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We Care Solar - Solar Suitcase Installation Guide - 2017 

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Knows strategies for running the homerun cable which may affect where on the roof 
the solar panel is placed: e.g. running cable between layers of tin roofing, 

or under 

the ridge cap,

 or around the edge of the roof and through a window, through an 

eve. 

 

Knows to create a drip loop on homerun cable before it enters the building 

 

Knows that the solar panel should be tilted at least 10° to shed water 

 

Knows how to connect and detach MC-4 connectors 

 

Knows how to detach blue/yellow solar plug from home run cable. 

 

Knows how to provide stress relief by attaching homerun cable to solar panel 

frame. 

 

Knows that when you mount a solar panel on the roof, it is important to minimize 

the holes made into the roof and to seal the roof to prevent leaking.  

 

Knows to only make holes in the peak of the corrugation 

 

Knows that when you run the homerun cable through the roof or around the roof 

edge, protect the cable from sharp edges using additional protective materials (e.g. 
split conduit) 

 

Knows how to drill through aluminum of conventional panel in a way that protects 

panel from damage and makes a hole for a secure bolt.  Use L brackets as guide 
and guard. 

 

Knows how to assess safety of roof and knows that we should NOT attempt to 

mount solar panel on an unsafe roof. Knows to mount alternative ground mount 
structure instead. 

1,2 
or 3 

INSTALLING THE SOLAR SUITCASE

 

 

Knows there is a difference between Lead Acid and LFP battery. Knows that we 

use the LFP battery that lasts for five years. 

 

Knows where to mount a Solar Suitcase on a wall:  located in reach of lights, within 

reach of the 11-meter homerun cable that leads to the Solar Panel. Knows to 
choose location that is safe and accessible.  

 

Knows which tools are needed for the mounting:   

  Drill with concrete bit (if mounted on masonry wall, proper screw drivers and 

sized drill bits). 

  If access to wall with wood framing, then to locate where two bolts can go 

into the wood framing of the wall (typically an interior wall). 

 

Knows to mount the Solar Suitcase level; knows how to use level 

 

Knows the steps to installing the suitcase on the wall:  remove the control board, 
drill 4 holes in back of suitcase, mark 1 hole and attach suitcase, mark other 3 
holes while using level.  Attach suitcase using LARGER hex-head screws in plastic 
anchors.  Reattach main control board. 

 

Knows to place Solar Suitcase on table if wall is not strong enough for wall mount. 

 

Knows how to connect battery to main control board 

1,2 
or 3 

INSTALLING THE LIGHTS

 

 

Knows to discuss lighting needs with healthcare staff, and to ask 3 questions: 

1.  Where do you stand when conducting deliveries? 
2.  Where do you care for the baby after delivery? 
3.  Where do mothers rest after giving birth? 

Summary of Contents for Solar Suitcase

Page 1: ...We Care Solar Solar Suitcase Installation Guide 2017 Page 1 We Care Solar Suitcase Installation Guide 2017...

Page 2: ...the Solar Panel 21 Solar Panel Installation Checklist 30 Installing the Solar Suitcase 32 Solar Suitcase Installation Checklist 36 Installing the LED Lights 38 LED Lights Installation Checklist 41 Ins...

Page 3: ...els 1 2 slot USB adapter 1 wall mounting hardware kit Optional Appliances 1 roof mounting hardware kit Fetal Doppler Solar panel s EITHER AA AAA battery charger 2 plastic backed solar panels 20 watts...

Page 4: ...the battery is full at the beginning of the evening but runs out of charge quickly for example the battery cannot provide enough power for one LED light through the night it is time to replace your ba...

Page 5: ...ge controller Battery terminals slip on connectors Light sockets External battery socket Light switches circuit breaker Solar socket Appliance switch circuit breaker Solar plug on homerun cable Applia...

Page 6: ...m is not properly connected Battery Type Selector The selector must be on 2 SEALED for all sealed lead acid AGM batteries and LFP batteries like the kind that comes with the Solar Suitcase Battery Sta...

Page 7: ...ut how do you know your battery is charging There is a green light on the charge controller above the sun This light is called the solar charging light When it is daytime and the homerun cable is prop...

Page 8: ...e to wash your clothes Similarly if the green light is blinking on the charge controller this means there is overflowing electricity in the battery This is a great time to charge appliances If you hav...

Page 9: ...ftop with no shade between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM The panels should have a minimum of 10 degree slope so that the rain will clean the panels off 2 Connect the homerun cable to the Solar Suitcase M...

Page 10: ...p on connector Make sure the slip on connectors are fully inserted 4 Turn on the system Once the solar panel and battery connections are secure you can turn on the system Use the main power switch to...

Page 11: ...arge controller will tell you whether or not it is ok to charge appliances If the battery is BLINKING GREEN Battery is full This is the best time to charge mobile phones and other appliances SOLID GRE...

Page 12: ...rger on 2 Plug the multi tip phone charger into the 2 slot USB adapter and the appropriate plug on the other end of the multi tip phone charger into the cell phone The appliance switch turns on both a...

Page 13: ...lamp off and then turn it back on again 3 You can also adjust the angle of the light beam by rotating the light away from the strap once it is on your head 4 When you are done using the headlamp push...

Page 14: ...ll take about three hours to fully charge it back up Charging the headlamp 1 Plug the 2 slot USB adaptor into one of the appliance sockets and flip the appliance red switch to turn the appliance charg...

Page 15: ...the mother to find the position of the fetus 2 Place lubricant on the probe For lubricant you can use ultrasound gel or any vegetable oil DO NOT use water because it does not conduct sound well 3 Turn...

Page 16: ...urn the mother on her side begin intravenous fluids start oxygen and call for assistance Call a doctor or refer the mother to a hospital if the fetal heartbeat remains too fast or too slow If the hear...

Page 17: ...ger on The LCD display will tell you that the batteries are charging and show you when the batteries are fully charged If the LCD display is not lit check that the charger is properly inserted into th...

Page 18: ...Suitcase Installation Guide 2017 Page 18 Installation Guide for Solar Suitcases 1 Installation Planning 2 Installing the Solar Panel 3 Installing the Solar Suitcase 4 Installing the LED Lights 5 Inst...

Page 19: ...h the medical team 4 Identify the best location for the Solar Suitcase lights and solar panels a Engage the health workers at the clinics as they are the best source of information They know how rooms...

Page 20: ...tion hardware user manual and poster are inside the Suitcase 2 Solar Panel s 1 extra in case of breakage 3 Installation paperwork stickers tracking sheet receipt certificates baseline form etc 4 Toolb...

Page 21: ...ommunicate with your team BE AWARE Do not touch electricity lines with your body or ladder Do not walk near or over skylights Avoid wasp nests Avoid attics with bats or rodents If roof is too steep or...

Page 22: ...h the ladder Only one person should be on the ladder at a time Climb with your eyes facing the ladder Have someone hold the ladder When getting off the ladder onto the roof step around the ladder and...

Page 23: ...s sunlight to get energy so install it where there are no shadows and where it gets sun all year How far should it be from the Solar Suitcase The homerun cable that connects the panel to the Solar Sui...

Page 24: ...y times and put yourself at risk You will need the following tools to install the Solar Panel From the Solar Suitcase From the toolkit Homerun cable L feet Zip ties Nuts and bolts Roof screws Silicone...

Page 25: ...moved However do not remove the screws Using electrical tape tape the wires separately and then together to protect them from damage To reattach the cable to the solar plug Remove the protective elect...

Page 26: ...reach beams above and below the panel Tilt the panel 10 15 degrees to allow rainwater to flow off the panel and to maximize sun exposure see figure 2 On rare occasions if you can t reach both beams yo...

Page 27: ...main support beams and into the peak of the corrugation 2 Mark the solar panel frame where the L feet are 3 Mark the exact spot where you will drill into the panel on the center of the frame and the...

Page 28: ...efore you attach the solar panel to the roof secure and protect the homerun cable The drip loop can be done after the solar panel is installed 1 Stress relief near the junction box 2 Stress relief at...

Page 29: ...wrenches 2 Mark the roof where where you will attach the L feet Note Do not mark where you will drill onto the roof until the L feet are attached to the panel 3 Use the long roof screws to attach the...

Page 30: ...olar panel frame looks straight and panel is not twisted 5 Homerun cable is wrapped with extra protection e g with conduit in places it might be damaged sharp edges doorways etc and has a drip loop to...

Page 31: ...We Care Solar Solar Suitcase Installation Guide 2017 Page 31 What s wrong with this installation...

Page 32: ...solar panel on the roof will reach the Solar Suitcase The Solar Suitcase has important appliances that should be easily accessed but are also safe Install in a room that is easy to access and secure I...

Page 33: ...ies can help you secure wires and cables to the wall 4 There are smaller screws to attach zip ties to the wall 5 You can use the hooks to hold lights that are moveable 6 You can also use hooks to hold...

Page 34: ...uitcase is even 4 Set the first plastic anchor Drill holes 4 centimeters deep into the wall Insert the anchors into the holes all the way into the wall 5 Attach the suitcase to the wall and mark the o...

Page 35: ...ation options Reversing the door swing If you want the Solar Suitcase door to open on the other side follow these steps 1 Remove the main control board 2 Rotate the Solar Suitcase 180 degrees 3 Drill...

Page 36: ...not being pulled stress relief 4 Grey plug is firmly inserted into hole protecting the Solar Suitcase from dust 5 The battery cables are properly connected red to red black to black and attached to t...

Page 37: ...We Care Solar Solar Suitcase Installation Guide 2017 Page 37 Solar Suitcase Installation Checklist...

Page 38: ...other rooms that are related to maternal and newborn care Hallway Location Factors to Consider Light decreases intensity with distance If you need a bright and focused light place it directly in line...

Page 39: ...alling lights 1 Fixed installation on a ceiling or wall 2 Moveable light on a fixed line 3 Movable light attached to the wall 4 Moveable light hung on an IV pole or other fixture Use large hooks for t...

Page 40: ...e stress relief at Solar Suitcase and expansion switch box Note Not all Solar Suitcases come with an expansion switch box Step 6 Connect lights to the Solar Suitcase and expansion switch box To connec...

Page 41: ...ion to light sockets and they have a comfort loop 4 Zipties provide stress relief for cables at entry to expansion switch box if applicable and to the Solar Suitcase 5 The expansion switch box is firm...

Page 42: ...y sticker informs the health clinic who to contact when the main battery needs to be replaced On the battery sticker fill in the installation date expected replacement date 2 years for SLA battery 5 y...

Page 43: ...he equipment receipt is for the health facility the Ministry of Health and or the partner organization and is a record of the equipment that was installed and received by the health facility This is n...

Page 44: ...ation about how they have managed to work in the dark before the Solar Suitcase was installed If you are unsure as to whether or not you need to complete a baseline form during installation please ask...

Page 45: ...Run Cable brings electricity from solar panel to battery The Charge Controller regulates the electricity going into and out of the battery The Charge Controller is like our eyes into the battery It te...

Page 46: ...s Turn off your lights if they are not needed OR only use one light and wait for the sun to recharge your battery If you have a medical procedure and need to use a light we recommend you use ONE light...

Page 47: ...status light is flashing you can use the Solar Suitcase to charge cell phones the headlamps and rechargeable batteries When the light is flashing green There is extra energy and on a sunny day the Sol...

Page 48: ...and AAA batteries RECHARGABLE AA batteries are included in the Solar Suitcase for the fetal Doppler The charger CANNOT be used with single use batteries If you place single use batteries into the batt...

Page 49: ...ot be used Ask the midwife to palpate the mother Identify the position of the fetus and estimate the position of the fetal thorax Place gel or oil on the mother s skin close to where you think the fet...

Page 50: ...with the main power switch on and both lights on 2 Second Everyone cover your eyes until I say open 3 Third Change something on the Solar Suitcase so it does not work see options below 4 Fourth Invite...

Page 51: ...ou need to use a translator it will take more time Your goal is students understanding It is not a performance but an exchange Encourage interaction and ask students to try out the system and explain...

Page 52: ...llow and red 3 Where are the light switches When should you use the lights 4 Where is the appliance switch When should you charge appliances 5 Show me how to use the battery charger What kinds of batt...

Page 53: ...epair 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...

Page 54: ...ts turn out earlier than they used to One or both lights do not work at all C LED light is not functioning 57 One appliance socket is not working D Appliance is not functioning 57 59 One specific appl...

Page 55: ...battery status lights to guide proper usage Step 1 Check how old the battery is An LFP battery lasts for 5 years and an SLA battery lasts for 2 years If the battery is old it will need to be replaced...

Page 56: ...olar panels to an area of the roof that is not shaded If solar panel is dirty Wash panel with soft cloth If there is sunshine but no green light above the sun icon the solar charging light it means th...

Page 57: ...e Step 2 Check the light switch is on Step 1 Make sure the red appliance switch is in the ON position Step 2 Make sure the USB adapter is fully inserted into the socket Step 3 Make sure both sockets a...

Page 58: ...rking follow the instructions below for that appliance mobile phone charger headlamp or fetal Doppler C1 Mobile phone is not charging When charging properly the charging light should be flashing green...

Page 59: ...rged Make sure the batteries are inserted correctly to and to Always use gel or oil on the tip If you are out of gel use KY jelly or vegetable oil Replace batteries if they are damaged or old Step 1 C...

Page 60: ...e kits in the District where Solar Suitcases are installed not in capital or regional headquarters Important to determine in advance who will manage distribution and replacement Included in every kit...

Page 61: ...are unable to reach anybody locally you can also call or write directly to We Care Solar Warranty We Care Solar provides a limited warranty for two years on the base system The base system includes ch...

Page 62: ...ress relief and a drip loop C SOLAR SUITCASE INSTALLATION CHECKLIST The Solar Suitcase is firmly attached to the wall The Solar Suitcase location is accessible for midwives medical activities security...

Page 63: ...green yellow and red Where are the light switches When should you use the lights Where is the appliance switch When should you charge appliances Show me how to use the battery charger What kinds of b...

Page 64: ...power when battery status light is yellow or flashing red Knows to conserve power if it is a rainy day Knows how to conserve power by not charging appliances phones AAA battery charger Knows to minimi...

Page 65: ...nted on the wall Fetal Doppler Knows how to place rechargeable AA batteries correctly in Doppler Knows that the Doppler should be turned on when it is time to use turn off when not in use Knows that t...

Page 66: ...ttempt to mount solar panel on an unsafe roof Knows to mount alternative ground mount structure instead 1 2 or 3 INSTALLING THE SOLAR SUITCASE Knows there is a difference between Lead Acid and LFP bat...

Page 67: ...can be creative Knows how to locate ceiling framing or adequate bite into ceiling material to make a secure mounting of the light Knows how and where to mount expansion switch box Knows the final tou...

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