Hi, I broke the glass on my first 100W panel making it worthless, I now have two portable 35W solar panels that I put on the roof when dry camping on our toyhauler.

I have them hinged together so they fold into each other to avoid breaking, but the rear of the panels are at risk of being damaged during transport/storage.

Is it ok to cover the back of the panel with plexiglass or plywood to protect them. I wasn't sure if it was left open to allow for cooling or some other reason.

Thanks!

OK guess I will have to figure it out on my own.

Heat reduces output of solar panels, if you mount them on plywood I'd leave a space between the wood and the panel or drill some large (think door knob size) hole in the ply wood top and bottom.

If you've broken through the backing, I've used "tool dip" to patch the puncture, it also doubles as liquide electrical tape so it's non conductive.

Heat will destroy a panel quickly.

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Dereck, PE, MSEE
Moderator

Thanks, I wasn't sure so thought I would ask. I will just get a padded bag to store it in while its in the RV.

I damaged my other solar panel on a trip in January. It was hit by some large size hail while out camping. I was out motorcycle riding and didn't get back quick enough to get it off the roof, and shattered the glass.

I was thinking I could just replace the glass since it just looked like safety glass (you could see 3-4 small impact marks,but shattered top to bottom) took the frame a part, but its glued to the panel and wont come off.

Live and learn... anyway thanks for the replys, I would have been ticked off if I had to buy a third one.