Solar Panel Question

[KeithB]

I just bought a 200 watt monocrystaline solar panel on eBay.
When it arrived I noticed a warning sticker on the positive lead saying not to connect or disconnect under load.
Does anyone know the reason for this?
Keith

[HKB Electronics]

The only reason I can think off is that the any arc might damage
the regulator, though a good quailty regulator shouldn't have a
problem with this.

[austastar]

Hi,
  I thought the regulator had to see the battery and turn on before the panel was exposed to the sun.


I seem to remember a post here some where about some one having it all connected up and not working, but next morning it was all working ok.  The panel powered off overnight with the battery still connected so it reset itself in the morning.


Cheers

[KeithB]

I finally got the answer from a bloke in the solar business.
Apparently the conncetors supplied at standar on all panels are prone to arcing damage when connected or disconnected under load. I think the problem can be solved by disconnected with a relay.