Sun Power cells used in flexible panels catching fire

electricsailor
electricsailor Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭
in Caravan, Recreational Vehicle, and Marine Power Systems #1
Anyone else having this problem?  I've had four panels, from two different manufacturers, with what claimed to be sun power cells (back contact, no traces on the front) significantly overheat, and in one case causing (reported) flames.  The others just burnt through the surface, and sometimes the back, leaving a spot that looks like someone took a propane torch to it.  Sun Power support said it could happen if birds built a nest on it...  These were, in three cases, new panels that I was testing, and never had been bent or mishandled in my possession.  
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,886 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    SunPower and the junk they sell at Sun Electronics are not the same.
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    #3
    Flexible panels in general--I would stay away from them unless you have no choice (and if they last 2-5 years--You are probably doing well).

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #4
    I don't think sunpower sells bare cells to other panel builders.

    They might be "floor sweepings" (cells that fail one of 3 dozen tests, that a consumer can only perform about 4 tests)
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

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