xantrex 784-0110 110W Solar Max Flex Panel Installation Guide

: June 4, 2024
: xantrex

Table of Contents

xantrex 784-0110 110W Solar Max Flex Panel
Safety Information
Basic Installation Steps
Solar Panel Wiring
Solar Panel Maintenance and Care
Troubleshooting
Specifications
Accessory List
CONTACT
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

xantrex 784-0110 110W Solar Max Flex Panel

xantrex 784-0110 110W Solar Max Flex Panel-fig1

Thank you for purchasing the Xantrex Solar Max Flex Panel. The Xantrex Solar Max Flex Panel is a high quality, carbon emissions-free, and sustainable power source for your vehicle such as, recreational vehicle (RV), truck, or boat. It is designed to take solar energy and quietly produce power for your vehicle’s DC appliances and store energy to a battery during daylight hours.
The Solar Max Flex Panel base package includes the following items:

one Solar Max Flex Panel
one Product Notice with a link to this Installation Guide

xantrex 784-0110 110W Solar Max Flex Panel-fig2
NOTE: If any of the accessories, materials, and other items are missing, contact Xantrex or any authorized Xantrex dealer for replacement. See Contact Information on the back cover.

The following Xantrex accessories are available to complete your solar system and are sold separately:

Solar and Battery Cables Starter Kit (PN: 708-0150)
PWM 30A Charge Controller (PN: 709-3024-01)
MPPT 30A Charge Controller (PN: 710-3024-01)
MPPT Remote Display (PN: 710-0010)

Safety Information

Important Information

READ AND SAVE THIS INSTALLATION GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Read these instructions carefully and look at the equipment to become familiar with the device before installing, operating, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting it. The following special messages may appear throughout this documentation or on the equipment to warn of potential hazards or to call attention to information that clarifies or simplifies a procedure.
The addition of either symbol to a “Danger” or “Warning” safety label indicates that an electrical hazard exists which will result in personal injury if the instructions are not followed.
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.

Product Safety Information

Before using the solar max flex panel, read all instructions and cautionary markings on the solar max flex panel’s components, the batteries, and all appropriate sections of this guide. Use of accessories not recommended or sold by the manufacturer may result in injury to persons, a risk of electric shock, or a risk of fire.
The solar max flex panel is designed to be connected to your DC electrical systems. The manufacturer recommends that all wiring be done by a certified PV technician or electrician to ensure adherence to the local and national electrical codes applicable in your jurisdiction.
To avoid a risk of fire and electric shock, make sure that existing wiring is in good condition andthat wire is not undersized. Do not operate the solar max flex panel with damaged or substandard wiring.
Do not operate the solar max flex panel if it has been damaged in any way.
This solar max flex panel does not have any user-serviceable parts. Do not disassemble the solar max flex panel except where noted for connecting wiring and cabling. See your warranty for instructions on obtaining service. Attempting to service the solar max flex panel yourself may result in a risk of electrical shock or fire.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, disconnect the solar max flex panel from all devices and or components before attempting any maintenance or cleaning on the solar max flex panel.
To reduce the chance of short-circuits, always use insulated tools when installing or working with this equipment.
Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when working with electrical equipment.
Do not ground any PV conductors.
Do not install the solar panel on top of a residential structure.

Exclusion for Documentation

UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING,SELLER

MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY,SUFFICIENCY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY TECHNICAL OR OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION;
ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSSES,DAMAGES,COSTS OR EXPENSES,WHETHER SPECIAL,DIRECT,INDIRECT,CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL, WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION.THE USE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S RISK;AND
REMINDS YOU THAT IF THIS MANUAL IS IN ANY LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH,ALTHOUGH STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO MAINTAIN THE ACCURACY OF THE TRANSLATION, THE ACCURACY CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.APPROVED CONTENT IS CONTAINED WITH THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION WHICH IS POSTED AT http://www.xantrex.com.
NOTE: Visit http://www.xantrex.com, click Products,selecta Productcategory,selecta Product,and search the ProductDocuments panel for a translation ofthe English guide,ifavailable.
Contact Information
- Telephone: +1-800-670-0707 /+1-408-987-6030
- Web: http://www.xantrex.com
- Email: customerservice@xantrex.com,
  http://www.xantrex.com/power-products-support/

Basic Installation Steps

Safety Instructions
Before beginning your installation:

Read this entire Installation section so you can plan the installation from beginning to end.
Assemble all the tools and materials you require for the installation.
Be aware of all safety and electrical codes which must be met.
WARNING
ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND FIRE HAZARD
- The power system must be designed by a certified vehicle solar system designer and installed by a certified solar system technician.
- All wiring should be done by qualified personnel to ensure compliance with all applicable installation codes and regulations.
- Disconnect all power sources.
- Disable and secure disconnect devices.

Tools and Materials
You may need the following tools to install the Solar Max Flex Panel:

Wrench set
Torque driver

Plan the power system and where to mount the solar panel.
- The Xantrex Solar Max Flex Panel comes in the following power levels: 110 W standard, 110 W slim, 220 W, and 330 W
- Draw your power system on paper similar to Figure 1 .

xantrex 784-0110 110W Solar Max Flex Panel-fig3

1| Solar panel

See section on Solar Panel Wiring for more information.

| 3| DC fuse (or battery disconnect)
---|---|---|---
2| Charge controller(PWM or MPPT)

See section on Solar Panel Wiring for more information.

| 4| Battery(12Vor 24V)
2. Plan where to mount the charge controller, fuses, and cable locations.

Identify and gather information about your vehicle.
Some vehicles are factory-installed with roof cable entry points.
If a cable entry point is absent, factory-installed vents can be used to route cables through.
Locate a suitable location for the charge controller inside the vehicle. Select an area that is readily accessible, viewable, and free from exposure to moisture.
Plan the route and measure the lengths of cables needed to reach their connection points factoring in bends and slack.
You may add additional solar panels. For more information, see Solar Panel Wiring on page 11.
WARNING
ELECTRIC SHOCK AND FIRE HAZARD
Do not ground any PV conductors.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, serious injury, or equipment damage.

xantrex 784-0110 110W Solar Max Flex Panel-fig4

Mount the solar panel.
TIP: Once applied to a surface, the 3M™ VHB™ tape, which isa high- strength, double-sided acrylicadhesive tape, cannot be easily removed without damaging both the solar paneland the mounting surface. Formore information, visit the 3M website.
IMPORTANT: Follow the recommendations illustrated in Figure 2 and succeeding Figures.
- Unpack the solar panels and prepare all installation tools and materials.
- Prepare the roof mounting surface by removing dust, dirt, and debris. Clean and degrease the roof surface with isopropyl alcohol and dry completely.

NOTICE
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

  * Do not bend more than 30° when handling and mounting the solar panel.
  * Do not step on the solar panel.
  * Do not mount the solar panel near other roof fixtures that can obstruct direct exposure to sunlight.
  * Select the mounting area carefully and mark the exact and intended location of the solar panel.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in physical damage to vehicles and property.

The backside of the SolarMaxFlexPanelhas3M VHB tape stripsal ready applied around the perimeter of the panel.

  * Peel off the liner film from the 3M VHB tape and place the Solar Max Flex Panel on the exact and intended location. It is ideal to have two people to carefully and accurately mount the solar panel.
  * Apply even pressure only on top of the areas where there is the 3M VHB tape underneath the solar panel for proper bonding of the 3M VHB tape to the mounting surface. It is ideal to use a roller or the palm of your hands to apply pressure.
  * Be careful not to apply hard pressure on the solar cells that may lead to damage.

TIP: Use a 2″-wide 3M 4411 Extreme Sealing Tape to applyall around the sides of the panel fora tighter seal. For more information, visit the 3M website.

xantrex 784-0110 110W Solar Max Flex Panel-fig7
Forillustration purposes. The solarcellsare shown asperspective only. Do not apply the adhesive tape on top of the solar cells. The adhesive tape must be applied on the backside of the pane land onto the mounting surface.

Connect the DC cables.
NOTICE
- REVERSE POLARITY
- Check polarity at all terminals before making the final DC connection. Pos(+) (red) must connect to charge controller pos(+)(red); Neg(–) (black) must connect to charge controller neg(–) (black).
- Failure to follow these instructions can result in equipment damage.
- Cover the solar panel with a blanket (or the packaging box) to de-energize it.
- Connect the red pos (+) and black neg (–) PV cables to the solar panel using the MC4-type connectors.

xantrex 784-0110 110W Solar Max Flex Panel-fig8

  * Route the PV cables through the roof entry point and connect the red pos (+) and black neg (–) PV cables to the charge controller. See T3.
  * Connect the red pos (+) and black neg (–) battery cables to the charge controller. See T3.
  * Route the battery cable inside the vehicle and connect the red pos (+) and black neg (–) battery cables to the respective battery terminals.
  * Secure all cables with clamps (and/or cable ties) and additional strain-relief as necessary.
  * Clear the roof and the cable routes of tools and other debris that may have been left during installation.

Operate and maintain the system.
- Remove the blanket (or the packaging box) covering the solar panel to start energizing the solar panel.
- Refer to Solar Panel Maintenance and Care on page 13 for best practices.

Solar Panel Wiring

Depending on your power needs and installation type, you have two kinds of solar charge controllers available.
Solar Charge Controller| Amp| Output Voltage| Part Number
---|---|---|---
Pulse width modulation| 30A| 12/24VDC| 709-3024-01
Maximum power point tracking| 30A| 12/24VDC| 710-3024-01
Solar panels can be configured in series, parallel, or a combination of both series and parallel

xantrex 784-0110 110W Solar Max Flex Panel-fig10

  * Pos (+) of first panel connects to Neg (-) of next panel and so on and terminating with the Pos (+) of the solar charge controller.
  * Neg (-) of first panel extends to Neg (-) terminal of the solar charge controller.
  * Optimized for MPPT solar charger.

xantrex 784-0110 110W Solar Max Flex Panel-fig11

  * Pos (+) of first panel connects to Pos (+) of next panel using branch connectors and so on and terminating with the Pos (+) of the solar charge controller.
  * Neg (-) of first panel connects to Neg (-) of next panel using branch connectors and so on and terminating with the Neg (-) of the solar charge controller.
  * Optimized for MPPT or PWM solar charger.

xantrex 784-0110 110W Solar Max Flex Panel-fig12

  * One set of panels connect in series to form one string and so on.
  * Two or more strings connect in parallel.
  * Optimized for MPPT solar charger.

Solar Panel Maintenance and Care

Although a well designed vehicle-mounted solar system requires minimal maintenance, it is highly recommended to perform an inspection and cleaning of the solar panels during the warranty period. This helps to ensure optimal system performance and reliability through a few simple steps.

Visual Inspection
Perform a visual inspection of the solar system on a monthly basis to identify if there are any visual defects or improper connections.

Check for any sharp objects on the solar panel surface.
Check for any signs of corrosion or burnt hotspots around the solar cell and backsheet area.
Check that the solar panel is clear of any shading by any foreign material or unwanted obstacles. Just a small amount of shade on the solar panel surface can cause significant power output loss.
If the solar panel has slight discoloration over a period of usage, this is considered normal for solar panels that use an anti-reflection coating laminate.

Cleaning Solar Panels

The power output of a solar panel is proportional to the amount of sunlight that reaches the solar cells. Therefore, any build-up of dust or dirt on the surface of the solar panel will result in a loss of power. This is a trade-off between the maximizing the power output of the solar panel versus the cost and time to perform regular cleaning.
Do not clean solar panels if there is broken plastic material or exposed wiring because this creates a risk for electric shock.
Do not step or kneel on the solar panel during cleaning.
- Check the solar panel periodically during seasons that the vehicle is in-use. If there is a build-up of dust or dirt on the surface of the solar panel, it is recommended to clean it.
- Clean the solar panel in the early morning or early evening when the solar panel is cooler, especially in hot regions. This will reduce the risk for electrical and thermal shock.
- Clean using a soft cloth together with clean water and mild detergent or soap.
- Make sure there is no soap residue remaining after cleaning.
- Avoid using water with high mineral content that may leave deposits on the solar panel surface.
- Do not use abrasive materials to clean the solar panel.
- Do not use chemicals to clean the solar panel.
- Do not pressure wash the solar panel.

Troubleshooting

WARNING

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
If the in-line fuse on the 10AWG positive (+) battery cable blows, replace with a 30A/32V green ATC blade fuse.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, serious injury, or equipment damage.
NOTE: To obtain service go to Contact Information on page 1. Problem| Possible Cause| Solution
---|---|---
Battery does not get charged even when sunlight is present.| Solar panel is partially shaded

or there is insufficient sunlight.

| Move the vehicle or vessel so the whole

solar panel is exposed to direct sunlight.

Loose or no DC cable connections.| Connect DC cables to the battery and solar panel and tighten terminal

connections.

Fuse is blown.| Replace the blown fuse with a 30A/32V

green ATC blade fuse.