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
Q. Can I upgrade the solar kit to generate more power and charge my batteries faster?
A. The solar charge controller can work with solar panels with up to 260W (12V) or 520W (24V) combined
power. Therefore, you can add another solar panel to your kit only if you are charging 24V batteries. If you
are charging 12V batteries, you will need to upgrade the solar charge controller and cables before adding
an extra panel. It is essential that the second solar panel is made of the same type solar cells from the
same manufacturer, and it has the same power rating. If you need help with upgrading your solar kit
please contact
Photonic Universe
for assistance using the contact details below.
Q. Can I run 240V AC household appliances directly from my 12V battery?
A. No, you can only run 12V DC appliances directly from your battery. If you also want to run 240V AC
household appliances you need an off-grid pure sine wave power inverter (see Appendix 3 for more
details).
Troubleshooting
It is important to remember that if your battery is not getting enough charge, it does not necessarily mean
there is a problem with the solar charging kit. In most cases the power drain from the battery would simply
be higher than the power generated by the solar charging kit (especially in the winter when you might
have a noticeable reduction in solar energy output and an increase in the energy consumption at the same
time). Another reason could be that there is a power leakage in your system. Only after disconnecting the
battery from the system (e.g. vehicle / boat system) and from all your loads, and when you then left it
charging for a considerable amount of time with no or little effect on the battery, should you use the
following troubleshooting options:
•
Disconnect and reconnect the system (solar panel should be disconnected first, then the load, and
then the battery; connection in the reverse order: battery, load, and then the solar panel).
•
If the controller does not recognise the battery (upon connection the battery light on the controller
remains switched off), make sure that the battery generates at least 12.0V for troubleshooting
purposes. If necessary, charge the battery by other means first. We recommend measuring the
voltage directly from the battery terminals of the controller to make sure there is no broken link
between the controller and the battery, and to ensure the polarity is correct.
•
Disconnect the battery from your vehicle / boat / off-grid system
(both “+” and “-”) so that there is no
power drain or leakage.
•
Check all connections to ensure they are secure and clean
•
Check polarity of the battery connection and the solar panel connection
•
Ensure the solar panel is exposed to sufficient light
– ideally position it to face the sun directly
•
For more information refer to the Troubleshooting section of the solar controller / display manual
Warranty
The solar charge controller included in this set is covered by 2 (two) year manufacturer warranty after
purchase. Please refer to the warranty section of the solar charge controller manual for more information.
The remote LCD display meter included in this set is covered by 1 (one) year warranty provided by
Photonic Universe. We will repair or replace any products with defects at our discretion.
Disclaimer
Working with electricity and batteries can be dangerous. The information provided in this
manual is for general guidance only. All work should follow the safety standards and should
be carried out by an appropriately qualified person.
Photonic Universe Ltd is not responsible for any damage or injury caused by inappropriate
installation or use of the product.
