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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2021 19:41:30 GMT
Well, after I finally wrcked one of the solar panel brackets by inadvertently falling on it (yes the bruises hurt...), what are the electrickery downsides to removing one panel. Not sure how they are wired up, parralel or in series but that will become aparent very qiuckly after unplugging the thing. What I'm concerned about is any likely damage to the solar controller.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2021 19:43:15 GMT
You'll have to post the individual panel specs and the controller specs to get correct information.
Controller specs is more important in that if it is a 12v controller (a bit unlikely but possible) then the panels must be in parallel. Other than that if they are higher voltage panels then it all gets a bit more awkward to work it out.
ETA can't you just remove the brackets and put the panel flat on the roof? I remember it's quite a curved roof so perhaps a bit awkward.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2021 19:53:36 GMT
Epever/tracer MPPT controller, panels are unlikely to be high spec by today's standard.
Problem panel is the one close to centre line so I need to secure it. Need to remove all panels to get through tunnel but just wondering about how to reconfigure things.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2021 19:57:17 GMT
Controller input maximum voltage probably the key then.
If it's 3 panels at 36/40v nominal which seems quite likely then they could be wired in parallel if the controller has a maximum input voltage below 75v.
If it's bigger controller then it could be a series setup.
To be fair either way it would make no difference removing a panel as long as it was bypassed the right way.
Measure voltage at the input to the controller?
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Post by JohnV on Jun 10, 2021 20:18:35 GMT
If it's a BN series Epever unit, they are round the 130V input volts
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2021 20:22:16 GMT
I'll look up the exact details of the set up tomorrow, still got a few days to decide on things.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2021 20:25:21 GMT
That's quite nasty falling onto a solar panel bracket and bending it.
I hope you didn't do any other damage like split the wiring or worse still scratch the paint on the boat.
These things look durable but are easily damaged.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2021 20:29:17 GMT
Thanfully I largelly fell onto the panel which then broke the bracket. Lesson learnt - don't wear my favourite sun hat with the large peak without occasionally looking up a bit...
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Post by Telemachus on Jun 10, 2021 22:59:03 GMT
Disconnect the panel. If the solar still works (with less vim, obviously) then they were in parallel and you have just lost 1/3 of output. If the solar doesn't work at all, they were in series. You then have to connect the wires that did connect to the panel, together in order to re-make the circuit.
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Post by patty on Jun 11, 2021 6:28:01 GMT
Hope u have no lasting effects from your fall.. take care
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2021 6:46:26 GMT
Thanks Patty. I'll be fine. Going to do as Nick says, I'll be a lot happier with the panel gone, it's always caused problems with the centre line snagging under it so one risk removed.
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Post by phil70 on Jun 11, 2021 7:09:36 GMT
A mate of mine sorted the problem that he had with his centre line snagging, it was a neat idea which worked very well. Simply crafted from wood he made two guard guides which allowed the line to slide up and over the corners of the offending panel, if you can use a saw and a surform plane you can do this in a couple of hours. Sikkaflex to the roof at the corners and jobs a good'un. Phil
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2021 7:18:55 GMT
I was considering something like that, but the panel was already damaged and plan for next year is to replace all the panels with 4 (2 fore of the centre line and 2 aft). In the meantime I'll cope with lower solar input.
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