My panels, 150W Semi Flexible Monocrystaline Solar Panels – Sunpower E20 Cells, have started to develop small bubbles in the laminate between the active panel and the upper substrate.
I bought these panels in 2020 from Bimble solar. The panels are now 6 years old. I started to notice smaller bubbles forming over the summer, (2026), which saw average temperatures in the mid 30’s across the UK.
Ventilation
My panels have no air ventilation between them and the steel roof of the boat.
They’re sealed with CT1 adhesive and Soudal Fix All Sealant. CT1 to secure them to the boat, and Soudal Fix All Sealant around the edges to keep moisture out.
This has worked well, but is has had the effect of not being able to keep the panels cool in hot weather.
If left untreated, these bubble join and grow and as the laminate comes away from the panel in it’s entirety.
Below are panels I bought in 2018. I tore the laminated top layer off completely as the bubbling had greyed out, making parts opaque.
They’re now discoloured and the surface is textured with small cracks.
Continue reading “Repairing flexible solar panels using UV gel”