Looking after a solar kit
We've compiled some hints and tips to help you install and maintain your solar kit:-
1) Solar Charge Controllers
A common mistake when connecting up a solar charge controller is the order in which you attach things. Always connect the battery first. This gives the solar panel charge controller a chance to analyse the battery voltage before any external influences effect it (Inverters and solar panels) After connecting the battery(s) you should connect the solar panels.
Never connect an inverter to the output of a charge controller even if it's off. Most inverters have large capacitors that will pull a large current to charge them. This large current will likely damage the charge controller in you solar kit.
2) Batteries
If you look after your batteries they will last years if you don't they will last months!
Batteries need to be fully charged on a regular basis. If they aren't then they degrade rapidly. During the normal discharge and recharging of solar batteries the lead plates contained in them shed and collect sulphur. If the sulphur remains on the plates too long it hardens and won't come off during the charging process. Hardened sulphur reduces the storage capacity of your batteries.
Charge controllers have an option to perform what's know as an equalisation cycle. This cycle must performed to stop the acid stratifying in the batteries and helps prevent the build up of sulphur on the led plates. Make sure your inverter/charger or solar charger is performing this function on a regular basis.
3) Solar Panels
When calculating the maximum output of your solar panels make sure you take the temperature coefficient into consideration. The VOC (Voltage open circuit) of solar panels is given at +25Deg C. the VOC at -10 on a cold, frosty morning can be as much as 5 Volts more. Don't blow up the charge controller in your solar kit by connecting it to solar panels that exceed it's maximum input VOC |
