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  • Solar panels soldering or connecting

    I got these solar panels from a friend. Checked with a multi-meter and they work good. But I cannot get anything to solder to them. Any ideas? Picture attached.
    Attached Files

  • #2
    Those are pressure contacts, for use with a wide, fat spring loaded contact. Solder will destroy them,
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by Mike90250 View Post
      Those are pressure contacts, for use with a wide, fat spring loaded contact. Solder will destroy them,
      Thank you! That is a great help. Recommendations on what I should mount them too? Ply wood? Anything lighter and waster resistant? Also could you recommend an inverter? I have 8 and they are putting out 75 volts each. Looking to power the pool water pump with them.

      Comment


      • #4
        So, those are Amorphous panels, and provide high voltage and degrade quickly. I supposed loaded, they would be 60V. Any indication or label on them as to their specs ? There may be a lot of voltage, but little amperage.
        Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
        || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
        || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

        solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
        gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

        Comment


        • #5
          No labels or anything on them. Jusy know a multimeter shows about 73V. Not sure how to get amperage on a multimeter.

          Comment


          • #6
            How big are the panels? What are the dimensions? WAG about 10% efficiency. Give us the dimensions and we'll wag wattage.

            Comment


            • #7
              Sorry for such a long delay. Life got busy. They are 39" x 20" (approximately). Friend who gave them to me said he believes they are rated at 10amps, 14a,ps max in direct sunlight, they are supposedly low light panels.

              In direct sun today I measured 78.5v from one panel.

              I'd like to be able to power my furnace (gas). My furnace already has a plug to go to a generator in case power goes out.

              I think I have 8-10 of these panels.

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by Buddy View Post
                ,.. Not sure how to get amperage on a multimeter...
                First and foremost you read the instructions for that meter.

                More generally, you USUALLY set the function switch to DC Amps, and maybe plug one of the test leads into a different, clearly marked, jack.
                Then you cover the panel, connect the test leads to + and to -, then uncover the panel.

                Make sure that your meter has a high enough range to work safely with the rated Isc of the panel.
                Last edited by inetdog; 11-23-2016, 09:17 PM.
                SunnyBoy 3000 US, 18 BP Solar 175B panels.

                Comment


                • #9
                  The fun part is the next day, you go to measure something with the meter, but you forget to move the test cable back to the Voltage jack. When you connect the leads, your meter explodes in your face because you left it in the shunt position (dead short)
                  "Absent protection in case of wrong measurement setup"
                  multimeter_b03_b100.jpg


                  http://www.vis.bayern.de/produktsich...multimeter.htm
                  Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
                  || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
                  || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

                  solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
                  gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Did something like this just the other day. Went to test the voltage of a battery bank and had forgotten to move the red lead from amps to voltage. Brand new meter fried, DOH!
                    2.2kw Suntech mono, Classic 200, NEW Trace SW4024

                    Comment


                    • Mike90250
                      Mike90250 commented
                      Editing a comment
                      At least you lived. Sometimes the plasma fireball cooks the person.

                  • #11
                    This just isn't for me. I'm selling them

                    Comment


                    • #12
                      This sort of problem is why I use a clamp on ammeter. If a case came up where I need more accuracy, a shunt is wired
                      permanently in which can then be checked by a sensitive voltmeter. Bruce Roe

                      Comment


                      • #13
                        My multimmeter is a much more complex one it seems . It has a 1 amp and 10 amp fuse on it so when I do that , and I often do , the fuse blows. $35 at Jaycar /D.Smith etc

                        Even cheapies have them http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/UN3F-DT-8...MAAOSwNRdX6NQr

                        What are you using for a fuse ? tin foil?
                        Last edited by tytower; 11-26-2016, 04:28 PM.

                        Comment


                        • #14
                          here's the gold foil standard fuse chart:
                          Fuse replacement chart.jpg
                          Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
                          || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
                          || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

                          solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
                          gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

                          Comment

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