Solar panels are the problem after all

Submitted: Thursday, Jul 10, 2008 at 09:02
ThreadID: 124866 Views:4191 Replies:3 FollowUps:3
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They are ten y/old Kyocera. Apart from the faulty batch, has anyone had any joy at getting warranty (25 year warranty)?

Motherhen
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Reply By: Deleted User - Thursday, Jul 10, 2008 at 16:30

Thursday, Jul 10, 2008 at 16:30
Just recently. You will need to send the faulty ones to them when they issue you with a tracking number. Remove the aluminium angle bracket. Your warranty will be refused if they receive them damaged. I got some heavy cardboard refrigerator shipping boxes from a retailer and bound them up with packaging tape. Do yourself a favour and get a dispenser for a few dollars. They will supply 130w panels which are the same physical size.
Obviously these things are not bulletproof so I went to the trouble of installing an ammeter on each solar panel output so any new problems will be picked up instantly. I don't trust the dam things.

On the problem with your fridge a digital thermometer for around $25 is a worthwhile investment.

Personally I'd try and avoid running over anymore chinamen.

All the best

Ern
AnswerID: 575507

Follow Up By: Motherhen & Rooster - Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 04:07

Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 04:07
Hi Ern

Bingo - in looking for the serial numbers of the two bad panels - they are 2001! They have been add ons as the other two (well the one checked sofar) is 1997.

You wisely mention getting a 'dispenser' - what is this like and how can it be obtained?

While staying at my son's on the way here, he had a digital temerature 'zapper' in his work bag - very useful for checking fridge and freezer temps. Same as what they use in the store where is was working to check grocery fridge temps several times a day. I want one.

Thanks for you advice, and the laugh about Chinamen.

Mh
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Reply By: Wilmo7 - Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 03:15

Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 03:15
When I got mine replaced I was in Roma QLD at the time and Kyocera organised a TNT courier pickup from Roma at the caravan park where I was camping. We moved onto a property for the next 3 weeks and the new ones came via the mailman (who wasn't pleased about the weight!). I installed them myself but used tinned copper wire of the same size as the old wire. It was a marine grade. Additionally I soldered all joints to reduce losses through corrosion.
Len.
AnswerID: 575508

Follow Up By: Motherhen & Rooster - Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 04:02

Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 04:02
Hi Len

Kyocera have asked us to arrange sending back, and have said if we send them a stat dec saying we have condsgined them, they will forward new panels without waiting to receive these.

Mh
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Reply By: Sundy & Cyclone - Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 05:37

Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 05:37
Have a talk to "The Rainbow Power Company" in Nimbin about Kyocera and claims, they were very helpful and sorted our problems on a (at the time), 8 year old van. J& T
AnswerID: 575509

Follow Up By: Motherhen & Rooster - Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 07:36

Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 07:36
Thanks, however the guy who rang me back from Kyocera is being very helpful, and wants to replace all 4 at once. At least something is looking positive.

Motherhen
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