Addendum to Polycrystalline Power Panel Instructions
Products:
80 Watt Polycrystalline
123 Watt Polycrystalline
INSTRUCTIONS:
MOUNTING:
1. Choose an appropriate location th at provides the most
direct sunlight and can support the solar panel, and is
free from shade. Be aware of surrou nding objects,
although an object seems far from the mounting
location it may still obscure the sun from the panel. The
ideal year round position for a solar panel in the Northern
Hemisphere is facing due South tilted at an angle equal
to your latitude. For most North American locations any
angle between 30 and 50 degrees is suitable. Note:
Mounting a solar panel vertical ly will optimize low winter
sun position but is not beneficial in the summer months.
MOUNTING BRACKET
PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
BEFORE INSTALLATION
REMINDERS:
• Avoid Electrical Hazards when installing, wiring,
operating, and maintaining your Solar Panel. The solar
panel included in the kit 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 or drills. Use extreme caution
when on ladders or on 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 come 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 abov e 1 5W
• Do not attempt to charge non-rechargea ble batteries
• Always connect charge controller to battery first
• When disconnecting, always disconnect battery last
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 are 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.
(Constantly fluctuating)
•Use a solar voltage tester or a multi-meter to test the
solar panel’s voltage.
To
Base
2. Using the mounting brackets and screws included,
first attach the bracket to the solar panel. Place the
rubber ring between the panel and the bracket. The
rubber ring allows for air flow between the panel and the
mounting surface, maximizing the efficiency of the panel.
Note: If mounting to a roof of a vehicle, it may be
necessary to drill holes in the roof. These holes should
be resealed once the panel is installed, clear silicon
caulking is commonly used. If mounting to a surface
where it is impractical to drill holes it may be necessary
to construct a frame.
Included in this kit are 6 packets of: 1- bracket, 2-self tapping screws plus clear rubber
washers, 1- 1/4” bolt plus washer and nut, 1-3/16” bolt plus washer and nut, 1-rubber
ring.
CHARGE CONTROLLER INSTALLATION:
Connect to Battery:
Connect the Solar Charge Controller (SCC)
(right) positive to the positive battery terminal and the
negative wire to the negative battery terminal
Connect to Solar Panel:
Option 1:
Strip the wire from the solar panel and connect positive to
positive and negative to negative of SCC. Ensure connections
are secure.
Option 2:
Some panels may include a quick connect for use with the
SCC. If included, connect positive to positive and negative to
negative of SCC. Ensure connections
To Solar Panel
RUBBER
RING
battery side
GENERAL TESTING PROTOC OL
Addendum to Polycrystalline Power Panel Instructions
General Info
Always test outdoors under optimal sunlight conditions.
A. Test Solar Panels for Voltage.
If included connect the Voltmeter to each individual panel
separately and observe Open Voltage. Open voltage is when the
solar panels are not connected to any other components. The
voltmeter should be connected in parallel with the panel, positive to
positive and negative to negative. If the reading is negative or
there is no reading it is possible the leads have been reversed.
Open Voltage can range from 16 Volts to 24 Volts. Once all panels
test for voltage, proceed to step B. (Using a solar voltage tester is
also an option)
B. Test Connection to Charge Controller for Voltage.
Reconnect Solar Panels, and connect to charge controller as per
instructions. Measure open circuit voltage of the panel and charge
controller together at the battery side of the charge controller.
Open circuit voltage should read 5-10% lower than without charge
controller. Open circuit measurement will read between 15 and
23.5.
C. Connect charge controller to battery
First, disconnect solar panels and connect charge controller to
battery. Always connect charge controller to battery first and
remove last. Observe polarity – positive to positive and negative to
negative.
D. Reconnect Solar Panels to Charge Controller.
Please refer to your charge controllers User Manual for technical
parameters and testing procedure, this may differ with different
charge controllers.
If all testing results within the above indicated ranges, solar system
is in acceptable range. If Voltage reading indicate lower ranges,
repeat above connections and retest. Finally, it is common to have
12V Battery issues such as dead cells or non-rechargeable battery
problems.
FAQ:
What types of batteries can I recharge?
You can recharge all types of 12 volt batteries including lead-acid
automotive batteries, deep cycle (traction type) batteries, gel-cell
batteries, and heavy-duty (stationary type) batteries. When using
the Solar Panel to run appliances on a regular basis, we
recommend the use of deep cycle marine batteries which are
designed to withstand frequent charge and discharge cycles.
Can the Solar Panel drain my battery at night?
Once the solar charge controller is installed there is no danger of
reverse current, so you may leave your panel installed overnight.
1. How do solar cells generate electricity?
A. Solar Panels, also known as Photovoltaics or PV for short can be
thought of as a direct current (DC) generator powered by the sun. When
light photons of sufficient energy strike a solar cell, they knock electrons
free in the structure forcing them through an external circuit (battery or
direct DC load), and then returning them to the other side of the solar cell
to start the process all over again.
2. Will solar work in my location?
A. Solar is universal and will work virtually anywhere, however some
locations are better than others. Irradiance is a measure of the sun's
power available at the surface of the earth and it averages about 1000
watts per square meter. Obviously different parts of the world receive
more sunlight from others, so they will have more "full sun hours" per
day.
3. These panels are made up of polycrystalline solar cells. What are
polycrystalline cells?
A. Polycrystalline cells are created by using liquid silicon which solidifies to
form bricks, these bricks are then cut into thin layers. Crystals of various
sizes form during this process. These Polycrystalline panels are covered
by tempered glass making them extremely durable. Polycrystalline solar
panels have a higher output than amorphous panels of the same
dimensions, making polycrystalline panels more cost and space
effective.
IINSTRUCTIONS FOR INCLUDED VOLTAGE TESTER
(Voltage Tester not included in all kits)
To test the battery:
•Disconnect or power down all other components.
•Connect the negative lead of the tester to the negative post of the
battery.
•Touch the positive probe to the positive post of the battery.
To test Solar Battery Charger
•Disconnect Solar Battery Charger from all components.
•Connect the negative lead of the tester to the negative lead of the
Solar Battery Charger.
•Touch the positive probe to the positive post of the Solar Battery
Charger.
Can the Solar Panel overcharge my battery?
Yes, but only if used without the charge controller. That is why it is
important to use a solar charge controller. Do not connect the
panel directly to the battery with wattages of 15W or higher.
Always use in conjunction with a solar charge controller.
Can I run my 110 volt appliances with my solar power system?
Yes. You can run your 110 volt appliances with an inverter, which
will attach to your battery to change the battery’s 12 volt (DC)
energy into 110 volt (AC) or 220 volt (AC).
Can my panel be left outdoors without a protective covering?
Yes. The Solar panel has been weatherproofed and can be
mounted outdoors without any additional protection.
Do I have to disconnect the panels from the battery when I
drive my RV or while I am recharging my battery by other
means?
No, solar panels are designed to be permanently connected to the
battery. There is no need to disconnect them while driving a RV
for example, or when charging the batteries by other means
such as AC chargers, or a vehicle’s generator or alternat or.
No lights will show if polarity is reversed.
LIMITED WARRANTY:
THESE PRODUCTS ARE WARRANTED FROM
DEFECTS IN WORKMANSHIP AND FUNCTIONALITY
FOR A PERIOD INDICATED ON THE PACKAGING.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY IN THE EVENT
OF MISUSE OR ABUSE OF THE PRODUCT OR AS A
RESULT OF UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRS OR
ALTERATIONS.POWER OUTPUT IS WA RRANTED UP
TO 80% OF STATED OUTPUT AND MUST BE TESTED
UNDER FULL SUNLIGHT CONDITIONS. TO ADDRESS
WARRANTY ISSUES, PLEASE CONTACT INITIAL
POINT OF PURCHASE.
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