POLYCRYSTALLINE
SOLAR PANELS
(MC4 Series)
P/No SPP80-MC4, SPP120-MC4, SPP135-MC4, SPP150-MC4
WARNING
• For installations with lead acid batteries, avoid sparks or flames near the batteries and always use proper
eye protection.
• Given sufficient light, solar panels always generate energy even when they are disconnected. Accidental
‘shorting’ of the terminals or wiring can result in sparks causing personal injury or a fire hazard. It is
recommended that the front face of the panel(s) are covered with a soft cloth to block incoming light
during installation and wiring.
• When connecting panels in series do not exceed 24VDC (Max. 2 panels).
• Do not scratch or bend solar panels.
• Do not disassemble the solar panel frame.
• When mounting solar panels at a height adhere to all relevant safety regulations.
• For fixed installations ground the frame of the solar panel(s) to reduce lightning hazard.
• Do not walk on modules.
• Do not attempt to increase module output by concentrating light on its surface with mirrors.
• Be sure to use components (cables, fuses, etc) with ratings greater than 25% of solar panel/s maximum
current ratings.
FEATURES
COMPACT AND POWERFUL
Polycrystalline solar panels are manufactured from a solar cell that is cast from silicon. These cells are more
efficient at producing power than an amorphous panel, so the size of the panel is smaller yet produces greater
output power.
HEAVY DUTY FRAME
Corrosion resistant frames are constructed to withstand wind speeds in excess of 130 km/h in typical ground
mounted applications. The frames are clear anodized and the inner corner connection has a strong mechanical
resistance to weather.
TEMPERED LOW IRON GLASS
Clear encapsulated insulation enhances solar cell performance and provides proven weather protection,
Tempered low iron glass provides both better impact resistance and better light transmission, allowing the
generation of more electricity by reducing the quantity of light that is reflected away from the module.
2
SPECIFICATIONS
Table 1
SPP80-MC4 SPP120-MC4 SPP135-MC4 SPP150-MC4
TYPE Polycrystalline Polycrystalline Polycrystalline Polycrystalline
RATED POWER 80W 120W 135W 150W
OPEN CIRCUIT 21.5V 21.5V 21.5V 21.5V
VOLTAGES
SHORT CIRCUIT 5.04A 7.55A 8.5A 9.44A
CURRENT
PEAK POWER 17.5V 17.5V 17.5V 17.5V
VOLTAGE
PEAK POWER 4.58A 6.86A 7.72A 8.58A
CURRENT
TEST 1000W/m
CONDITIONS 25˚C 25˚C 25˚C 25˚C
BATTERY SIZES 250–900CCA 250–1200CCA 300–1300CCA 350–1400CCA
(1 Panel) (automotive) (automotive) (automotive) (automotive)
2
1000W/m
2
1000W/m
2
1000W/m
2
SPP80-MC4 SPP120-MC4 SPP135-MC4 SPP150-MC4
300–1000MCA 350–1500MCA 400–2000MCA 500–2200MCA
(marine) (marine) (marine) (marine)
30–140Ah 40–200Ah 50–240Ah 60–260Ah
(deep cycle) (deep cycle) (deep cycle) (deep cycle)
3
INSTALLATION
PLACEMENT
Locate the panel in a position where it is exposed to the sun for the majority of the day. For best results use a
northern orientation. Make sure that the front side (dark side) of the solar panel faces the sun. Although the
panel will function in the horizontal position, for best performance tilt the panel towards the sun especially
during the winter months in the southern states. The angle of the tilt should be similar to the angle of the sun
so that the panel is perpendicular to the sun rays. Recommended angles for Indonesian, Australian & New
Zealand latitudes are shown below:
4
MOUNTING
The panels are supplied with four or eight mounting holes (depending on the model). Use suitable
fasteners and mount the panel to a flat surface or mounting frame as per fig. 1, 2 & 3. Ensure the battens
or frame does not twist or bend the solar panel’s aluminium frame.
FIG 1
FIG 2
5
25025025025025035
467
250
511
1570
Ø6
SPP120-M C4
35
5
0
1100
511
SPP80-MC4
467
5
0
2
50
2
50
Ø6
2
50
2
50
FIG 3
6
FIG 3 (continued)
1490
250
SPP150-MC4
621
245
665
Ø6
250250245 250
6
21
Ø6
6
65
2
50
1
80
2
50
SPP135-MC4
1360
2
50
1
80
2
50
7
CHARGE CONTROL
Solar panels are most commonly used to charge lead acid batteries. Projecta solar panels are designed to
charge 12 VDC batteries. 24VDC batteries can be charged using 2 panels wired in series and using a 24VDC
solar charge controller.
For battery charging it is recommended that you use a Solar Charge controller to prevent the battery from
being overcharged (damaged) and prevent the battery from discharging (loosing power) into the solar panel
at night. Solar Charge controllers are connected between the solar panel and the battery.
Projecta 12VDC Solar Charge controllers:
P/No. SC005 – 7 AMP Automatic Solar Charge Controller (suitable) for solar panels up to 80W.
P/No. SC010 – 10 AMP Automatic Solar Charge Controller (suitable) for solar panels up to 120W.
P/No. SC030 – 30 AMP Automatic Solar Charge Controller (suitable) for solar panels up to 360W.
Projecta 12 & 24VDC Solar Charge Controllers:
P/No. SC320 & SC320D – 20 AMP Automatic Solar Charge Controller (suitable) for solar panels up to 240W.
P/No. SC330 – 30 AMP Automatic Solar Charge Controller (suitable) for solar panels up to 360W.
8
CONNECTING SOLAR PANEL TO BATTERY
Projecta products are covered by a 12 month warranty. Failure to follow the operating instructions
may damage the product and will void warranty. Please read these operating instructions carefully
before use. For a warranty claim please return unit to the place of purchase with your sales receipt
as proof of purchase date.
Single Panel, 12V Installation
You will also need:
• Suitable solar controller
• Suitable cable. (If solar panel is within 3 metres from the battery use 4mm cable, within 6m use 5mm cable
and within 9 metres use 6mm. It is not recommended to run longer than 9m.)
• 10A Fuse or circuit breaker.
1. Connect a fuse or circuit breaker to the positive terminal of the battery, (As near to the battery as possible)
refer to Fig. 4. Leave the fuse out.
2. Connect a cable from the fuse or circuit breaker to the solar controllers’ positive terminal.
3. Connect a cable from the battery’s negative terminal to the solar controller’s negative terminal.
4. Connect the solar panel to the solar controller. Ensure positive to positive and negative to negative.
5. Insert fuse.
9
FIG 4
10
CONNECTING MULTIPLE SOLAR PANELS
Additional solar panels can be connected together. Different configurations produce different voltages and
currents. For example: Two panels connected in series, will double the voltage. Two panels connected in
parallel will double the current.
Note: When connecting multiple solar panels in arrays always use the same type and size!
Blocking & Bypass Diodes – Shading
Where multiple solar panels are used, diodes are necessary to ensure solar panels perform as efficiently as
possible. If one of the solar panels is shaded it will begin to discharge (draw power from the system). To
overcome this effect, diodes are placed in the circuit. See Fig. 5 & Fig. 6.
Two Panels in Series 24V Installation
You will also need:
• 24V Solar Controller
• Suitable cable. (If solar panel is within 3 metres from the battery use 4mm cable, within 6m use 5mm cable
and within 9 metres use 6mm. It is not recommended to run longer than 9m.)
• 10A Fuse or circuit breaker
1. Connect a fuse or circuit to the positive terminal of the battery bank, (As near to the battery as possible) refer
to Fig. 6. Leave the fuse out.
2. Connect a cable from the fuse or circuit breaker to the solar controllers’ positive terminal.
3. Connect a cable from the battery bank’s negative terminal to the solar controller’s negative terminal.
4. Connect a cable from Solar Panel No.1’s positive terminal to Solar Panel No.2’s negative terminal to create
a solar panel array.
5. Connect a cable from the solar array’s negative terminal to the solar controller’s negative terminal.
6. Connect a cable from the solar array’s positive terminal to the solar controller’s positive terminal.
7. Insert fuse.
11
FIG 5
12
Two Panels in Parallel, 12V Installation
You will also need:
• Suitable solar controller
• Suitable cable (See table 2 for recommended cable sizes)
• Correct rated fuse or circuit breaker
1. Connect a fuse or circuit breaker to the positive terminal of the battery, (As near to the battery as possible)
refer to Fig. 8. Leave the fuse out.
2. Connect a cable from the fuse or circuit breaker to the solar controllers’ positive terminal.
3. Connect a cable from the battery’s negative terminal to the solar controller’s negative terminal.
4. Connect both solar panels to the solar controller. Ensure positive to positive and negative to negative.
Refer to Figure 8.
5. Insert fuse.
Note: More than two solar panels can be added in parallel by simply repeating steps 4 and 5. Depending on
the number of Solar panels added choose a solar controller, fuse and cabling between the battery and solar
controller that will handle the increased current.
Table 2 – Recommended Cable Sizes
Cable distance Solar Panel Solar Panel Solar Panel Solar Panel
(meters) SPP80-MC4 SPP120-MC4 SPP135-MC4 SPP150-MC4
3m 4mm 5mm 5mm 6mm
6m 6mm 8mm2or 8 B&S 8mm2or 8 B&S 8mm2or 8 B&S
9m 8mm2or 8 B&S 8mm2or 8 B&S 8mm2or 8 B&S 8mm2or 8 B&S
(Total 160W, (Total 240W, (Total 270W, (Total 300W,
9.16A) 13.72A) 15.44A) 17.16A)
13
FIG 6
14
Four Panels in Series & Parallel, 24V Installation
You will also need:
• 24V Solar Controller
• Suitable cable. (see Table 3 for recommended cable sizes)
• Correct rated fuse or circuit breaker
1. Connect a fuse or circuit breaker to the positive terminal of the battery, (As near to the battery as possible)
refer to Fig. 10. Leave the fuse out.
2. Connect a cable from the fuse or circuit breaker to the solar controllers’ positive terminal.
3. Connect a cable from the battery’s negative terminal to the solar controller’s negative terminal.
4. Connect blocking diode to solar Panel 2 and 4. Be sure to connect the end of the diode with the white band to
the extra post and the unmarked end to the positive (+) terminal. Note: The SPP60, SPP80, SPP120 & SPP135
do not have an extra post and will have to be connected directly to the cable. See Fig. 11.
5. Connect the cable from Solar Panel No.1’s positive terminal to Solar Panel No.2’s negative terminal to create
a solar panel array.
6. Connect the cable from Solar Panel No.3’s positive terminal to Solar Panel No.4’s negative terminal to create
a second solar panel array.
7. Connect cables from all of the solar array’s negative terminals to the solar controller’s negative terminal.
8. Connect cables from all of the solar array’s positive terminals to the solar controller’s positive terminal.
9. Insert fuse.
Table 3 – Recommended Cable Sizes
Cable distance Solar Panel Solar Panel Solar Panel Solar Panel
(meters) SPP80-MC4 SPP120-MC4 SPP135-MC4 SPP150-MC4
3m 4mm 5mm 5mm 6mm
6m 6mm 8mm2or 8 B&S 8mm2or 8 B&S 8mm2or 8 B&S
9m 8mm
(24V, 9.16A) (24V, 13.72A) (24V, 15.44A) (24V, 17.16A)
2
or 8 B&S 8mm2or 8 B&S 8mm2or 8 B&S 8mm2or 8 B&S
15
FIG 7
16
MAINTENANCE
Periodically inspect the electrical connections and panel mounting bolts. Make sure they are all tight and free
from corrosion. If necessary clean the surface of the solar panels with a soft dump cloth. Mild detergent can
also be used. Any dirt or residue on the glass may effect performance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Can the solar panel be mounted on a flat roof or wall?
A. Yes. It is fine to mount the panel on a horizontal surface such as a roof or on a vertical surface like a wall as
long as the panel receives full sun for a reasonable period of the day. You will however gain 25% performance
if the panel is tilted toward the sun and faced in a northerly direction, since this enables the maximum amount
of solar energy to reach the panel.
Q. What appliances can I run on the solar panel?
A. Solar panels gain all their energy from the sun and are therefore limited in their ability to operate 12VDC
appliances directly. Although they may run very small appliances it is more common to connect the solar panel
and appliance to a battery. This method is much more effective, provides a stable voltage and allows the
appliance to continue to operate even if the panel is shaded.
Q. Can I run more than one solar panel?
A. It is possible to run multiple solar panels for higher voltage applications or for more power:
1. Placing 2 solar panels in ‘Series’ will make them suitable for use on 24VDC battery systems or vehicles.
2. Placing 2 or more panels in ‘Parallel’ will still make them suitable for 12VDC use but will provide twice
as much power (current). Refer to the section “Connecting Multiple Solar Panels”.
17
Q. Will the solar panel charge my flat battery & how long will it take?
A. The SPP80-MC4, SPP120-MC4, SPP135-MC4 & SPP150-MC4 will charge a battery. See table below for
recommended charge times.
Recommended charge times for different solar panels
SPP80-MC4 SPP120-MC4 SPP135-MC4 SPP150-MC4
Automotive 250–900 CCA 250–1200 CCA 300–1300 CCA 350–1400 CCA
Marine 300–1000 MCA 350–1500 MCA 400–2000 MCA 500–2200 MCA
Deep Cycle 30–140 Ah 40–200 Ah 50–240 Ah 60–260 Ah
Charging times 7–35 Hours 7–35 Hours 7–35 Hours 7–35 Hours
Q. I am going on a 4WD trip. How many solar panels will I need?
A. It really comes down to how many appliances are drawing power from your battery.
The number of solar panels required should be based on how much power is used over a 24 hour period.
For example: Most people when they go away would run a Fridge, and a couple of lights to cook with etc.
We need to work out how much power would be used in a day.
Energy consumption per day
Appliance Current use/hour Total time of use/day Total Current per day
Fridge 1.5 24 36
Lights 33 9
(Ah) (Hours) (Amps)
Grand total 45
So we need to size a solar system that can produce around 45 Amps per day. If we say we get around 10 hours
of solar energy from the panels per day (for summer months). We can then calculate what size and how many
panels we need.
45 amps ÷ 10 hours = 4.5 Amps per hour
One SPP80 to produce 4.6 Amps an hour should be more than enough. You might find that during cloudy
weather you will have to charge the battery by running your car for half an hour every second or third day
18
NOTES
19
WARRANTY STATEMENT
APPLICABLE ONLY TO PRODUCT SOLD IN AUSTRALIA
Brown & Watson International Pty Ltd of 1500 Ferntree Gully Road, Knoxfield, Vic., telephone (03) 9730 6000,
fax (03) 9730 6050, warrants that all products described in its current catalogue (save and except for all bulbs
and lenses whether made of glass or some other substance) will under normal use and service be free of
failures in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year (unless this period has been extended as
indicated elsewhere) from the date of the original purchase by the consumer as marked on the invoice. This
warranty does not cover ordinary wear and tear, abuse, alteration of products or damage caused by the
consumer.
To make a warranty claim the consumer must deliver the product at their cost to the original place of purchase
or to any other place which may be nominated by either BWI or the retailer from where the product was
bought in order that a warranty assessment may be performed. The consumer must also deliver the original
invoice evidencing the date and place of purchase together with an explanation in writing as to the nature of
the claim.
In the event that the claim is determined to be for a minor failure of the product then BWI reserves the right
to repair or replace it at its discretion. In the event that a major failure is determined the consumer will be
entitled to a replacement or a refund as well as compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss
or damage.
This warranty is in addition to any other rights or remedies that the consumer may have under State or
Federal legislation.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are
entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable
loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of
acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
Distributed by
AUSTRALIA
Brown & Watson International Pty Ltd
Knoxfield, Victoria 3180
Telephone (03) 9730 6000
Facsimile (03) 9730 6050
National Toll Free 1800 113 443
NEW ZEALAND
Narva New Zealand Ltd
22–24 Olive Road
PO Box 12556 Penrose
Auckland, New Zealand
Telephone (09) 525 4575
Facsimile (09) 579 1192
IS141
Issue 1 17.06.15
Loading...