SOLAR PANELS

 

WARNING: Photovoltaic panels generate DC electricity when exposed to sunlight or other light sources. When exposed to light, contact with the electricity active parts of the panel, such as terminals, can result in burns, sparks and lethal shock whether the panel is connected or disconnected.

 

Do not touch the terminals while the panel is exposed to light. Cover the panel faces completely with an opaque material to stop the production of electricity when working with panels or wiring – the cardboard shipping boxes are the perfect option to cover glass surface of the panels.

 

Panels are not recommended to bend beyond 30° (for 100W Modules, 30° = 2.7”, 69mm Bend)

 

 

Site Considerations — Excluded Operating Environments

 

Certain extreme operating environments are not recommended for Go Power! products and are excluded from the Go Power! limited warranty. These include (but are not limited to): winds exceeding 45 MPH, flooding or immersion in water or other fluids, contact with liquids or substances with a pH less than 6.5 or greater than 8.5, and contact with fire, projectiles, lava flow, volcanic eruptions, or meteors

 

Mounting Configurations

 

Modules installed over a roofing system must be mounted over a flat, fire-resistant roof covering with the appropriate safety rating for the application. While modules can be mounted at any vertical or horizontal angle, it is recommended that they are installed at a minimum 10-degree angle to reduce dirt accumulation and soiling.

 

WARNING: Do not install panels on a surface that is not fire resistant or that can be damaged by high temperatures. These panels are designed to not catch fire themselves but can get hot during normal operation and excessively hot in some failure conditions such as cracked cells or failed protection diodes. Go Power! is not responsible for heat damage such as discoloration, holes or fire due to improper installation.

 

Water entering the junction box could present a safety hazard, and junction boxes should be oriented on the uppermost position of the panel. The junction box should never be mounted in a depression. Note the junction box manufacturer rates this product with an ingress protection rating of IP67 for the box.

 

Modules may be attached using an adhesive on the panel backside or by using the grommet holes as attachment points. Go Power! does not recommend a preferred attachment method or make any claim as to the safety of the attachment.

 

Mount modules away from obstructions such as vents, AC Units, etc.

 

Module Handling

 

Always use gloves when handling modules. Modules are sensitive to oils and abrasive surfaces — not doing so may lead to scratching and soiling. Minimize module contact as much as possible, especially with any abrasive surfaces. Do not place anything on the modules. Do not lift modules by the cables or the junction box under any circumstances. Remove fingerprints from the panels by washing the panel as described below.

 

The panels are designed to withstand a 30-degree bend top to bottom (with the junction box placed on the top end) — approximately 8cm of deflection. Care must be taken not to bend, flex, or twist panels excessively when handling. Do not place sharp objects on the panels — this may cause a puncture or damage, resulting in decreased power and creating a potential safety hazard.

 

Do not use blunt or sharp force with other hardware (junction boxes, cables and connectors). The resulting damage could render the module unusable.

 

1. REMOVE shipping plastic from panel

2. Expose the panel(s) to sunlight and use a voltmeter to test for DC Voltage

3. Locate the solar panels on the RV roof replacing each of the boxes used in the planning step.

4. Locate the Cable Entry Plate / Fridge Vent or Access Point on the roof.

5. Attached the MC4 Positive and Negative Extension Cables to the solar panel (s).

6. Test that the end solar panel cables can reach the CEP / Fridge Vent Access Point.

7. Use the screws provided in the kit to secure the 4 solar panel mounting feet to the RV.

8. Apply sealant under and around each of the 4 mounting feet to ensure a watertight installation.

 

WARNING: All 4 mounting feet must be securely fastened to the RV roof. Failure to do so could cause the panels to lift and separate from the RV while in transit which could cause significant damage and/or injury.

 

Use appropriate sealant as recommended by your RV Dealer for your RV roof.

 

Electrical Connections

 

The connectors used in these panels allows for modules to be connected in series or parallel.

 

 

SERIES CONNECTION:

Connecting the panels in series increases the voltage of the system, so the two panels produce double the voltage as compared to one panel.

 

WARNING: Three or more series connected panels can produce voltages in excess of 60V DC which is considered to be high voltage and an increased safety hazard.

 

To connect panels in series, connect the negative (-) plug of panel #1 to the positive (+) plug of the panel #2. See Figure4-A left.

 

PARALLEL CONNECTION:

Connecting the panels in parallel increases the current of the system, so the two panels produce double the current as compared to one panel. It is recommended that reverse blocking diodes be used on the positive lead of each module connected in parallel to prevent damage and unsafe conditions.

 

WARNING: If shading occurs without additional electronic components, such as a reverse blocking diode, the bypass diode inside the junction box may be damaged leading to further panel damage and unsafe conditions including extreme temperatures.

 

WARNING: When panels are connected in parallel, currents are additive. Consequently, a system assembled from photovoltaic panels can produce high amerage, which constitute an increased hazard.

 

To connect panels in parallel, connect the positive (+) plug of panel #1 to the positive (+) plug panel #2 Connect the negative (-) plug of panel #1 to the negative (-) plug of panel #2. See Figure 4-A Right. In this configuration, cable adapters will be needed.