We Care Solar - Solar Suitcase Installation Guide - 2017
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Solar Suitcase Repair and Maintenance
Overview
The Solar Suitcases are built with the highest quality parts. When properly installed, used, and
serviced, and with one LFP battery replacement every 5 years, the Solar Suitcases and panels
(excluding appliances) can last 10+ years. Maintenance and repair are minimal.
Main Battery Replacement
The main batteries, which are lithium ferrous phosphate (LFP), will need to be replaced after 5
years. Sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries will need to be replaced after 2 years. You will know
when the main battery needs replacement when you are sure the solar panel is receiving
sunlight but the LED lights do not stay on all night. You can also check the battery sticker for
the date of installation to know when it needs to be replaced. We recommend a 12V, 12Ah LFP
battery. The Solar Suitcases are also compatible with 12V,12-14 Ah SLA batteries.
Solar Panels
Panels are built to last for 10+ years and are unlikely to need repair. Refer to the section in this
guide called
Troubleshooting
if the Solar Suitcase is not producing any power.
Appliance Anticipated Lifespan
Appliances that come with the Solar Suitcase include: two headlamps, one rechargeable
battery charger, one 2-slot USB adaptor, one 10-in-1 USB phone charger, and one fetal
Doppler. All of these appliances have a limited life span, and will need to be replaced.
Replacements can be found in the We Care Solar Service Kits (see section in this manual titled
We Care Solar Service Kits
). If there are none left in the service kits, many of these items can
be purchased locally.
Maintenance
While the Solar Suitcases require little maintenance and repair, we strongly suggest calling or
visiting the facilities every six to twelve months to ensure everything is working properly.
Although health workers will have been trained during installation on how to properly use the
Solar Suitcase, some users need refresher training and new health workers may lack
information on how to use the Solar Suitcase. Users may also be reluctant to report any
problems. Following up to ensure the system is working properly is the best way to reinforce
and check proper usage of the Solar Suitcase.
