Can this specific solar panel be left disconnected in the sun?

[jkingqm]

I have this solar powered ventilator for a beehive: http://www.beecoolventilators.com/pr...hp?prod=BC-102 I currently have the solar panel disconnected and the electric cord connected and plugged in. Is it okay to leave the panel out in the sun when disconnected like that?

Here are specs on the solar panel if needed: http://www.beecoolsolar.com/specifications.htm I saw a thread discussing if it is okay to leave a panel disconnected in the sun, but it was too technical for me: http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...d-while-in-sun

[Mike90250]

Generally, PV panels can be left in the sun, disconnected.

[jkingqm]

Generally, PV panels can be left in the sun, disconnected.

I don't know what "PV" is but thank you for the reply. I just don't want to "short out" or mess it up if it's supposed to be connected when out in the sun. My knowledge of solar power is close to zero. My learning curve with the beehive is pretty steep as it is so haven't taken a detour to learn more about solar power yet.

[NVEnergyLLC]

apiary?

Off topic- what is the benefit of the fan vs lifting the top cover and leaving a 1/4" twig under it so that it stay ajar and allowing more airflow? That's what I've always used for summer months, so I'm curious.

[jkingqm]

Off topic- what is the benefit of the fan vs lifting the top cover and leaving a 1/4" twig under it so that it stay ajar and allowing more airflow? That's what I've always used for summer months, so I'm curious.

This home page has many links to information http://www.beecoolventilators.com/. The man I take beekeeping classes from swears by them. Increased pest control using the screened bottom boards and ventilators is a benefit, and increased honey production is a bonus.

[Mike90250]

PV = Photo Voltaic
as opposed to water heating thermal solar panels.

[bcroe]

If you leave MC4 panel connectors in the open long, they may oxides up and be difficult or impossible
later, or beginning corrosion may cause early connector failure. I short mine right away to protect
them; doesn't hurt the panel. Bruce Roe

[inetdog]

In some cases PV panels require either positive or negative ground (relative to the grounded frame and racking) to prevent charge carriers from migrating into parts of the junction of the cell where they do not belong. This charge migration can, usually reversibly, reduce the output of the panel.
If you have this kind of panel (some early Grape Solar are in this group) then leaving the panels totally disconnected might also cause this problem. But if so, leaving the panels in the sun properly connected for a few days or weeks should restore full capacity.

[jkingqm]

If you leave MC4 panel connectors in the open long, they may oxides up and be difficult or impossible
later, or beginning corrosion may cause early connector failure. I short mine right away to protect
them; doesn't hurt the panel. Bruce Roe

The box that you see in this picture http://www.beecoolventilators.com/pr...hp?prod=BC-102 has a cover over it, so everything inside is protected from the elements and just the solar panel sticks out. Everything inside however will be exposed to any moist air that the ventilator is pulling up and out through the beehive.

I googled "MC4 pan connectors" to see what that was. It doesn't look like what is at the end of the wire that comes from the solar panel. I don't know what you mean by you "short" yours. Remember I'm a beginning beekeeper not a solar panel science computer Thank you Bruce.

[jkingqm]

In some cases PV panels require either positive or negative ground (relative to the grounded frame and racking) to prevent charge carriers from migrating into parts of the junction of the cell where they do not belong. This charge migration can, usually reversibly, reduce the output of the panel.
If you have this kind of panel (some early Grape Solar are in this group) then leaving the panels totally disconnected might also cause this problem. But if so, leaving the panels in the sun properly connected for a few days or weeks should restore full capacity.

Thank you. I can try to find out more what kind of panel this is. Can you tell from this: http://www.beecoolsolar.com/specifications.htm ? I just noticed that my panel looks a lot different than the one shown on http://www.beecoolventilators.com/pr...hp?prod=BC-102 however.

[bcroe]

I googled "MC4 pan connectors" to see what that was. It doesn't look like what is at the end of the wire
that comes from the solar panel. I don't know what you mean by you "short" yours. Remember I'm a
beginning beekeeper not a solar panel science computer Thank you Bruce.

Your small system probably doesn't use MC4 connectors. Large panels typically have a male & female MC4s, a
waterproof connector once installed. These can be plugged together (shorting the panel) for storage outdoors
without damaging the MC4s. However you will need a tool to get them apart again. Bruce Roe