Technical Bulletin B-112: 15 W Solar Panel
Carmanah’s technical bulletins are intended to provide updates, clarification, and guidance on the installation and maintenance of our products. They convey relevant product information to our partners and customers. Please contact us if you have any questions about the content of this bulletin.
Product Applicability
- E Series: R920-E, R820-E, R829-E and R247-E
- MX Series (MX 100 only): R920-MX, R829-MX, R247-MX, CHEVRON-MX and WWD-MX
- Wrong-Way: WW100
Background
|
|
If you encounter any charging issues or visual anomalies noted below, please contact Carmanah with photos of the solar panel and serial number of your system.
Inspection and Troubleshooting
Inspect the solar panel for any visual anomalies as shown below:
- Burn marks
- Delamination or "bubbles"
- Discoloration
Right click the images below and open in a new tab for a closer view.
| Burn Marks |
|
|
| Delamination |
|
|
| Discoloration |
|
|
Measure the solar panel open circuit voltage and short circuit current.
Voltage
- Disconnect the solar panel from the system.
- Connect your multimeter to the solar panel wires.
- Expose the solar panel to sunlight.
- Measure for ~20 VDC in good sunlight.
A voltage reading of ~<15 VDC, in direct sunlight, can be considered a failed test.
Current
- After measuring for voltage, change your multimeter probes and settings to DC current.
- Expose the solar panel to sunlight.
- Measure for ~150 mA - 870 mA. This value will vary based on conditions and cleanliness of the solar panel.
A current reading of ~<50 mA, in direct sunlight, can be considered a failed test.
Procedure
- Perform a visual inspection of the solar panel as per above.
- Measure the solar panel voltage and current as noted above.
- If the solar panel has a noted anomaly in step 1 or fails the checks in step 2, contact Carmanah for an RMA.
- Replace the solar panel as per the instructions below:
- E Series - Replacement Guide
- MX 100 - Replacement Guide