Solar FLEXI SFP010 User manual

Solar Technology International Ltd. Unit 6, Station Drive,
Bredon, Nr. Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 7HH, United Kingdom
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] Online: www.solartechnology.co.uk
User Manual
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ BEFORE FIRST USE
10wp/20wp/30wp/40wp/60wp/80wp/120wp/160wp
FLEXIBLE SOLAR PANELS
Solar
TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
Models:
FLEXI: SFP010/SFPRT010/SFP020/SFP020MA/SFPRT020/SFP030/SFP030MA/SFPRT030/SFP040/
SFP040MA/SFPRT040/SFP060/SFP060MA/SFPRT060/SFP080/SFP080MA/SFPRT080
FLEXI PREMIUM: SFPP040/SFPP040MA/SFPRT040/SFPP060/SFPP060MA/SFPPRT060/SFPP080/
SFPP080MA/SFPPRT080/SFPP080(2)/SFPP080MA(2)/SFPPRT080(2)/SFPP120/SFPP120MA/SFPPRT120/
SFPP160/SFPP160MA/SFPPRT160MA
CONNECTING THE CHARGE CONTROLLER
TO A BATTERY AND MULTIPLE SOLAR PANELS
Auxilliary
connections
Solar Panel
connections
Battery
connections
CHARGE
CONTROLLER
RED or BROWN = POSITIVE (+) BLACK or BLUE = NEGATIVE (–)
Step 4: Connecting the Flexi PV Cable
to Charge Controller (if supplied)
4.1 A Charge Controller will be necessary for
SFP020 and above and if using the SFP010
on a battery smaller in capacity than 70Ah.
4.2 Position the Charge Controller as close as
possible to the battery (must be a dry location).
4.3 Measure the distance between your battery
terminals and the Charge Controller.
4.4 Cut the cable so that there is sufficient cable
for the panel to reach the Charge Controller
and then the cut section to reach from the controller to the battery.
4.5 Strip back 20mm of the black outer sheath of the cable end to be
connected to the Charge Controller.
4.6 Strip back 10mm of the red or brown and black or blue inner sheaths
to reveal the bare cable. Twist both ends and connect to the terminals G
of the Charge Controller, ensuring the positive and negative polarity is
observed (either wrap the cable around each terminal G or crimp 2 ring
terminals to the cable end).
4.7 If multiple panels are used the positive and negative cables from each
panel should collectively be fitted to the corresponding terminals on the
Charge Controller (G). In this case ensure the ring terminals are crimped
on the cable ends to provide a reliable connection. Only one cable then
needs to be wired from the Charge Controller (terminals H) to the battery.
Step 5: Fitting the Fuse (not necessary for SFP010)
5.1 The fuse should be fitted on the positive (red or brown) line between the
battery and the charge controller (if used) or between the panel and the
battery. Position the fuse close to the battery.
5.2 Strip back the black outer insulation of the cable 20cm.
5.3 Cut the red or brown cable at the halfway point and strip 5mm of the red
insulation from both the cut ends. Twist the bare wire ends tightly. Fit into
the screw terminals on each of the fuse holder pieces.
Step 6: Connecting to the Battery
6.1 If the SFP010 has been selected, the supplied crocodile clips or the ring
terminals can be fixed directly to the terminals of a 12v battery (greater
in capacity than 70Ah) ensuring that the correct polarity is observed. If a
smaller battery is used purchase a Charge Controller and follow Step 4,
or self regulate the Flexi PV. This entails checking the battery at regular
intervals with a digital voltmeter and when the battery is showing a volt
reading of 14v or above, disconnecting the Flexi PV until the battery level
has reduced.
6.2 Alternatively, for a more permanent connection to the battery, strip
the outer sheath by 150mm and the inner red or brown and black or
blue insulation by 20mm, twist the bare wire, wrap around the battery
terminals and fix into position using your battery clamps. Some clamps
have connection screws fitted, in which case, if the supplied ring terminals
have been crimped onto the wire ends, simply attach using the battery
clamp screws.
6.3 When connecting to a battery always observe correct polarity.
TECHNICAL HELPLINE 01684 774000
G H I
CONNECTING THE CHARGE CONTROLLER
TO A BATTERY AND A SINGLE SOLAR PANEL
RED or BROWN = POSITIVE (+) BLACK or BLUE = NEGATIVE (–)
Auxilliary connections
Battery
connections
CHARGE
CONTROLLER
Solar Panel
connections
Step 7: Testing the System
7.1 If the selected Flexi PV / Premium kit has been supplied with a Charge
Controller, this product comes with its own instructions and LED indicators
will confirm the system is working correctly.
7.2 If a Roof/Decktop Kit has been selected that includes a Solar Test
Meter, the performance of the panel and the Charge Controller can be
accurately checked.
OPTIONS
Expanding the Flexi PV System
8.1 Any Flexi PV panel can be expanded by up to three panels (if a single
Flexi PV / Premium panel was selected in the first instance). To do
this purchase the required kit plus an additional multi gang cable (if
required) – see your local retailer or www.solartechnology.co.uk for more
information. In all cases the 8Ah Charge Controller (if originally supplied)
will accept up to 120W combined and a 12Ah Charge Controller should
be specified if using a 160wp system.
Connecting an inverter into the system
9.1 Should you require your solar system to power 240V appliances, you
will need to connect an inverter. Select an inverter power (measured in
watts) that is most appropriate for the power of your appliances (also
measured in watts). The inverter will be ideally positioned reasonably
close to the battery. Most inverters come with pre-fixed cable so fix the
loose end directly onto the battery terminals (positive to positive / negative
to negative) – contact 01684 774000 for more information.
Adding a second battery
10.1 If a second battery is used, it can be connected to the Charge Controller,
using terminals I, by means of an additional piece of 2-core, 1mm cable
(not supplied). As in step 4.6 above, attach the other cable to the second
battery, not forgetting to add a fuse on the positive line as descibed in
step 5 above. Power from the Charge Controller will be diverted to the
second battery only when the primary battery is fully charged.

Step 1: Positioning the Flexi PV Panel/s
1.1 Select a location that is generally free from shade, has a solid surface and
is within 4m of the Charge Controller and/or battery. If the Roof Top Kit has
been selected please also refer to Step 3.1.
1.2 If the panel is to be free standing, go to Step 2.
1.3 Ensure all panels can be sited close to one another (if a multi panel system
has been selected), and that the cables cable can be correctly positioned.
Note – 2, 3 and 4 gang extension cables and mating connectors are
available separately should they be required but in most cases cables from
a multi panel system will be all fed directly to the Charge Controller.
1.4 If fixing the panel using screws through the panel’s mounting grommets,
ensure the fixings penetrate deep enough to ensure the Flexi PV / Premium
is held securely.
1.5 If fixing using SIKA Flex bonding agent or similar, mark the area with a
pencil line where the panel(s) are to be fixed (SIKA Flex is very strong and
instantly bonds, so there is only one chance to get the location correct).
Clean the area well and ensure any grease or other film is removed.
Now apply a thin line (approx 6mm wide) of SIKA bonding agent or other
to the outside edge of the underside (not the solar cell side) of each panel.
Carefully place the side with the bonding agent within the positioning pencil
lines drawn earlier. Firmly press down on the panel so that the bonding
agent squeezes near or on the edge of the panel. (it does not matter if the
agent squeezes further but it is not as neat). Repeat this process until all
panels are fixed. SIKA Flex 291 generally takes 24 hours to cure. Please
check the manufacturers recommended curing time if using another agent.
1.6 In some cases it may be desirable to both bond and screw the Flexi PV in
position. If this method is selected, ensure the holes are pre drilled before
bonding the panel(s) and ensure a liberal blob of bonding agent is applied
to each hole, ensuring that once the screws are fixed the hole will be sealed
(Note – once the bonding agent is applied to the holes, time is limited
before it “sets off”).
Step 2: Prepare the Cable
2.1 The Flexi PV / Premium range are all fitted with a 4m cable and connector.
In most cases the connector will be manually cut from the end of the cable
and the black outer sheath removed approx 20mm (longer if connecting
the 10wp panel direct to a battery) and the inner red or brown and black
or blue cable will be revealed. Remove this sheath and the copper cable
will be visible (red or brown is positive and black or blue is negative).
Now the supplied ring terminals can be crimped to the cable end for either
connecting to the supplied crocodile clips (for the SFP(RT)010 only) or to a
charge controller if any 20wp panel or larger has been purchased. If wiring
a multi panel system, repeat the above for each and fix all cable terminals
to the + and – terminals on the charge controller.
2.2 If a charge controller is being used please read Step 4.
2.3 If a multi gang (2, 3 or 4 way) 4m extension cable has been specified as
an accessory (not supplied as standard) to be used with a multi panels
system, these cables have mating connector to enable swift connection
with the Flexi PV / Premium panel. WARNING – the inner contacts of the
connectors on the Flexi PV / Premium panels and the mating connectors
on the multi gang extension cable are made of copper. This will quickly
corrode if exposed to salt water so either ensure the connectors are
coupled in a location where salt water exposure cannot occur or seal the
connector with a water resistant grease of sealant.
2.4 If the Roof Top Kit has been selected, the cable/s can now be secured
using the nylon base and cable ties supplied. Once the cable run has
been determined, remove the cover from the sticky pad on the underside
of the nylon base and fix it to a clean dry surface underneath the cable
run – spacing one base every 30cm. Now secure the cable to the base
using the cable ties provided.
Step 3: Fix the Cable Feed Gland (only for Roof Top Kits)
3.1 STFRT060/080/SFPPRT120/160 have been selected either a double cable
feed gland or two cable feed glands have been supplied where in both
cases two cables can fit through each gland grommet.
3.2 The Cable Feed Gland is a completely waterproof unit designed to cover
a hole that has been drilled to channel the Flexi PV / Premium cable
from the outside to inside. The location of the Flexi PV / Premium panels
(as discussed in 1.1) will have been determined, to a certain extent, by
the desired location of the cable feed hole. The cable entry point should
allow the cable/s to be easily routed to the Charge Controller (if used)
and the battery.
3.3 Now slacken the feed grommet/s on the Cable Feed Gland/s to allow the
cable to be easily threaded through it and now allow the cable/s to pass
through the drilled hole.
3.4 Mark the area around where the gland is to be fixed and squeeze a 6mm
line of SIKA Flex on the underside of the gland ensuring there are no
gaps. Now fix the gland onto the dry, clean surface. SIKA Flex will take
24 hours to cure. Ensure this process is completed at roughly the same
time as step 1.5.
3.5 Now push the cable/s from the solar panel(s) through the gland grommet
so that it is reasonably taught. The threaded grommet can now be
tightened ensuring a perfect seal is made around the cable itself.
FLEXI PV KIT CONTENTS
(Letters after item descriptions refer to the picture opposite)
SFP010 - 10wp Solar Kit
1 x 10wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Extra cable section containing a blocking diode
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
2 x Croc clips – not shown
SFPRT010 - 10wp Complete
Solar Roof / Deck Top Kit
1 x 10wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Extra cable section containing a blocking diode
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x SIKA Flex 291 – 300ml (g)
1 x Waterproof cable feed gland (h)
4 x Stainless steel fixing screws (i)
6 x Nylon self adhesive base and cable ties (j)
1 x Solar Test Meter (k)
SFP020 - 20wp Solar Kit
1 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
SFP020MA - 20wp Solar Kit
including Charge Controller
1 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge controller (f)
SFPRT020 - 20wp Complete
Solar Roof / Deck Top Kit
1 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge controller (f)
1 x SIKA Flex 291 – 300ml (g)
1 x Waterproof cable feed gland (h)
4 x Stainless steel fixing screws (i)
6 x Nylon self adhesive base and cable ties (j)
1 x Solar Test Meter (k)
SFP030 - 30wp Solar Kit
1 x 10wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
SFP030MA - Solar Kit
including Charge Controller
1 x 10wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge controller (f)
SFPRT030 - 30wp Complete
Solar Roof / Deck Top Kit
1 x 10wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge controller (f)
1 x SIKA Flex 291 – 300ml (g)
2 x Waterproof cable feed glands (h) or 1 double gland
(not shown)
8 x Stainless steel fixing screws (i)
6 x Nylon self adhesive base and cable ties (j)
1 x Solar Test Meter (k)
SFP040 - 40wp Solar Kit
2 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
SFP040MA - 40wp Solar Kit
including Charge Controller
2 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge controller (f)
SFPRT040 - 40wp Complete
Solar Roof / Deck Top Kit
2 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge controller (f)
1 x SIKA Flex 291 – 300ml (g)
2 x Waterproof cable feed glands (h) or 1 double gland
(not shown)
8 x Stainless steel fixing screws (i)
6 x Nylon self adhesive base and cable ties (j)
1 x Solar Test Meter (k)
SFP060 - 60wp Solar Kit
3 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
8 x Terminals (e)
SFP060MA - 60wp Solar Kit
including Charge Controller
3 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
8 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge controller (f)
SFPRT060 - 60wp Complete
Solar Roof / Deck Top Kit
3 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
8 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge controller (f)
1 x SIKA Flex 291 – 300ml (g)
3 x Waterproof cable feed glands (h)
12 x Stainless steel fixing screws (i)
6 x Nylon self adhesive base and cable ties (j)
1 x Solar Test Meter (k)
SFP080 - 80wp Solar Kit
4 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
8 x Terminals (e)
SFP080MA - 80wp Solar Kit
including Charge Controller
4 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
8 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge controller (f)
SFPRT080 - 80wp Complete
Solar Roof / Deck Top Kit
4 x 20wp Flexi PV Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (b)
1 x Fuse (d)
8 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge controller (f)
1 x SIKA Flex 291 – 300ml (g)
4 x Waterproof cable feed glands (h) or 2 double glands
(not shown)
16 x Stainless steel fixing screws (i)
1 x Solar Test Meter (k)
TECHNICAL HELPLINE 01684 774000
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE WORK BEGINS
Please refer to circuit diagram, please at all times observe correct polarity; POSITIVE = RED or BROWN cable;
NEGATIVE = BLACK or BLUE cable
Note – we recommend a Solar Technology 4Ah or 8Ah Charge Controller is added to any system (if not included in this kit), unless the
10wp (SFP010) panel has been purchased in which case this can be connected direct to the battery terminals (unless the battery has a
smaller capacity than 70Ah, in which case a Charge Controller must be used). The SFP010 is supplied with an extra cable section containing
a blocking diode and the purpose of this diode is to prevent reverse battery drain. This extra cable should always be used if connecting the
SFP010 directly to a battery but can be discarded if a Charge Controller is used.
FLEXI PREMIUM KIT CONTENTS
(Letters after item descriptions refer to the picture opposite)
SFPP040 - Premium 40wp Solar Kit
1 x 40wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
SFPP040MA - Premium 40wp Solar Kit
including Charge Controller
1 x 40wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge Controller (f)
SFPPRT040 - Premium 40wp
Complete Solar Roof / Deck Top Kit
1 x 40wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge Controller (f)
1 x Sika 291 – 300ml (g)
1 x Waterproof cable feed gland (h)
4 x Stainless steel fixing screws (i)
6 x Nylon self adhesive base and cable ties (j)
1 x Solar Test Meter (k)
SFPP060 - Premium 60wp Solar Kit
1 x 60wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
SFPP060MA - Premium 60wp Solar Kit
including Charge Controller
1 x 60wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge Controller (f)
SFPPRT060 - Premium 60wp
Complete Solar Roof / Deck Top Kit
1 x 60wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge Controller (f)
1 x Sika 291 – 300ml (g)
1 x Waterproof cable feed gland (h)
4 x Stainless steel fixing screws (i)
6 x Nylon self adhesive base and cable ties (j)
1 x Solar Test Meter (k)
SFPP080 - Premium 80wp Solar Kit
1 x 80wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
SFPP080MA - Premium 80wp Solar Kit
including Charge Controller
1 x 80wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge Controller (f)
SFPPRT080 - Premium 80wp
Complete Solar Roof / Deck Top Kit
1 x 80wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge Controller (f)
1 x Sika 291 – 300ml (g)
1 x Waterproof cable feed gland (h)
4 x Stainless steel fixing screws (i)
6 x Nylon self adhesive base and cable ties (j)
1 x Solar Test Meter (k)
SFPP080(2) - Premium 80wp Solar Kit
2 x 40wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
SFPP080MA(2) - Premium 80wp Solar Kit
including Charge Controller
2 x 40wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge Controller (f)
SFPPRT080(2) - Premium 80wp
Complete Solar Roof / Deck Top Kit
2 x 40wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge Controller (f)
1 x Sika 291 – 300ml (g)
2 x Waterproof cable feed glands or a double gland
(not shown) (h)
8 x Stainless steel fixing screws (i)
6 x Nylon self adhesive base and cable ties (j)
1 x Solar Test Meter (k)
SFPP120 - Premium 120wp Solar Kit
2 x 60wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
SFPP120MA - Premium 120wp Solar Kit
including Charge Controller
2 x 60wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge Controller (f)
SFPPRT120 - Premium 120wp
Complete Solar Roof / Deck Top Kit
2 x 60wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 8Ah Charge Controller (f)
1 x Sika 291 – 300ml (g)
2 x Waterproof cable feed glands or a double gland
(not shown) (h)
8 x Stainless steel fixing screws (i)
6 x Nylon self adhesive base and cable ties (j)
1 x Solar Test Meter (k)
SFPP160 - Premium 160wp Solar Kit
2 x 80wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
SFPP160MA - Premium 160wp Solar Kit
including Charge Controller
2 x 80wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 12Ah Charge Controller (f)
SFPPRT160 - Premium 160wp
Complete Solar Roof / Deck Top Kit
2 x 80wp Flexi Premium Panel with 4m pre-wired cable (a)
1 x Fuse (d)
6 x Terminals (e)
1 x 12Ah Charge Controller (f)
1 x Sika 291 – 300ml (g)
2 x Waterproof cable feed glands (h) or a double gland
(not shown)
8 x Stainless steel fixing screws (i)
6 x Nylon self adhesive base and cable ties (j)
1 x Solar Test Meter (k)
e
f
j
d
a
b
k
Kit shown: SFPRT030
h
SPECIAL NOTE
1. The Flexi and Flexi Premium
panels are highly flexible
allowing fitment to a curved
surface. However, under no
circumstances fix or bend
the panels in an ark greater
than 10 degrees – most boat
decks are less than this. Damage
to the solar cells can occur if
over stressed.
2. If using a multi panel system
ensure the connection point
of the multi gang extension
cable (if used) is located in a
covered area, protected from
environmental conditions. The
material in the connector is
copper and as such will corrode
if exposed to salt water.
g
i