25
Patriot Solar Charged System
Utilizing the USAutomatic Solar Panel kit, you may use a solar panel
to charge the battery. Typically only one panel will be required. The
Patriot gate operator is capable of a high number of cycles per day.
For information on what you can expect from a solar charged system
see page 64. Accessories that are added to your gate operator must
be solar friendly accessories and they will be identied as such. For a
complete list of accessories, please visit www.usautomatic.com
The Solar model Patriot gate operator comes with a 6 watt solar panel
and is designed to provide enough cycles a day for most installations
without needing more than one solar panel. Care must be taken to
ensure the solar panel has full sun throughout the day; partial sun will give partial results. If no sun is
present then a solar system is not practical no matter how many panels might be installed. The solar
panel must be kept clean and in full sunlight.
The location of the solar panel is critical for proper battery charging. The panel needs to face a South
to Southwest direction and be installed at the angle of the supplied solar panel bracket. For proper
operation the panel must have unobstructed sun. The Solar Panel needs to be mounted so that it
receives full sunlight. Even a small amount of shade or blockage will cause the Solar Panel to cease
charging. Something as tiny as a ngertip shadow will affect the Solar Panel.
The solar panel may be moved up to 500 feet from the control box to achieve adequate sunlight. See
power source cable extension chart below for proper wire size. For convenience use the USAutomatic
75’ Cable Kit Part #520016 or USAutomatic Charge Cable Extension Pigtails part #630038.
Optimizing Solar Panel Location
The charge controller automatically determines the charge method installed (AC or Solar) and
charges the battery at the optimum charge rate. The solar panel outputs voltage and current to
charge the battery. This output voltage will vary slightly as the sun passes over throughout the day.
The charge controller can be used to optimize this output voltage.
• To use this feature, identify the time of day for the maximum solar radiation (typically around
2 pm).
• Face the panel toward the sun and observe the “External Power” light on the charge controller,
adjust the panel until light comes on and secure in that position.
NOTE: Depending on the time of year and your exact location the output voltage required to
illuminate “External Power” light may not be possible. This does not indicate a problem. In this case
set panel to face a Southwest position and verify “Solar Power” light is on. Battery is being charged.
Solar Extension Wire Size
0 to 100 feet 101 to 250 feet 251 to 500 feet
18 gauge wire 16 gauge wire 14 gauge wire
15b
To Next Page
Loading...
