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rev.1011 MKTG-IM-TP-34-002
Installation and Owner’s Manual | TP Series Solar LED Lighting System
3.0 Operation and Maintenance
3.1 Break-in Period
After the TP Series lighting system is installed, the battery, LED fixture, and controller
require a break-in period before reaching peak performance and efficiency:
1.
New batteries achieve full charging capacity after they have been used for
approximately 45 days. Before that, they achieve approximately 85% of their
rated charging capacity.
2.
The LED fixture must operate for several days before it reaches its peak output.
This will not be noticeable.
3.
The controller must operate for approximately one week before learning the
system’s parameters and achieving maximum efficiency.
4.
The system may need a full day of peak sun to reset all of its circuits. If the
system is installed during a period of inclement weather or late in the day, the
system may not operate the first night.
The break-in period will not affect normal performance of the light unless the break-in
period occurs at a time that the system is operating at its extreme limits. This may be the
case if the system is installed during the winter months or during a period of successive
bad weather days.
3.2 Expected Performance
The TP Series lighting system is designed to provide reliable operation and illumination all
year. The solar panel provides enough energy during a normal day to charge the battery
for operation of the LED fixture for the following night. The system is designed with a five-
day reserve charge. As a result, extended periods of low sun may deplete the five-day
reserve and affect performance of the system. The following conditions may cause your
TP Series lighting system to operate out of specification:
1.
Prolonged Bad Weather
. A series of days with low levels of sunlight may
deplete the battery reserve. Depending on the severity of the condition, the
nightly illumination period could be reduced until a sunny day re-establishes the
reserve battery charge. Please note that the system may need anywhere from
two days (in summer) to ten days (in winter) of good sunny weather before the
full five-day battery reserve is completely achieved.
2.
Shading
. Installation of the TP Series lighting system in a location where the
solar panel is shaded during part of the day will inhibit the ability of the solar
panel to fully charge the battery and may severely damage the battery. The
hours of nighttime illumination will be reduced by the controller if the solar panel
cannot fully charge the battery.
If you believe that your TP Series lighting system is not performing as expected and the
above conditions do not apply, please contact Sol Customer Service at 1.772.286.9461.
