Coleman 36 WATT FOLDING SOLAR PANEL User Manual

36 WATT FOLDING SOLAR PANEL

User’s Manual

Congratulations on your Coleman® solar product purchase. This product is designed to the highest technical
specifications and standards. It will supply years of maintenance free use. Please read these instructions
thoroughly prior to installation, then store in a safe place for future reference. If at any time you are unclear about
this product, or require further assistance please do not hesitate to contact our trained professionals operating the
customer support line 1-888-478-6435 or email to [e-mail]

36 WATT FOLDING SOLAR PANEL

Specifications and Included Items:

Power Rating: Up to 36 Watts - Maximum rating – Under optimum conditions.
Current: Up to 2.4 Amps @ 15Volts.
Dimensions: (L x W x H) 43 x 17 x 5 inches
Weight: 22lbs
Includes:

12 Volt plug
1 Set of Alligator Battery Clamps
Solar Panel
Brackets (4)
Screws (15)
LED Voltage Indicator
Support rods (3)
Stripped wire for connection to Charge controller

Warning:

 Avoid Electrical Hazards when installing, wiring, operating, and maintaining your Solar Module. The solar

module included generates DC electricity when exposed to sunlight or other light sources.

 For use in 12-Volt systems only.
 Observe proper polarity throughout entire power cable wiring route.
 Work Safely. Do not wear jewelry when working with electrical or mechanical equipment. Use protective

eyewear when working with batteries. Use extreme caution when on ladders or on a roof.

 Follow all safety precautions of the battery manufacturer. Some batteries can release flammable hydrogen

gas. Do not produce sparks when working in locations where flammable gases or vapors exist. Shield
skin and eyes from battery acid. Wash thoroughly with water if skin or clothing comes in contact with acid
or any corrosive matter, which may have accumulated on the battery. Keep the terminals and casing
clean.

 Use a Charge Controller for wattages greater than 15 watts.
 Do not attempt to charge non-rechargeable batteries.
 Always connect charge controller to battery first.
 When disconnecting, always disconnect battery last.

Features:

 Quick connect and disconnect to the battery.
 No direct sunlight needed, will work in cloudy conditions.
 Five year warranty.
 Maintenance free.
 Weatherproof.
 Shatterproof tempered glass.
 Folds in half for easy travel and storage.

INSTALLATION:

1. Screw Support (1) and Support (2) into the receptacles located in frame of solar panel

2. Place Support (3) between Support (1) and Support (2) to increase stability

Your 36 Watt Folding Solar Panel must be opened and the blue side must face the sun to begin charging.

PANEL CONNECTION

Connect one panel to another using the quick connects. The single long wire connector on the right panel
“OUT” goes into the small "IN" on the secondary panel. The tester LED will only light when the system is fully
connected. Your two panels are now in parallel.

Installation through the 12 Volt DC plug:
Plug the 12V DC plug into the female socket in vehicle or item. Make sure both ends are secure and aligned
correctly.

Connection to Battery by Alligator Clamps:
Connect the alligator clamps correctly by matching the red clamp which is Positive (+) to the Positive (+)
terminal on the battery. Connect the black Clamp which is Negative (-) to the Negative (-) terminal on the
battery. Follow this carefully to not cause any bodily harm.

Easily connect your solar panel to your power generator with the included barrel connector. Simply insert the
included barrel connecter into the charger input. Once your solar panel is placed in the sun charging will
commence. If using a charge controller, some alteration to the barrel connecter may be required. This will not
void any warranty.

*It is strongly recommended to use a 7 Amp Solar Charge Controller to prevent battery from
overcharging,*

CHARGE CONTROLLER: (If included)

SPECIFICATIONS
Cut-in Voltage: 13 Volts
Cut-out Voltage: 14.2 Volts
Max. Load: 105 watts

Connect the Solar Charge Controller positive (+) wire to the positive (+) battery terminal. Then connect the Solar
Charge Controller negative (-) wire to the negative (-) battery terminal.

WARNING: The alligator clips MUST be placed on to the battery in the aforementioned order—wrong
connections may cause sparking or explosion.

Connect to Solar Panel:

Option 1

Strip the solar panel wires. Connect positive (+) wire from the solar panel to the positive (+) of the charge
controller and the negative (-) wire from the solar panel to the negative (-) of the charge controller. Ensure the
connections are secure.

Option 2

Some panels may include a “stripped wire” quick connect for use with the Solar Charge Controller. If included,
connect positive to positive and negative to negative of charge controller. Ensure connections are secure.

Operation:

The Green “Charged” light indicates a full-charged battery. When the battery reaches 14.2 Volts, the Solar
Charge Controller will cut out voltage thereby ensuring no overcharging. The yellow “Charging” light indicates a
battery that is being charged. When the battery reaches 13 Volts, the battery charge controller will cut-in and
begin charging.

Important Safety Measures

:

 The Solar Charge Controller should be placed within 5 feet of the battery in a dry well ventilated area.
 This Solar Charge Controller can support up to 105 watts and 7 amps of array current. It is not advisable

to use with greater wattage.

 All connections should be in parallel to ensure a 12 Volt system (positive to positive and negative to

negative).

NOTE:

 It is permissible to operate vehicle while the solar panel is connected, however, when driving it is

recommended to secure solar panel. This is not recommended and may be hazardous.

 The 36 Watt Folding Solar Panel is weatherproof and can safely operate in most weather conditions.
 Testing of the Solar Panel can be done with the green LED tester, Illumination of the light will

indicate that the panel is operating at the proper voltage. To operate the green LED light, connect light to the
panel’s small ‘OUT’ wire and place panel in a sunny area.

Maintenance Instructions:

Cleaning of the glass may be performed by the user by utilizing a clean damp cloth. Any other maintenance
to the unit should be performed by qualified service personnel or contact our experienced customer service
team.

FAQ:

What types of batteries can my solar charger charge?All 12V batteries similar to those used in cars,

boats, RV’s, motorcycles and personal water craft.

Can I overcharge my battery?

No, as long as a Sunforce 7 Amp Solar Charge Controller is used, it will protect the battery from overcharging.

Will the Solar Charger keep my battery fully charged?

The Solar Charger charges your battery with the power of the sun. With a charge controller, it will keep a
battery charged.

How long does it take to charge a dead battery?

The Solar Charger produces 2.5 Amps per Hour in full sunlight. Depending on the size of your batteries a
40 Amp Hr battery at 50% would take 20 Hrs. By doubling the amount of panels, you would reduce the time
needed by half.

Can I extend the wire?

The 12foot wire can be extended up to a maximum of 27 feet without loss of power or voltage.

How many batteries can I charge using 1 unit?

This Solar Charger is capable of charging a bank of batteries but the charge will be divided. Ensure positive
to positive and negative to negative connections to ensure 12V.

Can this Solar Charger run my whole house?

No. This panel is best used to recharge 12V Batteries. Please check the charts on the box for charging
options.

How can I run 110V appliances with my Solar Chargers?

By using an inverter connected to the battery, this will convert the DC Power to AC Power.

Is my Solar Charger weatherproof?

Yes, this panel is fully weatherproofed.

Can I run an appliance directly from my Solar Charger without a battery?

Yes, although the Solar Charger might have inconsistent voltages which this will affect the running
appliance. It is only recommended to charge 12V batteries.

TROUBLESHOOTING:

I am not sure if my panel is functioning?

- Ensure battery is operational. Over time, a battery’s ability to recharge will deteriorate

- Ensure the distance of the wires is not longer than 30 feet and all connections are secure.

- Measure the panel voltage with a voltmeter. The voltage reading should be between 16 to 25 volts in the sun.

WARRANTY

The solar panel is covered by a five year limited warranty of 80% of power output, and must be tested under
optimal conditions. This product is warranted from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years
from date of purchase. This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or abuse and or repairs or alterations.

Coleman

®

and are registered trademarks of The Coleman Company, Inc., used under license.
© 2010 The Coleman Company, Inc.
For more information or technical support
Contact: Les Produits Sunforce Products Inc. Montréal, Canada
1-888-478-6435 www.sunforceproducts.com [e-mail]