Section 8 --- Electrical Systems - House
The Executive 2005
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5. Automatic Float (Only when set to Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries) - Resets the charge
parameters to work with AGM batteries and removes the equalization cycle. AGM batter-
ies are sealed and are not designed to withstand the higher voltage reached during equal-
ization. The feature also changes Float setting from 14.2 to 13.4 Volts DC, which is the
AGM battery manufacturer’s recommendation.
CAUTION:
The Charge Controller may be warm to the touch. This is a normal function of the
Charge Controller.
Solar Panel Care
A critical part of maintaining the solar electric battery charging system is to keep the panel clean.
The amount of power that a panel will produce is directly related to the intensity of sunlight. A dirty
panel will allow less light to reach the panel, resulting in less power produced. A single layer of dust or
road grime can reduce the power output by 15 to 25%. Leaves and debris that can cover two or three
of the 36 individual cells can reduce output power by 50 to 75%.
Use of the basic maintenance tips, regular inspections and regular cleaning will assure maximum
charging from the solar charging system. To clean the panel, use a non-abrasive cleaner and paper towels.
The surrounding environment, and the amount of road dust encountered, will determine how frequently
the panel should be cleaned.
Tips to Follow:
1. The panel should be cleaned if a film or a layer of dust is on the windshield.
2. On a bright sunny day, charging amps should be 3.5 to 5 Amps per panel.
3. High winds can blow dust and debris around causing dirt build up. Frequently inspect the panels
and clean as necessary.
CAUTION:
To avoid arcing at the battery connector when replacing batteries or performing bat-
tery cable maintenance, be sure to remove the fuse for the solar panel charge con-
troller, or cover the solar panel, to stop the production of electricity at the source.
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