Photovoltaic Module with Battery Back-up
Installation & Maintenance Information
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
IF 1589
IF 1589 • 08/09
Copyright © 2009, Cooper Industries, Inc.
Page 1
WARNING
To prevent electric shock, exercise extreme caution at all times when
installing, maintaining, and operating this equipment. This equipment
may generate dangerous voltages. Cooper Crouse-Hinds has
incorporated every practical safety precaution into this equipment;
however, photovoltaic modules will create electricity whenever exposed
to sunlight, and batteries can store electricity for several days regardless
of light conditions. Special electrical regulations may apply because
these cells create direct current.
WARNING
To prevent component damage or electric shock, avoid touching any
component or any part of the circuitry while the equipment is operating.
Do not place heavy loads on associated system cables or maneuver
them in a manner which may expose personnel or equipment to current.
Do not connect system cables when the terminals are wet or damp. Do
not disconnect cables under load.
WARNING
To prevent damage to this system, do not concentrate the light on the
surface of these cells under any circumstances to increase the electrical
output of the system. The photovoltaic modules are only intended to
operate under normal sunlight conditions.
WARNING
To prevent injury, death, or damage to your photovoltaic system, be
sure to follow all warnings and notes in this Instruction Sheet and follow
all applicable local and national codes when installing, maintaining, and
operating this system.
Introduction to Photovoltaic Power Systems
This photovoltaic power system operates by converting the sun’s radiation
into usable power in the form of electricity as direct current. For nighttime
and low ambient light level situations, the load is provided by the battery
back-up of the system. This battery is charged via a controller by the
photovoltaic module which is responsible for converting the sun’s energy.
The diagram below (see Figure 1) describes how the system is wired.
Power is produced as soon as sunlight reaches the photovoltaic module.
This power passes through the terminal block and into the controller. The
controller splits this power to the battery and load as needed, and sends
the power to both via the terminal block. The power can only flow from the
photovoltaic module and not back into it (because of factory-installed
safeguards in place in the system). The power can also only flow to the
load and not from it. The battery has power both flowing into it (charging
during the day) and out from it (discharging to the load when required).
Circuit protectors are used to protect the system from electrical spikes and
short circuits. A low voltage disconnect is built into the controller.
Since these systems rely on sunlight for power, it is important that they are
placed in a location which is optimal for sunlight usage. The location is
given a rating in Equivalent Sun Hours (ESH), which is an indicator of the
amount of sunlight which will reach the photovoltaic module. The system
will rely less on battery operation and more on the photovoltaic module
power production in areas with a higher ESH.
Figure 1.
WARNING
To avoid sparking, do not install, clean, or maintain the system when the
area is classified as hazardous.
Never install if components appear damaged or incorrectly wired from
the factory.
Circuit Protectors (or circuit breakers)
Enclosure
(Radio)
WARNING
To prevent component damage or electric shock, this system must be
used for its intended purpose only. This system is not to be used as a
back-up to, or in combination with, utility line power or any other power
source.