Chicago Electric 66369 Quick guide

80W MONO-CRYSTALLINE
SOLAR PANEL
Model 66369
INSTALLATION AND SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Copyright©2008, 2009 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or any
artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of
Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein. Tools required for
assembly and service may not be included.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Revised Manual 09k

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. SKU 66389
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Keep this manual for the safety
warnings and precautions, installation,
operating, inspection, maintenance and
cleaning procedures. Write the product’s
serial number in the back of the manual
near the assembly diagram (or month
and year of purchase if product has no
number). Keep this manual and the
receipt in a safe and dry place for future
reference.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION
In this manual, on the labeling,
and all other information
provided with this product:
This is the safety alert
symbol. It is used to alert
you to potential personal
injury hazards. Obey all
safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid
possible injury or death.
DANGER indicates
a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING
indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION, used
with the safety
alert symbol, indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to
address practices
not related to personal injury.
CAUTION, without
the safety alert
symbol, is used to address
practices not related to
personal injury.
WARNING Read all safety
warnings and instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and
instructions may result in electric
shock, re and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and
instructions for future reference.
The warnings, precautions,
and instructions discussed in
this instruction manual cannot
cover all possible conditions and
situations that may occur. It must
be understood by the operator that
common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into
this product, but must be supplied
by the operator.
Installation Precautions
Exercise special caution if working1.
on roof or another high location.
Keep proper footing and balance at
all times. Follow ladder supplier’s
precautions whenever working near
or on a ladder.
Install all sensitive electrical2.
components (including wiring
connections, regulator, and
battery) inside a weatherproof
enclosure to prevent electric
shock.

Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.SKU 66389
Do not wire multiple panels in3.
series. If you need to connect two
or more solar panels together, this
work must be done by a qualied
electrician unless they are connected
through a regulator.
This solar panel kit is not designed4.
for tie-in to a grid. Only a licensed
electrician and a licensed building
contractor can safely design and
implement a grid tie-in system. Any
grid tie-in system must meet all
applicable building and electrical
codes, and must meet standards
established by the area power
company. Improper grid tie-in can
result in electrocution, re, and other
serious personal injury and property
damage. An incorrectly installed grid
tie-in system can cause feedback
voltage, resulting in electrocution of
electrical utility workers.
Do not stand on or otherwise apply5.
pressure to panel.
Handle solar panel with care,6.
edges may be sharp.
Do not focus light on panel.7.
Install components with enough8.
space to allow proper cooling.
This product may occasionally9.
produce more current and/or
voltage than its rated output.
Increase output ratings by 25%
when determining component
required voltage and amperage
ratings. Refer to Section 690-8 of
the National Electrical Code for an
additional multiplying factor of 125
percent (80 percent derating) which
may apply.
Panel must be connected using10.
UL listed outdoor rated wire of the
correct thickness (gauge) for the
amperage rating and length (see
warning number 9 also). Follow the
guidelines in the chart below:
Current
in Amps
Maximum Length
5' 10' 15' 20' 25'
0-5 18
6-7 18 16
8 18 16
10
18
16
11-12 16 14
15 14 12
18
18 16
20 14 12 10
22-24 12
30 16 14 10
40 12 10 8
50 14
100 12 10 6 4
150 10 84 2
200 8 6
Minimum Wire Gauge
Install an appropriate charge11.
controller/regulator to regulate output
and prevent damage. Do not attach
panel to battery or power grid without
proper regulator, inverter, and/or
charge controller.
Install and use according to12.
applicable National Electrical Code
(NEC) standards.
This panel is not rated for use as13.
re-resistant roong. If installing on
a roof, install only over a re resistant
roof covering rated for the application.
Verify that installation surface has no14.
hidden utility lines before drilling or
driving screws.
Install only according to these15.
instructions. Improper installation
can create hazards.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. SKU 66389
Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles16.
and heavy-duty work gloves during
installation. Do not wear jewelry or
metal watches when working near
solar panels, wiring or batteries.
Handle panel with care. Glass17.
may break or a sharp edge may be
exposed during movement.
Keep installation area clean and well18.
lit.
Install out of reach of children.19.
Keep bystanders out of the area20.
during installation.
Do not install when tired or when21.
under the inuence of drugs or
medication.
Use in 12 VDC systems only.22.
Battery Precautions
Wear splash-resistant ANSI-23.
approved safety goggles and
electrically insulated gloves while
working near batteries.
Use an appropriate charge24.
controller whenever connected to
battery.
Charge, store, and maintain batteries25.
according to supplier’s instructions.
Service Precautions
Before service, maintenance, or1.
cleaning:
Dry solar panels and outdoora.
wiring thoroughly while wearing
electrically insulated gloves.
Cover all solar panels with anb.
opaque cover, such as a blanket.
Disconnect all solar panels.c.
Disconnect all batteries.d.
Do not service during rain, fog, or2.
any other wet/humid weather.
Do not stand on or otherwise apply3.
pressure to panel.
Do not allow children to play with4.
or near this item or electrical
components.
Inspect at least monthly; do not use5.
if damaged, parts are loose, water is
found inside the housing, electrical
insulation is cracked or damaged, or
connections are loose.
Maintain product labels and6.
nameplates. These carry important
safety information. If unreadable or
missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools
for a replacement.
WARNING: Handling the cord on7.
this product will expose you to lead,
a chemical known to the State of
California to cause cancer, and
birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
(California Health & Safety Code §
25249.5, et seq.)
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.SKU 66389
SPECIFICATIONS
Peak Voltage 80 W
Nominal Voltage 12 VDC
Open Circuit Voltage 21.6 VDC
Note: Output will decrease as the panel
gets hotter than room temperature
(~70° F). Angle, solar intensity,
cloud cover and other factors will
effect output
UNPACKING
When unpacking, make sure that the
item is intact and undamaged. If any parts
are missing or broken, please call Harbor
Freight Tools at 1-800-444-3353 as soon
as possible.
INSTALLATION
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION
section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under
subheadings therein before set
up or use of this product.
Note: For additional information regarding
the parts listed in the following pages,
refer to the Assembly Diagram near
the end of this manual.
Location
Locate the panel where it will receive1.
full, unobstructed sunlight, especially
during midday. Nearby trees or tall
plants will drop debris, requiring the
panel to be cleaned more frequently.
The installation location for the2.
panels, charge controller/regulator,
and batteries must be inaccessible
to children to prevent electric shock.
Build a childproof enclosure if
needed.
Install the charge controller/regulator3.
and batteries in a weatherproof
enclosure with proper ventilation.
Mounting
Mount at a place where there is1.
maximum amount of sunlight.
Mount where panel is out of children’s2.
reach.
Mounting hardware is NOT supplied.
Do not drill through aluminum frame.a.
Glass may break.
Devise clamps or a frame to holdb.
Panel. (Not supplied.)
Use semi-exible bumpers under the c.
Panel. (Not supplied.)
Do not allow the cabling to bed.
exposed to excessive moisture, heat
or corrosive elements.
Angle the face of the panel toward3.
true south1according to the chart that
follows:
Latitude Solar Panel Angle
0-4° 10°
5-20° Latitude + 5°
21-45° Latitude + 10°
46-64° Latitude + 15°
65° or more 80°
Wiring
Note: Only a licensed electrician and
a licensed building contractor can
safely design and implement a grid
tie-in system. Any grid tie-in system
must meet all applicable building
and electrical codes, and must meet
1Angle towards true north if installed in
southern hemisphere.

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. SKU 66389
standards established by the area
power company.
Run wires from the panels, through1.
weatherproof grommets and into
the enclosure where the charge
controller/regulator is located. Use
wires of the proper size and rating.
Connect to charge controller/regulator2.
according to controller/regulator’s
instructions.
Secure all connections using3.
terminals, or solder all wire splices to
ensure good connections.
Weatherproof all connections.4.
SERVICING
 Proceduresnotspecically
explained in this manual
must be performed only by a
qualiedtechnician.
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK:
Before service, maintenance,
or cleaning:
Dry solar panels and outdoora.
wiring thoroughly while
wearing electrically insulated
gloves.
Cover all solar panels withb.
an opaque cover, such as a
blanket.
Disconnect all solar panels.c.
Disconnect all batteries.d.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY FROM ELECTRIC
SHOCK OR CUTS:
Do not use damaged solar
panel. If wiring insulation
is damaged or weathered,
glass is cracked, or housing
is opened, have the problem
corrected before further use.
Note: It is normal to see up to 20%
degradation in amorphous silicon
solar panel performance within the
rst 6 months before the amorphous
coating stabilizes.
Cleaning
Clean and inspect the solar panel
system MONTHLY, or more
frequently to maintain peak efciency:
Wear electrically insulated gloves1.
and ANSI-approved safety goggles.
Dry solar panels and outdoor wiring
thoroughly.
Cover all solar panels with an2.
opaque cover, such as a blanket.
Disconnect all solar panels and3.
batteries.
Clean solar panels one at a time with4.
mild, non-abrasive cleanser and soft
cloth and paper towels. Do not clean
with brushes or abrasive cleaners.
Inspect the general condition of the5.
solar panel system (panels, batteries,
controllers, and mounting). Check
for loose hardware, wiring insulation
damage or weathering, cracked
glass, open housing, cracked or
broken parts, loose or corroded
contacts, and any other condition that
may affect its safe operation.
Inspect and maintain batteries6.
according to supplier’s instructions.

Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.SKU 66389
Adjustment
ToIncreaseEfciency:
In the Winter,1. increase the panel’s
angle by 10°.
In the Summer,2. decrease the angle
by up to 10°.
In the Spring and Fall,3. keep the
panel at the angle recommended on
the chart on page 5.
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not
available individually as replacement parts.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM IN
THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY
REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS
TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE
MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD
BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL
RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS
THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality
and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from
defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This
warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or
accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation,
normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death,
injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages
arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with
transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint
must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection veries the defect, we will either repair or
replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot
readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return repaired products at our
expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not
within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • [phone]