Thunderbolt 57325 User manual

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Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,
operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the
back of the manual near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number).
Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference. 21g
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact
and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,
please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.
Copyright©2021 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in
any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Tools requir e d f o r a ssem b l y a nd ser v i c e may no t b e i n clud e d .
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 57325
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Table of Contents
Safety ......................................................... 2
Specifications ............................................. 5
Setup .......................................................... 5
Operation.................................................... 6
Maintenance............................................... 7
Parts List and Diagram............................... 8
Warranty ..................................................... 8
WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential
personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
Addresses practices not related to personal injury.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all safety warnings and all instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
Installation Precautions
1. Exercise special caution if working on roof
or another high location. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times. Follow ladder supplier’s
precautions whenever working near or on a ladder.
2. Install all sensitive electrical components
(including wiring connections, regulator,
and battery) inside a weatherproof
enclosure to prevent electric shock.
3. Do not wire multiple panels in series. If you
need to connect two or more solar panels together,
this work must be done by a qualified electrician
unless they are connected through a regulator.
4. This solar panel is not designed for tie-in to a grid.
Only a licensed electrician and a licensed building
contractor can safely design and implement a
grid tie-in system. Any grid tie-in system must
meet all applicable building and electrical codes,
and must meet standards established by the area
power company. Improper grid tie-in can result
in electrocution, fire, and other serious personal
injury and property damage. An incorrectly installed
grid tie-in system can cause feedback voltage,
resulting in electrocution of electrical utility workers.
5. Do not stand on or otherwise
apply pressure to panel.

Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 57325
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
6. Handle solar panel with care,
edges may be sharp.
7. Do not focus light on panel.
8. Install components with enough
space to allow proper cooling.
9. This product may occasionally produce
more current and/or voltage than its rated
output. Increase output ratings by 25% when
determining component required voltage
and amperage ratings. Refer to Section
690-8 of the National Electrical Code for an
additional multiplying factor of 125 percent
(80 percent derating) which may apply.
10. Panel must be connected using UL listed outdoor
rated wire of the correct thickness (gauge) for the
amperage rating and length (see warning number
9 also). Follow the guidelines in the chart below:
Current
in Amps
Maximum Length
5' 10' 15' 20' 25'
0-5 18
6-7 18 16
8 18 16
10
18
16
11-12 16 14
15 14 12
18
18 1620 14 12 10
22-24 12
30 16 14 10
40 12 10 8
50 14
100 12 10 6 4
150 10 84 2
200 8 6
Minimum Wire Gauge
11. Do not attach panel to power grid without proper
regulator, inverter, and/or charge controller.
12. Install and use according to applicable
National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
13. This panel is not rated for use as fire-resistant
roofing. If installing on a roof, install only over a fire
resistant roof covering rated for the application.
14. Verify that installation surface has no hidden
utility lines before drilling or driving screws.
15. Install only according to these instructions.
Improper installation can create hazards.
16. Do not leave this solar panel attached to an
automobile or trailer while it is in motion.
17. Handle panel with care. Glass may break or a
sharp edge may be exposed during movement.
18. Keep installation area clean and well lit.
19. Install out of reach of children.
20. Keep bystanders out of the area during installation.
21. Do not install when tired or when under
the influence of drugs or medication.
22. This should be used to charge a 12V battery
using a charge controller (sold separately).
23. The warnings, precautions, and instructions
discussed in this instruction manual cannot
cover all possible conditions and situations
that may occur. It must be understood by the
operator that common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into this product,
but must be supplied by the operator.
Battery Precautions
1. Wear splash-resistant ANSI-approved
safety goggles and electrically insulated
gloves while working near batteries.
2. Use an appropriate charge controller
whenever connected to battery.
3. Charge, store, and maintain batteries
according to supplier’s instructions.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 57325
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Service Precautions
1. Before service, maintenance, or cleaning:
a. Dry solar panels and outdoor
wiring thoroughly while wearing
electrically insulated gloves.
b. Cover all solar panels with an opaque
cover, such as a blanket.
c. Disconnect all solar panels.
d. Disconnect all batteries.
2. Do not service during rain, fog, or
any other wet/humid weather.
3. Do not stand on or otherwise
apply pressure to panel.
4. Do not allow children to play with or
near this or electrical components.
5. Inspect at least monthly; do not use if damaged,
parts are loose, water is found inside the
housing, electrical insulation is cracked or
damaged, or connections are loose.
6. Maintain product labels and nameplates.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 57325
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Specifications
Rated Output 18 VDC / 100 W / 5.56A
Note: Performance will vary depending on temperature, brightness and time of sun exposure. Summer
production will be higher than in the winter. Bright sunny days will generate higher output than cloudy days.
Set Up Instructions
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS section at the beginning of this manual
including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Power Switch/Trigger is in the off-position and unplug the tool
from its electrical outlet before performing any procedure in this section.
Note: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages,
refer to the Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual.
Installation
Location
1. Locate the Solar Panel where it will receive full,
unobstructed sunlight, especially during midday.
Nearby trees or tall plants will drop debris, requiring
the panels to be cleaned more frequently.
2. The installation location for the Solar Panel,
charge controller/regulator, and batteries must
be inaccessible to children to prevent electric
shock. Build a childproof enclosure if needed.
3. Install the charge controller/regulator and batteries
in a weatherproof enclosure with proper ventilation.
Setup
This Solar Panel can be setup
temporarily or permanently.
1. Use the two pull-out Mounting Stands on
the rear panel for temporary setup.
Note: Avoid temporary set up on windy or stormy days.
2. For permanent setup, use appropriate
mounting hardware (sold separately) to
connect the Solar Panel to selected surface
using the predrilled holes in the corners of the
panel. Do not drill additional holes in panel.
3. Angle the face of the Solar Panel toward
true south according to chart below:
Latitude Solar Panel Angle
0-4° 10°
5-20° Latitude + 5°
21-45° Latitude + 10°
46-64° Latitude + 15°
65° or more 80°
Wiring
Note: Only a licensed electrician and a licensed
building contractor can safely design and implement a
grid tie-in system. Any grid tie-in system must meet all
applicable building and electrical codes, and must meet
standards established by the area power company.
1. Run wires from panels, through weatherproof
grommets and into enclosure where power
inverter is located. Use wires of the proper
size and rating and use twist connectors
(not included) to connect wires.
2. Connect battery to a power inverter according
to inverter’s instructions. CAUTION! Inverter
must be properly rated and designed for this
type of connection and power supply.
3. Secure all connections using terminals, or solder
all wire splices to ensure good connections.
4. Weatherproof all connections and route the wire in
a way that it will not be torn loose from the panel.

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 57325
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Operating Instructions
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this manual
including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
Note: Performance of the Solar Panels will vary dependent on site location, angle
of the panels in relation to the arc of the sun, and available sunlight.
Operation
1. Use the J-Plug Cable on the back of the Solar
Panel to connect to an appropriate 12VDC
Charge Controller (sold separately).
J-Plug Cable
Note: Solar Panel shown in temporary
setup with stands pulled out.
2. Angle the solar panel towards the sun. Turn
it southward for the northern hemisphere.
3. If setting up the Solar Panel temporarily and
charging is complete, disconnect the Solar
Panel output. Store Solar Panel in a dry,
indoor area out of reach of children.

Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 57325
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Maintenance and Servicing
Procedures not specifically explained in this manual
must be performed only by a qualified technician.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK:
Before service, maintenance or cleaning:
a. Dry solar panels and outdoor wiring thoroughly while wearing electrically insulated gloves.
b. Cover solar panels with an opaque cover.
c. Disconnect all solar panels and batteries.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK OR CUTS:
Do not use damaged solar panel.
If wiring insulation is damaged or weathered, glass is cracked, or housing is opened, have the
problem corrected before further use.
Note: It is normal to see up to 20% degradation in Mono-crystalline solar panel
performance within the first 6 months before the Mono-crystalline stabilizes.
Cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication
Clean and inspect the Solar Panel system MONTHLY,
or more frequently to maintain peak efficiency.
1. Wear electrically insulated gloves and
ANSI-approved safety goggles. Dry Solar
Panels and outdoor wiring thoroughly.
2. Cover solar panels with opaque cover.
3. Disconnect all solar panels and batteries.
4. Clean solar panels and connectors with
damp soft cloth. Dry thoroughly. Do not
clean with brushes, soap or solvents.
5. Inspect general condition of Solar Panel system
(panels, batteries, controllers, and mounting).
Check for loose hardware, wiring insulation damage
or weathering, cracked glass, open housing, cracked
or broken parts, loose or corroded contacts, and any
other condition that may affect its safe operation.
6. Maintain batteries according to
supplier’s instructions.
Adjustment for Permanent Setup
To increase efficiency:
1. In the Winter, increase the panel’s angle by 10°.
2. In the Summer, decrease the angle by up to 10°.
3. In Spring and Fall, keep the angle recommended on page 5.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR
MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS
QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE
ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY
STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND
LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY
ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS
THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

Parts List and Diagram
Part Description Qty
1 Solar Panel 1
2 Junction Box 1
3 J-Plug cable 1
Part Description Qty
4 Corner Guard 4
5 Mounting Stand 2
6 SAE + DC 8055 (8mm) Adapter 1
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record
month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for
illustration purposes only, and are not available
individually as replacement parts. Specify
UPC 792363573252 when ordering parts.
Limited 90 Day Warranty
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability standards,
and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the
period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly,
to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity, improper
installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries
to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of
our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges
prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise.
If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may
elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will
return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted
from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
26541 Agoura Road • Calabasas, CA 91302 • 1-888-866-5797