Harbor Freight Tools 62443 Assembly instructions

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REV 14i
Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,
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.
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact
and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,
please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.
Copyright©2014 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.
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.

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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Table of Contents
Safety ......................................................... 2
Specifications ............................................. 5
Setup .......................................................... 5
Operation.................................................... 8
Maintenance.............................................. 10
Parts List and Diagram.............................. 11
Warranty .................................................... 12
WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS
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.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
Addresses practices not related to personal injury.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all safety warnings and all instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
Installation Precautions
1. Exercise special caution if working 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.
2. Install all sensitive electrical components
(including wiring connections, regulator,
and battery) inside a weatherproof
enclosure to prevent electric shock.
3. Do not wire multiple panels in series. If you
need to connect two or more solar panels together,
this work must be done by a qualified electrician
unless they are connected through a regulator.
4. This solar panel kit is not designed 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, fire, 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.
5. Do not stand on or otherwise
apply pressure to panel.

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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
6. Handle solar panel with care,
edges may be sharp.
7. Do not focus light on panel.
8. Install components with enough
space to allow proper cooling.
9. This product may occasionally 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.
10. Panel must be connected using 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 1620 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
11. Install an appropriate charge 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.
12. Install and use according to applicable
National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
13. This panel is not rated for use as fire-resistant
roofing. If installing on a roof, install only over a fire
resistant roof covering rated for the application.
14. Verify that installation surface has no hidden
utility lines before drilling or driving screws.
15. Install only according to these instructions.
Improper installation can create hazards.
16. Handle panel with care. Glass may break or a
sharp edge may be exposed during movement.
17. Keep installation area clean and well lit.
18. Install out of reach of children.
19. Keep bystanders out of the area during installation.
20. Do not install when tired or when under
the influence of drugs or medication.
21. Use in 12 VDC systems only.
22. WARNING: This product contains lead, a chemical
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
(California Health & Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
23. 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.
Battery Precautions
1. Wear splash-resistant ANSI-approved
safety goggles and electrically insulated
gloves while working near batteries.
2. Use an appropriate charge controller
whenever connected to battery.
3. Charge, store, and maintain batteries
according to supplier’s instructions.
Installation Precautions (cont’d)

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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Service Precautions
1. Before service, maintenance, or cleaning:
a. Dry solar panels and outdoor
wiring thoroughly while wearing
electrically insulated gloves.
b. Cover all solar panels with an opaque
cover, such as a blanket.
c. Disconnect all solar panels.
d. Disconnect all batteries.
2. Do not service during rain, fog, or
any other wet/humid weather.
3. Do not stand on or otherwise
apply pressure to panel.
4. Do not allow children to play with or near
this item or electrical components.
5. Inspect at least monthly; do not use if damaged,
parts are loose, water is found inside the
housing, electrical insulation is cracked or
damaged, or connections are loose.
6. Maintain product labels and nameplates.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
7. WARNING: The cord of this product contains
lead and/or di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP),
chemicals 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.

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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Specifications
Rated Output 14.5 V~ / 15 W (per solar panel)
Open Circuit Voltage 23.6 OCV
Adapter Outlets 3, 6, and 12 VDC
Set Up Instructions
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS section at the beginning of this manual
including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Power Switch/Trigger is in the off-position and unplug the tool
from its electrical outlet before performing any procedure in this section.
Note: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages,
refer to the Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual.
Installation
Location
1. Locate the Solar Panels (12) where they will
receive full, unobstructed sunlight, especially during
midday. Nearby trees or tall plants will drop debris,
requiring the panels to be cleaned more frequently.
2. The setup location for the Solar Panel Kit must
be inaccessible to children to prevent electric
shock. Build a childproof enclosure if needed.
3. Install the charge controller/regulator and batteries
in a weatherproof enclosure with proper ventilation.
Mounting
1. Select a mounting location for the Solar Panel
Kit. The Solar Panels should face the Sun, and
not be blocked by shadows. The location should
allow the Panels to be protected from accidental
damage. The location should be flat, stable and
able to support the weight of the Solar Panel
Kit’s accessories. Before assembly, be sure
that all accessory cables reach their connection
points without placing any stress on the wiring.
2. Angle face of Solar Panel Frame toward true
south1according to 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°
1Angle towards true north if installed
in southern hemisphere.

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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Assembly
1. First, attach all the components of the
frame together. See Figure A.
Mounting
Holes
Mounting
Holes
Figure A
NOTE: Do not fasten connections with hardware yet.
IMPORTANT: During assembly, make sure that the
solar panel mounting holes along the Top Tubes (3) and
Bottom Tubes (6) face OUT from the frame assembly.
2. Attach Corner Connectors (1) to Side Tubes (5).
Then use the Fixed Screws and Nuts (11)
to fasten the Corner Connectors to
the Top Tube. See Figure B.
Fixed Screw (11)
Nut
Corner Connector (1)
Side Tube (5)
Top Tube (3)
Figure B
3. Use Fixed Screws and Nuts to fasten the Top Tubes
to the Leg Connectors (2) and then the Support
Legs (8) to Leg Connectors. See Figure C.
Fixed Screw (11)
Top Tube (3)
Leg Connector (2)
Support
Legs (8)
Figure C
NOTE: There are two possible settings for the Leg
Connectors to allow for different angles facing the sun.
Before securing Leg Supports in place, be sure to adjust
Leg Connectors so that both Connectors are set at the
same angles. This will help keep the frame balanced.
4. Verify all connections are tightened and that
the frame is secure. WARNING! Do not install
the Solar Panels until the frame is properly
assembled and balanced on surface.
5. Determine where you want to position the
frame assembly, making sure it is facing south
(for maximum sun exposure) with no obstructions
in front of it. The Charge Controller (13) must be in
a dry, well ventilated location nearby. If necessary,
build a small structure that guarantees the unit will
stay dry during rain or snow, and, provide enough
ventilation to allow the unit to vent and cool properly.
6. Set the Solar Panels onto the frame assembly,
aligning the Panels’ mounting holes with the
mounting holes on the Top and Bottom Tubes.
Use the Fixed Screws and Nuts to secure the Solar
Panels to the frame assembly. See Figure D.
Fixed Screw (11)
Figure D

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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
7. Connect end of lead wires coming from the Solar
Panels (12) to the Splitter Cable (10). See Figure E.
Splitter
Cable (10)
Figure E
8. Connect the ends of the Battery
Clamps to the battery terminals on the
back of the Charge Controller.
9. A blue LED indicator will light while panel charges.
10. Attach the Battery Clamps to the battery’s terminals.
WARNING! Connect red connector to positive (+).
Connect black connector to negative (-). Unit will not
function with reverse connection. See Figure F.
Charge
Controller (13)
Battery
Terminals
Fuse
Figure F
11. Connect Splitter Cable to the Charge
Controller. See Figure G.
Splitter
Cable (10)
Figure G
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
standards established by the area power company.
1. Run wires from panels, through weatherproof
grommets and into enclosure where charge
controller/regulator is located. Use wires
of the proper size and rating and use twist
connectors (not included) to connect wires.
2. Connect to Charge Controller according
to Controller’s instructions.
3. Secure all connections using terminals, or solder
all wire splices to ensure good connections.
4. Weatherproof all connections and route the wire in
a way that it will not be torn loose from the panel.

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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Operating Instructions
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: Performance of the Solar Panels will vary dependent on site location, angle
of the panels in relation to the arc of the sun, and available sunlight.
Recharging a Battery
1. To recharge a 12 volt battery (not included),
while paying attention to the proper polarity
(black (-) is negative and red (+) is positive),
connect the two ring terminals on the Battery
Clamp to the Battery Terminals on the back
of the Charge Controller. See Figure H.
2. Connect the black clamp to the black or negative (-)
terminal on the battery (not included). Finally,
connect the red clamp to the red or positive (+)
terminal on the battery. Avoid accidental contact
of the red and black battery clamps to each other.
3. Turn on the Charge Controller. See the On/Off
switch in Figure H. Initially charge for three days.
On/Off Switch
USB
Output
Digital Voltage
Meter
12V
Female
Output
Female
Inverter
Output
Overload
Discharge
Indicator
Digital
Voltage
Meter
Switch
Figure H
Never leave the battery (not included) unattended
while charging. When battery is fully charged, the
reading on voltage display will show “13” or above.
NOTE: The voltage display will have to be turned on
in order to monitor the battery voltage. (Press the
Voltage Meter Switch to turn off the Voltage Meter
when not monitoring the battery voltage since it
consumes energy.) Twelve (12) Volt batteries should
charge to 13 Volts for a full charge. To stop charging
the battery, turn Power Switch to OFF and disconnect
the solar panels from the Charge Controller.
NOTE: The Charge Controller provides “overcharge”
protection. If the battery voltage is higher than 14.5
V, the regulator will shut off charge from solar panel.
4. The Charge Controller provides the
following protection while charging:
a. Over-discharge Protection: When the electricity
level of the battery goes too low (below
11 volts) from product usage, the Charge
Controller will automatically shut off the power
output to prevent damage to the battery. If
this occurs, stop using the battery and charge
it until the Voltage display shows 13 volts.
b. Overcharge Protection: If the electricity level
on the battery goes too high (above 14.5 volts)
the Charge Controller will automatically shut off
power input to prevent damage to the battery.
c. Overload Protection: If the output current
exceeds 4 amps the fuse (see Figure F) will
blow to prevent damage to the controller in
the Charge Controller. If this occurs, have a
qualified service technician replace the fuse.
Note: The On/Off switch of the Charge Controller
must be in the “On” position to activate the
three protection functions mentioned above.

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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Using 12 Volt Lights and Accessories
Note: The Charge Controller must be
in “ON” position at all times.
1. If the 12V Lights (16) aren’t already
attached to the sockets on the end of
each light wire, gently snap them in.
2. Plug the other end of the 12V Light’s wire
into either of the 12 Volt DC outlets on the
Charge Controller as shown in Figure I.
12V DC
Outlets
3V DC
Outlet
6V DC
Outlet
Figure I
3. To turn on and off the lights, flip the
switch on the Light’s wire.
Note: You may plug in the each light
into to either 12V DC outlet.
Note: This system can also be used to power
other small 3V and 6V DC small appliances.
4. Plug the appropriate plug on the Multi
Adapter into the appliance. The adapter
has 3, 6, and 12 Volt DC plugs.
5. Insert the plug on the other end of the wire
attached to the Multi Purpose Adapter into the
appropriate DC Outlet on the Charge Controller.
6. Activate your appliance.
CAUTION! Only one appliance can be used at
a time with this adapter and the adapter must
be plugged into the same voltage output.
7. When finished, unplug the Multi Adapter wire
plug from the Charge Controller and then
unplug the Multi Adapter from the appliance.
8. To charge cell phone or other small electronic item,
plug the item’s power cored into the USB Port on
the front of the Charge Controller. See Figure I.
9. Use the Inverter Output and the 12V
Female Output ports to connect the male
adapters for 12V accessory items that
need to be charged. See Figure I.
10. To prevent accidents, turn off the appliance
and after use. Clean, then store the
appliance indoors out of children’s reach.

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SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Maintenance and Servicing
Procedures not specifically explained in this manual
must be performed only by a qualified technician.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK:
Before service, maintenance or cleaning:
a. Dry solar panels and outdoor wiring thoroughly while wearing electrically insulated gloves.
b. Cover solar panels with an opaque cover.
c. Disconnect all solar panels and batteries.
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 first 6 months before the amorphous coating stabilizes.
Cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication
Clean and inspect the Solar Kit system MONTHLY,
or more frequently to maintain peak efficiency.
1. Wear electrically insulated gloves and
ANSI-approved safety goggles. Dry solar
panels and outdoor wiring thoroughly.
2. Cover solar panels with opaque cover.
3. Disconnect all solar panels and batteries.
4. Clean solar panels one at a time with mild, non-
abrasive cleanser and soft cloth and paper towels.
Do not clean with brushes or abrasive cleaners.
5. Inspect general condition of Solar Kit 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.
6. Maintain batteries according to
supplier’s instructions.
Adjustment
To increase efficiency:
1. In the Winter, increase the panels’ angle by 10°.
2. In the Summer, decrease the angle by up to 10°.
3. In Spring and Fall, keep the angle
recommended on page 5.

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SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
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.
Part Description Qty
1 Corner Connector 4
2 Leg Connector 2
3Top Tube 1
4 Tube Connector 2
5Side Tube 2
6Bottom Tube 1
7 Rubber Foot 2
8 Support Leg 2
Part Description Qty
9Middle Tube 1
10 3-In-1 Splitter Cable 1
11 Fixed Screws &Nuts 22 Sets
12 Solar Panel 3
13 Charge Controller 1
14 Battery Clamp Cable 1
15 Multi Adapter 1
16 Cfl Light With Lamp Holder 2 Sets
Parts List and Diagram
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.
1
23
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

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 verifies 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 specific 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 • 1-888-866-5797