hi @ledoux_mi
I will be very interested to hear your results. If you take care not to disturb how your mount is currently sitting you will be able to compare if the difference was truely the solar panel.
Before you remove it just feel if there is any movement in any of the connections.
I thought I wanted it to be more secure in the bayonet fittings so after I put it together I wrapped silicone tape tightly around each join.
And I have sometimes had trouble with the diameter of my metal pole not being ideal for the clamp, probably from some minor swelling of the pole from some hamering into the ground.
Good luck cheers Ian 