tpi wrote:
Just a theoretical discussion-
You have a solar panel producing full power to charge batteries. Versus an identical panel on an open circuit adjacent.
The working panel is essentially moving energy from the surface of the panel to the work. The other one isn't. Nothing free in energy transfer.
If you're up on roof observing these panels, what is different about the working panel vs. the idling panel? Is the reflectivity of the idling panel different? Is the temperature of the working panel less? It would have to be something..right? If they were both identical in reflectivity and temperature, then you would be violating some thermodynamic law....?
In your " theoretical " example, the working solar panel is producing current flow to your batteries. The un-connected panel is not. Theoretically the temperature of the working panel should be minutely higher than the non-working panel due to current flow through it's internal resistance, ALL OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL. However I doubt you have the equipment or the procedural knowledge to measure this tiny difference in temperature. There is absolutely no physical difference in the two panels that you can detect visually.
