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Phil_G
Guest
Dont be so hasty. Its possible theres enough of the tags left to ali-solder new connections. Changing a glued-on panel is a nightmare, to be avoided if possible 
From the photo’s I can’t see why it needs to be replaced, more a case of re-attaching with 3M automotive tape, different widths available. Scotch VHB Permanent Double-Sided External Mounting Tape Grey 5m x 19mm
If the connection is damaged beyond repair a waterproof splice can be made with 3M Scotchcast
If I had a defective self adhesive solar panel I wouldn’t even consider trying to remove it. I would opt to fit a slightly larger one over the top.
If the connection is damaged beyond repair a waterproof splice can be made with 3M Scotchcast
If I had a defective self adhesive solar panel I wouldn’t even consider trying to remove it. I would opt to fit a slightly larger one over the top.
It might be repairable, you'd need to disassemble the black box and see what's inside it (could be potted) and work out the next steps.
Clean all the old tape off the box and panel without damaging what's left of the tabs sticking out of the panel, then reattach the box to the panel securely ensuring the tabs come up into the box inside, once any adhesives have set (I'd be tempted to use PU adhesive-windscreen sealant/Puraflex 40) go about reattaching the tabs to the parts inside the box and finally reseal the box.
Clean all the old tape off the box and panel without damaging what's left of the tabs sticking out of the panel, then reattach the box to the panel securely ensuring the tabs come up into the box inside, once any adhesives have set (I'd be tempted to use PU adhesive-windscreen sealant/Puraflex 40) go about reattaching the tabs to the parts inside the box and finally reseal the box.
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Phil_G
Guest
Whats inside it is a couple of Schottky diodes connecting each half of the array to common
I was more concerned about whether there was potting compound in it which would make it difficult to reconnect the tabs cleanly
If you want to get access to the connector components at a later date DONT use 3M Scotchcast as I listed earlier.
There are plenty of re-enterable gel potting agents available to use instead.
The case is the easier bit from what I can make out from the photos? There’s very little left of the tabs on the solar panel itself from what I can see so soldering something solid on there could be a challenge. It’s worth a try though as removing the panel will be a pain.
Maybe try turning the box through 90 degree so the contacts are vertical and lined up with the tabs on the panel, then try and solder a connection between each contact and then seal up?
Maybe try turning the box through 90 degree so the contacts are vertical and lined up with the tabs on the panel, then try and solder a connection between each contact and then seal up?
Yeah, that would be non-ideal! It's worth just sticking a voltmeter over those tabs on the solar panel just to rule out an obviously dead panel before you start trying to fix it.
