Fire caused by Solar Panel

CGHW01 · Post by **CGHW01** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 1:47 pm

If you are thinking of keeping your battery charged by connecting a solar panel to the battery, be aware that you may be putting yourself at risk from a fire. The diode on the solar panel is supposed to prevent any back current flowing through the solar panel, however this failed on a friends yacht and caused a large current to flow through the small wires leading to the panel. The upholstery is singed, but fortunately, the foam was fireproof. Nevertheless, a hole was burnt into the battery casing and only prompt action prevented a major disaster. If you do intend to use a solar panel (or indeed any other electrical item connected across the battery terminals), make sure it is fused.

Be aware!

Chris W

DaveA · Post by **DaveA** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:45 pm

Can I just add to that, it's not just the presence of a fuse that's vital, it's having one of the correct value. It's surprising how many people still think it's alright to fit a higher rated fuse because the lower rated one blows. It blows for a reason and that reason needs to be found, please don't just use a higher rated one, it's asking for trouble.
Thanks for the info though, worth watching for that diode