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3. Installation and Wiring
3.1 Solar Panel Selection
Before installing the solar water pump and DC controller, we should know how to select the
solar panel for the solar water pumping system.
3.1.1 Select the type
Solar panel can be divided into thin-film photocell, polycrystalline silicon solar cell and
mono-crystalline silicon solar cell. The prices are different for the three kinds of solar panel.
Mono-crystalline type has the highest price but the efficient is the best. The thin-film
photocell is the cheapest one.
3.1.2 Select the rated power and Voc
Rated power: The power is proportional to the panel area. Normally, the rated power
of solar cell is 150W per square meter.
Voc: The open-circuit voltage (Voc) means the max electromotive force before solar
panel working. The common open-circuit voltage (Voc) is DC 21V, 36V, 44V, etc. The
lower the temperature, the higher the Voc. Because the open-circuit voltage changes
along with the change of area and temperature. If the Voc is not high enough, connect
more solar cells in series. The total voltage value equals the sum of each panel's Voc.
How to select Voc and rated power?
When solar panel working, its voltage will decrease, this voltage is called working
voltage (Vmp). The Vmp of solar cell needs to be selected according to the solar
pump controller's working voltage, and then to confirm the open-circuit voltage (Voc)
of solar panel.
After that, according to the solar pump power to select the solar panel power. The
generating efficiency of solar panel is under 70% usually. In order to ensure the rated
working time (for example 4 hours a day), the solar panel power equals to 1.5 times of
solar pump power.It is the minimum power for choose. That means, if the solar panel
power is smaller than the minimum power, the solar pump can work normally but can't
reach its rated flow and head. The best solution is to use more solar panels if
condition permits, and it is also ensure more working time for the solar water pump.
3.1.3 Solar panel recommendation for 12V-110V DC solar water pump
When the solar panels are in series connection, the voltage is added, but the current isn't
changed.
When the solar panels are in parallel connection, the voltage is unchanged, but the current is
added.
Before the power is on, you must use the instrument to detect the open circuit voltage of
solar panels, or apply for series, parallel knowledge to calculate the solar panel open circuit
voltage. The open-circuit voltage of solar array must be less than the maximum input voltage