Bit deals

[freechange]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4X-125W-Sola ... 4185de6a07

How does one remove the blocking diodes?

I'd imagine most of these high volume panels would have thin wiring tails. Is it wise to bin these and replace with say 8B&S run to reg.

[T1 Terry]

OK, they are advertised as 17.8v Mpv so they will be fine, be aware they also say +0% minus 10% of specified output, so they may well be 112w panels, normally these things are listed as +/- 5% of specification.
As far as removing blocking diodes, first you need to determine which ones are the blocking diodes. Blocking diodes are generally between the last positive connection and where the positive cable connects, the ones linking parts of the panel together under the black cover are bypass diodes and you can leave them attached, there assist the current getting out of an unshaded section if the panel is partly shaded. You don't get all of it as there are losses through any diode, but you at least get some.

T1 Terry

[Mrcoolabah1au]

Ok thanks will let it sink in for a while?

[Jon and Kay]

I think.....Terry said they're fit for your purpose.

I also think removing the blocking diodes is unnecessary as it does not have sufficient effect on output to warrant the effort. Terry's quote of 'could be 112watt' does not relate to the 145watt. All 145 watt panels used in parallel with a PL controller are actually only 100 watt delivered at 12volt 145/17*12). Suppliers have a standard that misleads buyers. They should be made quote them at 12volt, although some would argue that MPPT controllers use more of that voltage, yet others might claim LifePO4 batteries don't need it.

I wouldn't think twice about using these panels, or this supplier.

[freechange]

Low Energy Developments on ebay is also another that seems consistent with their quality.

Although I can't fathom why their rectangler version of a 120w is 1480 x 680. I thought a 120w was around 1200 x 550.

[freechange]

OK, they are advertised as 17.8v Mpv so they will be fine, be aware they also say +0% minus 10% of specified output, so they may well be 112w panels, normally these things are listed as +/- 5% of specification.
As far as removing blocking diodes, first you need to determine which ones are the blocking diodes. Blocking diodes are generally between the last positive connection and where the positive cable connects, the ones linking parts of the panel together under the black cover are bypass diodes and you can leave them attached, there assist the current getting out of an unshaded section if the panel is partly shaded. You don't get all of it as there are losses through any diode, but you at least get some.

T1 Terry

In the blurb they say, "We are probably the only seller that guarantees the output of these panels is not only as stated but actually is bigger with up to 10W per panel."

Down further it reads - Tolerance wattage: +0-10%.
I read that as +0 to +10%, not -10%.

Of course any seller could make this statement, no obligation and costs nothing to add it and makes them sound better than the competition.

So you should get a 125 watt panel and it is guaranteed.
Of course I'd seriously doubt they're more than 125 watt and at least have a -3% tolerance.