Solar Panel Repaired: 200W Unit Restored

I received a call on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024, from Mr.Etenge (my client) whose solar panel installation I completed in early 2023, located in Uyo.

---

He was experiencing an issue with his batteries no longer charging from the panels properly.

This is a comon problem when there is an error in the installation of the panels such as :

• Inverse polarity
• Using mismatch panels
• Over-voltage and under-voltage
• Using incompatible inverter
• Microcracks etc

But trust me, I didn't make any of those errors. I always check my panels output before and after installation. Here are the few tests I carry out after every installation I make:

👉 I ensured that all components are installed correctly without any damage and this goes as far as checking for any signs of wear, corrosion, or physical damage. This is what I called "visual check".

👉 I carry out a Voc(Open Circuit Voltage) test. This is to ensure that the panels matches the manufacturer's specifications. I mostly use Canadian panels", I have mentioned this before in most of my solar posts. If there is an issue with any of the panels wire or connection, this brief test will help to identify

👉 I carry out MPP(Maximum Power Point) test to be sure that the system is operating at its maximum power output as it should.

I am 100% sure of the good job I did. But where was the problem coming from? 🤔

---

I climbed up to the rooftop to check each panel's output just to be sure of where the problem is coming from.

Alas, one of them was producing abnormal readings indicating a fault in the diode's operation.

---

Well, It was only one panel that was faulty, so I took it to my shop to repair.

---

I first opened the panel circuit board as you can see above...

---

To cut the long story short...after several troubleshooting, see what I found out below 👇👇

Oops, the panel's internal diodes have burnt out..🔥

---

I suspect this is - as a result of the lightning strike that happened last week here in Uyo.

Unfortunately, there is no lightning arrester installed in his house, despite my previous recommendations. I even offer to sell it to him at a good discount rate 🤷‍♂️

---

The 200W Canadian panel circuit board is made up of 3 pieces of 10SQ050 Schottky diode which operate as a bypass diode in solar panels like this.

---

These diodes help protect the panels from overheating and hotspots, preventing power loss due to shading or cell failure, and ultimately improving the overall panel efficiency and reliability.

---

---

---

The result

I replaced the three bad diodes with new ones and conducted some tests.

Everything is now working well. 🙂

Each of those diodes cost ten thousand naira(#10,000) which is equivalent to about 36 Steem. A total of 108 Steem was spent to buy these diodes.

---

Well, I charged him for my services 🙂. It was fair enough and we still have a good business relationship.

---

He has now installed a thunder arrestor in his house. "Prevention" they say "is better than cure".

---

Let's do business

Should you need such services or a solar installer, please kindly contact me especially if you are from Nigeria.

---

We love the sun 🌞!

---

Have a lovely day ahead and drink much water....✍

Vote for @ pennsif.witness	Vote for @ moecki