A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar

Charge Controllers and Clippers => The "Classic" charge controller => Topic started by: phxmark on November 13, 2014, 09:58:59 PM

Title: SunPower Solar Panels and low temperatures
Post by: phxmark on November 13, 2014, 09:58:59 PM
The past few nights, the temperature has been in the low 50s.  I made a strange observance on the Local Monitoring App.  I noticed that when the temps get in the mid 60s or lower, the panels still generate well after the sun goes down.

Has anyone ever noticed this before with SunPower panels?

I never saw this phenomenon this with polycrystalline panels.
Title: Re: SunPower Solar Panels and low temperatures
Post by: Westbranch on November 14, 2014, 12:55:10 PM
If you get the right transition you can go from low light to moon-shine, and not the drinkable type, with most panels.

That reading is not just the standard Classic ' remembering' a portion of the PV input that occurs if you throw the PV breaker is it?
Title: Re: SunPower Solar Panels and low temperatures
Post by: phxmark on November 14, 2014, 01:38:55 PM
I tested it.  I took a voltmeter and ammeter and disconnected the panels.  The VOC was about 98 volts.  Did a short circuit test and got about .5 amp from the panels.  When it is still operating, the incoming volts are about 60 with about a half amp of current.

It is enough to supply about 25-30 watts to the system.

I just find it interesting that the SunPower panels are still somewhat producing energy after dark.
Title: Re: SunPower Solar Panels and low temperatures
Post by: TomW on November 14, 2014, 02:59:44 PM
phxmark;

A dream come true?

Solar panels that produce in the dark?

I will take 10 KW of those.  :o

Seems too strange to be possible but be interested to know what is going on? Photons must be getting to them somehow.

Tom.

Title: Re: SunPower Solar Panels and low temperatures
Post by: dgd on November 14, 2014, 07:34:21 PM
Quote from: phxmark on November 14, 2014, 01:38:55 PM
I tested it.  I took a voltmeter and ammeter and disconnected the panels.  The VOC was about 98 volts.  Did a short circuit test and got about .5 amp from the panels.  When it is still operating, the incoming volts are about 60 with about a half amp of current.

It is enough to supply about 25-30 watts to the system.

I just find it interesting that the SunPower panels are still somewhat producing energy after dark.

I'd love to see a Utube video of this. Any chance of doing one?

dgd