Solar panel queery

[Deleted member 12539]

I have had a 100W panel for over 6 years now, and recently was suspicious that although it shows voltage, I didn't think it was charging my leisure batteries.
This is a photo of my controller showing volts but no amps.


Today I fitted a second panel of 160W, and the control panel shows this:



I have noticed that there are what looks like short circuit burns across the 100W panel, has anyone else come across this, and does it mean my 100W panel is doomed?



I have left the 100W panel in situ for now, as when I disconnected it from the system, there did not seem to be much difference in voltages or amps.

My set up now currently looks like this:

 

[Jeff G]

No expert but the original panel looks kaput

 

[shaunr68]

Look on the bright side, if you remove the 100w panel you might just squeeze another 160w in its place!

 

[Deleted member 12539]

I suspect that your old panel has been damaged by a lightning strike. Each cell gives about 0.5v and I notice that the meter said it was giving 13.3v, presumably in sun. That is about six cells short of the normal voltage. Do six of the cells look damaged?

Could be, the "arc" line crosses many of them.

 

[shaunr68]

Having researched solar recently most manufacturers do not warranty the panels in any way if mounted horizontally

Eh? So we're supposed to stick em to the side of the MH rather than the roof?

Sorry, could you clarify please?