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NapsSolar Power Kits
installation- and userguide
Cover picture: In the picture you can see an example of complete Naps Solar Power Kit. Content of theaccessory kit can vary between different kits.
Copyright by Naps Systems Oy.Copying of the content or pictures of this document is strictly forbidden.
Vantaa, June 2008.
Page 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I GENERAL INFORMATION 2
II PLANNING KIT INSTALLATION 2Introduction 2Polarity rule for devices and wires 3Connections to control unit 3To be noted when installing cables 4
III PANEL LOCATION 5The correct tilt angle 5Panel locations 5
IV NAPS SOLAR POWER BATTERY 6Battery location 6Battery maintenance 6Battery storage and winter use 7Installation of gas outlet hose 7Installation and use instructions for acidometer 7
V KIT INSTALLATION 8Location 8Wiring 9Mounting a battery fuse box 11Installation of load switch 11
VI CONTROL UNIT FUNCTIONS 12Control unit switches and display 12Main switch 12Charging adjustment 13
VII MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS 13
VIII TROUBLESHOOTING 14
IX SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 15
Installation Instructions for Naps Solar Power Kits
Page 2
I General Information
Read all instructions given here before beginninginstallation or use. The warranty for the devicesis only valid if these instructions have beenfollowed when installing and using the kit. Keepthese instructions available! If you feel insecureabout the installation or you find yourself troubledwhile doing so, contact a Naps sales representa-tive. We will be happy to help you.
This Manual and the methods described hereinconform to common electrical installation codesand can be undertaken by any person with basicelectrical / mechanical skills without thenecessity of a certified electrician.”
Packaging material (cardboard) can be recycledin drop-off collection points or burned. Oncea controller or battery has come to the end of itslife span, it should be taken to a drop-off collectionpoint reserved for the purpose. The panelconsists of various metals, glass, plastics andsemiconductors. It is also recycled througha recycling centre or an equivalent drop-off point.
The Naps Solar Power Kit consists of followingmain components:
1. Solar panelConverts sunlight directly into direct current.The current produced by the panel is directlyproportional to the intensity of the light.
2. BatteryStores the electric energy produced by the paneland feeds it to consumption devices.
3. Control unitGives the readings for battery and panel status,for example. Lengthens the lifetime of the batteryby preventing overload and deep discharge.
Note!Even though the voltage in the terminals of a singlepanel is 20 V at the maximum, there may be somesparking when connecting the device. The devicesof a solar power kit may not be installed in spacescontaining flammable liquids or gases!
Tools needed for installation:
- screwdriver and side cutters- knife- hammer- battery-driven drilling machine or hand drill- 16 mm drill bit for wood
II Planning Kit Installation
Introduction
First determine the locations for lights, plugs,the battery, control unit and panels. The aimis to keep the distance between the control unitand the battery, panel and consumption devicesas short as possible. See cabling example(on page 4, picture 3).
The most important things to note:
- the cable length between the control unit andthe panel depends on the power of the paneland the thickness of the cable to be used.
- the maximum cable length between the controlunit and the battery is 3 m (or otherwise2 x 6.0 mm2 cable is to be used, in whichcase the maximum length is 4 m. A batterycable is included in the Naps kit). The maximumcable lengths between the control unit andconsumption devices, depending on the totalamount of current required by the devices:
Example:
a) Determining load current:
consumption device: Portable television,power 60 W, voltage 12 V
power 60 Wload current = -------------- = -------- = 5 A
voltage 12 V
Table 1 Load current Cable 1 A 2 A 3 A 4 A 5 A 2 x 2,5mm2 35m 17m 12m 9 m 7 m 2 x 4,0mm2 57m 28m 19m 14m 11m 2 x 6,0mm2 85m 42m 28m 21m 17m
Page 3
b) Maximum cable length:
Plan carefully (Table 1) the installation of thebattery and load cables. The table will show,for example, that the maximum length ofa 2 x 2.5 mm2 cable between the control unitand the portable television is 7 m when the loadcurrent is 5 A.
Note! The wiring between the television and thecontrol unit should be as short as possible.We recommend 2 x 4.0 mm2 cable. For mostportable colour televisions, the currentconsumption is approximately 4 - 8 A. The lengthof the TV’s own cord is included in the total length.
Polarity rule for devices and wires
With all cabling relating to the kit, the ruleensuring correct polarity is to be used.
The wires coming from the panel and battery tothe control unit, as well as the wires from thecontrol unit to the plugs, distribution boxes anddevices, must be connected so that the plus wireis red and the minus wire is blue.
The poles + and - have been marked into thewall outlet connectors (picture 1).
Connect the plugs and consumption devices sothat the plus wire (red) is connected with theplus connector and the minus wire (blue) withthe minus connector. Respectively, the contactplugs of the consumption device cords shouldbe connected so that the plus wire is connectedto the thicker connecting plug.
Note that the plug casing will only fit in one way:the bigger hole on the plus side.
Connections to control unit
As a general rule, the following order isto be used when connecting cables into thecontrol unit: first connect the battery,then the solar panels, and last the loadcircuits (picture 2).
When making connections to the NC15/30 controlunit, first connect the cable coming from the batteryto the middle plus/minus connector of the controlunit: plus wire to the plus connector and minuswire to the minus connector. After this, connectthe cable of the solar panel to the left inlet.
When using several panels, the panels canbe installed into parallel connection in a specialpanel centre which may also containovervoltage protection devices and fuses.
The highest total load current of the panels maynot exceed the nominal value of the controllerinlet (NC15 = 15 A and NC30 = 30 A): The totalcurrent of the consumption devices may notexceed NC15 = 15A and NC30 = 30 A.
The NC15/30 control units have one load circuit(see picture 2). The loads can be connectedto the controller through a separate fuse boxand/or distribution boxes.
In case several 12 V batteries are used, theymust be installed into parallel connection. It isrecommendable to use a 15 A fuse on the patchcord if the batteries are not located right next toeach other.
Kuva 1Picture 1
Picture 2
Installation Instructions for Naps Solar Power Kits
Page 4
To be noted when installing cables:
- As the battery cable, use the cable that comesin the package; the length of the cable is3-4 m, depending on the kit. Shorten if needed.
- The wire coming from the plus terminal of thebattery, approximately 0.5 m from the battery,must have a fuse. A ready-made batterycable with a 20 A or 25 A automatic fuse isdelivered together with the Naps kit. This isthe main fuse of the kit. Do not use theswitch in the fuse to cut off the currentwhen leaving the cottage; this wouldprevent the battery from recharging.However, the switch should be used duringadditional installations or maintenance.
- The plus terminal of the battery has beenmarked with a red terminal cover and a + marknext to the terminal. Similarly, the minusterminal has been marked with a blue terminalcover and a - mark next to the terminal.
- The installation equipment set for the kitcontains 2 x 2.5 mm2 wire for cabling. Alwayscheck in the loading table (on page 2 table 1)that the lengths of the cables to be installeddo not exceed the maximum lengths set forthe various current readings.
- The loading circuits should be divided intoappropriate groups. For example, motor loads(pump, fan, etc.) into one group, and lightsand TV into separate groups (cabling examplepicture 3). In case 230 V consumption devicesare used, an inverter must always beconnected straight to battery terminals.
- If needed, load circuits and cable extensionsmust be branched through distribution boxes.
- Especial care must be taken to ensure thatthe cords of consumption devices containingelectronics (TV, radio, fluorescent lamps,radiophones, etc.) have been connected withthe correct terminals. Using incorrectterminals may cause the device to break.If the polarity of the cord has not been clearlyindicated with the colours red (+) and blue (-)or some other marking, it is best to leavethe installation to a professional.
- To lead the cable in, you can drill a 16 mm holeto the wall and install a M16 installation conduitinto the lead-in to cover the cable, especiallyin such moving structures as timber walls.A lead-in made into a woodwork joint in a timberwall requires a conduit in the strength class 4.
- The cables may not be installed inside thermalinsulation material (except for lead-ins).
Switch
Lamp
Motor load to beconnected into different group(e.g. pump, fan, frigerator)
Lamps
Lamp
Switch
Fusebox
Batteryfuse
Panelcenter
Soal
r pan
els
Distribution box
Lamp
Distribution box
Picture 3
TVRadio
Controller
Page 5
- If a sauna light is installed more than a meterabove the floor, special sauna cable must beused for the purpose and the light must bemade up of structure marked with T125C.
- The cables should be mounted with appropriatenail fasteners.
- The cable should be covered with suitablemoulding in places where it can get damaged.
- Always avoid damaging the cable with nails.
- For underground installations, we recommendusing underground cable, for exampletype MCMK.
- In case other related componentsor installation materials are acquired to thekit (for example, cables), contact a supplieror a professional in electric engineeringto ensure that the electric installation of yourkit is safe and functional.
III Panel Location
Handle the panel with care. If the glass is broken,it cannot be fixed. Fasten the panel tight enoughto endure wind and snow.
The correct tilt angle
In high latitudes (e.g. 50-60°), the most advan-tageous tilt angle varies between 30° and 90°according to the season (picture 4). In lowerlatitudes but outside the tropics the optimumtilt angle is latitude + 15° for all year aroundloads. For summer loads the the tilt shouldbe latitude - 15° and for all year around loadexcept winter the tilt equals with the latitude.
1. Tilt angle = Latitude - 15/20° guarantees thebest possible electricity production duringsummer. Tilt angles below 15° should beavoided to prevent dust, dirt and snow fromgathering above the panel and from disturbingelectricity production.
2. Tilt angle = Latitude is the best tilt angle whentrying to maximise the annual electricityproduction with a single panel position.
3. Tilt angle = Latitude + 15/20° gives the bestelectricity production reading during winterseason.
The correct direction angle
The direction angle of the panel is not equallycritical. In general, the panel should be directedtowards south (or north in southern hemis-phere). The panel also works in a satisfactoryway when the direction is within the sector south-east - south-west (picture 5).
Panel locations
The most important thing is to locate the panelin a place which gets the most sunlight. The panelor its cells may not be shadowed by any near-by obstacles, such as buildings, eaves, or treebranches. Shadows heavily decrease theproduction of the panel (picture 6).
Suitable locations for installation include, amongothers, roofs, walls and waterfront. If a panel ismounted on a wall, it must be ensured thateaves do not cast a shadow on the panel evenwhen the sun is at its highest in the summer.
If the panel is mounted on a roof, it must bemounted near the ridge. It must not be mountedon an eave, because it would create a barrierfor snow. The panel may also be erected,for example on robust 2" steel pipe mountedon a pediment. The same pipe can be used asa mast for a TV antenna. (Ground the pipe andthe panel).
Picture 4
minimum tilt0
30
45
90
Picture 5 North
South
S-WS - E
Orientation angleof the panel
EastWest
Installation Instructions for Naps Solar Power Kits
Page 6
If you cannot find a place on the roof of yourcottage which receives direct sunlight for 6 hoursduring the day, it is even better to install the panelto waterfront 50 meters away from waterline thanon the shadowy roof. It is recommendableto use, for example, a 3-metre long steel pipe inwaterfront installation.
IV Naps Solar Power Battery
The purpose of the battery is to store electricityfor the dark and rainy season. Naps batterieshave been developed from starter batteries andthey are low-antimony special batteries suitablefor solar power use. Their casings are shock-proof plastic and they have durable carry handles.
In case several batteries are connected to the kitto increase capacity, they must be installed intoparallel connection (picture 7): the plus terminalsto each other and the minus terminals to each other.
Connect the plus wire of the connection cableto the plus terminal on one battery, and the minuswire to the minus terminal of a second or thirdbattery. It is also useful to protect each batterywith a separate fuse unless they have beenlocated right next to each other.
Battery location
The battery should be installed to a well ventilatedspace. If this is not possible, it is imperative to drawthe gas outlet hose out through the wall or to usethe tank that is delivered as accessory. The hosemust be cut to a suitable length so that no loops orcurves remain. However, the amount of gas fromthe battery in normal use is very low. It is usefulto keep an acid-proof drainage basin below thebattery or to place it in a protective casing.
The battery must be located in a place whichis sheltered from rain and humidity, and thetemperature may not rise above + 35°C. If thekit is also used during winter, decrease of chargelevel below 75% should be avoided (see batterymaintenance instructions).
The cable is connected to the battery withinsulated quick couplings. The red connectoris connected with the plus wire and the blueconnector with the minus wire. The batterycontains terminal covers that correspond to thecolours of the connectors. If batteries havescrew terminals then suitable terminal shoes areused.
Battery maintenance
- Check the liquid level of the battery at leasttwice a year (at the beginning and end of use).
- Fill the battery up to the plastic mark insidethe battery (the plates of the cells must becovered with liquid at all times). When filling,use only refined battery water. Do not addwater during frost season.
- Make sure that the gas outlet hose isnot clogged.
- Always keep the battery clean and dry toprevent surface leaks.
- Check the cleanliness of the contactsurfaces of battery terminals and quickcouplings once a year.
Page 7
- It is forbidden to continuously overload or deepdischarge the battery, or to keep it undercharged.You can notice an overcharge throughincreased water consumption and moistureon the battery surface. The control unit ofthe Naps kit ensures that your battery is notoverloaded or deep discharged. It also makessure that the battery receives full chargewhen loading is cut off and sunlight is available.
Battery storage and winter use
If you need to store your Naps battery detachedfrom the controller (detach also the cables fromthe controller), check the density of the acid oncea month and conduct an after charge once thedensity has dropped below 1.22 g/cm3.The easiest way to determine the charge statusof the battery is to measure the density ofsulphuric acid. Since temperature affects aciddensity, see below (table 2) for density readingsin various temperatures, corresponding to thebattery charge statuses.
Take into account that if left outside during frostseason, a battery in less than full charge mayfreeze and get damaged. During winter season,make sure to charge the battery after use.In November-February, the panel is able to main-tain the existing charge. Depending on thecharge status, the electrolyte liquid in the bat-tery will freeze as follows:
• 25% charge, freezing point -10°C• 50% charge, freezing point -20°C• 75% charge, freezing point -40°C• 100% charge, freezing point -60°C
Installation of gas outlet hose to the battery
Plastic hose, with inner diameter 5 mm,is coupled to either connection at the endof the battery and led through the floor or wall,or to the tank that is delivered as accessory.
Instructions for the installation and useof acidometer
Installation
- Remove the covering foam plastic or othercover from the dipstick (float) in the glass tube
- Place the dipstick into the glass tube in theposition shown in picture 8.
- Push the suction pipe tightly inside theglass tube.
Instructions for use
- Open the battery cover and put the suctionpipe into the battery. Suck battery fluid intothe glass tube by pressing the air pump.Suck fluid only enough to make the dipstickfloat freely in the fluid (not to lie at the bottomor hit the walls).
- The charge status is measured fromthe intersection of the fluid surface andthe dipstick.
- Take the measure for all six cells.
- Note that the reading is only suggestive;the measuring result is taken from the topof the cells.
Table 2 Battery state of charge (SOC)
Temperature 25% 50% 75% 100%
C Acid density g/cm3
+20
+10
1,13 1,14
1,18 1,19
1,23 1,24
1,28 1,29
0
-10
1,15 1,16
1,20 1,21
1,25 1,26
1,30 1,31
Installation Instructions for Naps Solar Power Kits
Page 8
V Kit Installation
Location
1. Select a shadowless location (throughoutthe day) for the solar panel. Remember thatthe sufficiency of the cross-sectional areaof the cable must be checked in relationto cable length.
2. A central location must be selected for thecontrol unit. Try to keep the cables as short aspossible to minimize voltage loss (picture 12).
Wiring
3. The battery should be placed as close to thecontrol unit as possible (as short a cable aspossible, max length 4 m). Check the ventilationand make sure that the battery is located ina dry place. It is recommendable to use thegas outlet hose which comes with the battery(pictures 13 and 14). When using a separateprotective casing, check carefully that the gasexhaust system has been tightly installed(see also paragraph battery on page 17).
Picture 9
Picture 10
Picture 11
Picture 13
Battery cable lenght max. 4 m
Picture 14
Ventilated, dry inner location
Kuva 12Picture 12
Page 9
4. A 3 - 4 m long battery cable, which is deliveredin the installation package, is connectedbetween the control unit and the battery.Set the automatic fuse in the cable into OFFposition until you have finished all wirings -also those leading to the consumptiondevices (picture 15).
5. To begin wiring from the panels, begin byfastening the panel to a mounting bracket ina shadowless place. The panel is wiredaccording to the diagrams below. Note thatdifferent panels have varying connectingboxes behind the panel. Bring the cable tothe control unit, but do not connect the cableto the unit yet.
Examples of various connecting boxesin panels:
Some panels have plus and minus connectorcasings at different ends behind the panel(picture 16). However, plus and minusconnectors are usually in the same casing.You only need to peel the cable enough to makethe wires reach their corresponding connectorsin the casing. After leading the wires throughbushings, remove 10 mm of insulation materialat the ends of the wires.
Compress a suitable connector (blue or yellow)with pliers from the plier/connector set to the endof the wires and screw them beneath the washer;the red cable to the plus connector and the bluecable to the minus connector (picture 17).
Some panels contain special connecting boxesin which wires are led beneath spring-loadedconnectors (picture 18). In this case, both plusand minus wires must be peeled for about17-19 mm. As the wire is led beneath theconnector, the spring is released by pressinga finger on the connector in question (picture 19).Remember to ensure the tightness of theconnection by tightening the bushings.
Kuva 18
Kuva 19
Kuva 16Picture 16
Kuva 17Picture 17
Picture 18- +
Picture 19
-
+
Installation Instructions for Naps Solar Power Kits
Page 10
6. Fastening a cable coming from the panel:Connect the panel to the panel point in the controlunit; plus wire to the point marked with a plusand minus wire to the point marked with a minus.In case of several panels, they can be installedinto parallel connection in the panel centre(picture 20). The panel centre should be placedclose to the panels. Note that there maybe aneed for cable with larger cross-sectional areabetween the panel centre and the controller.
7. Wiring to consumption devices: Connect theload circuits into the control unit straightthrough the distribution boxes or via the loadfuse box (picture 21). The load fuse box ismainly used with the NC30 controller. See alsothe wiring for a distribution box (picture 22).
8. Connect the battery fuse into ON position andcheck the battery voltage from the controllerdisplay. Check if the consumption devices,such as lamps, function normally. Check alsofrom the controller display that the panelcharges the battery during sunny periods.
The cabling is now completed. Unless you havecharged the battery at home right beforeinstallation, let the battery charge for two sunnydays before taking the kit into use.
Picture 21
Load fusebox
Controller has oneload circuit
Loads(to the fuse box ordistribution boxes)Fuse in
batterycable
Panel center
Picture 20
Picture 22
Branching of cables in distribution box
to the load
Baseboard
Power from controller
To the load
To the load
Distributionbox
Page 11
Mounting a battery fuse box
- Twist the bottom off the box with a screwdriver(grey box) or from above the box (white box)(item 1, picture 23).
- Remove the automatic fuse from the bottomof the box. When you turn the metal or plasticloop in the automatic fuse in the directionof the arrow with a screwdriver, the lockingwill be released and the automatic fuse canbe removed (item 2, picture 23).
- Fasten the bottom to the wall (item 3,picture 23).
- Press and fasten the automatic fuse backto the bottom, replace the cover and makesure that the wires do not get squeezed(item 4, picture 23).
Installation of load switch
- Lever the handle straight upwards andremove the cover plate (box) by opening theside bolts with a screwdriver (picture 24).
- Remove 8 mm of wire insulation (marked atthe back of the base). The cover plate (box)is replaced by slightly pressing the stopspring with a screwdriver.
- The arrows on the switch lever and baseindicate the correct direction of installation(picture 24). The handle can now bereplaced. See pictures 25, 26 and 27.
Picture 24
Installation Instructions for Naps Solar Power Kits
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Vl Control Unit Functions
Control unit switches and display
The Naps NC15 and NC30 controllers are smartcontrollers based on a micro processor andequipped with a display. On the display of the chargecontroller, you can get information on systemfunctions in symbols and numbers. All settingsand the display can be controlled with twooperating switches. The settings will remain in thecontroller even after current cut-off.
The controller operates in a state that is basedeither on the battery State-Of-Charge (SOC) orvoltage. See the controller user instructions forfurther information on choosing the operationmode. Note that it may take a while before thebattery SOC indicated by the controller settlesto the actual level after start-up. The amount oftime needed depends on the battery usage andrequires several battery cycles.
Important! The charge controller is equipped withseveral functions which allow it to protect itself,the batteries and the consumption devices.Regardless of these functions, the controller mayget damaged if the allowed reference values areexceeded. See the controller user instructions forfurther information on the operation of the controller.
Main switch
The controller has no actual main switch. However,the switch of the automatic fuse on the systembattery wire can be used as a main switch.Note! When the switch is in open position, thepanel will not recharge the battery. This switchshould only be used during maintenance.Picture 27
Power to lampPower from controller
Wiring of two switches to control one lamp, so that the lamp can be switchedON and OFF from two different locations. Between switches 3-pole cable.
Display window for system informationand error messages
Manual load switch, orconfirmation button inprogram mode
Button for switching displaywindows or calling up thesettings
Page 13
Charging adjustment
Depending on the status of the battery,the controller automatically selects the optimalcharging method. These include continuouscharging, quick charging and equalisation charging.For each charging method, different voltage andSOC limits apply. In addition, the controlleraccommodates the ambient temperature in finalreadings. The need for equalisation charging ischecked every 30 days. Open and closed batterieshave separate limits.
Note that you must observe the liquid levels inthe batteries during charging, because waterconsumption and the formation of explosion gaswill be somewhat increased. The control unitlooks after battery charging and will cut off thecharging current once the battery is full.
Important! When the panel charges the battery,its terminal voltage increases to the maximumtowards the end of the charging: 13.9 V incontinuous charging and 14.4 V in quick charging(open battery). If you use consumption devicesduring the day when the charging voltage is high,it may be useful to check the durability of thedevice for overvoltage.
Deep discharge protection
The control unit prevents deep discharge of thebattery by cutting off the current supply to the loadcircuits when the voltage drops below approx.11.1 V (voltage control) or below 30% of the SOC(SOC control). The controller gives an alarm fordisconnecting consumption devices in slightlyhigher voltage or SOC levels, depending on thecontrol mode.
The loads are re-connected once the batteryvoltage or SOC has increased a bit over thehigher limit values.
VII Maintenance Instructions
To get the full advantage out of your kit also later on,we recommend that you carry out the followingscheduled system maintenance tasks. Suitabletimes for maintenance are in the spring at thebeginning of the using period and in the autumnafter the using period has ended.
1. Solar panels
Check the fastening to the bracket and clean up
the surface of the panel. Make sure thatvegetation does not cast shadows on the panel.Check electric connections (every two years).
2. Battery
Check acid density (charge status) with anacidometer. Clean the terminals and the batterycover. Check the liquid level. Make sure that thebattery has a sufficient charge level over the winter,either by charging with the panel or by using anaggregate to charge it.
3. Control unit
Never take the battery fuse out of use.This prevents the battery from getting chargedthrough the panel. Check regularly the electricconnections to the controller.
4. Water pump
The water system must be protected fromfreezing by emptying the whole system fromwater. Do as follows:
- cut off the current to the pump.
- open the water taps to release the pressure.
- remove the casing of the micro filter andleave the filter cartridge in its place to dry upwithout the casing.
- empty the pressure pipe by detaching it fromthe pump, and let the pipework and pressureaccumulator empty from water.
- remove the suction pipe from the pump, andthe base valve from the pipe, and let thesuction pipe empty.
- turn the pump on for a while to let it emptyfrom the remaining water. If possible, take thepump to your home for winter storing.A condition for the warranty of the pumpis that it is emptied from water whentemperature drops to 0°C or below.
5. Refrigerator
Empty and dry the refrigerator after use, and leavethe door ajar.
Installation Instructions for Naps Solar Power Kits
Page 14
VIII Troubleshooting
Symptom: The battery has emptied, the controlunit cuts the current off from the load circuits.
To check:- Measure the charge status of the battery in
all the cells with an acidometer. The readingshould be almost identical in all the cells.If the charge level of a cell is significantly lowerthan in the other cells, the battery is defective.
- If the previous measuring gave good readingsfor all the cells, check the connectionsbetween the battery and the control unit, andmeasure if the voltage in the connectors goingto the battery of the control unit is the sameas in the battery terminals when loaded (lightsand TV). If the voltage is higher than 11.5 Vin the control unit end and it still cuts off thecurrent, the defect is in the control unit.
- If the charge status reading was low,check the charging end and the recentamount of consumption. Check panelconnections, shading, and the correctdirection and tilt angles.
Symptom: The control unit does not show thecharge level when the sun is shining to thepanel and the charge level does not rise. (Note!The rise of the battery charge level may beslow. It is affected by the weather, loading andcharging power of the panel).
To check:- Check panel connections and cabling.
- Estimate your recent amount of consumptionand take into account the output of the solarpanel with regard to the season; in the winterseason (November-January) the panel canonly maintain the existing charge level (inhigher latitudes), there is not enough powerfor consuming. If the control unit does notshow the charging status, the defect is in thecontrol unit.
Symptom: The battery does not take charging in.
To check:- If the battery does not take charging in,
it is indicated by increased terminal voltagein the battery while the charge status stillremains low.
This happens if the battery has been in a lowSOC level for a long time. In this case, let thebattery recover from it: charge the battery withan external charger and let it get fully charged inthe system (this may take several sunny days,depending on how many panels the systemcontains). If you detect this defect late in theautumn or early in the winter, the battery mustbe charged with an external battery.
Symptom: A part of the devices do not work.
Cause: A fuse has blown in the load connectingbox; a connection has become loose in the loadcircuit or the device is defective. If your deviceis defective, contact the place of purchase.
Symptom: The pump will not start
To check:- the tightness of the wire connections in the
electric circuit- the switch of the electric circuit is in the
“on” position- the fuse in the electric circuit is intact- the battery is charged- the battery terminals have not become oxidized
Check also if the engine of the pump receivescurrent by connecting a voltmeter or a 12 V lampto the terminals of the device connector. If thepump receives current (the lamp is on,the voltmeter reading is 12 V or more) and thepump will not start, the pump is defective.
If the pump terminals do not get current, it islikely that the switch is defective. Note: If thepump will not start as pressure decreases inthe pipework, or if the pump runs continuouslywhen the taps are closed, the pressure switchof the pump is defective.
Symptom: The pump runs but there is littleor no water
To check:- the suction pipe connections do no leak- the suction pipe is not folded or clogged- there is no clogging in the suction filter- the regulator on “top” of the pump can be
used to increase pressure.
Detach the pipe on the pressure side fromthe pump. If water comes in from the nozzleof the pump, the suction pipework is intact andthe defect can be found further ahead in thepressure pipework.
Page 15
IX Safety Instructions
Protecting the kit from lightning strikes
The solar power system is not prone to lightningstrikes when the electric network is small andlimited and when it encompasses only onebuilding. If the solar panel has to be installed ina mast above the roof to avoid shadows, it hasto be grounded. However, thunder may causeovervoltages to the system through, for example,the telephone network.
Grounding the solar panel
The frame of the solar panel has a hole forgrounding. Connect uninsulated cross-section16 mm2 copper wire to it. The connectionis made using a tin-coated cable clip.
Bring the cable to the ground along the buildingwall and dig it about 0.7 m deep in the lengthof 15 m. Attach the wire to the wall withfasteners and place a protective cover on it 1.5 mabove the ground and 0.2 m below the ground.
Choose a moist place for the cable trench toachieve the best possible grounding resistance.The grounding can also be conducted with a socalled earth spike, in which case there is notneed to dig a trench. Choose a moist place forthe rod and stick it to the ground 1.5 deep andconnect the wire to the rod.
Grounding equipment is available in electricsupplies shops.
Battery
The electrolyte in lead-acid batteries is sulphuricacid, which is highly corrosive. Any sulphuricacid that has got into contact with skin, eyes orclothes must be rinsed immediately with plentyof water. It is wise to use goggles when handlingthe battery and sulphuric acid.
The battery may cause danger to your health orproperty if incorrectly handled.
Make sure that the placement of the battery isventilated and use the gas outlet hose that comeswith the delivery.
If the battery has been located in an interior space,use an acid-proof sink beneath the battery ora separate battery casing.
Keep the battery clean.
Warning: Never connect the battery terminalswith each other! Do not handle fire or liquidpetroleum gas (LPG) in the same space withthe battery!
Remember that the gas mixture which developsin the battery is explosive. When charging thebattery, among other things hydrogen gasdevelops and may cause an explosiveconcentration even outside the battery. In the gasoutlet hole, this may be the case for several days.
Do not bring any glowing or sparkling items nearthe battery and/or gas outlet hole; even thedischarge of static electricity from clothing maycause an explosion. The danger of explosion canbe minimised by using the gas outlet hose thatcomes with the battery.
The gases streaming from the gas outlet hosemust be directed to a well ventilated space,preferably outdoors. When using a separateprotective casing for the battery, the installationof the gas exhaust system needs to be checkedcarefully; even a small leak causes water togather in the casing, and if the cover of the casingforms a leak-proof space to its upper part,hydrogen will not escape since it is lighterthan water.
Always disconnect the battery connector whenmaking connections. Disconnect also the pluswire of the panel. Use battery connectors thatcome with the kit. When using a protective casing,open carefully the cover of the casing and letthe casing empty of any gases for a couple ofminutes before disconnecting any connectors.You can accelerate the dilution of gases bycleaning the surroundings of the connectors byblowing. This has to be done every time thebattery is charged with a charger or when thebattery is moved from one place to another -before and after moving it.
Installation Instructions for Naps Solar Power Kits
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FINLAND: Naps Systems Oy | Pakkalankuja 7 FI-01510 Vantaa | tel 020 7545 666 | fax 020 7545 660 | [email protected] |www.napssystems.com
EN-SE-TM17-3-06/08
