FURRION FSFP50MAT-BL 50W Solar Panel Battery Maintainer Instruction Manual

FURRION FSFP50MAT-BL 50W Solar Panel Battery Maintainer Instruction Manual

Thank you for purchasing this Furrion® product. Before operating or installing, please read these instructions carefully. This instruction manual contains information for safe use, installation, and maintenance of the product.

Please keep this instruction manual in a safe place for future reference. Be sure to pass on this manual to new owners of this product.

The manufacturer does not accept responsibility for any damages due to not observing these instructions.

Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity

47 CFR § 2.1077 Compliance Information

Unique Identifier:
Trade Name: Furrion
Model Number: C-FSFP50MAT-A03

Responsible Part–U.S. Contact Information
Furrion Innovation Center & Institute of Technology
52567 Independence Ct., Elkhart, IN 46514, USA
Toll free:1-888-354-5792;
Email: [email protected]

FCC Compliance Statement(for products subject to Part 15):
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Explanation of Symbols

This manual has safety information and instructions to help eliminate or reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Always respect the safety warnings identified by the following symbols.
The following safety phrases indicate the degree of risk of injury or property damage.

DANGER
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury

WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate personal injury, or property damage.

General

Please carefully read the following installation and safety instructions. Non- compliance with these instructions may void the product warranty.

This guide contains information regarding the installation and safe handling of Furrion solar panels and components. All instructions must be read and understood before attempting installation. If there are any questions, please contact your dealer or Furrion for further information.
The installer should conform to all safety precautions in the guide when installing solar panels.
Before installing a solar photovoltaic system, the installer should become familiar with the mechanical and electrical requirements for photovoltaic systems. Keep this guide in a safe place for future reference.

• The installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems requires specialized skills and knowledge.
  The installer assumes all risk of injury, including risk of electric shock. Solar panels installation should be performed only by qualified persons.

• All solar panels come with a permanently attached junction box. Your dealer can provide additional extension cables to simplify module wiring.

• Exercise caution when wiring or handling solar panels exposed to sunlight.

• Do not connect or disconnect wires attached to solar panels when they are exposed to sunlight, otherwise an electric arc may occur. Arcs can cause burns, fires, or other safety problems. Always exercise caution when connecting and disconnecting wiring solar panels.

• Photovoltaic solar modules convert light energy to direct-current electrical energy and are designed for outdoor use. Proper design of support structures is the responsibility of the system designer and installer.

• Do not attempt to disassemble the solar panel, and do not remove any attached nameplates or components. Doing so will void the warranty.

• Do not apply paint or adhesive to the solar panel.

• Do not use mirrors or other hardware to artificially concentrate sunlight on the solar panel.

• When installing solar panels, observe all applicable local, regional, and national codes & regulations. Obtain a building and/or electrical permit when required.

Work Safely

• Wear protective eye wear and appropriate clothing during installation. Use extreme caution when working with electricity and when working around batteries. Use properly insulated tools only.
• Use care when working on an RV roof, always use rated safety harnesses and ladders during installation and maintenance.

Safety Precautions for Installing a Photovoltaic System

• Solar panels produce electrical energy when exposed to sunlight.
• Keep children well away from the system while transporting and installing mechanical and electrical components.
• Completely cover all solar panels with an opaque material during installation to prevent electricity from being generated.
• Do not wear metallic rings, watches, or other metallic devices while installing or troubleshooting photovoltaic systems.
• Use appropriate safety equipment (insulated tools, insulating gloves, etc.) approved for use on electrical installations.
• Observe the instructions and safety precautions for all other components used in the system, including wiring and cables, connectors, DC-breakers, mounting hardware, inverters, etc.
• Use only equipment, connectors, wiring, and mounting hardware suitable for use in a photovoltaic system.
• Always use the same type of solar panel within a particular photovoltaic system.
• Under normal operating conditions, solar panels will produce currents and voltages that may vary with than those listed in the data sheet. Data sheet values are applicable at standard test conditions only.
• Short-circuit current and open-circuit voltages should be multiplied by a factor of 1.25 when determining the system voltage/ampacity rating for the fuses and charge controllers.

Safety Precautions When Working with Batteries

• Batteries contain very corrosive diluted sulfuric acid as electrolyte. Precautions should be taken to prevent contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.

• Batteries generate hydrogen and oxygen during charging, which may form an explosive gas mixture.

• Store batteries in a well ventilated area and follow the battery manufacturer’s
  recommendations. Never smoke, allow a spark, or flame near the batteries.

• Never allow a foreign object to drop or rest on the battery. Doing so could lead to fire, explosion, or harmful out-gassing.

• Remove metal items such as rings, bracelets, and watches when working with batteries. The batteries can produce a short circuit current high enough to weld a ring or similar object to the metal, causing a severe burn.

• If you need to remove a battery, always remove the negative terminal from the battery first.

• Only use properly insulated tools when making battery connections.

General Installation Notes

• Drainage holes must not be covered by the mounting system. The solar panel should bemounted with glass surface upwards.
• Do not lift the solar panel by grasping its junction box or electrical leads.
• Do not stand or step on the solar panel.
• Do not drop the solar panel or allow objects to fall on the solar panel.
• Do not place any heavy objects on the solar panel.

Product Overview

50W Rigid Solar Panel

(C- FSFP50MAT-A01 /C- FSFP50MAT-001)

Furrion solar panels are made of monocrystalline solar cells in series with high efficiency, high transmission rate, low iron tempered glass, anti-aging EVA, high flame resistant TPT laminate, and anodized aluminium alloy frames. They are designed for easy installation, extended longevity, and resistance to damage incurred by high wind or hail.

Specifications

Rooftop Box

(C-FSFP50MAT-A02 / C-FSFP50MAT-002)

• IP65 dust and water resistant.
• Designed to mount with adhesive sealant or standard #8 RV button head screws (not included).
• Constructed with anti-UV agent to extend weather resistance and to limit color change during long periods of exposure to the elements.

Specifications

10A Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Controller

(C-FSFP50MAT-A03 / C-FSFP50MAT-003)

• IP65 dust and water resistant.
• 12V system voltage.
• LED numeric display and mode selection button.
• Intelligent 3-stage PWM charging algorithm applies variable equalization, boost, and float modes.
• Smart charging profile ensures that batteries are fully charged, balanced, and desulfurized effectively extending the service life of the batteries.
• Charging program options are available for sealed, GEL, flooded lead acid, or lithium iron phosphate batteries.
• Controller memory retains mode and battery type information, making operation easy and convenient.
• Protection against overcharge and reverse polarity connection.
  

Specifications

Z-Bracket Mount Kit

(C-FSFP50MAT-A04 /C-FSFP50MAT-004)

• Aluminum construction with stainless steel nuts, bolts, and washers.
• Maintenance free & easy installation.
  

Specifications

M6 SS304 Hex Head Bolt x 20mm x4 M6 SS304 Nut x4
M6 SS304 Split Lock Washer x4 M6 SS304 Flat Washer x8

NOTE: This kit does NOT include hardware to attach the Z-Brackets to roof.

Before Using

What’s in the Box

Make sure you have all the following items included in the packaging. If any item is damaged or missing, contact your dealer.

• 50W Rigid Solar Panel x 1
• Rooftop Box x 1
• PWM Controller x 1
• Z-Bracket Mount Kit x 1
• Quick Start Guide x 1
• Warranty Manual x 1

Installation

Secure Z-Brackets to Frame of the Solar Panel

1. Affix a Z-Bracket along the short side of the solar panel frame. Make sure that mounting foot of the Z-Bracket is facing outward from the solar panel frame.
   

2. Align the mounting hole of the Z-Bracket with that of the solar panel frame.

3. Fix the Z-Bracket on the solar panel frame.
   

4. Repeat the steps above for each Z-Bracket.
   

Install Solar Panel to Mounting Surface

Selecting the Mounting Location

• Select a suitable location for the installation of the solar panel.
• Install the solar panel in a clear location on the roof of the RV that will receive maximum exposure to the sun.
• Solar panels should be mounted as far away from rooftop obstructions (AC units, plumbing vents, skylights, etc.) as possible.
• If solar panels must be installed near rooftop obstructions, try to orient the modules with broadside facing the obstruction.

Selecting the Proper Mounting Structure and Hardware

• Observe all instructions and safety precautions included with the mounting system to be used with the solar panel.
• Do not drill holes in the glass surface of the solar panel. Doing so will void the warranty.
• Do not drill additional mounting holes in the solar panel frame. Doing so will void the warranty.
• Solar panels must be securely attached to the mounting structure using four mounting points for normal installation.
• The mounting structure and hardware must be made of durable, corrosion, and UV-resistant materials.
• Select mounting location such that screw holes on the mounting brackets attached to the solar panel frame are aligned with the structural framing of the roof.

Mounting Solar Panels

• In regions with heavy snowfall in winter, select the height of the mounting system so that the lowest edge of the solar panel is not covered by snow for any extended period of time.
• Solar panels must be securely attached to the mounting structure.
• Provide adequate ventilation under the solar panel.
• Before installing solar panels on a roof, ensure that the roof construction is suitable. In addition, any roof penetration required to mount the solar panel must be properly sealed to prevent leaks.
• Always keep the backsheet of the panel free from foreign objects or structural elements, which could come into contact with the panel, especially when the panel is under mechanical load.
• Ensure panels are not subjected to wind or snow loads exceeding the maximum permissible loads (176lbs/80kg), and are not subjected to excessive forces due to the thermal expansion of the support structures.

Installation

1. Affix panels to roof by screwing appropriate mounting hardware through Z-Bracket holes into roof. Install solar panel on a relatively flat surface on the roof.
   
   NOTE:

   • Ensure screw locations are backed by a solid structure such as a rafter, stud, etc.
   • Apply self-leveling adhesive (not included) to the bottom of the Z-Brackets to create a water tight seal.

2. Mount the solar panel such that at least 2 of the mounting feet have screws penetrating the metal or wooden framing trusses.

3. Repeat for all fastener locations.
   

4. Seal around edges of all Z-Brackets and screws where they come in contact with or penetrate the mounting surface.
   NOTE: Make sure that self-leveling silicon adhesive is applied evenly around all edges of bracket and the mounting screws with no gaps.
   

Install Rooftop Box

1. Drill a small pilot hole on the chosen location, if desired. Enlarge the pilot hole with a suitable drill bit. The hole drilled must be large enough for cables to drop through.

2. File and remove any sharp edges around the hole that were created during drilling.
   Thoroughly clean the mounting area to ensure proper sealant bonding.

3. Insert positive/negative PV wires from the solar panel junction box into the threaded strain relief holes on the Rooftop Box.

4. Attach the positive/negative PV wires (“+” and “-” on the tape at the end) inside of the Rooftop Box to the wires connected to the PWM controller using twist-on wire connectors/ Marrettes (not included).
   

5. Use standard #8 RV button head screws (not included) to fasten the Rooftop Box to the RV roof by drilling through the 3 screw holes around the perimeter of the Rooftop Box base.
   

6. Use appropriate self-leveling silicon sealant as recommended by your RV dealer or manufacturer to properly seal the perimeter of the Rooftop Box.
   

NOTE:

• Tighten the strain reliefs on the Rooftop Box.
• Apply self-leveling adhesive (not included) to the mounting hole.

Install PWM Controller

1. Mount the PWM controller on a flat surface inside of the RV with 4 screws (not included, #3 recommended).

2. Mount the PWM controller close to the battery inside the front compartment of the RV.
   

3. Attach the positive/negative battery wire leads on the PWM controller to the positive/negative battery cables (not included) using twist-on wire connectors/Marrettes (not included).

4. Attach the positive/negative wires (not included) from the Rooftop Box to the to the positive/ negative solar leads on the PWM controller using twist on wire connectors/Marrettes (not included).

5. Ensure that an appropriate electrical connection is made with the battery by using twiston wire connectors/Marrettes (not included), and crimping ring connectors (or similar) for connection to battery terminals.

6. Fasten and secure all loose wires according to the appropriate electrical code.

7. A 10A in-line fuse is recommend to be installed on the positive battery side within 7 inches of the positive battery post.

NOTE:

• It is recommended to connect the PWM battery output leads to the battery first, then connect the solar input leads to the solar panel wires.
• Do not short circuit the PWM battery output leads, doing so may damage the PWM controller and/or battery

PV/Battery Wire Size

Since the solar output current can vary due to array connection methods, sunlight, and temperature, the minimum wire size must be in accordance with the maximum array short-circuit current. The PWM input and output wires will have the same voltage and current. Therefore, the wire gauge from the solar panel to the PWM and from the PWM to the battery should be the same. Please refer to the following wire gauge chart for reference:

Wire Length with 10% Voltage Drop| Wire Length with 3% Voltage Drop| Wire Gauge with 5A PV Max Current| Wire Gauge with 10A PV Max Current
---|---|---|---
0 to 20 ft| 0 to 6 ft| 16 AWG| 16 AWG
30 ft| 10 ft| 16 AWG| 14 AWG
50 ft| 15 ft| 16 AWG| 12 AWG
65 ft| 20 ft| 14 AWG| 10 AWG
80 ft| 25 ft| 12 AWG| 10 AWG

NOTE: The wire size is only for reference. If there is a long distance between the PV system and the controller, larger wires can be used to reduce the voltage drop and improve performance. As shown a shorter wire length and thicker wire gauge can decrease the voltage drop between the solar panel and PWM controller.

PWM Setting Instruction

1. Press the mode selection button for 3 seconds to enter battery selection mode.
2. Press the mode selection button until the number value that corresponds to the correct battery appears on the LED readout.
3. Once correct battery type is selected, press the mode selection button for 3 seconds to exit battery selection mode.
   NOTE: For battery selection mode please refer to Mode Selection section.

CAUTION
The default setting is for use with sealed lead-acid batteries. For a different battery type, please refer to the instruction manual or visit www.furrion.com.

Connection

Wiring Diagram

Installation on RV

1. Mount the PWM controller inside of the RV near the battery inside of the front compartment.

2. Connect the battery’s positive and negative terminals to the PWM controller battery output (installer may need to create an exit hole and seal).
   NOTE: Installer will need to provide battery terminal connections and wire to make connection between PWM controller and battery or batteries.

3. Plug the positive and negative leads from the PV extension cable directly into the Rooftop Box.

4. Identify the positive and negative cables terminated from the Rooftop Box and route them to the PWM controller for the final connections.

Operation

Suggested Use

1. The PWM controller is intended for a 12 volt battery system.
2. It is advised to install PWM controller in a well ventilated environment as device may become warm during operation.
3. Choose battery cables with minimum 16AWG gauge rated for 10A DC.

PWM Controller Status Indicators

Mode Selection

Battery Type Selection Method:

• Press the button for 3 seconds. The LED will begin to flash indicating that the mode can be changed.
• When the button is pressed again the LED number display will change from (1-4).
• When the number value corresponds to the battery type selected by the user, wait until the LED stops flashing or press the button again for 3 seconds to complete the setting.

NOTE: Default setting: Sealed lead-acid batteries.

Charging Parameters

NOTE: Charging parameters may vary based on availability of sunlight on the solar panels.

Troubleshooting

whether the solar panel is correctly connected and contact is adequate.
The solar panel charging indicator is flashing quickly.| Ensure that the correct battery type has been selected.
The battery indicator does not light up.| The battery may be failing to supply power. Check whether the battery is correctly connected.
The battery indicator is flashing quickly, and there is no output.| The battery is over-discharged and will recover when recharged adequately.
Battery voltage is low.| Reposition vehicle if possible to provide more direct sunlight. If PWM Battery Maintainer can not sustain adequate charge to the battery, connect the coach to shore power or generator. Reducing electrical loads in the coach will also help maintain adequate charge of the battery.

Maintenance

Maintaining Solar Panel

To ensure optimum performance, Furrion recommends the following maintenance measures:

• Clean the glass surface of the solar panel when required. Always use clean water and a soft sponge or cloth for cleaning. A mild, non-abrasive cleaning agent may be used to remove stubborn dirt. Do not use cold water to clean panel if the surface is extremity hot as rapid temperature change could lead to cracking.
• Clean solar panel more frequently during drier months, as they may become covered in dust more quickly. A pressure washer is not recommended.
• Check the electrical, grounding, and mechanical connections every six months to verify that they are clean, secure, undamaged, and free of corrosion.
• Remove snow, ice, or other debris when build up occurs.
• Caution: Observe the maintenance instructions for all components used in the system, such as support frames, PV connectors, charge controller, batteries, etc.

Maintaining Multiple Batteries

To properly maintain multiple batteries they should be the same type (gel, flooded or AGM) and condition. Always connect batteries in parallel (negative to negative and positive to positive) to maintain a 12V system. Never connect batteries at different states of charge or voltage.
The charged battery will rapidly transfer energy to the discharged battery possibly causing catastrophic failure.

Long Term RV Storage

If your RV will be stored in extremely cold climates you may need to remove your batteries to prevent them from freezing. Please note if your solar panel(s) are covered by snow they will not produce power and can not be depended upon to keep the batteries charged. For battery storage in mild climates solar system will provide more power provided sufficient sunlight and limited load. Make sure that all passive/phantom loads are removed from the batteries, i.e. DVD players, clock radio, etc. to make sure the solar panel(s) can keep the batteries charged even with reduced sun exposure.

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