hi foggy sounds similar to this - seems to be common - solar60 the old nova energy?


It is a recognized problem with the Solar60 panels, the plastic cover is the same stuff they use on green houses, It might last 5 -10 years on a green house but when exposed to high internal temperatures from inside the panel then it fails. Solare60 are fully aware of the issue, but no doubt will do nothing about it due to the cost.

Retro-fitting another glazing media like 1-1.5mm UV treated clear polycarbonate sheet could be an option, $100 for a 2400 x 1200 sheet, but this would be a DIY fix; it will however last > 10 years or so and is virtually bullet proof. I use it on my own panels, after 4 years in Wellingtons winds shows no sign of any deterioration. Was going to use glass but for the excessive cost from NZ suppliers.

Surely all panels must comply to some form of standard, possibly ECCA can shed some light on what that is. The glass or polycarbonate would have to be "toughened" and UV rated. Imagine you do the fix and further down the line the the thing breaks, falls and hurts someone, your up for some major liability. Like any other messy job I would rather walk away or do it properly. You can pick a new panel for about $1200 or evacs for about $800 and these come with all warranties. Even with the lower grade panels you will probably get more energy than fixing the old Nova/sola 60 one. Sorry to be so negative, If it was my house that's a different story if something happens then I can only blame myself.