Monaco Camelot 2007, Owner'S Manual

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17
Section 8 — electrical SyStemS - HouSe camelot 2007
Solar panel (optIonal)
The motorhome is equipped with a fully
automatic solar-powered battery charging
system. The system consists of one roof-
mounted solar panel and a charge controller
(located in the curbside electrical compartment
for 38-40’ models only, or the rear run box for
42’ models only) that is capable of charging the
house batteries.
Solar Panel
The solar panel is a laser-grooved, buried-grid
panel that is capable of delivering about 2-3
amps of charge per hour in full sunlight (usually
between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.).
Extensive testing has shown that the solar
panel delivers enough power to offset the normal
day-to-day drain on batteries caused by various
parasitic electrical loads such as transmission
memories, alarm systems, natural self-discharge
of batteries and other like items. This means that
the solar panel is only intended to cover these
parasitic loads while dry camping.
WARNING
The solar panel needs to be cleaned
monthly. The solar panel may need to be
cleaned more frequently depending on
weather conditions.
Charge Controller
The Charge Controller was built to
accommodate either Flooded Lead-Acid
batteries or (sealed) Absorbed Glass Matte
(AGM) batteries. The Charge Controller is
limited to a maximum of three-amp charge.
The faceplate of the controller is used as a
heat sink for the electronics. Therefore, it will
become warm to the touch especially when
processing higher amperage. Automatic thermal
shutdown (indicated by the Load Disconnect red
LED light) will activate if the charge controller
gets too warm.
The jumper wire is removed from the two
right hand terminals. This sets the float voltage
for the controller to Flooded Wet Cell batteries.
Installing the jumper lowers float voltage for
Absorbed Glass Matte batteries. This feature
resets the charge parameters to work with either
flooded wet cell batteries or AGM batteries.
Float voltage changes from 14.2 to 13.4 Volts,
which is what the AGM battery manufacturer
recommends.
CAUTION
The Charge Controller panel may be
warm to the touch. This is a normal
function of the Charge Controller.
Green LED:
The Green LED (Charging) indicator
illuminates whenever sunlight is available for
battery charging. The green LED will turn off at
night.
Red LED:
If the controller includes an automatic
load disconnect feature, the red LED (Load
Disconnect) illuminates whenever the battery
charge state falls below the load disconnect
setpoint. This indicates low voltage and that the
charge controller has disconnected the load to
protect the battery from further discharge and
possible damage.
After a period of recharging the battery such
that it recovers approximately 40% to 50% of
its rated capacity, the load will automatically be
reconnected and the red LED will turn off.
Inspection and Maintenance
The following inspections and maintenance
tasks are recommended at least once per year for
best charge controller performance.
1. Confirm that the correct battery type
has been selected (sealed or flooded
with jumper).
2. Confirm that the current levels of the
PV (Photovoltaic) array and load do
not exceed the ratings.
3. Tighten all terminals, inspect for loose,
broken, or burnt wire connections. Be
certain no loose strands of wire are
touching other terminals.
4. Check that the charge controller
is securely mounted in a clean
environment. Inspect for dirt, insects,
and corrosion.
5. Check that the air flow around the
charge controller is not blocked.
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