DIY Solar Panel Moisture Problem

[colerainescotty]

Hi Guys,

I am new to the forum. I am a student from Northern Ireland and have always had a passion for electronics and general technology. No harm to the big suits sitting at the helm of BP but renewable energy is the way ahead and it

[Mike90250]

You have discoverd the flaw in DIY panels. You can't keep them dry. You have to either increase the venting you have, or dry it out, and encapusulate it with some non-corrosive vapor barrier. Moisture will eventually destroy the cells, and that's the end.

[colerainescotty]

Cheers Mike,

Yes indeed. I see. I am beginning to swing more to properly manufactured panels from now on but it was just one of those things were I wanted to make one and learn a bit about them. But for the one I have made I think I will make more vents around it and try to do it in such a way that rain can't get into it etc.

Thanks for your reply, I look forward to spotting some good panels to snap up soon for other little projects.

[rollandelliott]

i'd encapsualte them if i were you. slygard 184 or dow 6010 both work well.

[colerainescotty]

Thanks rolland, do you know a supplier in the UK other than eBay. I have found similar but just double checking that I know the right supplier.

Also would you recommend the eva that you heat?

Many thanks

[Finklea]

Most solar water heaters require a well insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and they work well in climates where it rarely freezes.

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