Solar Panel Repair Question

[John Stone]

Anyone have experience or ideas how to repair a solar panel?

I have only one 30 watt Gantz semi flexible solar power that provideS all electrical recharge capability on the the FR. The first one lasted four years. It crapped out just before I headed for Virgin Islands last time. Didn’t have time to repair it. In fact when I called eMarine which is where I purchased it they said can’t really do much since the junction box is sealed at the factory. So I bought another one. So far so good. I am. It’s careful with the cord.

Well, I hate to throw the broken one out. I’d like to repair it. What I think what happened is the flexible cord, which is apparently not so flexible, allowed water to get into the sealed box. I was getting nothing when I checked for voltage.

I am more careful with the cord on the replacement panel.

Any ideas on how to repair this panel...or is it bound for the scrap heap?

[tjr818]

John,
I have little to no knowledge of that panel, but have you put a multimeter on it to see if it is still producing the prescribed voltage? Has it been in storage all this time? Perhaps putting it out in the sun would let any residual moisture bake out of it. if that doesn't work, perhaps it is time to take a scalpel to it. The little WM one that we had only had two wires coming out of it.

[John Stone]

Hi Tim
Yup. Put a multi meter on it. That’s how I knew it was bad. No readings. Dead.

I am prepared to cut it open just wondering if anyone has done it before or have specific knowledge of how they are connected, etc.