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Solar Panel Maintenance and Care

Although a well designed vehicle-mounted solar system requires minimal maintenance, it is highly
recommended to perform an inspection and cleaning of the solar panels during the warranty period.
This helps to ensure optimal system performance and reliability through a few simple steps.

Visual
Inspection

Perform a visual inspection of the solar system on a monthly basis to identify if there are
any visual defects or improper connections.

n

Check for any sharp objects on the solar panel surface.

n

Check for any signs of corrosion or burnt hotspots around the solar cell and
backsheet area.

n

Check that the solar panel is clear of any shading by any foreign material or
unwanted obstacles. Just a small amount of shade on the solar panel surface can
cause significant power output loss.

n

If the solar panel has slight discoloration over a period of usage, this is considered
normal for solar panels that use an anti-reflection coating laminate.

Cleaning
Solar
Panels

The power output of a solar panel is proportional to the amount of sunlight that reaches
the solar cells. Therefore, any build-up of dust or dirt on the surface of the solar panel will
result in a loss of power. This is a trade-off between the maximizing the power output of
the solar panel versus the cost and time to perform regular cleaning.

c

 Do not clean solar panels if there is broken glass or exposed wiring because this

creates a risk for electric shock.

c

 Do not step or kneel on the solar panel during cleaning.

n

Check the solar panel periodically during seasons that the vehicle is in-use. If
there is a build-up of dust or dirt on the surface of the solar panel, it is
recommended to clean it.

n

Clean the solar panel in the early morning or early evening when the solar panel
is cooler, especially in hot regions. This will reduce the risk for electrical and
thermal shock.

n

Clean using a soft cloth together with clean water and mild detergent or soap.

l

Avoid solutions containing hydrochloric acid, D-Limonene, ammonia, or
sodium hydroxide.

l

Make sure there is no soap residue remaining after cleaning.

l

Avoid using water with high mineral content that may leave deposits on
the solar panel surface.

l

Tap water with low mineral content or deionized water may also be used.

l

Use fresh water with TDS < 1500 mg/l for cleaning.

l

Do not use abrasive materials to clean the solar panel.

l

Do not use chemicals to clean the solar panel.

l

Do not pressure wash the solar panel.

l

Do not clean or spray water at the Junction Box.

Frequency

n

Trim vegetation that shades the solar array.

n

Verify that mounting hardware is properly tightened.

n

Inspect cables for tight connections and protection from sunlight and water.

n

Check string fuses in each non-earthed pole.

n

Check the torque of terminal bolts and the general condition of wiring at least
twice a year.

n

Use replacement modules of the same type and handle live parts with caution.

n

Ensure modules are not shaded, as shaded cells produce less energy.

13

975-1029-01-01 Rev E

February 2024

Summary of Contents for 784-9115-01

Page 1: ...lar energy and quietly produce power for your vehicle s DC appliances and store energy to a battery during daylight hours The Solar Max Flex Panel base package includes the following items n one Solar...

Page 2: ...isassemble the solar max flex panel except where noted for connecting wiring and cabling See your warranty for instructions on obtaining service Attempting to service the solar max flex panel yourself...

Page 3: ...Installation Steps 6 Safety Instructions 6 Tools and Materials 6 Solar Panel Wiring 11 Solar Panel Maintenance and Care 13 Troubleshooting 15 Specifications 15 Accessory List 17 975 1029 01 01 Rev E F...

Page 4: ...This page is intentionally blank...

Page 5: ...n Disconnect all power sources n Disable and secure disconnect devices Failure to follow these instructions can result in death serious injury or equipment damage Tools and Materials You may need the...

Page 6: ...ea that is readily accessible viewable and free from exposure to moisture c Plan the route and measure the lengths of cables needed to reach their connection points factoring in bends and slack d You...

Page 7: ...and mark the exact and intended location of the solar panel Failure to follow these instructions can result in physical damage to vehicles and property Figure 3 Adhesive strips on the panel s backsid...

Page 8: ...tape Forillustration purposes The solarcellsare shown asperspective only Do not applythe adhesive tape on top of the solarcells The adhesive tape must be applied on the backside of the paneland onto t...

Page 9: ...e the PV cables through the roof entry point and connect the red pos and black neg PV cables to the charge controller See T3 d Connect the red pos and black neg battery cables to the charge controller...

Page 10: ...ower point tracking 30A 12 24VDC 710 3024 01 b Solar panels can be configured in series parallel or a combination of both series and parallel Figure 5 Cable schematic for series Pos of first panel con...

Page 11: ...rst panel connects to Neg of next panel using branch connectors and so on and terminating with the Neg of the solar charge controller Optimized for MPPT or PWM solar charger Figure 7 Cable schematic f...

Page 12: ...e this creates a risk for electric shock cDo not step or kneel on the solar panel during cleaning n Check the solar panel periodically during seasons that the vehicle is in use If there is a build up...

Page 13: ...at night Additional Checks n Cleaning frequency depends on environmental conditions high windy or dusty areas may require more frequent cleaning n For excessive soiling use a non conductive soft brus...

Page 14: ...ose or no DC cable connections Connect DC cables to the battery and solar panel and tighten terminal connections Fuse is blown Replace the blown fuse with a 30A 32V green ATC blade fuse Specifications...

Page 15: ...STC 220 W Maximum power voltage 20 9 V Maximum power current 10 4 A Open circuit voltage 25 8 V Short circuit current 11 2 A Maximum system voltage 600 VDC Safety Class II PV Module Insulate leads an...

Page 16: ...050 PV Connector Assembly Tool PN 708 0060 Mounting Hardware PN 708 0070 Remote Battery Temperature Sensor PN 708 0080 Roof Entry Cable Plate PN 708 0090 Solar and Battery Cables Starter Kit 10 AWG 20...

Page 17: ...This page intentionally left blank...

Page 18: ...1 800 670 0707 1 408 987 6030 customerservice xantrex com https xantrex com support get customer support http www xantrex com 975 1029 01 01 Rev E February 2024 Printed in USA...

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