21/22 - Installation instructions for the OPEN SURF System and OPEN SURF System 2 above-water automatic slatted safety cover
21
11. Appendix: reminder of
installation rules
11.1 Solar panel operating principle
A solar panel is an assembly of silicon cells. The
property of this material is that is generates electricity
when in sunlight. This is the photovoltaic effect
discovered by Becquerel in 1839.
The solar light photons
transfer their energy to the
semi-conductor material electrons which start to
move and create an electric current transmitted by a
very fine metal mesh.
ELECTRONS
ELECTRONS
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
PHOTONS
electriccurr
en
t
PLEASE REMEMBER: The SOLAR PANEL ONLY OPERATES
and produces current if DIRECTLY EXPOSED to SUNLIGHT
which carries photons.
To slow down battery wear, we recommend not
discharging them below 60% of their capacity
(corresponds to use for 20 cycles for a 4 x 8 pool).
11.2 Panel orientation
PLEASE REMEMBER: The MOTOR STAND that
supports the SOLAR PANEL must be SOUTH facing.
West
North
South
East
Oriented towards full sunlight producing
100%
of its
power.
11.3 Projected shade and surrounding
vegetation
PLEASE REMEMBER: The SOLAR PANEL must not be
in any SHADE from an object or the surrounding
vegetation.
In full sunlight but with the shadow of the key
holder, example above, the panel produces 87 %
of its power. The key must be removed from after
each use
The shade from vegetation reduces the panel
power. Example above, the panel produces 19 % of
its power. Ban all vegetation near the panel.
The shade from an object (post, seat, etc.) reduces
the panel power. Example above, the panel
produces 32% of its power. Move any objects that
could shade the panel away.
If an object is placed on the panel and covers at least
on complete cell, the panel will no longer produce
power. Its power will drop to 0 %. Warn users not to
cover the solar panel with towels for example.
SOLAR RAYS:
REMEMBER: in LESS SUNNY REGIONS, THE SOLAR
PANEL will receive less solar energy and will therefore
PRODUCE LESS ENERGY (reduced output). It will take
longer to charge the batteries. This is why, in these
cases, the exposure must be optimal, south facing
and without any shade.
