Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Table of Contents Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Safety Precautions .................................................................................................................................. 3 1.1.1 Wiring and Connections .........................................................................
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 1 INTRODUCTION Congratulations on purchasing a high quality renewable energy product where building your own off-grid solar system has never been easier. Although installation is quick and professional using the materials included in your kit, it is important to read this manual and understand all the mechanical and electrical requirements prior to beginning installation. If there are questions or concerns of any sort, please contact us at info@windynation.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 2.2.1.1 Monocrystalline – Polycrystalline Monocrystalline solar cells are manufactured using a single crystal of silicon and are dark black in color. Polycrystalline, on the other hand, are blue in color and are manufactured by using multiple silicon crystals that are melted and poured into a cast. 2.2.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 2.2.3 MC4 Connectors Single-contact connector used to connect solar panels; See Section 4.3 for additional information 2.2.4 MC4 Branch Connectors Splitter/Combiner connector used to easily interconnect solar panels 2.2.5 Solar Panel Cable Assembly of copper electrical conductors available in 12AWG or 10AWG sizes 2.2.6 Solar Panel Mounting Z-Brackets Mounting brackets used to secure panel to a flat surface.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 2.3 REQUIRED TOOLS • • • • • • • Two adjustable wrenches Wire crimping tool Wire stripper Philips head screwdriver Bolt to secure Z-Bracket to mounting surface (4x per panel); e.g.: lag bolt, carriage bolt, etc. Batteries (Deep Cycle preferred) Fuses 3 CHARGE CONTROLLER INSTALLATION NOTE: The charge controller you receive depends on the kit ordered. Please refer to the controller instructions specific to the model you received.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 Once the connections are made to the battery terminals on the charge controller, make sure the battery post terminals are clean and free from corrosion. IMPORTANT: A properly sized fuse needs to be placed in the positive wire connecting the charge controller to the battery; See Section 4.4.4 for assistance. It is recommended to use a battery cable lug appropriately sized to fit the post of your battery.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 4 SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION 4.1 LOCATION Determine a location for the solar panel that is in direct sunlight and clear of any shading by adjacent obstacles such as trees, roof overhangs, etc. Ideally, the panels will be positioned to minimize the wiring distance between the solar panel and the charge controller and will have sufficient space to access the panel for servicing should it be required.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 4.2.1 Layout - Placement For systems using more than one panel that will connect together, the 36” connection cable may limit the possible orientation of the inter-connected panels. Proposed orientations are located in Section 5 but user applications may not have the necessary space available to achieve this layout. In these cases, the use of MC4 extension cables may be required to connect panels together.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 MC4 Branch connectors do NOT require any preparation. The metal female and male pins are pre-installed at the factory inside the MC4 Branch Connectors. This means that the MC4 Branch Connectors can simply be snapped into place. 4.4 INTERCONNECT PANELS Before you proceed, you must avoid exposing the solar panel to direct sunlight. This will avoid any electrical shock hazard during installation.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 Use a Philips screwdriver to tighten the terminals on the charge controller and secure the connections. Once you connect the solar extension cables into the charge controller PV terminals, you may remove the covering of the solar panels. The controller should indicate a charging solar panel if there is enough sunlight. IMPORTANT: A properly sized fuse needs to be placed in the positive wire connecting the solar panels to the charge controller. 4.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 4.7 FUSING YOUR SYSTEM It is necessary to add fuses or circuit breakers to the Complete Off-Grid Solar Panel Kits. While the systems will function without fuses or circuit breakers, fusing protects the system from accidental short circuits, power surges, and accidental incorrect wiring. An ATC fuse can be used (available at auto parts stores) or a circuit breaker can be purchased at most hardware stores.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 5 PANEL PLACEMENT AND WIRING 5.1 100W – 12 VOLT SYSTEM 5.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 5.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 5.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 5.5 400W (FOUR 100W PANELS) – 12 VOLT SYSTEM 5.5.1 1x4 Layout 5.5.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 5.6 400W (FOUR 100W PANELS) – 24 VOLT SYSTEM 6 BATTERIES The battery is a critical component in your renewable energy system to store the power generated by your solar panels and provide a relatively constant source of power when the grid is down, or during periods when your photovoltaic system is not producing power. Although batteries are not one hundred percent efficient, they are predictable and stable enough for reliable long-term service.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 hours. The generally accepted rating time period for most manufacturers is 20 hours. This means that the battery will provide the rated amperage for about 20 hours until it is completely discharged. To determine the number or charge size of batteries you need, you must first determine how much energy storage you need in Watt-hours (Wh).
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 • • • • • • Clean the glass surface of the solar panel when necessary. Always use water and a soft sponge or cloth for cleaning. A mild, non-abrasive cleaning agent can be used to remove dirt. Check the electrical and mechanical connections every six months to verify that they are clean, secure and undamaged. Inspect the solar panels and make sure the surfaces are free from dust, dirt, and other debris; clean with a wet cloth or glass cleaner if necessary.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 7.3 SUPPORT If you are experiencing technical problems and cannot find a solution in this manual, please contact Windy Nation Inc. for further assistance. • Call: (805) 323-6445 • Email: info@windynation.com • Write: 1082 Front Street, Unit B, Ventura, CA 93001 For challenging issues or to just ask a question, consider using our FREE Community Forums! Consult our community of DIYers for fast answers to all your questions. Post on our Forums: http://www.
Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual Revision 2.0 Nation’s property on the date Windy Nation ships the repaired Product or part back to the Customer. Windy Nation will use all reasonable efforts within thirty (30) days of receipt of the defective Product to repair or replace such Product. If a warranty claim is invalid for any reason, the Customer will be charged at Windy Nation’s thencurrent rates for services performed and will be charged for all necessary repairs and expense incurred by Windy Nation.
