Grape Solar STAR Series Instruction Manual

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Connection Guide Rev. 170324
Grape Solar STAR Series
Connection Guide
©Copyright 2012, Grape Solar, Inc. All Rights Reserved
For more information about this kit, visit
http://www.grapesolar.com/manuals.html
Series vs. Parallel Connections
Grape Solar STAR panels can be connected in parallel or series when used in conjunction with an
appropriately sized charge controller.
Connecting panels in series will result in a higher input voltage to a charge controller while a parallel
connection will result in a higher input current. Since an MPPT charge controller works as a transformer,
and increases the output current up as it reduces the voltage, the power fed to the battery will be the same
in both configurations.
It is a popular misconception that two panels in series are for charging a 24V battery bank and two panels
in parallel are for charging a 12V battery bank. In reality a 12V battery bank can be charged with an array
voltage of anything greater than 16V. That means a 1000V could charge a 12V battery as long as an
appropriate MPPT charge controller is used. But, in order to charge a 24V battery bank one would need
at least 32V.
Panels should always be connected in parallel for 12V charging with a PWM style charge controller.
Advantages of a series connection:
Since a series connection results in a higher voltage, that means that current is lower and there will be
less line losses. Less line losses means that smaller, less expensive wire can be used to connect the
panels to the charge controller on long runs. Also, money can be saved by not having to purchase MC4
comparable T Branch connectors.
Advantages of a parallel connection:
Many charge controllers have an input voltage limit of 25V. If the charge controller in your system has this
limitation a series connection would overload your charge controller. Parallel connections should always
be used with PWM style charge controllers.

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Connecting Panels in Series
The Grape Solar STAR panels come with two 900mm MC4 comparable leads, one for positive + and the
other for negative -. A connector from one panel can plug into the connector on another panel to form a
series connection.
Connecting Panels in Parallel
For parallel connections, the MC4 comparable connectors plug into MC4 comparable T Branch
connectors.
MC4 comparable cables and connectors can be found in well stocked electrical supply warehouses or on
Amazon.com using the keyword “MC4”.
Example Schematics
Below are some sample schematics detailing
the connections between panels.
These are only a few of the many possible
configurations.
Panel 1
-
Panel 2
-
Panel 1 +
Panel 2 +
Panel 1
-
Panel 2
-
Panel 3
-
Panel 1 +
Panel 2 +
Panel 3 +
Panel 1
-
Panel 2
-
Panel 1 +
Panel 2 +
Panel 3
-
Panel 4
-
Panel 3 +
Panel 4 +
To Charge Controller
-
To Charge Controller +
To Charge Controller
-
To Charge Controller +
To Charge Controller
-
To Charge Controller +
Panel +
Panel
-

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3 Panels In Parallel
4 Panels In Parallel
2 Panels In Series
(
Only for MPPT Charge Controllers
)

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Mounting Hardware & Additional Accessories
Mounting
Because of the wide variety of possible user applications, Grape Solar panels do not come standard with
mounting hardware, but the panels come with study aluminum frames that have mounting holes and can be
mounted to a variety of structures and materials including wooden or metal frames.
For optimum energy production, solar panels should be pointed in the direction of the sun to maximize the
surface area that can receive light. Since the sun is a moving target, this is best approximated by pointing
the panel South (if mounting location is in the Northern Hemisphere) at a tilt angle equal to current latitude.
Grounding
The inverters and panels have grounding terminals but grounding is not a requirement for operation. The
systems in our test lab have been operated with and without grounding with no differences in
performance.
Positive Grounding This panel does not require positive grounding. Do not use
positive grounding.
For more information contact Grape Solar Technical Support at:
[e-mail]
1-877-264-1014
Drain
Holes
Mounting
Holes

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GRAPE SOLAR LIMITED WARRANTY FOR PV MODULES
The following modules are covered under this warranty:
Grape Solar P/N
GS-STAR-nnnW series, whereas “nnn” is a number between 50 and 240;
Limited Product Warranty –Five (5) Year Repair, Replacement or Refund Remedy
Grape Solar Corporation with offices at 2635 W 7th Pl, Eugene, OR 97402 (“Grape Solar”)
warrants that for five (5) years from the date of delivery, its Photovoltaic modules ("PV modules")
shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal application, installation, use
and service conditions. If the PV modules fail to conform to this warranty, then for a period ending
five (5) years from date of delivery to the original end-customer ("the Customer"), Grape Solar will,
at its option, either repair or replace the product, or refund the purchase price as paid by the
Customer ("Purchase Price"). The repair, replacement or refund remedy shall be the sole and
exclusive remedy provided under the Limited Product Warranty and shall not extend beyond the
five (5) year period set forth herein. This Limited Product Warranty does not warrant a specific
power output, which shall be exclusively covered under Limited Power Warranty.
Limited Power Warranty
a) If, within ten (10) years from date of purchase to the Customer any PV module(s) exhibits
a power output less than 90% of the Minimum Peak Power as specified at the date of purchase in
Grape Solar's Product datasheet, provided that such loss in power is determined by Grape Solar
(at its sole and absolute discretion) to be due to defects in material or workmanship Grape Solar
will replace such loss in power by either providing to the Customer additional PV modules to make
up such loss in power or by providing monetary compensation equivalent to the cost of additional
PV modules required to make up such loss in power or by repairing or replacing the defective PV
modules.
b) If, within twenty five (25) years from date of purchase to the Customer any PV module(s)
exhib-its a power output less than 80% of the Minimum Peak Power as specified at the date of
purchase in Grape Solar's Product datasheet, provided that such loss in power is determined by
Grape Solar (at its sole and absolute discretion) to be due to defects in material or workmanship
Grape Solar will replace such loss in power by either providing to the Customer additional PV
modules to make up such loss in power or by providing monetary compensation equivalent to the
cost of additional PV modules required to make up such loss in power or by repairing or replacing
the defective PV modules
Exclusions and Limitations
a) Warranty claims must be filed within the applicable Warranty period.
b) Warranty claims may only be made by the customer with proof of purchase.
c) The Limited Warranties do not apply to any of the following:
i. PV modules that have been subjected to: misuse, abuse, neglect or accident;
alteration, improper installation, application or removal; repair or modifications by
someone other than an approved service technician; power failure surges, lightning,
flood, fire, accidental breakage or other events outside Grape Solar's control.

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ii. Cosmetic defects stemming from normal wear and tear of PV module materials.
iii. PV modules installed in locations which may be subject to direct contact with salt water.
d) The Limited Warranty does not cover transportation cost for return of the PV modules; reship-
ment of any repaired or replaced PV Modules to the applicable location. It does not cover the
cost associated with installation, removal or reinstallation of the PV modules.
e) Warranty claims will not apply if the type or serial number of the PV modules is altered, re-
moved or made illegible. Limitation of Warranty
THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH HEREIN IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES
ALL OTHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
AND ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES ON THE PART OF GRAPE SOLAR, UNLESS
SUCH OTHER WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITES ARE EXPRESSLY AGREED TO
IN WRITING BY GRAPE SOLAR. GRAPE SOLAR SHALL HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIA-
BILITY WHATSOEVER FOR DAMAGES OR INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY, OR FOR
OTHER LOSS OR INJURY RESULTING FROM ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF
OR RELATING TO THE PV MODULE(S) INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY DEFECTS
AND/OR FAILURES IN THE PV MODULE(S) OR FROM USE OR INSTALLATION.
GRAPE SOLAR'S AGGREGATE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID
TO GRAPE SOLAR BY THE CUSTOMER, FOR THE UNIT OF PRODUCT OR SERVICE
FURNISHED OR TO BE FURNISHED, AS THE CASE MAY BE, WHICH GAVE RISE TO THE
WARRANTY CLAIM.
SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON WARRANTIES OR EXCLUSIONS
OR LIMITATION OF DAMAGES. ACCORDINGLY, THE ABOVE EXCLUSIONS OR LIMITATIONS
MAY NOT APPLY. THESE WARRANTIES GIVE A CUSTOMER SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND
A CUSTOMER MAY HAVE OTHER RIGHTS THAT VARY FROM JURISDICTION TO
JURISDICTION.
Obtaining Warranty Performance
If you feel you have a justified claim covered by this Limited Warranty, immediately notify the (a)
Installer who sold the PV-modules, or (b) any authorized Grape Solar distributor of the claim in
writing, or (c) send such notification to 2635 W 7th Pl, Eugene, OR 97402, directly. In addition,
please enclose evidence of the date of purchase of the PV module. If applicable, your installer or
distributor will give advice on handling the claim. If further assistance is required, please write to
Grape Solar for instructions. The return of any PV-modules will not be accepted unless prior
written authorization has been given by Grape Solar.