Solar panel questions

[opto55]

Looking to replace my old Solar panel to charge a 12 volt deep cycle battery to light a shed and outhouse. The last one was about 14 inches square.
What should I look for and where would I find one?
Also should I clip the wires coming from the cell to the large or small posts on the battery?
The last solar panel lasted 10 years. I live in Edmonton.
Thank you.

[MyAlberta]

Replace with same wattage if you where happy. If you are adding load, which is common, calc your anticipated power requirements back to wattage over your charge period.
I was scooping those CT 12w panels on sale for game cams.

[TrollGRG]

CT usually has the 40 watt panels on sale for about $70 on a regular basis. If I were you I would wait and see what they offer in the near future. Obviously if you need one now it won't be much good for you.

[antlercarver]

Originally Posted by michaelgreer

I usually use solar panels only for lights in my backyard.

How does that help the original poster???????

[HalfBreed]

Just out of curiosity, how did you wear out a solar panel in 10 years?

[opto55]

It just stopped charging the batteries. I do not know why. I bought a new panel fro CT with a charge controller and it working fine. I think it is important to use a charge controller, but I do not really know?

[HalfBreed]

Originally Posted by opto55

It just stopped charging the batteries. I do not know why. I bought a new panel fro CT with a charge controller and it working fine. I think it is important to use a charge controller, but I do not really know?

I'm only curious as most commercial off the shelf panels should go at least twice that.
I would be inclined to discuss this level of failure with said manufacturer.
If one is so inclined to 'step up' for the environment by way of shouldering the cost of technological development, then said cost should bear fruit.
If a sum is provided for 25 years of service, then 25 years should be provided.
Solar is a huge gamble.

[MyAlberta]

Originally Posted by opto55

It just stopped charging the batteries. I do not know why. I bought a new panel fro CT with a charge controller and it working fine. I think it is important to use a charge controller, but I do not really know?

The controller manages your battery charge characteristics. A must for lithium, nicads. a lead acid battery is a bit more forgiving.

[Osky]

My northern property/camp is off grid. Controllers can go goofy and panels do lose a certain percentage of conversion ability each year. Maybe your panel hit its lifespan?

Osky