Disconnecting Solar Panels Under Load

Disconnecting solar panel under load.

Disconnecting solar panels under load.

Quality solar panels are built and guaranteed to produce power for 25 years. You could just disconnect them when you want but solar panels are a pretty good current source and have a somewhat annoying tendency of creating a dc arc when disconnected under load. By cutting off the sunlight. Below i will describe basic steps in troubleshooting a pv array.

Common issues are zero power and low voltage output. How to safely disconnect solar panels step 1. As has been pointed out covering your 50w panel during daylight with a large towel. If you re not familiar a dc arc in a connector while you re disconnecting it by hand is not the sort of thing you want to be around.

In this next video installment in the solar basics series we will take a look at connectors. Then you will understand do not disconnect under load. Touch the metal part of the red. For that reason it s most likely that a problem is caused by a defect in system.

All working fine no problems. Often overlooked connectors are important to maintaining relia. Turn on the voltage meter and set it to measure direct current voltage dc. The reason for the warning is to protect the manufacturer from lawsuit if you get a shock from the panels when not hooked up however as stated don t in hook the battery from the controer with the panels still powering the controller it will fry the controller.

And that s why the signage is put on even 50w panels. This article describes how you can troubleshoot a solar system in basic steps. Troubleshooting a solar pv system.