 26, 2009, 11:20:11 AM

Re: Questions about Siemen panels (Reply #16)

What is the "glass" top coat made of on a M75, 48W Siemens?

How about de-natured alcohol, acetone or M.E.K?

« Last Edit: September 26, 2009, 11:23:35 AM by Mike Beatty »

Posted by Michael B on September 26, 2009, 01:19:45 PM

Re: Questions about Siemen panels (Reply #17)

Tempered glass.
Cleaning agents are getting worse, not better. Try a garden hose. Unless they are totally caked with thick dirt, the derate factor will be less than your wire losses.

Posted by The other Michael B on September 28, 2009, 12:55:31 PM

Re: Questions about Siemen panels (Reply #18)

Last week, I desulfated x 5, charged and equalized my Trojan T-105s. Friday, I bought a hydrometer and it took several times filling and draining the hydrometer in each cell to get a good, consistent reading. I couldn't believe it, they all came out 1.275. I equalized it over a week ago. Does stratification happen that soon?

Trojan says 1.277 +/- .007 @80° and to add .004 for every 10° above 80°. Electrolyte temperature was around 89°.
So, 1.277 + .004 = 1.281 +/- .007 = 1.274 to 1.288. At 1.275, I'm borderline full charge.

A week ago Friday, I took the BatteryMinder off. The voltage after I took it off was:
3:00 PM 13.31V
3:30 PM 12.86V
7:30 PM 12.70V
9:30 AM 12.66V

This Saturday, it still read 12.66, so I put the BM back on.

I realize that these readings don't show the true load capacity, but at least all the cells appear to be charged the same. There may be hope for these batteries yet.

Posted by David Ames on September 28, 2009, 02:55:01 PM

Re: Questions about Siemen panels (Reply #19)

Hi Tomb,

yep, those batteries sure sound healthy to me. did we ever figure out how/why they got down to that 9.6v level?

don't be alarmed with that overnight voltage drop from 13.31 to 12.66 that would have been just a surface charge and not counted as our voltage.

"Should I disconnect my truck batteries when I get to camp and run on the Trojans alone? "
we did not see this issue addressed. i would recommend that you have your RE system totally separate from your truck batteries. always.

"Lemon Pledge" just the rain works for my area. otherwise just mild soap and water.

good luck, dave

*Tomb..The other Michael B .sorry couldn't help it, all in good fun:)

Disclaimer and Disclosure

The Alternative Energy Store, Inc reserves the right, within its sole discretion, to refuse or delete any posting or portion thereof, or terminate or block the access to this forum.

The opinions and statements posted on this forum are the opinions and statements of the person posting same, and do not constitute the opinion or act of the Alternative Energy Store, Inc (AltE). The Alternative Energy Store, Inc does not endorse or subscribe to any particular posting. No posting shall be construed as the act or opinion of the Alternative Energy Store, Inc.