Using A HAMMER To REPAIR A Broken SOLAR PANEL?

[@Sewspcl]

I'm glad that you are Humble enough to release that video even though the procedure failed! You are the best solar Tech guy out there! And not afraid to try anything! Ha

[@HOBOTECH]

Thanks. I figure no one else is posting this kid of stuff so why not make an ass of myself.

[@gsp49]

Not all is lost, you got a good show out of the deal, saved us the trouble of having to learn the hard way.

[@Captain-Max]

Maybe I am wrong but if I remember correctly Watts = Amps x volts. That's said, my shattered suitcase Which consists of two 50 W panels With one of which is lacquered over with 3 Coats of polyurethane still puts out 4.9 amps at 19.9 V. That means it still produces 97.5 Watts. Which for me is well within reason for having a easily repaired 100 Watt suitcase. And yes, my panel was shattered as completely as yours.

[@perfectlylonely]

I took a broken glass panel into a large SoCal retailer/manufacturer. I asked if they would replace the glass. Their response? "Panels are so inexpensive they're not worth repairing."But thanks for the vid regardless.

[@yvairguy]

Yes they are embedded in a clear acrylic resin that's why oftentimes people will use the same acrylic resin to coat the top of the shattered panel.

[@strietermarinesurvey1415]

Now we know why they use lacquer or clearcoat!

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

that still would be completely useless.

[@bootyholeman5659]

@@AsTheWheelsTurn No it's not completely useless. Because if the panel is still producing decent power then clear coating it will seal it from water getting in.

[@stormchaser300]

I JUST PUT CLEAR FILM STICK ON ADHESIVE OVER MINE. AND IT HAD LARGE CRACKS THEN RAN SILICONE AROUND THE EDGES OF THE SOLAR PANEL TO STOP WATER GETTING IN AROUND THE EDGES. MY PANEL WAS BRAND NEW WHEN IT CRACKED WHILE MOUNTING IT AND IT STILL WORKS. 41 VOLTS 13 AMPS.

[@weswalker1208]

The combined layers all live here together is how it gets its rigidity. Like plywood

[@bootyholeman5659]

You cannot remove the glass because the the cells, and the white sheeting (backing material) is bonded (laminated) together. I've seen these built at a solar factory. They lay the tempered glass down, then a clear sheet, then the cells, another clear sheet, then the opaque white sheet. That then goes into a big lamination machine that presses/heats until its all bonded to the glass. They test the panel, then it goes to get the aluminum frame/extrusion installed, which they just glue, and press on to the sides of the glass/panel.

[@BR1967FE]

Was a good thought & a nice attempt👍

[@SailingWithVampires]

Hammer is only 1D6 and that one may be 1D4 with a +1 to hit. The panel is covered with vorpal plate armour so it is fairly impenetrable.

[@starttherebellion9146]

Yeah, Tom needed some divine intervention on that one for sure! xD

[@HOBOTECH]

Best explanation yet! I should have cast Magic Missile at it.

[@TheCruisinCrew]

It takes guts to admit failure... sorry about your panel! May it rest in pieces... ;)

[@Mgroce9635]

I thought for sure the hammer would work....lol. Now you have a perm. gen. shade screen

[@Sewspcl]

See I still learn something even though the experiment was a fail. I've known 3 people that have the same issue and use polyurethane to seal the panel. Ended up by new ones. Thanks for the demo!

[@bgd5339]

When you broke the glass in the solar panel, it reduced it's ability to refract light by 84% as evidenced by your meter readings. Filling in the cracks with lacquer or polyurethane would increase the physical properties of the lights sine wave to pass through the panel again to maybe 50%. That maybe what other youtubers are experiencing. 😀

[@patd4u2]

That's what I thought to, but my calculations came up to an increase of about 49%

[@MrMinimalst]

Pat are you Pat from the credits? 😀

[@patd4u2]

Mr Minimalist Yeah, that's me!

[@HOBOTECH]

I gave the panel to someone that is going to coat the glass and we'll do a retest. I don't see how coating broken glass will do anything except stop more UV.

[@bgd5339]

@@HOBOTECH Alright, some real R&D. I'm anxious to see what affect if any that has on it. I'll be looking for that video! Thank's Tom! 👍😀

[@subuer]

I tried the same thing.... It didn't work out at all. However I did a couple coats of poly and am still getting 36 volts 8.6 amps and 320 volts out of it. It's close to spec so it's worth a try if you haven't disposed of it. However, I can't recommend the marine grade polyurethane I tried the last time as it reduced the output slightly then three months later has a lot of peeling, though it was prepped carefully. Good luck!

[@hollistertidwell4201]

What type of poly did you use if you don't mind me asking...?

[@cynthiaclark8050]

Thanks for this! I have some lying around and was going to try this.

[@gudrn]

Awesome. As said: no one remove the glass. Tks for the video and info

[@jwmiller1995]

Time to come in from the desert. The heat is getting to you my friend! LOL

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

MUCH more durable than I thought !!

[@tomer7777]

This video increased my confidence to put those kind of panels on a car roof. I too, falsely ,thought that if the glass breaks it would fall in big chunks. Good to know.

[@toml3651]

Did you check the voltage on the panel after the "hammer experiment"? If you have one of the solar cells in your hand and you look at it with malice in your heart, it will break. Silicon is very brittle. Odd way to connect a voltmeter. Thanks for the video, it was entertaining. I will look up more.

[@mikeonthesmokey2619]

I’m definitely no electrical engineer, but I would theorize that the broken glass is causing a prism like effect and throwing the incoming sun rays in all kinds of directions so it’s not getting all the power of the sun into the cells. I’m also wondering if a coat of clear coat or something would help reduce the scattered sun rays and maybe get more sun to the cells????.... Hell I don’t know, just thinking out loud.

[@bruceh3786]

That is what I was thinking. It would be a cheap experiment to test out if the panel has not hit the dump.

[@epicolt3227]

Same as you I searched all KZbin just a bunch of hocus-pocus only way to fix the problem would be to replace the glass after watching the video you saved me time and money in the long run it would be cheaper to just replace the panel thanks for the video

[@ksearer2950]

HT, I'm surprised you didn't call Renogy. They have always been available when I had a question. Thanks for Vid.

[@HOBOTECH]

Call them for what? Warranty doesn't cover impact damage.

[@rmcnasty7319]

You need to install gorilla Glass Screensaver, On your panel. at least you gave it the all-American Try . Good Video Tom. They make a new solar panel, that utilizes a very small nano size pick up, with a magnifying glass mounted over all the pickups, Allowing for more sensors per panel, in high efficiency in low light. As a test, Set up a panel & a meter, TRY to increase output, by holding a Magnifying glass over the panel. Just a thought. Have fun in drive safe.

[@calicojunctionisclosed]

I looked at some factory video's here on the tube and they are laminated layers. one titled "How Solar Panels are made in America"

[@JimmyPaulSaenz]

I remember I remember we used to get hotter on our boots and we freeze them well in the morning they were cold and egg chips off the panels the same thing

[@avlisk]

Not that bad of an impression of Clarkson, because I got it! PS I bought the Jackery for under $200US using your deal, and I love the little thing as a backup to my 100ah system.

[@cynthiaincolorado3373]

They buddy!! Sorry that didn't work!!!

[@ivantotravel8665]

Tom, Tom, Tom, you're obviously not a tradesman. Don't Force It, just get a bigger hammer!!!

[@georgewootton2644]

Re: Hyelec MS8233D Digital Multimeter. To measure DC or AC voltage: ① Insert the red test lead into the “VΩ” input terminal and the black test lead into the COM terminal. ② Set the rotary switch to DC or AC range. ③ Connect the test lead across with the object under testing. The measured value will be shown on the LCD.

[@bruceblair419]

Try cracking the glass with The windshield pin hole and water. Seems to crake wide open.. hot hot day

[@jimrodda]

A 4 lb pump hammer would have helped, safe travels 😀🇬🇧

[@sure2rain725]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[@dreamkiss4u]

Don't the lacquer or epoxy fill in the holes and cracks and make it see threw like new no visible dull shade parts over the cells?

[@jbred6049]

Hammer time. Force it. If it breaks, it needed to be replaced anyway.

[@magagarage7975]

A friend and i successfully picked all the glass out by hand. Sadly he left the bare panel outside and ruined it, but it is possible to remove the glass.👍

[@dukesworld3020]

Oh, well another one bites the dust. Hi Oden!!

[@janina8559]

Hammah Time 😝

[@nonrevhogan8938]

Yes should have put the poly or lacquer on to prove them wrong before you throw out.

[@HOBOTECH]

I have someone that offered to do that for me.

[@nonrevhogan8938]

HOBOTECH Or you could smash it over their head and have a JackAss moment. LOL. Take care.

[@thisspotrules3631]

Determination, a hammer and a devious look... Thought for sure you had a viral going there 🔨🔨

[@linemen71]

You should try putting a coat of lacquer on it lol

[@tedcfh3113]

The solar cells are encapsulated

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

I've wondered how much damage is caused by sandblasting on rv roofs while moving

[@centralcoastcamper9631]

Junky to the dumpy!

[@ksearer2950]

HT, Not about the Warranty. Ask Renogy how the solar panel was constructed. You were surprised that the glass didn't come off the solar cells as you expected.

[@HOBOTECH]

Ah okay. That wouldn't have made for a very good video though...

[@ksearer2950]

HT, You are right it made it a better Video. Good Luck with the generator.

[@patd4u2]

You gave up too soon! If you banged on that solar panel for a few days you could of got the glass out. (what else is there to do out there?) Also you need a screw driver, the only tools you need in your tool box to repair or tear apart anything is a hammer and screw driver.

[@HOBOTECH]

Contrary to popular belief I don't have the time for that, Pat ... LOL

[@jamesgibson7207]

Lmao I was living in the bushes are n maui hawaii one time and I found a busted panel...so while at the laundry matt the girl was washing clothes and I figured ...kill some time ...got my hammer and started busting out the glass..it actually was working pretty good...then maui police dept showed up......yeah it wasn't fun...and there was some glass had gotten on the side walk which I believe it or not had planned to clean up....but maui cops didn't believe me so I went and got my broom ..lol I was like cool hand luke sweeping it up..... hollering ....sweeping it up here boss !! Yes sir boss!! Sweeping it up!.....lmao ..they finally told me to stop.

[@raymondjones7489]

Well...now we know...thanks man! 😊

[@hankhighsmith9050]

I have a week old panel that blew over in the wind last night. Looks just like that one. I saw the "repair" vids first then watched yours. Looks like I'm out $100.

[@owenprince4823]

bolt it down better next time

[@darthvadar2757]

The glass is glued to the cells

[@Peace-r5b]

What about heat gun to remove the glue

[@bgd5339]

Initially, I thought what could go wrong, a hammer and a solar panel. That's to bad the manufacturer glued the cells to the glass. 😫 If you could have separated the two, I thought you would have your first solar mat. 😀

[@bootyholeman5659]

They are all manufactured this way. The glass. cells, and backing material is all laminated together.

[@bren42069]

How did it break?

[@HOBOTECH]

Fell over in the wind.

[@owenprince4823]

I have some panels that were hit by hail that were the size of softballs. There was not much left of the panel. They were in much worse condition than this one was.

[@chivosadventures8171]

Isn't 16 watts better than no watts?

[@chivosadventures8171]

@wu ming Oh okay now that makes sense. 👍 on your comment.

[@Shobylica]

a closeup of the cells would have been needed

[@raymondjones7489]

Cat nip for the cat!!!...cool!😊

[@echo-_-radio]

What about taking the aluminium frame off then you could strip the glass off with a paint stripper

[@owenprince4823]

please try that and let us know how that worked for you

[@rb3425]

You know what they say... if you can't fix it with a hammer, you have an electrical problem. What originally broke the panel anyway?

[@HOBOTECH]

It flipped over on to rocks during a wind storm in Quartzsite.

[@rb3425]

@@HOBOTECH it must have hit really hard! I had the impression that the glass was very durable. They probably glue the glass to the cells to make it behave like high impact safety glass that has a layer of plastic to prevent large shards from decapitating nearby pedestrians.

[@BrianWanda]

If you are not failing, you are not learning.

[@bren42069]

Wiiiiiith ... A herring!!

[@AppleBubbleinDaSky]

It's worth a try it's just the micro cracks now eith hitting them. But you just test the amps after or whatever v × w

[@enriquelaroche5370]

The cells are delicate the cells are wired series parallel.

[@thespacecowboy420]

This might seem like a failed experiment, but in reality it is a successful experiment because now we all know so much more about the panels! Also they cannot really be repaired by any means at all, if you lacquer them you will seal in tons of BS and oxygen that will destroy them pretty quick. The glass is vacuum sealed to the solid state cells. Even if you took one to the factory, they would probably just give you a new one to get you to leave lol. "Too inexpensive to be repaired". You COULD get the glass off there with a torch or heat gun, but please don't.

[@sannajo6742]

Are you staying in the hot desert all summer? I wish you would interact with your subscribers.

[@HOBOTECH]

What do you mean? I respond to nearly all questions here, on Facebook, Instagram, and on Discord.

[@sannajo6742]

HOBOTECH my apologies. So do you stay in the desert in summer?

[@HOBOTECH]

No. I typically go to Idaho in May but plans changed. I'll be at higher elevations in AZ for a while.

[@JimmyPaulSaenz]

Dry ice freeze the panel

[@jackwinkler7848]

Try to savewhat you can...maybe the aluminum frame, and the wires Good Luck today. :-) Jack ....Aka. Captain Jack Scrapper

[@l.w.lavelle9724]

Hey..Don't throw the panel away.. How about using a Grinder ? Grind down the Panel.. then coat it with a clear.. Love the Nomad tooling out in the Boonies Great Video..Laughed my ass off. L.W.

[@Phil1stalk]

I fix my truck engine with a hammer.

[@patd4u2]

LOL!

[@JimmyPaulSaenz]

Freeze the panel

[@willieelkins1770]

Hi i dont think solor worth the money you have to have alot of solor gust for a hair dryer i gust use a genrator i love your vidos have a great day

[@jimh712]

There are lots of off grid people running just on solar.. Some even charge their electric cars.... Some are running a semi-perminent rv on 1500 watts at 24 volts 5,000 watts 24 volts is better 9000 watts 24 volts pretty decent.. Running thru an MPPT charge controllers... Panels wired to approach the maximum of the controller... But then again.... Your life changes.. Your heavy power draws. You only use while the sun is up putting out close to max power... When the sun goes down No more heavy loads Air conditioners...blow dryers...electric ovens... Electric water heaters.. Just light loads. Led tv.. Led lights.. Low wattage stereos. If you can't live that way.. You will kill your battery bank in 1-2 years A starting level battery bank runs app. $2,800 Better bank $5,600.. But if you really want to live off the grid and willing to learn.. That battery bank can live 10-12 years

[@kingkryptoknight3653]

There is more wrong with that panel other than it being shattered because it would still have an output very close to what it would have been doing before it was shattered.

[@isaacb4955]

Get a wind turbine to harness the wind that smashed your panel as VENGEANCE!!! 🔨

[@HOBOTECH]

I had a wind turbine last year ... another failed experiment.

[@owenprince4823]

@@HOBOTECH You got the wrong one

[@cynthiaclark8050]

@@owenprince4823 Jeez, what's with the unconstructive comments? Aren't YOU the turd in the punchbowl!!!!

[@jessarellanes6648]

Oden isn't going to like that

[@JimmyPaulSaenz]

You didn't try to freeze the panel

[@tedcfh3113]

Break some f ing glass

[@Tim921]

Good try Tom. Too bad it didn't work.

[@charlesglandon7840]

i LEARNED SOMETHING NEW TODAY, not surprising that the glass would be glued to panel so as not to be fixable. Thanks for this video and all you do to give us information to help.

[@TheScottEF]

Haha, yes, but please be careful. There are so many insane conspiracy theories flying around the internet. The statement "so as not to be fixable" suggests this is the reason, which is absolutely false. A "solar panel" is an aluminum frame around a solar laminate. The laminate is just what it says, a laminated item. When panels are made, layers are laminated together for strength, moisture resistance, physical integrity, etc. They were not made for you to easily peel them apart; they were made to be strong, structurally secure, and last decades.

[@teddyr7901]

😎 👍

[@skepticalmechanic]

There only $80.00 now for a 100Watt... just buy a new one... no big deal

[@HOBOTECH]

Mine cost $120.

[@daveat55degreesnorth33]

Ah yes... the good old, tried and tested hammer, aka the adjustment stick method... yup if all else fails give it a smack with a hammer !!

[@boathemian7694]

There’s more wrong than broken glass dude

[@enriquelaroche5370]

Next time watch a video on how those panels are made.

[@vanomadic]

#UniversalTool

[@TheDrapetomanic]

Just melt away the glass with a blowtorch, silly.

[@pesomistic7656]

Cmon HT peel out the caulking on the back and fix the stupid thing, dude i've seen you do more difficult tasks. If i wanted to see discount Hobo activities i'd go watch a fake hobo on some other channel. #HOBOSMASH

[@davidcromapix9083]

You are unfamiliar with panel fabrication technology, and are not trained for that job

[@jwagnermail]

Should have tried heat. A heat gun might have softened the glue up enough to allow you to scrape the glass off the cells. It also might have de-laminated everything and you would have been left with a pile of unglued parts. Nothing lost testing on a junk panel.

[@akunakii3782]

this im looking for

[@yesyoga]

I have a broken solar panel too. Maybe I’ll try to use it with a Bluetti Eb70…🥹

[@JimmyPaulSaenz]

Freeze the panel