Need to replace solar panels

muffin


Joined: 03/07/2010
Posts: 83

Message Posted:
29/10/2010 13:38

We have a crack in one of our solar panels and have been advised that it will need to be replaced. Has anyone had experience of this and what can we expect to pay ?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
29/10/2010 13:51

Do you mean a crack in the glass or in a pipe?

muffin


Joined: 03/07/2010
Posts: 83

Message Posted:
29/10/2010 17:00

The crack is in the back of the panel which the rods rest on

racoonchic



Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3223

Message Posted:
29/10/2010 17:55

as long as they are well supported and no water is leaking they should be ok . if they are swinging in the wind then for safety reasons change them . i think they are around 250/300 tl fitted.

yrret


Joined: 17/08/2010
Posts: 761

Message Posted:
29/10/2010 18:34

muffin,

The back of your panel, i.e. the bit the tubes rest on is a sheet of galvanised steel (hopefully painted black), under this is a layer of glass fibre insulation, then the outer skin, another sheet of galv plate.

It is unlikely these have 'cracked' and if they had, you would not know as the back panels have no water on them, the water is within the vertical tubes..

If you have a leak, it may be from one of the welded connection within the panel itself.

Most unlikely to need changing, could probably be welded and fixed, though check carefully, it might just be a dodgy connection.

Sounds to me like someone wants to sell you a panel or two.