Fold Up Solar Panels User Guide
There are 3 different kits 40W, 60W and 90W. Each contains the following
– fold-up solar panel with integrated stand and ready fitted charge controller and 3m cable (A)
– Extension cable with crocodile clips (B)
– Extension cable with 12v Auto plug
– Extension cable with female auto socket
– Premium padded carry bag (C)
– Instruction manual
Specifications
Part numbers: STFP40 / STFP60 / STFP90
Weight: STFP40 7Kg / STFP60 8.5Kg / STFP90 11.5Kg
Size (Closed): STFP40 353 x 500 x 76mm / STFP60 500 x 500 x 76mm / STFP90 700 x 500 x 76mm
Opening and setting up the fold-up solar panel
Unclip the two buckles either side of the carry handle and carefully open both sides of the fold-up solar panel taking care not to over stress
the hinges.
Depending on the ground you may wish to either position the fold-up solar panel with its solar cell facing down or on its edge so the charge
controller is uppermost.
On the top of each solar panels frame, you will see the leg to support the solar panel. Pull the base of the leg outward to its maximum position
and locate the solar panel in the desired location.
Tips on solar performance
If the legs are positioned at their maximum adjustment the angle is ideal for UK / European use for Spring, Summer and Autumn.
If you intend to use the fold-up solar panel in the
Winter the angle of the solar panel should be
steeper.
What you are trying to achieve is a right angle strike from where the sun is to the solar cell surface.
Solar production will always be at its best during the hours of 10am and 3pm so ensure the fold-up solar panel is facing South during this period.
Connecting the fold-up solar panel to a battery
Remove the cable bundle from the bag on the back of the fold-up solar panel and run this to a point close to the battery.
Now connect either the crocodile or 12v auto plug cable extension direct to the battery or into a 12v auto socket.
Either extension can be left permanently fixed to a battery or it may be preferred to cut the clips from the cable and replace with ring terminals so a more secure battery connection can be formed.
Ensure the correct battery polarity is observed. We use DC cable which is colour coded Red for Positive (+) and Black for Negative (–).
Once the extension cable is securely attached to the battery connect it to the fold-up solar panel cable, which is keyed ensuring it cannot be connected in the wrong polarity.
The connector joining the fold-up solar panel cable to the
extension cable is fully water resistant so can be positioned in wet grass etc – but do ensure it is never submerged in liquid.
In addition to the afore mentioned extension cables, the fold-up is also supplied with a female 12v auto socket cable extension, which is useful should you wish to extent the length of cable from the panel to the battery.
Charge controller
The fold-up solar panel has an integrated charge controller and its job is to ensure the fold-up solar panel does not overcharge the battery and to prevent reverse current drain during heavily over cast conditions or at night.
When the fold-up solar panel is connected to a battery the red ‘Sun’ LED will start to flash. This is indicating that the management system in the
fold-up solar panel is checking the battery status before it starts to charge it. If the battery is ready to receive a charge the ‘Sun’ LED will change to
a constant light after a short while and the greeLEDs in the ‘Battery’ illustration will indicate the approximate level of charge in the battery. If the
battery is already fully charged the ‘Sun’ light will continue to flash and so will all four of the green
LEDs in the ‘Battery’ illustration. In this instance
the solar panel can be safely left connected to the battery as its output will be automatically switched to trickle mode and thus cannot overcharge the battery.
LED Notes
1. ‘Sun’ LED is off – the light is not sufficiently strong enough to allow charging to commence – ensure the fold-up solar panel is outside and directed towards the sun.
2. ‘Battery’ illustration LED 1 has a slow flash – indicates the battery is in a very discharged condition – continue to leave the fold-up solar panel connected until the battery is fully charged.Joining multiple fold-up solar panel systems
It is possible to join multiple fold-up solar panel systems to charge the same battery or a bank of batteries.
Please email
support@solartechnology.co.uk or call (44) 01684 774000 for a free technical
information sheet called ‘Creating a Solar Array’
Care and Maintenance
The fold-up solar panel is designed for outside use but some of the components used in the manufacture of the support stand will deteriorate if care is not taken. Therefore, after use please ensure the fold-up solar panel is dried and allowed to ‘air’ for a day or two. Once completely dry, extend both legs of the stand and spray
Warranty
This product is supplied with a 10 year warranty against product defect. In addition the solar cells have a performance warranty of 20 years, that being that by year 20 the cell output will be no less than 80% of its new value. In other words, whilst we recognise that over time performance from our solar cells will reduce, this product will not reduce by any more than 20% over 20 years.
All warranty claims will be fully repaired or replaced at our expense including the cost or return postage but the cost to ship the faulty item to us must be borne by the customer.
All warranty work can only be completed with a valid proof or purchase.
This warranty is transferable to new future owners but only when the original proof of purchase can be provided.