Solar Panels - Repair/Rework - info needed

paul43 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008

I have four 65 watt panels - OLD. Some of the collector leads are corroded, some of the cells are going opaque, I think due to delamination from the face plate. Can solar panels be re-conditioned? Who does this type of work? Comments/suggestions appreciated.

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008

I doubt it...and it would probably be very expensive. What brand panel are they and how old is old. Many panels had 10+ year long warranties.

Newer panels will probably be significantly more power efficient, if the panels you have are more than a few years old.

paul43 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008

Solarex 65 watt, 25+ years old...

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008

Probably worth replacing at this point then.

Try and find panels with the same foot print as the ones you have.

hellosailor · #5 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008

25 years is beyond the expected lifetime. Ever see someone trying to patch up a delaminated sail? You'd be throwing good money after bad, because you are seeing the bons and coatings fail, and they will continue to fail, so even as you patch one spot, another one will fail the next month.

Sell 'em for salvage value on ebay or Craigslist, and move on. Doublecheck you new ones, because a 25-year warranty for MARINE use is now becoming harder to find.