O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S
Solar Panel 5W-12V
Solar Panel 20W-12V
Item-No. 11 03 90
Item-No. 11 03 91
Intended Use
This polycrystalline solar panel is intended for converting the radiant energy in light (usually sun-
light) into electrical power. With optimal solar radiation, an output of up to 5 watt (Order No.:
110390) resp.20 watt (Order No.: 110391) is produced.
The solar panel is suitable for installation in outdoor areas (IP65).
Operating the product in any other way than described above is not permitted and may lead to
damage to the product, which can give rise to risks such as short circuit, fire and electric shock.
The product must not be modified or converted. Always observe the safety instructions included
in these operating instructions. Please read the operating manual carefully and keep it for later
reference.
Explanation of the Symbols
A lightning-bolt symbol in a triangle indicates a health hazard, e.g. danger of elec-
tric shock.
The exclamation mark in a triangle indicates a particular risk during handling, oper-
ation and control.
The „Hand" symbol indicates special tips and operating information.
Safety Instructions
The warranty will be void for damage arising from non-compliance with these
operating instructions! We do not assume any liability for material and per-
sonal damage caused by improper use or non-compliance with the safety
instructions!
The exclamation mark indicates important information in these operating
instructions that should always be observed.
• Electronic devices are not toys and should be kept out of the reach of chil-
dren!
• Please contact qualified personnel, if you are unsure about the safety, con-
nection or installation of the product.
• Never leave the packaging material lying around unattended. Plastic-
foil/bags etc. can be dangerous playthings for children, there is a risk of suf-
focation.
• If you have reason to assume that safe operation is no longer possible, dis-
connect the device immediately and secure it against inadvertent operation.
• It can be assumed that safe operation is no longer possible if:
- the device is visibly damaged,
- the device no longer works and
- the device was stored under unfavourable conditions for a long
period of time or
- it has been subjected to considerable stress in transit.
• In commercial institutions, the accident prevention regulations of the
Employer's Liability Insurance Association for Electrical Systems and
Operating Materials are to be observed.
• The product is designed for use outdoors (IP54).
• Maintenance, adjustment and repair may only be carried out by a qualified
specialist or a specialised repair shop.
• If you have any questions, which are not answered in this manual, please
contact our technical service or another specialist.
• The solar panel generates power as soon as it is exposed to light. A single
panel generates power below the so-called low voltage barrier. However,
multiple panels in parallel (summation of currents) or series connection
(summation of voltages) represent a potential risk. Protection against direct
contact is ensured by the fully insulated junction box. However, always
consider the following notes on electrical shock, spark formation and fire:
- Solar panel(s) or the cables connected to it/them must never be installed
with damp or wet plugs or sockets.
- Never touch the connection leads or connection terminals with wet or
damp hands.
- Always use the appropriate safety tools to install solar panels and take
care of your own safety by using the appropriate protective equipment
(insulated tools, protective gloves etc.).
- Never use damaged solar panels; never dismantle solar panels. Do not
remove type labels attached by the manufacturer.
- Ensure that there is a dry environment during installation and connection.
www.conrad.com
Version 11/09
°
Installation
The panel has to be firmly fixed by at least four points.
The frame is suitable for fixing on the broad sides. The necessary holes have to be drilled.
Shadow Free
Keeping the solar panel completely free from shadows is of the greatest importance. If the solar
panel is shaded, no power can be generated and, without a bypass diode and if connected in
series with other solar panels, it can be completely crippled. Partial shading of the solar panel
will also lead to a considerably reduced output.
Please note the following points:
• Select a south-facing roof area
• Roof pitch approx. 30°, but not less than 15°, to ensure sufficient self-cleaning from leaves,
snow and bird excrement.
• Keep the solar facade free from protrusions and balconies.
• Prevent shading caused by trees and buildings.
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 using appropriate cable lugs (cross-
sectional area is dependent on the overall power of the solar panels used).
- Have a qualified personnel install the earth connection (the earth connection has to be
installed with respect to the installation site).
• Make sure that the solar unit is not subjected to mechanical forces. During
transportation, do not hold the solar panel by the terminal box; instead,
always carry it with both hands on the panel frame. Bending, stacking, falls
from a low height, pressure as well as stepping on the solar panel will result
in damage.
• The instructions and safety instructions of other components must be fol-
lowed at all times.
• Observe all local regulations, accident prevention regulations as well as
construction regulations during installation and connection.
• Work on PV equipment (installation, connection, commissioning, mainte-
nance, repair) may only be carried out by qualified and authorised person-
nel.
• Personnel working on roofs 3 metres or more in above ground, must be
secured against falls.
• Individuals must be protected from falling by fencing off the area.
• There is a risk of corrosion, if exposed to salt and sulphur.
Solar panels may only be used in a temperate climate. The solar panel is a
device that is not secured against explosions. Thus, it must not be installed
in the vicinity of highly inflammable gases and vapours.
Make sure that the installation equipment, installed together with this solar
panel, can support the loads assumed to result from wind and snow, for
example.
Personnel working on roofs 3 metres or more in above ground, must be
secured against falls.
Individuals must be protected from falling by fencing off the area.
If this solar panel is used in a system consisting of multiple solar panels, all
the panels used must have the same amperage. Only solar panels with the
same amperage may be used when connected in series. Only solar panels
with identical voltage may be used when connected in parallel.
Make sure that you do not damage the solar panel when drilling the holes.
Use corrosion-resistant and suitable installation material for installation.
The most common sources of shade are:
- chimneys, vent connections
- trees (keep their future growth in mind)
- gabled dormer windows
- Make sure that the construction for fixing the solar panel does not shade
the solar panel.
The panel frame of the solar cell is anodised. To ensure a „conductive con-
nection", we recommend the use of self-tapping screws or appropriate ser-
rated lock washers.
It is also possible to connect the frames of the solar panels with the mount-
ing system employed and have the mounting system earthed by a qualified
and authorised specialist.