Scratches on Solar Panel below the glass

if the scratches are on the inside of the glass
I would not be concerned

IF they are on the 'solar cells' under the glass, then i would call them about an exchange/replacement

sure looks like a section of the cells have a fracture in the picture you provide.

If you paid for new panels... I'd get new panels. If you paid for panels with scratches, then I'd let it ride.

Gulfcoast wrote:
If you paid for new panels... I'd get new panels. If you paid for panels with scratches, then I'd let it ride.

^^^^Pretty much "nails it".....I'd call them, send them a picture and expect two more, without scratches, or whatever it is.....

Solar Boulivard sells quite a few Grade B (Blemished) panels. If there is a B as the last digit of the stock number it is a blemished panel.

those scratches would bother me every time I put the panel out (mine is portable)...if u paid for new, not blemished, I would send them back.

You can check the panel for Voc and Isc compared with its rating to see if it is ok.

Aim it (tilted and pointed) at the sun when sun is high and in blue sky. Put the voltmeter across the pos and neg at the junction box to test Voc.

If the panel's Isc is rated below 9 amps (leave some margin from 10a meter limit) you can switch to amps and measure Isc.

You have to adjust your panel aiming while checking the meter to find where you get the highest readings. I usually find Voc reading a bit lower (20 instead of 22 say or 34.5 instead of 37) than rated, but Isc is close to rating.

When the panel or even one cell is part or all shaded, or if you have a damaged cell, the measured Voc and Isc will be a lot lower. A bit lower just means there is some haze in the blue or whatever.

I've walked away from panels on craigslist for cracks like that and they were a lot cheaper than solarblvd is. They tested ok but what about when they really heat up in use.

Good point about heat later. If the Voc and Isc are way below spec, then that info plus the photo would strengthen the warranty case for returning. (if the numbers are ok, don't tell them! :) )

Unless it was sold as a blem, I would return it, no matter how it tested (I wouldn't even test).