Small Scale Offgrid Solar PV: Installation Manual
1. Connect the cables from the Panel to the Regulator ...............................................................25
2. Connect the DC lighting circuit to the charge controller. .........................................................25
3. Client hand over........................................................................................................................25
Appendix 1: Electrical Connections.......................................................................................................25
A1.1 Simple wire splicing ..................................................................................................................25
A1.2 Crimped joints...........................................................................................................................26
A1.3 Joints with connector blocks. ...................................................................................................28
Appendix 2: Optimal Tilt Angle for a solar panel in Guatemala............................................................29
Appendix 3: Installations with more than one battery ........................................................................29
Reference ..............................................................................................................................................31
Glossary
AC Alternating Current: Electrical current in which the magnitude and the direction vary
cyclically. Commonly used, A.C. refers to the form in which electricity is supplied to homes and
businesses compatible with most appliances (110 V at 60 Hz.)
Solar Array: 2 or more Solar Panels connected together
Battery Capacity (Amp-Hours, Ah): The value of a battery. The required capacity is calculated
according to the energy needed for electrical loads and the number of autonomy days.
DC Lighting Circuit: 12V DC bulbs together with their bulb sockets, switches and cabling. This
circuit is connected to the Charge Controller for automatic disconnection if the battery is
discharged. Low energy bulbs are recommended (>10W.) DC Current always maintains the same
polarity, meaning it‟s important that the bulb socket connections are correct.
DC Direct Current: Electrical Current across a conductor between two points of different
potential. In contrast to Alternating Current (A.C.) the electrical charge always flows in the
same direction (in other words the terminals of greater and lesser potential are always the
same.) This means that the positions of the Positive and Negative are very important. The
energy generated by a solar panel and stored by a battery is normally Direct Current (DC).
Inverter: Device which converts D.C. input voltage to A.C. output. An Inverter in Guatemala will
change the Direct Current of a battery (normally 12V) to 110V; for use in the majority of
common electrical appliances.)
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