Storing a solar panel

[glen1971]

We've got a 100 watt solar panel that has spent most of its life hanging up in our shed. We haven't needed it for a few years, but when we went to use it this weekend, it didn't seem to top up the batteries. I didn't check it with a volt meter but in a day, with us gone for the day, the batteries were reading "2/3". When I first hooked it up, it was charging about 1.4 amps in the evening.
The battery levels are good, and they charged nicely once we got home. When we went to unhook, it sounded like the charge controller, a Morningstar 20 amp, was intermittently buzzing. I'm guessing it has failed, as it is about 13 years old, so I've ordered a new one.

Question - How do should one store a solar panel when not in use for long periods? Should the controller be unhooked?

[SeaDog]

I believe the key to storing solar is to ensure the cells are covered so that no light is reaching the panel. JMHO

[Reverse_snowbird]

It couldn't hurt to unhook the control panel. That way there's no way it's active.

[glen1971]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

I believe the key to storing solar is to ensure the cells are covered so that no light is reaching the panel. JMHO

I was wondering that too. I have been hanging it flat, with the cells down. I'll fit a piece of cardboard for it next time I put it away.