Solar panel advice

Dukeylabdog#1 · Jan 26, 2026

Hi l'm after a bit of advice, regarding my Glass Solar panel. I've had a an issue with the solar contoller, which l've now changed. I've also checked to see if power is coming from the panel to the controller, which indicates there is (not sure on the amps through). However on checking the panel itself, l've noticed there's water underneath a plastic film..
Can you remove this plastic film or will removing it destory the solar panel.
Also can this film be replaced
Many thanks for any advice

WelshGas · Jan 26, 2026

Dukeylabdog#1 said:
Hi l'm after a bit of advice, regarding my Glass Solar panel. I've had a an issue with the solar contoller, which l've now changed. I've also checked to see if power is coming from the panel to the controller, which indicates there is (not sure on the amps through). However on checking the panel itself, l've noticed there's water underneath a plastic film..
Can you remove this plastic film or will removing it destory the solar panel.
Also can this film be replaced
Many thanks for any advice

View attachment 143599

How old is the Panel?

Dukeylabdog#1 · Jan 26, 2026

About 6 years

chockswahay · Jan 26, 2026

Glass? It looks more like one of the aluminium backed plastic panels………. ?

Alexlex85 · Jan 26, 2026

I didn't know they do solar panels in a basket weave pattern. Quite trendy if you ask me

Dukeylabdog#1 · Jan 27, 2026

chockswahay said:
Glass? It looks more like one of the aluminium backed plastic panels………. ?

Well it's certainly Glass, but water as got under the plastic film

WelshGas · Jan 27, 2026

Dukeylabdog#1 said:
About 6 years

I think it needs changing. I can't believe it is working efficiently. You could remove the film to improve efficiency but you won't be able to replace it effectively.

Dukeylabdog#1 · Jan 28, 2026

I've cleaned and polished the solar panel. See the attached photo. It seems to be pulling anything between 2v to 9v depending on sun and daylight. However it doesn't seem to be charging the leisure battery!!!

chockswahay · Jan 28, 2026

the panel volts need to be much higher than the battery in order to charge…….. in the region of 18 to 22v and the controller should regulate between 13 and 15 approx.

Sounds like the panel has had its day in the sun ……….

HairBear · Feb 2, 2026

Yup, the output voltage on your panel is way too low to charge you battery. I recently replaced mine with a CIGS panel instead of the traditional flexible glass panels. The CIGS are much more resilient to point damage and are truly flexible. I’m no longer scared of the car wash .

The W per m2 is slightly lower, but the trade-off in robustness is worth it imo.

HairBear · Feb 2, 2026

Oh, and the least fun part of replacing the panel was definitely scraping off the sikaflex it had been liberally installed with by the previous owner. I went through some 50 plastic scraping razors and a few decent sized blisters on my hands!