Novalynx 110-WS-25SP-20 User manual

DOC 110-WS-25SP-20 UM 20220803
110-WS-25SP-20
User Manual
20 Watt Solar Panel & Charge Controller
110-WS-25SP-20
20W Solar Panel & Charge Controller
with
Pole Mount Bracket
Phone [phone]
Email no[email protected] Website www.novalynx.com

NovaLynx Corporation
110-WS-25SP-20 Page 2 August 2022
Receiving and Unpacking
Carefully unpack all components and compare to the packing list. Notify NovaLynx Corporation
immediately concerning any discrepancy. Inspect equipment to detect any damage that may have
occurred during shipment. In the event of damage, any claim for loss must be filed immediately with
the carrier by the consignee. Damages to equipment sent via Parcel Post or UPS require the consignee
to contact NovaLynx Corporation for instructions.
Returns
If equipment is to be returned to the factory for any reason, call NovaLynx between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00
p.m. Pacific Time to request a Return Authorization Number (RA#). Include with the returned
equipment a description of the problem and the name, address, and daytime phone number of the
sender. Carefully pack the equipment to prevent damage or additional damage during the return
shipment. Call NovaLynx for packing instructions in the case of delicate or sensitive items. If packing
facilities are not available take the equipment to the nearest Post Office, UPS, or other freight service
and obtain assistance with the packaging. Please write the RA# on the outside of the box.
Warranty
NovaLynx Corporation warrants that its products are free from defects in material and workmanship
under normal use and service for a period of one year from the date of shipment from the factory.
NovaLynx Corporation's obligations under this warranty are limited to, at NovaLynx's option: (i)
replacing; or (ii) repairing; any product determined to be defective. In no case shall NovaLynx
Corporation's liability exceed product's original purchase price. This warranty does not apply to any
equipment that has been repaired or altered, except by NovaLynx Corporation, or that has been
subjected to misuse, negligence, or accident. It is expressly agreed that this warranty will be in lieu of
all warranties of fitness and in lieu of the warranty of merchantability.
Address
NovaLynx Corporation
431 Crown Point Circle, Suite 120
Grass Valley, CA 95945-9531 USA
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.novalynx.com
Copyright © 1988-2022 by NovaLynx Corporation

NovaLynx Corporation
110-WS-25SP-20 Page 3 August 2022
CONTENTS
1 FORWARD ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
3 SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
4 INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
5 CONNECTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 5
6 OPERATION ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6
7 MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
8 TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

NovaLynx Corporation
110-WS-25SP-20 Page 4 August 2022
1 FORWARD
Thank you for purchasing NovaLynx products. NovaLynx has been designing and manufacturing
weather instruments since 1988. NovaLynx represents several well-known brands of quality
manufacturers, including Gill Instruments, RM Young, Kipp & Zonen, and Vaisala. It is our hope that our
products will meet all your monitoring requirements.
2 INTRODUCTION
The 110-WS-25SP-20 Solar Panel is simple to install and use. The rugged aluminum frame is attached
to a variable-angle bracket that mounts to a mast or tower. A fully-encapsulated regulator is pre-wired
to the panel, providing up to 1120 mA current ideal for charging 12 V batteries. The 3 meter (9.8')
cable includes a 2-pin quick-connect plug designed for easy connection to NovaLynx logger systems.
The 110-WS-25SP-20 Solar Panel is optimal for charging 12V sealed lead-acid battery systems. Do
NOT use it to charge 6V, 24V or 36V batteries. With a properly-sized battery and adequate sunshine,
the panel can supply continuous loads up to 120 mA.
3 SPECIFICATIONS
Rated Power Output 20 Watt
Power Tolerance
+/- 5%
Operating Power Voltage 18V
Operating Power Current 1.12A
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)
21.6V
Short Circuit Current (Isc) 1.17A
Trickle Charging Current
0.2A
Floating Charging Voltage
13.8V
Overcharge Protection Voltage
14.4V
Current Temperature Coefficient 0.05% / °C
Voltage Temperature Coefficient -0.37% / °C
Power Temperature Coefficient -0.45% / °C
Operating Temperature -40°C to 85°C
Max. Snow / Wind Load
2400 Pa
Wire Gauge / Cable Length 20AWG / 3m (9.8')
Environmental Protection IP65
Solar Panel Measurements 420 x 335 x 18mm (16.5 x 13.2 x 0.7 inch)
110-WS-25SP-20 Solar Panel
(BC-20W-PM panel and regulator)

NovaLynx Corporation
110-WS-25SP-20 Page 5 August 2022
4 INSTALLATION
Select a location that provides maximum exposure to sunlight. In the northern hemisphere, the front
surface of the panel should face south. In the southern hemisphere, the panel should face north.
Shade on even a small portion of the panel surface greatly lowers the efficiency of the panel, so avoid
placing the panel near or under trees, buildings, or any other objects that cast a shadow.
Avoid placing the panel below structures where birds will perch. If birds use the panel itself as a
landing spot, it may be necessary to apply a spike strip along the top edge of the mounting bracket to
keep the panel from being covered with bird droppings.
Regular maintenance includes cleaning the top surface of the panel whenever dust or debris collects.
Place the panel at a height where it is not difficult to reach for regular cleaning.
The 110-WS-25SP-20 Solar Panel mounting bracket is adjustable so that the
optimum angle for a particular latitude can be achieved. The best angle varies
throughout the year, however a good compromise can be reached by
determining your coordinates and entering them into an on-line calculator. One
such calculator can be found at:
https://solarsena.com/solar-panel-tilt-angle-calculator/
Assemble the panel and mounting bracket onto a vertical mast or tower (sold separately), and make
sure the face of the panel points south (northern hemisphere). Adjust the tilt angle, then tighten all
bolts (an "L" wrench is provided to secure the bolts).
Route the cable to the logger or battery box, and secure the cable to the mast at 2' intervals to prevent
the cable from whipping in the wind.
5 CONNECTION
The 110-WS-25SP-20 Solar Panel cable is provided with a 2-pin quick-connect plug which makes
connection to NovaLynx loggers a simple matter. The plug not only provides insulation which helps
prevent sparks, but also ensures that the polarity is correct for connection to the logger system. If the
quick-connect plug has been removed (i.e. the cable has flying leads), special precautions must be
taken to ensure that the exposed wires do not short together, and that proper polarity is observed.
(+) Positive
) Negative(
SOLAR PANEL
20 W with regulator
PN 110-WS-25SP-20

NovaLynx Corporation
110-WS-25SP-20 Page 6 August 2022
CAUTION – Connect battery power to the logger BEFORE connecting the solar panel to the system.
Otherwise the logger may not "boot" properly, or excessive voltage may be applied to
the logger system. Do the reverse when powering down, i.e. disconnect the solar panel,
and then unplug the battery to turn off the logger.
CAUTION – The solar panel produces electricity whenever it is exposed to sunlight. There is always
the danger of short-circuiting which could cause sparks or damage to other electrical
equipment if not connected properly. It is advisable to cover the solar panel with an
opaque cloth while connecting the cable.
It is best to "boot" the logger from the battery before connecting the solar panel to the system. In the
case of NovaLynx loggers, this means connect the red battery connector to the positive battery
terminal first. The logger will start up normally and the battery will be in the circuit when the charger
connection is made. Cover the panel with an opaque cloth. Connect the solar panel by plugging the
quick-connect plug on the solar panel cable into the quick-connect plug inside the logger enclosure.
After the solar panel is connected, remove the opaque cloth from the panel. Note: in some systems the
battery is in a separate enclosure from the logger. In this case route the cable from the solar panel to
the battery box.
6 OPERATION
The operation of the regulator is completely automatic. The controller will regulate the charging of the
battery during conditions of heavy usage, and when left unattended for long periods of time.
Intelligent Charge & Maintain
The built-in intelligent MPPT charge controller chips generate at least 10%-20% more power than
traditional controllers. The smart 3-stage charging algorithm is improved to better charge and
maintain a 12v battery, keeping the battery topped off in all seasons.
Protection
Protects the battery from over-charge, over-voltage, discharge, short circuit, and reversed polarity.
The electronics are waterproof and spark-proof.
Adjustable Pole Mount Bracket
The pole mount bracket allows you to easily adjust the solar
panel angle from 0-15-30-45-60 degrees. The mounting
bracket is designed for a pole diameter of 1.5 to 3.0 inches
(40-80mm). A removable V-block insert has been added to
accommodate even smaller poles.

NovaLynx Corporation
110-WS-25SP-20 Page 7 August 2022
Visual Monitor
The colorful LED indicator helps to visually
monitor the working status during charging.
Charging will be cut off automatically when the
battery is fully charged, and resumed as needed
and sunlight allows.
7 MAINTENANCE
Under normal conditions very little maintenance is required, but in areas where dust accumulates, the
panel may need to be cleaned frequently.
1. Wash the surface of the solar panel as required using clean water and a soft cloth. Add a mild
liquid detergent to the water to remove heavy soil, if needed, then use clean water to rinse. Do
not use abrasive cleaners which might scratch the glass, reducing efficiency.
2. Tighten the bolts on the mounting bracket to ensure the panel is held securely.
3. Make sure the cable is secured to prevent whipping in the wind.
4. Trim any nearby trees that cast a shadow on the solar panel.
5. Install bird spikes if necessary.
8 TROUBLESHOOTING
Power supply issues usually show up when the battery voltage gets too low for the system to function.
It can be difficult to identify the cause, as there are many parts to the system. Efficient troubleshooting
involves understanding the possible causes and eliminating simplest cases first.
1. Check the Visual Monitor LED to determine whether there is a detected fault (Solid RED
indication).
2. If there is a fuse in the system, check the fuse with an ohm-meter. If the fuse is burned out,
determine where the fault lies and correct it before trying a new fuse.
3. Many system failures are due to poor electrical connections.
a. Visually inspect all connections.
b. Tighten screw terminal connections.
c. Where wires are held by crimp connectors, tug gently on the wires to check whether the
connection is tight. Re-crimp as required. NOTE: crimp connections may also be soldered for
maximum durability.
d. Disconnect and re-connect plug-style connectors, to refresh the connection.