Hi all, can't remember if I asked this a while back or not.

Can you damage a solar panel by exposing it to sunlight but not connected to anything? I'm not really sure how the regulators work but I'm guessing it's not like they totally disconnect the electron flow and do give some sort of draw on the panel.

I need to install 2 new panels on my cat but they're in new positions so it's not like it's just unplug the old and plug in the new. I'm pretty sure I was worried about it last time and had them covered in cardboard while installing but that's a bit harder to do with this installation if any time passes.

No, they will be fine.

I tossed a big towel over my 200watt one when l connected it to the mppt.
Just be on the safe side...

You do need to have the battery connected to the mppt before connecting it to the solar panels.