Campbell SP5 User manual

Revision: 10/2020
Copyright © 1987 – 2020
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Specifications 1
3. Installation 2
3.1 Tool list 2
3.2 Standard mount assembly 2
3.3 Extended mount assembly 7
3.4 Solar panel angle 13
3.5 Extended mount orientation 16
4. Maintenance 17
5. Power considerations 17
5.1 Solar panel and storage batteries 17
5.2 Voltage regulator 18
Table of Contents - i

1. Introduction
Solar panels convert light energy to electricity, or specifically to direct current. The direct current
produced is used to provide power to a system and to charge storage batteries. Solar panels
operate in both direct and diffuse light, but not at night.
Each solar panel includes a 2-wire cable to attach the panel to a voltage regulator. The regulator
and a rechargeable battery are purchased separately from the solar panel.
The SP5 and SP10 have an output level that allows them to be connected directly to the CHG+
and CHG– terminals on the CR300-series data loggers. The SP5, SP10, and SP20 can all be
connected directly to the CHG+ and CHG– terminals on the CR6. The data logger will then
charge a 12 VDC battery attached to the BAT+ and BAT– terminals on the data logger.
The SP10 10-watt and SP20 20-watt solar panels are intended to recharge the storage batteries
incorporated in the PS200, PS150, and CR3000, as well as the BP12 and BP24 battery packs. A
CH201, CH200, or CH150 is also required when recharging a BP12 or BP24.
The SP10 and SP20 have two wires stripped and tinned to attach to the charging terminals on the
GRANITE6, CR6, CH201, CH200, PS200, CH150, or PS150. Refer to the product documentation to
determine which terminals are used to attach the solar panel.
2. Specifications
SP5 SP10 SP20
Maximum peak power (Pp): 4.5 W 10 W 20 W
Voltage at peak power (Vpp) (voltage from solar
panel before regulator): 16.5 V 16.8 V 16.8 V
Current at peak power (Ipp): 0.27 A 0.59 A 1.19 A
Temperature coefficent (Voc): –0.45%/°C –0.37%/°C –0.38%/°C
Solar panel wire gauge: 20AWG 20AWG 20AWG
Length: 25.1 cm
(9.8 in)
41.9 cm
(16.5 in)
50.0 cm
(19.7 in)
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 1

SP5 SP10 SP20
Width: 26.9 cm
(10.6 in)
26.9 cm
(10.6 in)
42.2 cm
(16.6 in)
Depth: 2.3 cm
(0.9 in)
2.3 cm
(0.9 in)
5.1 cm
(2.0 in)
Weight: 0.9 kg
(2.0 lb)
2.1 kg
(4.6 lb)
4.4kg
(9.7 lb)
Maximum allowable wind gust (standard mount): not rated 31 m/s
(70 mph)
44 m/s
(99 mph)
Maximum allowable wind gust (extended mount): not
applicable
58 m/s
(130 mph)
58 m/s
(130 mph)
NOTE:
Solar panel characteristics assume a 1 kilowatt per square meter illumination and a solar
panel temperature of 25 °C. Individual panels may vary up to 10%. The output panel voltage
increases as the panel temperature decreases.
Compatiblebatteries
SP10/SP20: 12 V lead acid, gel cell, or Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) storage batteries
such as the batteries used with the PS200, PS150, BP12, BP24, and
CR3000.
3. Installation
3.1 Tool list
l1/2 in wrench (2)
l7/16 in wrench
lTorpedo level
lAngle finder
3.2 Standard mount assembly
The solar panel mounts to the mast or leg of a tripod, to a tower leg, or any 1 5/8-inch schedule
40 pipe. Refer to FIGURE 3-1 (p. 3) for mounting the SP5. Refer to FIGURE 3-2 (p. 4) (standard
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 2

mount) or FIGURE 3-3 (p. 4) (extended mount) for mounting the SP10. Refer to FIGURE 3-4 (p. 5)
(standard mount) or FIGURE 3-5 (p. 5) (extended mount) for mounting the SP20. FIGURE 3-6 (p.
6) shows the typical solar panel mounting locations on a tripod or tower. Full instructions for
assembling the extended mount bracket are given in Extended mount assembly (p. 7).
FIGURE 3-1. SP5 mount
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 3

FIGURE 3-2. SP10 standard mount
FIGURE 3-3. SP10 extended mount
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 4

FIGURE 3-4. SP20 standard mount
FIGURE 3-5. SP20 extended mount
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 5

FIGURE 3-6. Solar panel mounting locations
The solar panel is oriented to face the equator, and then mounted to the mast using the U-bolts
and 5/16 nuts provided with the panel. The nuts fastening the bracket to the pipe must be as
tight as possible without bending the bracket.
Route the solar panel cable to the data logger or power supply/charger. FIGURE 3-7 (p. 7) shows
an example of a solar panel connected to the CR6 to run a radiotelemetry system.
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 6

FIGURE 3-7. Regulated solar panel and external battery
3.3 Extended mount assembly
NOTE:
This procedure uses the SP50 in the illustrations. However, the instructions given are also
applicable to the SP10 and SP20.
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 7

1. Spread a soft towel on a flat surface. Place the solar panel face down on the towel.
2. Place one of the extended mount brackets along the edge (FIGURE 3-8 (p. 8)) to determine
which set of holes in the solar panel frame will be used to mount the arms. The correct
holes will be just outside of the bracket. For the SP10 and SP20, the arms will mount along
the outside edges of the solar panel (see FIGURE 3-10 (p. 10) and FIGURE 3-12 (p. 11)). Set
the bracket aside.
FIGURE 3-8. Determining the correct mounting holes
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 8

3. Determine which edge of the solar panel will be the bottom edge. Place one of the arms so
the end with the attached struts is at the bottom (FIGURE 3-9 (p. 9)). Attach each arm with
two bolts, washers, lock washers, and nuts. Do not fully tighten the nuts. Repeat for the
second arm.
FIGURE 3-9. Attaching mounting arms
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 9

4. Locate the upper mount bracket with the angle decal on one end. Remove the nut, lock
washer, and washer from each end of the bracket and orient the bracket as shown in
FIGURE 3-10 (p. 10). Pass the bolts through the bracket and the last hole on each extended
mount arm, and then replace the washer, lock washer, and nut on each bolt (see FIGURE 3-
9(p. 9)).
FIGURE 3-10. Attaching the upper mount bracket
5. Attach the bottom extended mount bracket to the extended mount struts as shown in
FIGURE 3-11 (p. 10).
FIGURE 3-11. Attaching the lower mount bracket
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 10

6. (If mounting the solar panel on a tower, go to step 8.) With the help of a second person,
hold the upper bracket against the tripod mast (FIGURE 3-12 (p. 11)). Use U-bolts, washers,
lock washers, and nuts from the hardware bag labeled ‘Tripod’ to mount the bracket to the
mast. Use a torpedo level to ensure the bracket is level. Fully tighten the nuts on both U-
bolts.
FIGURE 3-12. Attaching the upper mount bracket to the mast
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 11

7. Place the lower mount bracket against the tripod leg braces as shown (FIGURE 3-13 (p. 12)).
Use U-bolts, washers, lock washers, and nuts from the hardware bag labeled ‘Tripod’ to
mount the bracket on the tripod legs. It may be necessary to rotate the U-bolt so the ends
of the bolt pass through holes on different rows in the lower mount bracket. Finger-tighten
the nuts. Skip to Extended mount orientation (p. 16).
FIGURE 3-13. Attaching the lower mount bracket to the tripod legs
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 12

8. (Mounting on towers only.) With the help of a second person, secure the top bracket at the
desired height on the tower using U-bolts, washers, lock washers, and nuts (FIGURE 3-14
(p. 13)). Raise the lower bracket until the angle decal on the upper bracket indicates the
correct angle for the current latitude. Secure the lower bracket to the tower with U-bolts,
washers, lock washers, and nuts. Fully tighten all nuts and bolts.
FIGURE 3-14. Extended mount tower installation
3.4 Solar panel angle
The solar panel should be oriented to receive maximum insolation (incident solar radiation) over
the course of a year. Table 3-1 (p. 14) suggests optimal angles for the solar panel through a range
of latitudes.
NOTE:
The SP5 mounting bracket has a fixed tilt angle that cannot be adjusted.
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 13

Table 3-1: Solar panel tilt angle1
Site latitude (N or S) Tilt angle
0° - 10° 10°
11° - 20° Latitude +5°
21° - 45° Latitude +10°
46° - 65° Latitude +15°
> 65° 80°
1From “Design Aids for Small PV Power Systems,” Solorex Corp.
For the standard mount, once the proper tilt angle has been determined, adjust the angle by
loosening the two tilt angle adjustment bolts (FIGURE 3-15 (p. 14)) and rotating the solar panel to
the correct tilt angle. Tighten the tilt angle adjustment bolts to secure the solar panel.
FIGURE 3-15. Adjust the tilt angle of the SP10
For the SP20 standard mount, the angle is set by the alignment of holes on the mount and arm
brackets (FIGURE 3-16 (p. 15)). Refer to Table 3-2 (p. 15) to determine which holes need to be
aligned for the correct angle. Use the following procedure to mount the solar panel.
1. Insert a bolt through the correct upper hole on each arm bracket (hole 1 or 2) and through
the upper opening (Y and Z) in the mount.
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 14

2. Place a washer and nut on the end of each upper bolt, but do not tighten the nuts.
3. Insert a bolt through the correct lower hole on each arm bracket (hole A, B, or C) and
through hole P on the mount.
4. Once again, place washers and nuts on the end of each bolt, but do not tighten the nuts.
5. Slide the upper bolts into the correct position (Y or Z) on the bracket, and fully tighten all
four nuts.
FIGURE 3-16. Angle settings on mounting bracket of SP20
Table 3-2: Configurations for desired angles of SP20
Hole locations Angle
Holes P and A aligned with holes 1 and Y 90°
Holes P and A aligned with holes 1 and Z 80°
Holes P and B aligned with holes 1 and Y 70°
Holes P and B aligned with holes 1 and Z 60°
Holes P and C aligned with holes 1 and Y 50°
Holes P and C aligned with holes 1 and Z 40°
Holes P and C aligned with holes 2 and Y 30°
Holes P and C aligned with holes 2 and Z 20°
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 15

3.5 Extended mount orientation
FIGURE 3-17 (p. 16) shows how to configure the extended mount to achieve different mounting
angles. Note that to reach angles greater than 50degrees, one or both lower struts will need to
be removed from the mount.
Refer to Table 3-1 (p. 14) to determine the proper angle for the installation site. Always check the
angle of the solar panel to verify the correct angle before tightening the hardware on the
extended mount.
FIGURE 3-17. Extended mounting bracket configurations for different mounting angles
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 16

4. Maintenance
Occasional glass cleaning improves solar panel efficiency. Use a soft sponge and warm water
with a small amount of dishwashing detergent to gently clean the solar panel of any dust, grime,
or bird droppings. Use a soft, dry cloth or squeegee to remove any residual water from the panel.
If a problem with the solar panel is suspected, check the panel by measuring the voltage output.
Check the voltage with a voltmeter connected between the two wires from the solar panel. There
must be solar radiation incident on the panel and there must be a load connected to the solar
panel. The load can be a data logger, other equipment, or a 75 ohm resistor capable of
dissipating solar panel power between the two wires. No voltage output implies a bad solar
panel, or cable. The magnitude of the voltage output depends on the incident solar radiation.
5. Power considerations
5.1 Solar panel and storage batteries
The solar panel converts light energy to electricity, or specifically to direct current. The direct
current produced is used to provide power to the system and to charge storage batteries.
The solar panel operates in both direct and diffuse light (cloudy days), but not at night.
The minimum battery size and solar panel output required depend on:
lThe average current drain of the system
lThe maximum time the battery must supply power to the system without being charged
lThe location of the site
NOTE:
When some batteries are discharged below a specified voltage, the battery becomes
damaged and cannot be recharged.
On average, the solar panel must be able to provide at least the amount of power necessary to
operate the system for 24 hours. This means that the solar panel should not only be able to
supply power to the system during the day, but it should also be able to provide power necessary
to charge the battery for the power lost during the night. In addition, the battery must have
enough capacity to power the system during times of no charging (night) and several days of low
charging (cloudy and stormy days).
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 17

Campbell Scientific has developed an Excel power budget spreadsheet that estimates the solar
panel size and battery required for a system based on the components in the system, scan
interval, communications interval, and location.
This Excel spreadsheet may be downloaded from www.campbellsci.com/downloads/power-
budget-spreadsheet.
A video demonstrating how to use the spreadsheet is also available. View it at
www.campbellsci.com/videos/power-budgeting.
For additional help in computing the power budget for a specific system, please contact
Campbell Scientific.
5.2 Voltage regulator
The solar panel must be regulated either with a Campbell Scientific regulator or a third-party
regulator. The regulator has two basic functions:
lBlocking any current flow from the battery to the solar panel
lLimiting the source current to the battery
The solar panel must be connected to the voltage regulator, not direct to the storage battery.
Campbell Scientific voltage regulators include the CH201, GRANITE6, CR6, CH200, CR300, and
CH150. A separate battery is required for these regulators. The PS200 and PS150 regulators
include a 7Ah battery. The CR3000 has an optional rechargeable base. Two Morningstar
SunSaver regulators are also available from Campbell Scientific.
Consult the product documentation to view the maximum charging current for each regulator.
The regulator and battery must be housed in an environmental enclosure. Mounting brackets are
included with the regulator for attachment to an enclosure backplate.
SP5, SP10, and SP20 Solar Panels 18