Photonic Universe ARF-FWP-80M User manual

Lightweight
Folding Solar Charging Kit
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
For 80W, 100W and 120W models
Application: motorhomes, caravans, RVs, campervans, cars, boats, yachts
and other systems with 12V lead-acid batteries

Lightweight folding solar charging kit – Instruction manual | 2
Models: ARF-FWP-80M, ARF-FWP-100M, ARF-FWP-120M
Contents
1. Product overview.....................................3
2. Installation instructions ............................5
3. Solar charge controller operation ............7
4. Troubleshooting ………………...………...8
5. Frequently asked questions ....................9
6. Maintenance.......................................... 11
7. Warranty................................................ 11
8. Technical specifications.........................12

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Models: ARF-FWP-80M, ARF-FWP-100M, ARF-FWP-120M
1. Product overview
Thank you for purchasing this lightweight folding solar
charging kit. This manual offers important information and
suggestions regarding installation, usage, troubleshooting
and more. Please read this manual carefully and in full
before using the product.
This kit is constructed from two identical, aluminium-framed
solar panels with a durable ETFE coating. Although this
coating protects the panels from adverse weather, it is
recommended that you handle the kit with care. The solar
cells can become damaged from strong impact, for example
if the kit is accidentally dropped, mishandled or comes into
contact with a sharp object. Care should also be taken to
avoid scratching the surface.
The kit is fitted with a two-part folding stand which may be
erected to position the panels towards direct sunlight to
maximize the energy output. When not in use, the kit can be
placed inside the protective storage case – made with a layer
of soft foam for added cushioning. The handles feature a set
of small magnets designed to help keep the kit closed tightly
when folded, however, please grip both sides of the handle
together when lifting the kit to prevent accidental damage.
For ease of installation, the solar kit comes with crocodile
clips for fast connection to your battery. The battery cable
supplied with the kit uses waterproof, push-locking plugs to
connect to the controller. Before attempting to fold the kit
away, ensure that you first disconnect the battery cables (as
well as any cables from an optional load device). The kit will
not close with the cables still connected inside, and
attempting to do so could result in damage. These cables
can be stored in the exterior zip-pocket of the case.

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Models: ARF-FWP-80M, ARF-FWP-100M, ARF-FWP-120M
Charging of your battery will be regulated by a waterproof,
high-efficiency MPPT solar charge controller - mounted on
the back of the solar kit. This controller constantly measures
your battery’s state of charge in order to select the most
appropriate charging parameters (voltage, current and
charging program). The Maximum Power Point Tracking
(MPPT) functionality offers increased efficiency compared to
standard PWM charge controllers, and ensures that the
solar panel provides as much power as possible. The
controller also provides the following important protection
functions for your battery:
- Overcharge protection - one of the most important
functions of the controller. When your battery is full, the
controller will either switch to a trickle-charging mode
where it will continue to gently top-up the battery, or it
will stop the charging completely.
- Reverse current protection - stops the power flow
from the battery into the solar panel at night.
- Reverse polarity protection - if you accidentally
connect the kit to the battery using the wrong polarity,
your system is safe.
- Load protection – if you have connected a 12V load to
the controller (optional), the controller will be protected
from short circuits, excessive current and overheating.
In addition, the charge controller has a temperature sensor
which measures the ambient temperature. To regulate the
speed of chemical reaction inside the battery, the controller
will choose a slightly higher charging voltage in low ambient
temperatures, and a lower voltage in high temperatures.

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Models: ARF-FWP-80M, ARF-FWP-100M, ARF-FWP-120M
2. Installation instructions
1) Ensure that your battery is not fully discharged. The
battery must generate at least 10V to start the solar
charge controller. If your battery is fully discharged, the
solar charge controller will not start and the kit will not be
able to charge the battery. In such case, charge the battery
first by other means for a short period of time to allow the
voltage to reach 9V.
2) Unfold the solar panels, extend the battery leads and
connect the crocodile clips to the + positive (red) and –
negative (black) battery terminals on a 12V lead-acid battery.
Note: It is recommended that the kit is always connected to
the battery terminals directly. Unless you are certain, do not
use any existing 12V inputs or sockets (e.g. a cigarette
lighter socket) for connecting the kit because these inputs
or sockets may not be rated / may not have their
connecting cables rated to the required power. Moreover,
such inputs or sockets may be connected via other
electronic components (e.g. ignition or another controller)
which would interfere with the operation of your solar kit.
3) Check and confirm that the solar charge controller has
started and detected the battery. If the battery has been
detected, the yellow battery status LED on the controller
should turn on. The green charging status LED should also
turn on, which means that the controller is ready for solar
input. If there is enough light falling on the solar panels, the
green LED will start flashing, indicating that the kit is now
charging the battery.

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Models: ARF-FWP-80M, ARF-FWP-100M, ARF-FWP-120M
Note: The battery status and charging status LED lights may
not be easily visible in bright, direct sunlight. If you have any
doubts, try checking the LED status indoors or in a shaded
area.
Note: the charge controller in your kit is designed for 12V
lead acid batteries (gel, AGM, sealed, flooded etc). The
controller charges the batteries at a default charging voltage
14.4V (at 25°C), reducing to float voltage 13.7V (at 25°C)
when the battery is full. While these voltages are suitable for
charging most 12V lead acid batteries, please check the
charging voltage requirements of your battery before using
this kit to ensure that your battery will be charged correctly.
4) Place the kit outside in a sunlit area, with no
obstructions or shading on the solar panels. To maximize the
output, adjust the position of the kit periodically to track the
movement of the sun in the sky.
Note: Placing the kit indoors next to a window will reduce the
output considerably and is not recommended.

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Models: ARF-FWP-80M, ARF-FWP-100M, ARF-FWP-120M
3. Solar charge controller operation
Figure 1: Charge controller indicators
LED Status Function
Green:
Charging status
On Ready, not charging
Fast flash (5 times
per second)
Charging (Bulk stage)
Flash (once per
second)
Charging (Boost stage)
Slow flash (once per
2 seconds)
Battery is full, float
charging (maintaining)
Yellow:
Battery status
Off Battery disconnected, or
overvoltage protection
On Battery normal
Slow flash (once per
2 seconds)
Low battery voltage
Fast flash (5 times
per second)
Low voltage protection
enabled (for load)
Red:
Fault indicator
Off Normal operation
On No output power
Flash (once per
second)
Over temperature
Fast flash (5 times
per second)
Short circuit or over
current protection
Figure 2: LED indicators and explanations

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Models: ARF-FWP-80M, ARF-FWP-100M, ARF-FWP-120M
4. Troubleshooting
Fault Possible
cause
Suggested solution
All LED
indicators
are OFF,
battery
connected
Fuse is blown
Check the fuse in the fuse holder at the
end of the battery cables of your kit and
replace if required.
Reverse
polarity
Battery has been connected with a
reversed polarity. Please check and
amend your connections.
Battery
voltage too
low
Measure battery voltage with a digital
multimeter. Min 10V is required for start-
up of the kit. If your battery is too low or
completely discharged, charge it first by
other means.
Battery power
not supplied
to controller
Battery power is not reaching the solar
charge controller for any other reason.
Please check the battery cables of your
kit for signs of damage. Pull-test any
cable joints (strongly) between the
controller and your battery:
- connections directly under the controller;
- attachment of cables to the plugs;
- fuse holder connection;
- attachment of cables to crocodile clips.
Green LED
permanently
ON, battery
connected
Not enough
solar power
Ensure there is no shading on the solar
panels. Check wiring between the
controller and solar panels for reverse
polarity, loose connections or fraying.
Yellow LED
OFF
Battery over
voltage
Using a digital multimeter check if the
battery voltage is higher than the over-
voltage disconnect point (15.5V), and if
confirmed, disconnect the solar kit.
Resolve the voltage problem if other
sources are charging the battery. If no
other sources, contact the supplier or
manufacturer of your kit for advice.
Yellow LED
flash
Battery is too
low / battery
is over-
discharged
Remove any loads or power drain on the
battery. Allow the solar charging kit
sufficient time to recharge the battery. If
this happens repeatedly, your battery may
be too small for your usage or have lost
capacity due to its use, and may have to
be replaced.

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Models: ARF-FWP-80M, ARF-FWP-100M, ARF-FWP-120M
Red LED
flash (once
per second)
Controller
Overheating
Cool down the surrounding area. Improve
ventilation around the solar kit. Decrease
the power or remove any load if it is
connected to the load output of the
charge controller. If no load connected,
contact the supplier or manufacturer of
your kit for advice.
Red LED
flast flash (5
times per
second)
Short circuit
or over
current
Switch off all devices connected to the
load. Locate and remove the short circuit.
The controller will reconnect after 1
minute. If no load connected, contact the
supplier or manufacturer of your kit for
advice.
All LED
flashing
System
voltage error
Check battery voltage is suitable for the
controller’s operating voltage. If not,
change to a suitable battery or reset the
working voltage.
Figure 3: Troubleshooting
5. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. What type of batteries can be used with this kit?
A. Any 12V lead acid battery (typically used in cars,
caravans, motorhomes, boats etc). The battery cannot be
too small;you need to ensure that it can safely accept the
maximum current provided by your solar kit. We recommend
the following as a guide:
Power rating of the solar kit 80W 100W 120W
Minimum battery capacity 40Ah 50Ah 60Ah
Figure 4: Minimum recommended battery capacity
You may be able to use a smaller battery if it can accept high
current and faster charging. Please check the battery
specifications with the supplier / manufacturer of the battery,
including the charging voltage required by the battery.
Q. Can this kit charge a Lithium battery?
A. No. This folding kit is not suitable for charging Lithium
batteries.

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Models: ARF-FWP-80M, ARF-FWP-100M, ARF-FWP-120M
Q. Can this kit charge a 24V battery?
A. No, this kit is designed to charge a 12V battery.
Q. What is the pair of unconnected “+” and “–” cables
in the middle of the controller?
A. These cables are the optional 12V load output of the
controller. It is not necessary to connect anything to them as
the charging function of the solar kit / controller will operate
regardless of whether these cables are connected or not. If
needed, this 12V output can be used to power small 12V
devices (with current up to 10A) such as LED lights, 12V-to-
USB converters etc. The output also has over-discharge
battery protection i.e. it turns itself off when the battery
becomes low. An infrared programming device (purchased
separately) might be required to set up the load output timing.
Q. Can the kit charge two or more 12V batteries
connected in parallel (“+” to “+”, “–” to “–”)?
A. Yes, it’s possible if the batteries are the same type,
capacity and are always used together - wired in parallel as
a single 12V battery bank.
Q. Is there any risk that the solar kit will over charge my
battery?
A. No. One of the main protection functions of the charge
controller is to ensure that your battery is not overcharged.
Q. Can I extend the battery leads?
A. Yes, it’s possible – please choose a cable with the same
cross section for extension.
Q. Can the kit be connected to my battery through a
cigarette lighter or another connector?
A. You can use another connector between the kit and the
battery with care. Ensure that the connector is wired directly

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Models: ARF-FWP-80M, ARF-FWP-100M, ARF-FWP-120M
to your battery (with no other electrical components in
between) and also that both the connector and the cables
connecting it are rated to the power of your kit.
Q. Can rain damage the solar kit?
A. No, it won’t damage the kit as the panels and controller
are fully waterproof, but we recommend wiping and drying
the kit after rain to avoid rust, corrosion or discolouration.
6. Maintenance
It is recommended to perform the following tasks (with the
power disconnected) at least twice a year to keep the kit in
good working condition:
•Clean the frontside of the solar panels gently using a soft
cloth (dry or moist, with lukewarm water). Do not use
brushes, scrapers, metal tools, or any high-pressure water
tools. Do not use any cleaning substances and do not
allow the surface of the solar panel to come into contact
with any chemicals.
•Use a suitable lubricant on hinges if required. Ensure it
does not come into contact with the solar panel surface.
•Remove any dirt or insects from the frame.
•Check all the wires to ensure that the insulation is not
damaged from solarisation, frictional wear, dryness,
insects, vermin etc. Maintain or replace wires if necessary.
7. Warranty
This product is covered by a 1 year warranty which
guarantees the quality of assembly, wiring and materials for
the kit and the solar charge controller. The warranty does not
cover the fuse, usual wear and tear, unauthorised
modifications, mechanical, chemical and transport damage.

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Models: ARF-FWP-80M, ARF-FWP-100M, ARF-FWP-120M
8. Technical specifications
Solar panels:
ARF-FWP-80M ARF-FWP-100M ARF-FWP-120M
Cell type mono mono mono
Folded size (mm) 510 x 565 x 50 615 x 565 x 50 715 x 565 x 50
Net weight (kg) 4.5 5.5 6.3
Max. power (W) 80 100 120
Max. power voltage (V) 18.3 19.1 19.1
Max. power current (A) 4.37 5.23 6.74
Open circuit voltage (V) 22.6 22.6 22.6
Short circuit current (A) 4.85 6.07 7.28
Figure 5: Specifications for all models of folding solar kits
Specifications under standard test conditions (STC): 1000W/m2, AM 1.5, 25 °C. Data
provided for the solar panels only, without the effect of the MPPT solar charge controller
which is capable of boosting solar panel current in certain conditions.
Solar charge controller:
Electrical and mechanical parameters
Technology Maximum Power Point Tracking
(MPPT)
Nominal system voltage 12V DC
Bulk / Boost charging voltage
(at 25°C) 14.4V
Float charging voltage
(at 25°C) 13.7V
Rated current 10A
Maximum battery voltage 15.5V
Overall dimensions 85.8 x 81 x 23.1 mm
Net weight 0.26 kg
Temperature compensation -30mV/⁰C for Bulk / Boost
-18mV/⁰C for Float
Figure 6: Specifications of the solar charge controller