Photonic Universe Ltd
-
Bringing you the benefits of solar power -
Registered office:
Tel: +44 (0) 203 150 11 11
13 David Mews
Fax: +44 (0) 203 150 12 12
Porter Street
Email:
London W1U 6EQ UK
Web shop:
www.photonicuniverse.com
- Plug the MC4 end of 4m cable (which has been cut off from the solar panel) into the new MC4
connectors on 1m solar panel cable
- Connect bare ends of 4m cable to the solar controller. Make sure connection polarity is correct
according to the original polarity labels on the solar panel cable
: “+” to “+”, “-“ to “-“.
Note: if you do not need this additional MC4 connectivity point, you can skip this step by simply
cutting the existing MC4 connectors on the end of 5m solar panel cable off, and connecting the bare
wires to the screw terminals of the solar charge controller.
Note: after connecting the solar panel to the controller, and with the panel exposed to some daylight /
sunlight, battery LEDs on the controller should turn to constant ON. This means the controller has
started charging your batteries. If the controller LEDs turn to ON constantly first, but after a short
period of time start flashing slowly again, it might mean that the batteries are fully charged. Please
check the battery voltage with a digital multimeter for confirmation.
4. For maximum output from the solar panel make sure it is exposed to as much sunlight as possible
and it is not shaded. Even a small shaded area can reduce the output significantly (e.g. leaves,
shades from trees etc.)
5. For information on how to operate the controller, including choosing the battery type and charging
priority, please refer to the instruction manual for the solar charge controller.
To disconnect, the order should be the reverse to connection.
You should disconnect the solar panel
from the controller first
, and then disconnect each of the batteries. It is important that you follow this
disconnection order if you need to remove one of the batteries or if you need to change it to charge a
different battery.
Electrical installation of the solar kit with a single battery
The solar kit can also work with a single 12V battery if needed (i
t’s not necessary to use Battery 2
terminals of the solar charge controller). In order to install the solar kit with a single 12V battery, please go
through the above steps but skip everything which relates to the second battery.
If there is only one battery connected to Battery 1 terminals of the controller, the unit will recognise this
automatically and pass 100% of solar power to this battery. You will not need to adjust charging priority
settings of the controller for that.
Fitting the solar panel to your roof
1. Make sure all the components of your solar charging kit are disconnected when you start fitting the
solar panel.
2. Choose a location for the solar panel where it will be exposed to maximum sunlight and minimum
shading from nearby objects.
3. Drill holes in each of the corner and side plastic brackets in the designated places.
4. Attach the brackets to the solar panel frame (corners and sides) and mark corresponding holes on the
frame.
5. Drill smaller holes in the solar panel frame, according to the diameter of self-tapping screws which
you are planning to use (the drill size should be smaller than the screw diameter, so that screws grip
well).
6. Using self-tapping screws, fix plastic brackets to the corners and sides of the solar panel frame.
7. Using an appropriate adhesive, bond the brackets with the solar panel to your roof (using sand paper
and cleaning the surfaces if needed). To ensure that the polarity of the wires is clear
, mark the “+”
solar panel lead so that it is visible from the outside.
Note: when choosing the adhesive / bonding agent for your installation, make sure it is suitable for
outdoor use (e.g.
it’s suitable for a wide temperature range). For added strength, in addition to
bonding the brackets to the roof, you can drill a small vertical hole in each bracket and fix the brackets
by self-tapping screws (if the roof surface allows that). Sealant / adhesive should then be put on the
top of the screws to make the area waterproof.
