Curtech CT-K80 User manual

FOLDING SOLAR PANEL KIT
USER MANUAL
1. Handle
8. Battery Lead Cable
2. Latches
9. Battery Clips
3. Aluminium Frame
10. Anderson Plugs
4. Strong Support Legs
11. Protective Corners
5. LCD Solar Charge Controller
12. Storage Carry Bag
6. Junction Box
13. Inline Fuse
7. Specification Label

Installation
1. Remove the solar panel kit from the handy carry bag.
2. Unclip the two latches on the side of the unit and fold two panels outward. Loosen the wing
nut to each leg and fully extend the two legs then tighten the wing nut to each leg to lock the
legs into position to gain maximum support.
3. Place solar panel kit in the position facing the sun, free from over hanging branches or
obstructions.
4. Fully extend battery lead and connect to solar charger controller battery lead. Connect the
battery clips to the + positive (red) & - negative (black) battery terminals. Ensure that the
connection is secure.
Note: To obtain maximum output it is suggested that the solar panel kit direction be
frequently adjusted to track the suns movement throughout the day.
Operation LCD Screen
To view the LCD screen when the solar kit is operational simply pull the regulator towards you.
The regulator will swing down for easier viewing.
The LCD screen will show the battery voltage, input amps and total input amps charged when
hooked to a 12V battery.
To see individual details press the VOLT/AMP Button.
Each time this button is pressed information on the screen will change and eventually return to
display the voltage which is the start of the information screens.
When the battery being charged is fully charged the FUL will be displayed.
This indicates the battery is fully charged.
Four battery types are able to be charged.
Press and hold the battery type button for 3 seconds to enter battery type selection mode. The
current battery type will be displayed towards the top of the LCD screen. The default setting is
AGM.
Each time the battery type button is pressed the battery type to be charged will display towards the
top of the LCD screen. When the correct battery type to charge is displayed simply stop pressing
buttons and wait for the regulator to exit selection mode.
Each battery type charge values have been preset into the regulators memory. By changing the
battery type the charge values will automatically change.
Refer to the solar controller manual for more details.
There are 6 LED lights which display charge status and battery condition.
Refer to the solar controller manual for LED colour explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What type of batteries can be used with the kit?
A. Factory set for AGM Batteries, but will charge Gel, Flood and Calcium Batteries too.
Q. Can I bypass the regulator to charge my battery?
A. ONLY when the kit is connected to the battery via another solar charge controller. A battery
should never be charged direct to any battery without a solar controller being used. Damage to
your battery or an explosion may occur as the voltage output by the solar panels will exceed the
battery charge limit. (VERY IMPORTANT TO NEVER CHARGE A BATTERY WITHOUT A
REGULATOR)
Q. Will the solar panels over charge my battery?
A. The solar controller (regulator) ensures that a steady charge is supplied and will not over
charge the battery. It has up to five levels of charging Soft Charge, Bulk Charge, Absorption
Charge, Equalization Charge (only for wet or calcium batteries) and Float Charge.
Q. Can I extend/lengthen the battery lead?
A. If the lead is extended this could result in a loss of voltage and insufficient power transferred
from the solar controller (regulator) to charge the battery. Quality wire should always be used to
extend the lead length.
Q. Is the Controller water resistant.
A. Yes it is waterproof but it is recommended during rain, hail or storms the kit be moved indoors
to protect it.
Q. How do I clean the solar panel?
A. Dust & dirt should firstly be swept off the panel surface using a soft brush and then use a wet
cloth to wipe the panel surface to remove remaining dirt & grime. It is recommended that any bird
droppings be removed as soon as possible as if left can cause damage to the surface.
Troubleshooting
Check all connections to ensure they are secure and free from moisture & debris.
Check the solar panels are in good sunlight.
Test the battery the solar kit is hooked to, to ensure it is not faulty.
Disconnect the solar kit from the battery wait 30 seconds and reconnect. This will restart the solar
controller.
To test if your kit is working, check the battery voltage before you connect the solar kit to it. Then
connect the solar kit and leave it on for 10 minutes, then check the voltage in your battery. The
battery voltage would now be higher than your first reading if the kit is working correctly.
If problems continue please consult your place of purchase.
Error code 601 means the kit is not connected to a battery.
Connect to a battery and this code will change and display the battery voltage.

Battery Reverse Polarity
Full protection against battery reverse polarity, no damage to the controller will result. An error
code 602 will display on the LCD screen. This code indicates the positive and negative
connections to your battery are the wrong way around. Disconnect the wires from the battery and
reconnect making sure the positive lead is connected to the positive terminal on the battery and
the negative lead is connected to the negative on the battery.
It is recommended to move the solar kit indoors during rain, hail or storms.
Folding Solar Charging System Specification
Specifications
Type
Module Size
N.W.
Max
Power
Max
Power
Voltage
Max
Power
Current
Open
Circuit
Voltage
Module
mm
kg
W
V
A
V
2 x 40W
775x350x70
10.3
80
17.5
4.57
21.40
2 x 60W
770x505x70
13.3
120
17.5
6.86
21.20
2 x 80W
1015x505x70
16.5
160
17.5
9.14
21.60
Solar Cell: Monocrystalline
WARNING
DO NOT CHARGE A BATTERY DIRECT FROM THE SOLAR
PANELS WITHOUT CONNECTING TO THE SOLAR
CONTROLLER PROVIDED OR AN EXTERNAL SOLAR
CONTROLLER.
A REGULATOR MUST BE USED TO CHARGE ALL
BATTERIES.
CHARGING DIRECT FROM THE SOLAR PANEL WITHOUT
CONNECTING A SOLAR CONTROLLER COULD CAUSE
INJURY, DAMAGE TO YOUR BATTERIES OR CAUSE A
BATTERY TO EXPLODE.