Solar Technology STPU100 MHD Rigid Solar Panels User Manual

STPU100 MHD Rigid Solar Panels

Specifications

• Product Name: MHD Rigid Solar Panels
• Available Wattages: 100wp, 125wp, 150wp, 200wp
• Technical Helpline: 01684 774 000

PV Logic MHD Rigid kit contents

Letters after item descriptions refer to the picture below.

Basic Kits

Basic Kits are available with the following contents:

STPU100

• 1 x 100wp Solar panel (a)
• 1 x 4m cable (not shown)
• 1 x Fuseholder and fuse (b)
• 1 x Instruction manual (c)

STPU120

• 1 x 120wp Solar panel (a)
• 1 x 4m cable (not shown)
• 1 x Fuseholder and fuse (b)
• 1 x Instruction manual (c)

STPU150

• 1 x 150wp Solar panel (a)
• 1 x 4m cable (not shown)
• 1 x Fuseholder and fuse (b)
• 1 x Instruction manual (c)

STPU200

• 1 x 200wp Solar panel (a)
• 2 x 0.9m cable attached to panel with MC4 connectors (not shown) 2 x 3m cable with MC4 connectors (not shown)
• 1 x Fuseholder and fuse (b)
• 1 x Instruction manual (c)

NOTE – STPU200 is fitted with twin cables and MC4 connectors.  If using a cable gland during installation, the MC4 connectors will need to be removed to feed the wires through the cable gland, and then new MC4 connectors attached using MC4 crimping pliers.

Kit options

The Basic Kits above are available with the following added options:

1. With Charge Controller
   In addition to the basic kit contents noted above, a 10A PWM charge controller can be added for panels up to 150wp – the 200wp panel requires a 20A PWM charge controller. Part numbers are as the basic kits but with the suffix MA.
   Example : STPU100MA indicates a 100wp basic kit with a charge controller included.

2. PV Logic Rooftop Kits
   In addition to the Basic Kit contents noted above, PV Logic Rooftop Kits include the following:

   • 1 x PWM charge controller (d) – 10A for panels up to 150wp and 20A for the 200wp panel Choice of roof fitting brackets – premium corner brackets (not shown) or aero aluminium brackets (e)
   • 1 x Water resistant cable feed gland (f)
   • 1 x Tube of bonding agent (g) Part numbers are as the basic kits but with two additions: an MH in the middle of the number, together with a suffix to denote the type of fitting brackets chosen: no suffix indicates standard aluminium, adding PB indicates premium corner brackets and AE indicates aero aluminum.

Example: STPUMH100AE indicates a rooftop kit with aero aluminum fitting brackets.

Charge Controller Upgrade

• All PV Logic Rooftop Kits can be supplied with an upgraded 15Ah, 20Ah or 30Ah MPPT charge controller instead of the standard PWM controller.
• Part numbers for these kits are as the standard Rooftop Kit with an extra suffix of PT.
  Example: STPUMH100AEPT indicates a Rooftop Kit with aero brackets and a 15Ah MPPT charge controller.

Bulk Pack Options

• This option includes ONLY the solar panel and nothing else. The bulk pack contains 2 panels.
• Part numbers for these kits are as the standard Basic Kits but with a suffix of BP.
  Example: STPU100BP indicates a bulk pack of 2 x 100wp solar panels.

Please read all instructions carefully before work begins

IMPORTANT: When connecting a solar panel to a battery, it is always recommended that a voltage regulator is used to prevent both reverse current feed (at night) and overcharging of the battery.

Step 1: Connecting cables to the solar charge controller
NOTE : for 200wp panel with twin cables, connect MC4 connectors attached to panel cable to 2 x 3m cable (supplied) with MC4 connectors and follow instructions below:

1. Position the solar charge controller as close as possible to the battery (must be a dry location). 1.2 Measure the distance between your battery terminals and the solar charge controller.
2. Cut the measured distance from the end of the cable, allowing some extra for slack.
3. Take the loose end of the cable(s) fitted to the solar panel and strip back the black outer insulation 4.5cm. Strip back the insulation of the red and black inner cables 1.5cm to expose bare wires.
   Feed the cable through the hole in the terminal box. Attach to the terminals (A) on the solar charge controller. Take care to ensure the cables are connected to the correct terminals Red = positive (+), black = negative (–) to avoid reverse polarity.

Step 2: Fitting the fuse

• Strip back the black outer insulation of the cable 20cm.
• Position the fuse as close as possible to the battery, particularly if a charge controller is used between the controller and the battery. Cut the red cable at the halfway point and strip 5mm of the red insulation from both the cut ends. Twist the bare wire ends tightly and fit them into the screw terminals (C) on each of the fuse holder pieces.

Step 3: Connecting the cable to your battery

• Strip the red and black insulation (6cm) from the inner cable ends. Twist the bare wire, wrap around the battery terminals, and fix into position using your battery clamps.
• Some clamps have screw connections fitted, in which case, if the ring terminals have already been crimped onto the wire ends, simply attach them using your battery clamp screws.
• When connecting to a battery always observe correct polarity. Note: Red = positive (+),black = negative (–).

Step 4: Additional information for fitting a rooftop kit with premium brackets (PB). (If the aero bracket (AE) kit has been selected please refer to the fitting instructions supplied with that kit).
NOTE – bonding agent requires 24 hours to properly cure. We would therefore recommend that the motorhome, caravan or boat is not moved during this period.

• Attach the brackets to the side of the panel using the supplied stainless steel screws, ensuring the brackets are flush with the top of the solar panel frame (thereby leaving a gap between the bottom of the panel frame and the roof).
• Place the panel on the roof position where it is to be fixed and draw a pencil line around the footprint of the brackets. Ideally, the panel should be fixed above the cable entry hole, to keep the cable as short as practicable and to hide the cable entry gland.
• Clean the area on your motorhome, caravan or boat where each bracket and the cable feed gland is to be fixed with spirit, and make sure the area is clean, oil-free, and dry.
• Insert the cable trailing from the solar panel junction box into the cable feed gland, ensuring the locking nut is loose, and then into the entry hole on the roof. Using the provided bonding agent, now bond the cable feed gland into position.
• Apply the bonding agent (around a 6mm thickness of bonding agent is ideal) to the edge of each bracket and then, (we recommend you do this with assistance), turn the panel so that the solar cells are facing upwards and bond the panel to the roof, positioning the brackets in the pencil lines previously marked.
• Once the cable has been pulled through the cable feed gland, the gland nut should be tightened to affect a water-tight seal.
• Now the cable can be channeled into the roof lining or trunking/capping or similar and down to the battery.

Options

Connecting two or more solar panels
Should you wish to increase the power and make a solar array or increase the voltage (to produce 24 volts instead of 12 volts) this can easily be achieved. Please contact Solar Technology on 01684 774000 and request a copy of our ‘Creating a Solar Array’ technical bulletin.

Adding a second battery to a dual battery charge controller
Connect a second battery to the dual battery charge controller with an additional piece of 2-core, 1mm cable (not supplied) and follow steps 1, 2 & 3 above (not forgetting to add a fuse on the positive line as described in step 2). Power from the charge controller will be diverted to the second battery only when the primary battery is fully charged.

Warranty

PV Logic MHD rigid solar panels are supplied with a 10-year panel build warranty from the date of purchase from Solar Technology International. This guarantees the panel from mechanical failure and water ingress during this period. The warranty is void if the outer layers, or edges, of the panel, have been penetrated, damaged, or cracked or if the recommended handling, storage, installation, and care procedures have not been followed. The warranty is also invalidated if the panel has been abused, or not used for the purpose intended.

The manufacturer nor any of its employees, agents, distributors, or resellers are liable for any third-party damage howsoever caused. The extent to which the manufacturer is liable to a customer is limited to the purchase price paid by the customer for the product. We will not accept any costs associated with the return of faulty products.

Solar Technology International Limited
Unit 6, Station Drive, Bredon, Tewkesbury GL20 7HH

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Why is it important to use a voltage regulator when connecting a solar panel to a battery?
  • A: A voltage regulator is recommended to prevent reverse current feed at night and overcharging of the battery, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the system.
• Q: What are the available charge controller upgrade options for PV Logic Rooftop Kits?
  • A: PV Logic Rooftop Kits can be upgraded with a 15Ah, 20Ah, or 30Ah MPPT charge controller instead of the standard PWM controller for enhanced performance.
• Q: How should I position the solar charge controller about the battery?
  • A: The solar charge controller should be placed as close as possible to the battery in a dry location to minimize cable length and ensure efficient charging.

CONTACT

• T 01684 774 000
• F 01684 773 000
• sales@solartechnology.co.uk
• solartechnology.co.uk

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