Earthing
We recommend that solar panels be earthed. The earth connections must be made by qualified
and authorised personnel.
• Connect the solar panels to each other at the panel frame with appropriate cables and cable
lugs (cross-sectional area is dependent on the overall power of the solar panels used).
To ensure a "conductive connection", we recommend the use of self-tapping screws
or appropriate serrated lock washers.
• Have qualified personnel install the earth connection (the earth connection has to be installed
taking into consideration the installation site).
It is also possible to connect the frames of the solar panels with the mounting
system used and have the mounting system earthed by a qualified and authorised
specialist.
Alignment and Pitch
To ensure the best use of the solar panel, we recommend collecting information on the
appropriate alignment and pitch.
The optimal alignment (and, thus, optimal saturation) is obtained when the sun's beams strike
the surface of the solar unit at a right angle.
The optimal alignment depends on the location (latitude), as well as the desired
function.
There are marginal deviations within Germany.
However, there are considerable differences between Norway and Italy. Principally,
the following rules apply: The further South you are, the better the output will be with
horizontally mounted surfaces.
In Berlin, the maximum radiation can be obtained with surfaces pitched at 30º
aligned in a southerly direction, thus, approximately 100 % efficiency is possible at
this latitude.
Rear Ventilation
Ensure there is functioning ventilation of the solar panel. Thus, heat rises and a reduced output
are prevented. Furthermore, condensed water can dry better.
The colder it is, the better the efficiency of the solar cell.
A 65º warm solar panel on a south-facing wall generates approx. 60% of the power
that the same solar panel would generate at a temperature of 25º on a 30º pitched
south-facing roof.
Connection
For connecting the solar panels, only use cable extensions and plugs that are
suitable for outdoor use and solar appliances.
Choose the correct cable cross-section to minimise the voltage drop (calculate the
minimum cable cross-section with a voltage drop max. 1% and minimum loading
capacity of 1.25 x off-load voltage and 1.25 x short-circuit current).
Only use appropriate UV resistant cable connectors when laying the connection
cables. Protect bare cables from damage by taking appropriate precautions (e.g. lay
in suitable plastic tubing).
Ensure you connect them with the correct polarity.
Care and cleaning
• With an appropriate pitch (>15°), it is not necessary to clean the solar panel. In this case,
self-cleaning by rainfall is assured.
• Significant contamination leads to a reduced output. In this case, we recommend cleaning
with water (garden hose) without cleaning agents. Use gentle cleansing materials (e.g.
sponge) to avoid scratch marks.
• Examine the solar panel regularly for contamination.
• Observe the following points concerning maintenance:
- Secure and protect all installation materials against corrosion.
- Correct connection, protection against corrosion and cleanliness of all cable connections.
- Examine the cable connection for visible damage.
- Check the earth resistance of the metals.
Disposal
Electronic devices are recyclable waste and must not be disposed of in the
household waste. At the end of its service life, dispose of the product according to
the relevant statutory regulations.
You thus fulfil your statutory obligations and contribute to the protection of the
environment.
Technical data
Open circuit voltage ...................... 21 V
Short-circuit current ...................... 0.95 A
Nominal voltage ............................ 17.5 V
Nominal current ............................ 0.572 A
Power ........................................... max. 10 Wp
Efficiency ...................................... 3.58 %
Dimensions (L x W x H) ................ 925 x 315 x 23 mm
Weight .......................................... 4.5 kg
This is a publication by Conrad Electronic SE, Klaus-Conrad-Str. 1, D-92240 Hirschau (www.conrad.com).
All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction by any method, e.g. photocopy, microfilming, or the
capture in electronic data processing systems require the prior written approval by the editor. Reprinting, also in
part, is prohibited. This publication represent the technical status at the time of printing.
Copyright 2018 by Conrad Electronic SE.
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