Projecta SPA400/900 User manual

WARNING
• Read the operating instructions before use.
• Lead Acid Batteries can be dangerous. Ensure no sparks or flames are present when working
near batteries. Eye protection should be used.
• Make sure the solar panel is mounted securely or stowed while driving.
• For use with 12V lead acid batteries or 24V systems (two panels required).
• Follow all vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
FEATURES
• Ideal for maintaining batteries in Caravans, Motorhomes, 4WD’s & Boats.
• Prevents power drain caused by radio memories, clocks, alarms, on-board computers
& battery self discharge. No more flat batteries!
• Extends your battery’s run time while in use.
• Amorphous solar cell technology, maintains the battery in peak condition, even in low light
(cloudy) conditions.
• Smart control unit prevents solar discharge at night.
• Tough construction enabling the panel to withstand hailstones.
• Easy to use battery clips for direct battery connection (SPA400).
• Three convenient connection options (SPA900 only). Battery clips for direct battery connection,
cigarette plug for vehicle connection and stripped leads for easy connection to terminal blocks
such as solar controllers.
• Flashing ‘Blue’ LED shows when the solar panel is producing power (SPA900 only).
SPECIFICATIONS
Part Number: SPA400 SPA900
Type: Amorphous Amorphous
Rated Power: 5 Watt 12 Watt
Test Condition: 1000W/m² @ 25°C 1000W/m² @ 25°C
Open Circuit Voltage: 21-22V 21-22V
Peak Power Voltage: 13-16.5VDC 13-16.5VDC
Peak Power Current: 340-400mA 750-900mA
Short Circuit Current: 500mA 1050mA
DC lead: 2m 3.6m
Size: 500mm x 345mm 975mm x 340mm
Recommended Battery sizes (Maintenance)
SPA400 SPA900
AUTOMOTIVE 150–650CCA 150–750CCA
MARINE 200–700MCA 200–850MCA
DEEP CYCLE 17–55Ah 17–80Ah
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Placement
Locate the panel in a position where it is exposed to the sun for the majority of the day. For the
best results use a northern orientation. Face the front side (Dark Side) of the solar panel to the sun.
Although the panel will function in the horizontal position, for best performance tilt the panel
towards the sun especially during the winter months in the southern states, the angle of the tilt
should be similar to the angle of the sun. Recommended angles for various Australian latitudes are
shown below.
MOUNTING
The panel is supplied with four mounting holes. Use suitable fasteners and mount the panel
to a flat surface or mounting frame. Since the frame is plastic be careful not to over-tighten
any fasteners.
If the panel is not mounted, always ensure the panel is securely stowed before driving or
moving the vehicle.

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CONNECTIONS (SPA400 Only)
Note: Do not allow the output of the solar panel to be shorted and always check the polarity is
correct before making any connections. The black clip indicates Negative (–), the red clip
indicates Positive (+).
The panel is fitted with a 2 metre DC lead and battery clips for direct connection to a battery.
1. Connect the red battery clip to the Positive (+) battery terminal or post.
2. Connect the black battery clip to the Negative (-) battery terminal or post.
If connecting to a battery mounted in a vehicle there is no need to remove the battery cables
or the vent caps.
CONNECTIONS (SPA900 Only)
Note: Do not allow the output of the solar panel to be shorted and always check the polarity is
correct before making any connections. The black lead or clip indicates Negative (–), the red
lead or clip indicates Positive (+).
The panel is supplied with a choice of 3 connection adaptor leads:
1. Direct to your battery using the battery clips lead.
2. To your vehicle’s cigarette socket using the cigarette plug lead.
3. A solar regulator using the stripped leads.
Select the appropriate adaptor lead for your application and connect as follows:
Direct to battery:
1. Connect the red battery clip to the Positive (+) battery terminal or post.
2. Connect the black battery clip to the Negative (-) battery terminal or post.
3. Then connect the other end of the lead to the solar panel.
If connecting to a battery mounted in a vehicle there is no need to remove the battery cables
or the vent caps.

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To cigarette socket:
1. Insert the cigarette plug into the vehicle’s cigarette socket.
2. Then connect the other end of the lead to the solar panel.
The vehicle’s socket needs to have a permanent electrical connection to the vehicle’s battery to
allow the solar panel to charge the battery even when the ignition is off & the key is removed.
To solar regulator:
1. Connect the red wire to the Positive (+) terminal.
2. Connect the black wire to the Negative (-) terminal.
3. Then connect the other end of the lead to the solar panel.
Blue ‘Flashing’ LED (SPA900 Only)
When the solar panel is exposed to sufficient sunlight the Blue LED indicator on the top of
the panel will flash to indicate that the panel is now producing power.

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CHARGE REGULATOR & REVERSE DIODES
The solar panel is fitted with a diode that will prevent the battery from discharging when the
panel is not exposed to the sunlight or during the night.
For most applications the solar panel can be connected to a battery without a
‘Charge Regulator’ also known as a Solar Controller.
If using the 12-Watt solar panel (SPA900) on a battery less than 50 Amp hours (200CCA)
or for maintaining batteries fully charged for long periods the use of a solar controller is
recommended. Use Projecta:
P/No. SC005 - 5AMP 12V Auto solar controller.
P/No. SC010 – 10AMP 12V Auto solar controller with LCD voltage display.
SOLAR PANEL CARE
To ensure maximum output, keep the glass surface clean with a soft damp cloth.
The solar panel uses glass substrate, handle and store with care. Avoid contact with
acid and alkali.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Can the solar panel be mounted on a flat roof or wall?
A. Yes. It is fine to mount the panel on a horizontal surface such as a roof or on a vertical surface
like a wall as long as the panel receives full sun for a reasonable period of the day. You
will however gain better performance if the panel is tilted toward the sun and faced in a
northerly direction, since this enables the maximum amount of solar energy to reach the panel.
Q. What appliances can I run on the solar panel?
A. Solar panels gain all their energy from the sun and are therefore limited in their ability to
operate 12V appliances directly. Although they may run very small appliances it is more
common to connect the solar panel and appliance to a battery. This method is much more
effective, provides a stable voltage and allows the appliance to continue to operate even
if the panel is shaded.

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Q. Will the solar panel provide enough power to run my car fridge?
A. Most portable compressor fridges use between 20-72 Amp hours of power per day (24hrs)
depending on model and temperature. Since solar panels only produce their peak power for
about 8 hours per day you would need approximately a 30 to 110 Watt solar panel to keep up
the power being used by the fridge. Although a 5 or 12 Watt solar panel will not keep up with
the power being used by the fridge it will help the battery to last longer.
Q. What current output can I expect?
A. The current output (mA) of the solar panel is based mostly on the available solar energy
(sun rays). The current ratings (Peak Power) given in the specifications table are based on the
‘ideal’ sunlight conditions. In reality this may be achieved only on a very bright sunny day. The
normal current output will therefore be a little lower. If the panel is shaded or if it is a very hot
day the output will decrease further.
Q. Will it charge my flat battery & how long will it take?
A. The SPA400 & SPA900 are designed for ‘topping up’ and maintaining batteries only. If placed
on a flattened battery it is unlikely to fully recharge the battery (except small batteries) however
it may put some charge into the battery if given sufficient time.
Q. Can I run more than one solar panel?
A. It is possible to run multiple solar panels for higher voltage applications or for more power:
1. Placing 2 solar panels in ‘Series’ will make them suitable for use on 24V battery systems
or vehicles.
2. Placing 2 or more panels in ‘Parallel’ will still make them suitable for 12V use but will provide
twice as much power (current).
If you wish to use multiple panels, you will need to make the electrical connections as per the
following diagrams:

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Q. How many panels will I need?
A. If connecting panels in series you simply add the voltages: (Do not exceed 48V)
1. One panel 12V
2. Two panels 24V
3. Four panels 48V
If connecting panels in parallel you simply add the current or watts:
1. One SPA900 panel 12W (750-900mA)
2. Two SPA900 panels 24W (1500-1800mA)
3. Four SPA900 panels 48W (3000mA- 3600mA)
VICTORIA (HEAD OFFICE)
Brown & Watson International Pty Ltd
3 Millennium Court, Knoxfield
Victoria 3180.
Telephone [phone]
Facsimile [phone]
National Toll Free 1800 113 443
NEW SOUTH WALES
Brown & Watson International Pty Ltd
PO Box 995
Campbelltown, NSW 2560
Facsimile [phone]
National Toll Free 1800 113 443
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Brown & Watson International Pty Ltd
5 Phillips Street, Thebarton
South Australia 5031
Telephone [phone]
Facsimile [phone]
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Brown & Watson International Pty Ltd
85 Sheffield Road, Welshpool
Western Australia 6106
Telephone [phone]
Facsimile [phone]
QUEENSLAND
Brown & Watson International Pty Ltd
2A/3375 Pacific Highway, Underwood
Queensland 4119
Telephone [phone]
Facsimile [phone]
NEW ZEALAND
Narva New Zealand Ltd
22-24 Olive Road
PO Box 12556 Penrose
Auckland, New Zealand
Telephone [phone]
Facsimile [phone]