ELECTRICS
84
Regulator
Unlike typical regulators, the factory fitted solar
panel regulator has been specially designed
to draw no power from the leisure battery
when the solar panel is not generating power.
This feature is desirable especially in winter
months when a normal regulator can gradually
discharge the leisure battery.
Regulator operation
The regulator operates automatically, turning
on and off as required to charge and maintain
the leisure battery. When the solar panel is
exposed to a source of sunlight the regulator
starts to operate. When the voltage from the
panel reaches a usable level, the Panel Output
LED will flash indicating that the battery is
being charged (see battery charging on next
page). If insufficient power is being generated
by the solar panel the regulator will turn off.
The regulator checks the solar panel output
every 30 seconds and turns on and off as
required. On overcast days when the solar
panel output is minimal the regulator can still
deliver a small charge, and in this mode the
LED's are not illuminated to conserve power.
Battery charging
If a leisure battery is fitted and requires
charging the Charge Status LED will illuminate.
Depending on the state of charge of the
battery this LED will illuminate red for bulk
charge (14.4V output) or green for float charge
(13.6V output). It may take a few hours to
several days to charge the battery depending
on its state of charge. When the battery is fully
charged the regulator will turn off to prevent
overcharging of the battery. If the mains
charger is turned on to charge the leisure
battery this can also cause the solar panel
regulator to turn off.
Power Supply Unit
The PSU does not need to be switched on
(shutdown button in) for the solar panel to
charge the battery. During caravan storage the
PSU should be shutdown (shutdown button
out).
Control Panel
When the solar panel is operating the voltage
display on the leisure battery will increase if the
loads placed on the battery are sufficiently light.
Maintenance and cleaning
The solar panel will require cleaning periodically
in order to maintain the performance of the
panel, a caravan, car shampoo or simple soap
can be used; no abrasive cleaners should
be used.
Generator usage
Caution should be used before connecting a
generator to your caravan.
! WARNING: Never start or stop
the generator while electrical loads are
connected and switched on. Start the
engine, let it stabilise, then connect the
electrical load. To stop engine, disconnect
the electrical load and let engine stabilise
before switching off.
BATTERY CHARGING / GENERATOR
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