System Operation Manual
SAT-DN-00434, Rev. B
LOBO
2017-05-16
Page 37 of 86
Copyright
2017 Sea-Bird Scientific. All rights reserved.
Clips inside rail
Clips outside rail
Mounting U-Bolts
Figure 21: Solar Panel Mounting Rack
5.2.1.2
Solar Panel Power Cable
The solar panel is connected to the battery enclosure using a 3-meter long power cable, including a wet-
pluggable connector, shown above in Figure 20 and Figure 21
. The cable is attached to the solar panel’s
wiring junction box. The pinout for the connector, an IL2F manufactured by Subconn, is provided below in
Figure 22.
1
2
PANEL -
PANEL +
Figure 22: IL2F Cable Face View
5.2.1.3
Panel Orientation Guidelines
In the Northern Hemisphere, the solar panel should face true south. For optimum performance the solar
panel should be perpendicular to the sun at all times of the day, generally not possible without a sun-
tracking mechanism. Tracking mechanisms are only efficient for large arrays. Time-of-day variations
generally only account for a few percent variation in power output; local weather conditions have a much
greater effect. However, there are also seasonal variations to consider
–
in the winter the sun is not at the
same angle as in the summer. The user may choose to adjust the panel angle with the season, or pick a
single angle for year round use. A general guideline is to set the panel angle (measured from horizontal)
equal to the deployment locations latitude.
5.2.2
Battery Enclosure
The Battery Enclosure is a vented, insulated aluminum box with a white powder coat finish, with stainless
steel hinges and lockable hasp. The enclosure contains a large rechargeable battery, a charge and load
controller (CLC), and associated fusing and wiring. Two bulkhead connectors on the top of the Battery
