Solar Panel Damage - How Much is Too Much?

[MrPablo]

When my panels for the garage setup were delivered, one of them was damaged on delivery. I got that swapped out for a new panel, but they didn't want to collect the existing damaged one.

I'm now looking to put extra panels on the front of the house, so I could use this panel to keep costs down.
The only thing is, I have no idea where I should draw the line on damage. Ordering an extra panel down the line will sting when it comes to delivery costs.







If I was to use it, I imagine I'd need to apply a clear adhesive film to prevent any water ingress, but should I just bite the bullet and order 4 new ones, instead of 3?

[Oldgreybeard]

I can't remember whether it was on our former forum or another one where someone did a successful repair of a crazed panel. I think they used one of the penetrating sealants, like Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure: https://captaintolley.com/

Chances are that the sort of stuff used to repair cracked windscreens might also work (might be much the same as Captain Tolley's, perhaps). Main issue is whether is makes sense economically. These sealants probably aren't cheap when looking to fix a complete panel.

[nowty]

Use the panel on its own for some application is fine but don't put the broken one in a string with good ones as you will bring the rest of the string down with it like shading does.

The problem, as has been documented before, is the output will only be good when the sun is smack on the broken panel, a few degrees off and the sun reflects back and forth as the cracks act like mirrors and the output drops right off. You could use a TIGO (optimiser) on the broken panel but then that's more expense and still won't be as good as 4 undamaged panels.

[MrPablo]

I hadn't considered the impact when the sun is at an angle to the panel, that pretty much rules out using this on the wall.
I think ordering 4 will the go-to solution then, thanks both.

[Oldgreybeard]

I'm pretty sure that the cracks will become invisible when sealed. I used the Captain Tolley's stuff as a temporary repair to a cracked window, years ago, and it was near impossible to see where the crack was after it had cured. Pretty much the same as the way cracked windscreens can be repaired. Might be worth a try as an experiment, just to see what happens. I'd be very tempted to give it a go if I had a panel like this, TBH.

[Gareth J]

I've got one like that. It was in a string for a few months over summer. The output of which, surprisingly, wasn't significantly reduced. However, the deterioration of the panel itself was noticeable. A lot of corrosion.

It was also visibly bowed, compared to the rest. And the bow changed concave/convex depending in temperature (presumably). With that flexing, I'd imagine any crack repair would be seriously challenged. But a film might hold up if you could keep water out.

Didn't yet find a use for mine

[Mr Gus]

Well that is bad for sure, I don't think capt tolley could fix that even.

Ivan of st elsewhere stripped countless panels back & replaced glass.

This panel is not fixed with a simple drip of tolley's, but it is a long way from being useless & irreparable in a bodgineering way of things.