SPECIFICATIONS
Size:
(Closed) 230 x 198 x 15mm
(Open) 470 x 198 x 7.5mm
Weight: 600g
Supplied in this package
• 8wp fold up solar panel with 3m cable
and cable storage pocket (A)
• 20cm connecting cable with crocodile
clips (B)
• 20cm connecting cable 12v auto plug (C)
• 4 x rubber suction cup (D)
• User manual (E)
How does it work
When exposed to daylight the solar cell instantly
begins to generate a voltage. The fold-up solar
panel will work in all daylight conditions and is
fully weather resistant.
Positioning
This will be determined by the cable length from
panel to battery. But wherever possible place
the panel ideally at 35 to 65 degrees, facing
south. The fold-up solar panel will still work if
positioned behind glass or perspex and even if
facing north, although in such circumstances
the power delivery will be reduced.
Protection against battery drain
The fold-up solar panel has a built in blocking
diode fitted which prevents battery drain during
night time. Therefore, the panel can be left
attached long term.
Note – there is no fuse connected to this system,
therefore care must be taken not to pinch, cut or
damage the integrity of the supplied cables, as a
short circuit may occur.
Performance
The fold-up solar panel will deliver current to
a 12V battery. It is rated at 8W, which means in
ideal conditions, the panel will generate 8 watts
of power per hour. This is a perfect amount of
power to prevent a large battery going flat,
even in winter.
Note – if the intention is to use the panel with
a battery lower in capacity than 60Ah then
we would recommend either purchasing the
Solar Technology International STCC10, 10A
charge controller which prevents the battery
getting overcharged and therefore damaged
by a solar panel, or paying close attention to a
battery’s condition and when 95% fully charged
detach the panel from the battery.
Charge controllers and solar panel test meters
can be purchased from your retailer or through
www.solartechnology.co.uk.
FAQ
1. Will the panel be damaged if left outside
all year?
• No – the panel is fully weather resistant.
However, most batteries are not. Therefore
always ensure the battery is dry and
undercover.
2. How can the crocodile clip cable be
routed from an engine bay into the
driver’s cabin, where the panel is located?
• You can safely close a bonnet lid and car
door on the cable. However, it is vital that
the area that will be clamped onto the cable
is checked for sharp edges. It is a good idea
to close the bonnet or door once and to
reopen again to inspect the cable for any
signs of significant damage.
Always check the cable for damage
before use.
IMPORTANT:
Always disconnect the cable
before driving.
3. Can I get spare parts for the 8w fold up?
• Spare parts are available via our website
www.solartechnology.co.uk and include;
crocodile clips and cable, 12v auto plug and
cable and suction cups.
4. Can the fold-up solar panel damage my
battery by overcharging?
• If the battery is 60Ah or above the panel
will not, in any circumstances overcharge
the battery. If lower than 60Ah, a 10Ah
charge controller should be purchased from
your retailer or
www.solartechnology.co.uk.
Note – most car batteries are 70Ah or
above.
5. Will the panel drain a battery when it’s
dark?
• No, a built in reverse feed diode prevents
this occurring.
D
C
B
E
A
Connection
This system is supplied with both 12v auto plug
and crocodile clips to connect to a battery. If
using the 12v auto plug please be aware that
your 12v auto socket (cigarette lighter socket)
may not be active with the ignition turned off.
In this case you will need to connect to the
battery using the crocodile clips. You can check
if the 12v socket is live by inserting the 12v auto
plug into the socket. If it is live and can accept
a charge the red indicator light on the plug will
illuminate. If not, you must use the crocodile
clips.
Ensure the location where you want to fix the
solar panel can reach the battery with the fitted
3.2m cable / connectors. Open the panel so
its solar cell is facing daylight. You can either
rest the panel on a surface (ie on a dash board)
or fix it to a windscreen or similar by using the
suction cups. You can also attach the panel by
using bungee straps, cable ties etc. The panel
is weather resistant so it can be fixed inside or
out but please be aware the eyelet rings are
stainless steel but can still potentially discolour
or even rust.
When you have finished using the 8w fold up,
carefully tuck the cable and chosen connector
into its pocket and close the two halves of the
panel. You will feel the closure magnets hold
both halves together securely.
Note – although the voltage is relatively low,
we would still recommend that the plastic
insulation around the crocodile clips is handled
rather than the exposed metal parts.
The 8w fold up panel has no indication that
it is working, however, every panel has been
checked and tested for performance prior to
despatch so you can be sure it will work right
out of the box. Should you wish to be certain,
you will need to use a digital volt meter to test
the panel. For assistance in this process please
email
[email protected] and we will
email you back a help sheet.
Technical helpline 01684 774 000
