solar panel repair

[fleagalbaum]

This past camping trip, I accidentally tripped over my 15 watt Canadian Tire Eliminator solar panel.  I cracked the glass inside the plastic surround.  I was wondering if anyone has taken one a art or has had some experience similar to mine.  Could  I take it apart and replace the glass or do I have to protect it from the rain forever.  (It still pumps out power).

[ForestCreature]

I'm going to guess that panel should have a warranty if it's not very old. Contact the manufacture a simple trip shouldn't have broken the glass. It took a bear knocking our panel over(15W ICP) and stepping on it to break

[fleagalbaum]

I'm going to guess that panel should have a warranty if it's not very old. Contact the manufacture a simple trip shouldn't have broken the glass. It took a bear knocking our panel over(15W ICP) and stepping on it to break

actually I tripped and stepped on it.  I weight as much as a small bear too.

[dthurk]

Many solar panels carry a 25 to 30 year warranty.  Check the documentation on your panel.

[chasd60]

The 20-25 year warranty on Solar Panels is in regards to output. I doubt they will cover anything such as glass breakage unless it is related to heat stress and expansion in the frame.
 
The glass is supposed to be hail resistant up to a certain diameter, not bullet proof.
 
Not sure if there is any repair method.

[wavery]

Ya!!!! Hate to break it to you but the hermetically sealed glass is an integral part of the system. It would cost MUCH more to repair that panel (if it is possible at all) than to replace it.

[JimS]

Cracked glass will result in full output initially but the output will rapidly degrade over time.  Best to replace the panel.

[ForestCreature]

T I doubt they will cover anything such as glass breakage unless it is related to heat stress and expansion in the frame.
 
 The glass is supposed to be hail resistant up to a certain diameter, not bullet proof.
 

Nope bear paws are not covered under the warranty. (can't blame a girl for trying tho)

Ours was shattered in hundreds of small pieces, no amount of glue would have saved it. But it did give us the opportunity to upgrade to 45 W.

If I tried anything, it would be some sort of  narrow clear tape. I'd think anything else could leech down into the cells.

[fleagalbaum]

I have yet to bring it into the store to get checked out.

I have a sneaky feeling no one there will know what to do about it.
Canadian tire has a great return policy but the staff is generally clueless.

If worse comes to worse, I will find a way to pry the frame apart and replace the glass myself.

[fleagalbaum]

I went in and told them that I cracked the glass on the panel,.  They searched for some stuff for a while(not sure what) then they said they will replace it no charge.  I said ok and walked out with a  new one.