Solar panel maintenance

[zippy]

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

...............

Funny thing about solar panels - the output seems to be determined by the weakest crystal. One shaded part of the panel drags down the whole panel. So, I need to keep that corner clean.
.........

Mike

That's true with older panels. Newer, better panels can bypass shaded cells. I'm believe the SMB Kyoceras have this feature. Cleaning newer panels is good but not as important.

[Ford_6L_E350]

I talked to the Kyocera guys, and they said I wouldn't hurt anything to cut a small (1/2") notch in the corner of the panel. I used a Xacto razor saw and WD40 for lubricant. Cut slowly and carefully to avoid the glass.

It was successful and water now drains.

The RainX makes the water move much faster.

Mike

[deminimis]

Gee, I never worried about it. Had a 85w panel and never noticed any loss of juice (except when it snowed).

Also, my mount tilted. I got up there and tilted my panel to catch the last rays of the day exactly zero times. Had it mounted lengthwise behind a Yakima wind deflector and never had a single issue. Truly maintenance free, in my experience. Of course, I live in a very dry climate.

Currently shopping for another Kyrocera, I was so impressed with my former.

[AndrewST]

Deminimis,

Do you have details on the tilting mount?
Thanks,

[deminimis]

Damnit Andrew. I knew someone was going to ask. I can't remember the brand. Don't think there was any indication of the mfr on it either. I don't even have a picture of it. I've seen similar units used on the ground in Baja.

Wait, this is it:


Here's a link to this seller: http://store.solar-electric.com/rvsopamo.html

Unirac is the brand.

[AndrewST]

Thank you...

[deminimis]

No problem. Can't believe how easy it was to find the one I had on the net. Glad i found it and that site. Even if not using it for its tilt capabilities, its a very firm and strong mount.