2 x 100W Flex Panels - 2 Different "Finishes"

[xyzHollyxyz]

Original 100W flex panel was a Renogy (purchased about 2 years ago) with VERY shiny black cells. There had been a protective film that I needed to remove.

Just received new 100W flexible panel and the finish is matte/dull. I wrote the seller and he said there is no film to remove.

Not a problem, right? I'm guessing change in engineering of some sort?



Thanks for your reply.

[red31]

xyzHollyxyz wrote:

Is that good or not so good?

on a clear dry day you should get rated Isc perpendicular to the sun (more at high elevation).

haze, humidity, clouds ... affect output

[xyzHollyxyz]

OP HERE again...

Just measured both panels in high full sun, with the Clamp Meter. The Renogy panel was 4.40 - 4.45. The new panel was 4.95 - 5.01 (mostly in the high 4.9's.)

Is that good or not so good?

I emailed the mfgr of the new panel (with the dull finish). Here is his reply, which, of course, I have no idea what he means...

Our matte finish allows panel to absorb more solar light into cells. We use more expensive PET sheet to achieve it.

[red31]

I set a meter to amps and measure the amps thru the meter by probing the + and the - after setting the meter probes correctly, current short circuit. Isc

Do the same with the meter set to volts to measure open circuit volts, Voc

[xyzHollyxyz]

OP HERE.

Someone told me in order to test the new panel, I "should short the outputs together on each panel (in heavy shade), then prop them both up to decent sun and compare readings on your clamp on meter. Even with less that optimum sun, they ought to track reasonably closely."

So, that means to plug the two connectors on the panel together and bring it to the sun and measure with clamp meter? (and all my life, I thought that "shorts" were bad (not the clothing type; the electrical type).

[rjsurfer]

That new finish supposedly allows better light transfer to the cells.

Ron W

[Almot]

That protective saran wrap was probably there for the same purpose that clear film on new TV set etc - protecting plastic from cosmetic damages.

The new one was already matte, smudges and fingerprints less visible, so they decided to save a few yuan's.

Under that film (or without it), flexible panels have plastic clear cover on cells, not glass. On glass cover of rigid panels I can use a normal household broom and any kind of soap or window cleaner.

[pianotuna]

Should be no problem. Perhaps they changed because folks were reporting "cupping" of the cells?