11
10
Unobstructed Sunlight
Solar panels function through the interaction of many individual
cells. Keeping this in mind, solar results can be greatly affected
with even the slightest obstruction to a single cell of the pan-
el. When selecting a location for panel placement, keep this in
mind. Make sure the panel is free of any debris, or any shadows
created by things like tree branches, overhead structures, or any
other objects in the environment.
Safety Tips
The Apex is designed for use with Inergy branded solar panels.
These solar panels will provide the best experience possible. As
a hard rule - all solar panels must be connected to the Apex (and
to each other) in a PARALLEL wiring configuration. Inergy solar
panels are designed in this way.
EXTERNAL BATTERY GUIDELINES
The Apex was designed with user customization in mind, in an
effort to expand the number of applications and versatility of
the system. External batteries are one of the main ways we have
done this. Below are some guidelines for expanding the power of
the Apex through additional batteries, as well as some import-
ant safety tips.
Connecting Batteries
Before external batteries are connected, they must be balanced
to match the Voltage of the Apex. Discharge the Apex to 10.5
Volts prior to connecting any external batteries. Similarly,
ALL
EXTERNAL BATTERIES MUST BE WITHIN 0.1 VOLTS OF APEX
VOLTAGE (10.4 VOLTS - 10.6 VOLTS) BEFORE CONNECTING.
FAILURE TO DO SO VOIDS THE WARRANTY AND CAN RESULT
IN IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO THE APEX AND/OR RISK OF
FIRE.
External batteries should be connected in a PARALLEL wiring
configuration to expand the battery capacity of the Apex (see
page 13 for more information). This is done by connecting
positive to positive, and negative to negative. This is the only
approved method for expanding battery capacity, any deviation
can result in severe damage to the Apex and create a potentially
dangerous situation. It will also void any and all warranties.
Battery wires & connectors:
When connecting external
batteries to the Apex, we recommend using 2/0 Gauge battery
cables (made of pure copper, NOT copper plated) with 3/8” ring
terminals for up to a 5 foot long cable. Call our technical sup-
port for questions about longer lengths at
(877) 891-2657.
Number of Batteries
“How many batteries can I connect to the Apex?”
In general, we recommend connecting no more than 3,000 Watt
Hours (238 Ah, 12.6V) of external batteries for best results. Re-
member, the maximum charge input of the Apex remains steady
at 500 Watts. The more batteries that are connected, the lon-
ger they all take to charge.
Types of Batteries
“What types of batteries can I connect to the Apex?”
Any 12 Volt Deep Cycle Lead Acid, AGM, or Gel Cell battery can be
connected to the Apex. DO NOT connect external lithium batter-
ies not supplied by Inergy. Irreparable damage to the Apex or
fire could result.
