Windy Nation Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit - Manual (Page 6)

Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit Manual
Revision 2.0
2.3 R EQUIRED T OOLS
• Two adjustable wrenches
• Wire crimping tool
• Wire stripper
• Philips head screwdriver
• Bolt to secure Z-Bracket to mounting surface (4x per panel); e.g.: lag bolt, carriage bolt, etc.
• Batteries (Deep Cycle preferred)
• Fuses
3 CHARGE CONTROLLER INSTALLATION
NOTE: The charge controller you receive depends on the kit ordered. Please refer to the controller instructions
specific to the model you received.
Insure all terminating connections are clean and tight to prevent arcing and overheating.
The controller must be installed in an area that satisfies all of the following conditions:
1. Dry: Avoid any location where water can contact the controller
2. Cool: Ambient air temperature between 30°F and 105°F (0°C and 40°C)
3. Ventilated: Allow at least 2 in (50 mm) of clearance above and below and at least 1 in (25 mm) on
each side for proper air flow.
CAUTION: All electronic circuits may be damaged by static electricity. To minimize the likelihood of electrostatic
damage, discharge yourself by touching an electrical ground (e.g.: copper pipe) prior to handling the unit.
3.1 M OUNTING
Mounting is optional but for best results, locate the charge controller as close as possible to the batteries and
the batteries and charge controller as close to the panels as practical. The controller can be mounted on a
vertical or horizontal surface. Be sure to orient the controller so that any open end of the controller (if applicable)
is at the top. This will prevent foreign material from settling into the unit.
Securely fasten the controller to ensure it cannot slide in any direction.
IMPORTANT: Loose connectors result in excessive voltage drop and may cause over heated wires and melted
insulation, which can lead to solar system failure and electrical fires.
3.2 C ONNECT C ONTROLLER T O B ATTERY
The wire included in your kit is to be used primarily to connect the solar panels to the controller. It is important to
adequately size your battery cable according to your system size, taking into account any future expansion that
may be implemented. For additional information regarding wire size, please refer to the Windy Nation website or
contact us directly. Two lengths of cable will be required, a positive (+) and a negative (-). It is recommended to
identify each cable or use a different colored cable for each connection (eg: black and red). Connect the wire
designated as positive (+), usually red, to the BATTERY terminals on the charge controller labeled ‘BAT +’ and
tighten the terminal with a screwdriver. Connect the wire designated as negative (-), usually black, to the
BATTERY terminals on the charge controller labeled ‘BAT -’ and tighten the terminal with a screwdriver.
NOTE: The polarity should be identified on the screw-down terminals of the charge controller; however, the
naming convention of the terminals may differ slightly, depending on the model of the solar controller that came
with your Kit.
Page 6 of 21 windy nation 03/31/2014