Stock AI Solar Panel Output

[Schmitte]

Hi,
Based on the excellent advice here, I replaced my Atkinson sun explorer with the Victron MPPT 100/30 last night. Today at noon in Chicago with direct sunlight I’m only seeing 37 watts from the panel. I was expecting about twice this amount. The panel is the original 100 w flexible unit on a 2015 grand tour... does this seem right? Could the panel be toast?

Thanks,
Eric

[swilly43]

Lot's of variables to consider in getting solar output, including angle of incidence, dirt and temperature. I am often surprised at the low output at times when I think it should be higher. Then I get surprised again when the output is higher than expected.

[Schmitte]

Thanks! Steep learning curve here

I cleaned the roof but they still look dull hazy... not like the ones I see on the internet

[wachuko]

Do you have the Bluetooth option on the Victron? If so, download the app and start looking at how it behaves over a few days...

On the panel, have you tried polishing it? That sure looks hazy. You should be able to use something like Meguiar's PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish to get it looking like new.

[WillieJ]

Originally Posted by swilly43

Lot's of variables to consider in getting solar output, including angle of incidence, dirt and temperature. I am often surprised at the low output at times when I think it should be higher. Then I get surprised again when the output is higher than expected.

Further, the panel and controller will not output more than the demand for charging and consumption.

For example, if your batteries are charged and there is no other demand from any other load, the output will match what is required for float charging.

I have been watching the output from my recently installed 100/30 and 300 Watts of panels. When there is bright sun and charging in bulk I may see 250 Watts, but under similar conditions when the batteries are charged, I may only see 40 Watts. As soon as I turn on a load, like the MaxxAir on high, the wattage (and amperage) jumps.

[Schmitte]

The max power output I’ve seen over at week is about 40 watts from the 100 w panel. This is with a load (Fridge and Fan) in my work parking lot. House battery voltages are typically 12.6 to 12.7 in the morning and down to 12.2-12.3 at the end of the day.
Here’s my energy harvest for the week

[Schmitte]

@Wachuka. I did polish the panel with Plastix mid week and it looks somewhat better but no significant output

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Not quite the same thing, but .... On our trailer, the stock panels do what they are spec'd to do. That's been true with the stock converter and with the Victron MPPT. Indeed, figuring out just *when* they will hit the spec'd power output is a bit difficult.

Bob