Parallax 6V/9V solar panels Outdoor?
Rick2011
Posts: 2
Hi,
I plan to buy some Parallax 6v or 9v Solar panels. Are they protected so that they can be left outdoor as they are?
Regards
I plan to buy some Parallax 6v or 9v Solar panels. Are they protected so that they can be left outdoor as they are?
Regards
Comments
Yes. The smaller panels are completely self-contained and sealed. The large 6 volt 5amp 30 watt Panel kit, is built by you, and when finished, is sealed for outdoor use as well.
-Matt
Matt and I crashed on replies. Appreciate that guy - he even beat me to the "welcome message". You'd almost think I called him up because I saw a solar inquiry on the forums. His reply is about our large panel: 33000, and my reply is about our two or three smaller (under $20) solar panels. I think you're more interested in the larger DIY kit described by Matt.
But, if you are talking about the smaller, finished panels, I personally specified this product with the vendor. Let me qualify that statement a bit more - I chose the voltage/current rating, the wires (color, length, gauge, type), style, how the wires were attached, and the choice of supplier. In other words, we wanted to provide a stable supply of a consistent product. When I visited the facility I noticed that they laminate the cells to a substrate with epoxy. Although these seem like minor points, there's nothing like doing a weekend or evening project where you're burdened with wasting your time on cruddy supplies.
I don't see that water could become a problem but I'm still surprised with what our customers do with our parts. The solar panel products are priced in a way that your risks are quite low.
We have a low tolerance for supplier inconsistency and a total absence of surplus sources in our product line. You should be able to buy this same product, or an improved version of it at least for the next ten years.
My suggestion: go for it! If the product isn't what you expected then let us know on the forums. And if you are happy, tell us that too!
Sincerely,
Ken Gracey
Post edit: we have one surplus part: the motor in the 12V Motor Mount and Wheel Kit. We purchased a few thousand sets of these motors after careful evaluation in order to build a long-term supply of #27971. Normally this would have been a bad idea, but I couldn't resist (not like forum member erco's inability to resist, but a careful, calculated decision to purchase).
I noticed that a lot of car headlamps that use polycarbonate becomes blurred or yellowish after a few years of use.
My question is, will the 30W solar panel's polycarbonate top cover also become blurred after exposure to the elements for a few years?
If it becomes blurred, will it affect the performance of the panel?
Nothing gets by you, erco, even a small reference to your "passion for purchasing" characteristics tucked away in a forum post. You have an amazing attention to detail, even though you work with plywood. Speaking of plywood, here's a cool little R/C airboat made from plywood that I'm building right now:
http://www.claserdesigns.com/airboats.html
This design just wouldn't work too well in Delrin. I'll be sure to let Matt know that we've found another application where plywood rules!
Have a great day!
Ken
BTW, used copies of his book are selling for $121 on Amazon. A great example of how valuable, desirable and collectable WOOD-based items really are. If anyone in the forum really wants a copy of that book, PM me. I could be talked into letting my copy go for a mere $115.
-Matt
William,
I second your question.
DJ
Rick
Thanks for your answers. I was speaking about the small panels, for now. Nice to hear that these panels use epoxy as moisture will probably be the major risk they'll be exposed to. I'll buy a few ones and will give you a feedback.
For now, Ken, I can say that your choices for voltage/current ratings are excellent as they provide very good versatility for my solar/battery powered project.
Regards
I third your question
All poly-carbonate will yellow over time (regardless of Mfr claims). Because of the self-assembly nature of the 30 watt kit, glass was not a really attractive option.
That being said poly-carbonate comes "plain", and "UV inhibited". We're using the UV inhibited type in the Panel. Will it yellow? Yes. Will it degrade the power output. Yes, but only slightly. Over time, the question is "how much"?
I can tell you this however...the product used in the kit is designed for use in green houses, bus stops, un-breakable windows and skylights.
All that being said, I'd expect it to last quite a few years, but I'm only guessing at this point because we haven't done any "accelerated" tests.
-Matt
Matt, I'd like to offer a special new service to our customers. They can now ship back their 30W Solar Panel kits for a special hand-rubbing by you (after work hours, of course) to remove any yellowing that may have occurred.
Wicked Stepmother
Mr. Gilliland,
Thank you very much for the information. I'm sure this has been a question on the minds of several potential buyers.
Many Regards,
DJ
Hi DJ - Glad I could help clarify. Please call me "Matt"
Now, "Mr. Gracey"...now that's a guy who's really getting old. In his case, "ol' Mister Gracey" would be very appropriate.
-Matt
...but my Mama told me to show respect to my elders (age and/or technical).
I'll attempt to do so, Sir.
*8)