Replace solar panel

Hi Barrie

Ask Kyocera Solar if they cover that under warranty.

Our panels were screwed onto the rails and some of the screws needs a bit of encouragement - from an angle grinder.

Motherhen

Barrie

If you have CIL insurance cover, make a claim.

We had a similar broken panel... the original was a 125W panel and the replacement is a 135W, and a bit longer physically. Naturally, the damaged one fitted neatly as far back as the forward edge of the bathroom vent, so Bushtracker swapped the old passenger side one to there, and installed the new one where there was more roof space. May not be a problem if your van is larger.

All seamlessly done with no fuss at Bushtracker. Now there's a reason to come over east!

Bob

Hi Barry,

Had a similar problem on the way back from WA in 2009.
CIL replaced it under their insurance cover.
Replacement was done very professionally by by Kyocera people Bluesky Energy in Sydney.
Old panel has now been sitting up on top of my garden shed since then, with a low-cost solar regulator from Jaycar, and powering a garden shed light.

Neil

Hi Barrie
the broken panel should be easy to remove. There should be 2 pieces of aluminium angle screwed and sikaflexed to the roof. They remain in place. There is also 2 piece of aluminium angle screwed to the solar panel. The solar panel with the angle fitted fits inside the angle which is fixed to the roof and then screws hold the 2 pieces of angle in place.
To remove, undo the screws on both sides and lift the panel up.
If a different size panel is being re installed then maybe the width of the original fixings on the roof will have to be modified.
Hope this all makes sense. If not get up and have a good look and all will become clear.
Regards
Lance

Thanks everyone for your imput. I have decided that since we are off next year around Aus that I will get BT to do it. The safest option as far as I am concerned.
At least they are experienced in changing them over and I can get a few other things done at the same time.

Cheers

Hi Barrie. I agree with Bob. You obviously have the van insured!! Why travel half way around oz ( b/t factory) next year, with a dodgy power supply? The excess on the policy will be considerably less that the replacement cost of a new panel.
I backed under a tree last year and tore the top hatch above the toilet off. The insurance company organised a mobile caravan repairer to come to the house. job completed without any fuss and even though my hatch was not available any more, i got an updated model at no extra cost.
Cheers Spydor & Robyn

Have you checked with KyoceraSolar Barrie? I thought there warranty was pretty comprehensive and I'd love to know if they will pay on damage like that - worth an ask.

Kyocera Solar Australia Pty Ltd. (ABN 62 075 523 634)
L4 6 -10 Talavera Road.
North Ryde, NSW, 2113
Ph: 61 2 9888 9999
Fax : 61 2 9888 9673
info@kyocerasolar.com.au

Mh