Solar panels fail after 3 years!

[BritManToo]

Noticed my solar inverter was charging the batteries a bit slower and my peak output had dropped.

I had 10x 345w panels from assorted manufacturers.

 

So I disconnected them all and ran them through a 1000w Suoer GTI one at a time.

One Blueltech (3,300bht) panel had completely failed, 0w, 0A and it was dragging my string output down at least 350w, maybe more.

Another Bluetech panel was severely corroded in one corner, but still seems to work (both purchased in 2022).

Two other Bluetech panels appear fine, all the other manufacturers no problem.

Glad my panels aren't on the roof, that would be impossible to check.

 

Now in contact with BlueTech, asking if they want to do something about it (10 year warranty).

 

Pulled the 2x Bluetech panels out, added a Rapid 580W (2,300bht) bifacial mono split. Back to normal.

The 580w panel should only give me 400w as it's in a 345w string, which is what's happening.

Bought another Rapid 580w for 2,100bht ......... prices on panels are the lowest ever.

Battery now full at 12:30 (previously it was 13:30).

 

Corroded Bluetech panel, it still works.

 

This looks a little unbalanced.

[Crossy]

Ouch!

 

Did the damaged panels ever have standing water after rain?

"Aggressive" cleaning chemicals used?

 

It will be interesting to see what the manufacturer comes up with.

 

[impulse]

Post back with the response from the supplier. 

 

Can you tell if they did a good job anodizing that aluminum? (other than the obvious...)  How do their other panels look?

 

[BritManToo]

20 minutes ago, Crossy said:

Ouch!

 

Did the damaged panels ever have standing water after rain?

"Aggressive" cleaning chemicals used?

 

It will be interesting to see what the manufacturer comes up with.

 

They were in a string of 10, the corroded bits were always at the lowest point, so would stay wetter after rain than the rest of the panel. Only ever cleaned with a mop and tap  water. 3 years isn't that great a length for panels to last.

[Crossy]

Just now, BritManToo said:

3 years isn't that great a length for panels to last.

 

Agree 100% with that.

 

Our panels stay damp in the lowest corner but the only effect seems to be a slightly dirtier area from the crud that was dissolved in the rain.

 

[BritManToo]

29 minutes ago, Crossy said:

 

Agree 100% with that.

 

Our panels stay damp in the lowest corner but the only effect seems to be a slightly dirtier area from the crud that was dissolved in the rain.

 

Yeah, I just polished the lower strip of my other 8 panels, no3 and no4 also Bluetech, but no corrosion. Aluminium rails and borders all good as new

 

This is the panel with no output at all, slightly corroded in that same corner.

[KhunLA]

Note to self ... stay clear of BlueTech if future plans for more solar

 

THANKS

[BritManToo]

56 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Note to self ... stay clear of BlueTech if future plans for more solar

 

THANKS

Yeah, the 3x XinJing panels  I started with in 2020 are still pristine, as are the Sun and SunPow panels.

Just 2 of the 4 BlueTech, 1 badly corroded, 1 slightly corroded with no o/p, other 2 fine.

 

BlueTech asked for a video to "show the light in use"

Not sure how I can show something that doesn't work in use, but an excuse to post a video on Youtube.

Not at all interesting .......... Did they really want me to post this?

 

[KhunLA]

That's not going to help their sales 

[BritManToo]

10 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

That's not going to help their sales 

I'm saying nothing bad about them, just posting the video they asked for.

 

On the other hand, the 2x 580W Rapid panels  (mono, bifacial, split) I just purchased (1 @ 2,300bht, 1@ 2,100bht) are amazing and give me another 2-3hrs of o/p in the afternoon when my panels get shaded (approx 2pm).

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/i5031706101-s21274917764.html

(you need vouchers for them to get delivered for 2,100/2,300 inc)

[TronxII]

On 2/7/2025 at 5:49 AM, BritManToo said:

I'm saying nothing bad about them, just posting the video they asked for.

With the picture of the corrosion, they should not have asked for more.

These companies fear social media posts. If you could make a shake free video with a tripod, you would get some thumbs up and comments.