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laknox's avatar
laknox
Nomad
Sep 17, 2018

Broken solar panel

Long story, but I got a 100w HQST solar panel kit. Panel got dropped and shattered the glass before I could set it up and I can't get it replaced. It's tempered glass, so didn't fall out of the frame, but it =is= shedding shards. I haven't yet tested the panel to see if it's making any voltage at all, but assuming it =is=, is there =anything= I can do to cover or coat the panel to keep it from shedding glass? At this point, I don't care if it's not making the full 100w as I'm going to get another one, but if I can salvage this one, I'd like to. TIA...

Lyle

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  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Sep 18, 2018
    bpounds wrote:
    Can you take it apart and just get a new piece of glass? Hopefully that isn't stupid, since I've never tried it, but the panels I recently handled didn't look like anything special.

    Problem is, a piece of tempered glass is going to be relatively expensive compared to a complete panel.


    That was my first thought, but the frame is riveted together, not screwed.

    Lyle
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2018
    You'll have to calculate how many rolls to buy.


    Special way to apply. Hook start end on aluminum frame. Then pull tight and cross over the panel then cut the tape so it adheres onto the other side of the panel.

    You have to press STRAIGHT DOWN in dabs with something like the end of a 2x2 You should not wipe or rub.

    This is some amazing film. It will not UV deteriorate or turn yellow.

    You will end up with some bubbles. Bubbles pass more light than creases. No touchee.

    Been there done that dept buying broken panels.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VG88MQ?tag=amz-mkt-fox-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-org00-win70-dsk00-nomod-us000-pcomp-feature-rscomp-wm-5&ref=aa_rscomp
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Sep 17, 2018
    You'll just have to cover it with something. Removing the glass is not an option. I've tried, I know others who have tried. The glass is bonded to what is underneath, they don't separate.
  • bpounds's avatar
    bpounds
    Nomad
    Sep 17, 2018
    Can you take it apart and just get a new piece of glass? Hopefully that isn't stupid, since I've never tried it, but the panels I recently handled didn't look like anything special.

    Problem is, a piece of tempered glass is going to be relatively expensive compared to a complete panel.
  • Darryl_Rita's avatar
    Darryl_Rita
    Explorer
    Sep 17, 2018
    Coat the face of the panel with 2 part epoxy. Apply as thin as possible. The glass will likely have a belly, towards the face, which will need to be dealt with. A poor second choice would be using polyurethane.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Sep 17, 2018
    Use clear packing tape until it can be replaced. I have not done this but it is the best I have. Use caution, those pieces are sharp.

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