Leaving Solar Panels Disconnected

Leaving solar panels disconnected for 6 months.

Leaving solar panels disconnected.

Locate any water leaks in the pipes of the solar panel. You don t need to disconnect that charger prior to starting your vehicle. Unless you have some older sunpower brand panels there is really no harm in disconnecting the panels. By cutting off the sunlight.

I would be more worried about the connectors of your panels when not in use accidentally coming in contact with something connecting a circuit and causing damage or a fire. Excellent question and i cannot for certain tell you the answer except to say that i leave solar panels out in the sun regularly not connected to anything and they have not developed any damage. There is not a problem. Turn off any pump connected to the solar panel.

26 in 24 posts thanks given. Older sunpower panels require a ground on the positive side to prevent polarization of the silicon cells but this rarely if ever happens on a boat. Let the panel dry completely before you start to repair the leaks. How to safely disconnect solar panels step 1.

The solar cell you have installed provides about 1 3rd of an amp charging rate. Disconnect all wires and let the water drain out of the panel. Take large opaque cloths and completely cover each solar power panel in the system.