Technical.
Solar power is generated when photovoltaic modules convert direct sunlight into electricity.
Direct current (DC) flows from the photovoltaic modules through a regulator to a battery
or battery bank where the power is stored.
12v DC appliances can be powered directly from the batteries.
Watts / Volts = Amps.

Technical Installation Documentation Download: Solar Panel / Charge Controller / Battery / Wiring / Inverter / Wiring Specifications.
General Information on Solar Panel and Battery installations.
Download PDF File - 636KB

To power alternating current (AC) appliances, inverters are required.
The inverter converts DC power into AC power.
Battery Charge Regulators.
A 6Amp Battery Charge Controller will suffice for one or two Solarflex 32Watt  Flexible Solar Panels.

Should you require more than 2 x 32 Watt Panels a 10amp Battery Charge Controller is recommended.

The Volts supplied at maximum power for a 12V solar module are between 14-16 Volts per panel.
If you divide 32Watts with 16Volts from each panel they will push 2.0Amps each through the
regulator, therefore a 6Amp regulator will be the minimum regulator size required.
           
6 Amp Steca Solsum Charge Controller.
Solar Panel Connectors.
Please note that connectors on the panels supplied may differ with the connectors on view.
Most good quality connectors available in South Africa will be acceptable to operate the
panels with most appliances available in South Africa; 5-6mm squared wiring will suffice for wiring.
In marine operations water resistant connectors are recommended for best results.
If in doubt please contact your nearest reseller.

Figure 1.
The 3M UV resistant extension cable for extending the cable length from the Solar Panel to the Charge Controller.
The bare ended wires are connected directly to the Charge Controller.
Figure 2.
The Charge Controller.
The extension cable is connected to the Charge Controller positive and negative input.
A battery cable is connected from the Charge Controller directly to the battery.
The Charge Controller will regulate the voltage to the battery in order to
prevent overcharging of the battery.
Figure 3.
The Y connector can connect 2 or more Solar Panels to a cable connected to the
Charge Controller, this will increase the Amps delivered to the Battery and Load device
according to the amount of Power required in Amps/Hr.
Figure 4.
Deep Cycle Battery with the Anderson Universal Connector.
We use the 16 amp rated BMM connectors, effective and affordable.
Figure 5.
A 12v Fan was connected directly the Solar Panel.
The Solar Panel will normally operate at between 13.5 – 15 volts,
the Charge Controller will cut out at approximately 22v to prevent damage to the system.
NB. In the event that the load device has a 220 AC input socket without a 12v option an
INVERTER can be installed on the circuit which will convert the 12v DC current to 220v AC current
for any appliance, such as a microwave, computer, lights etc, it is necessary to ensure that
the output wattage of the inverter is capable of supplying sufficient watts for all devices connected.
Similarly should there only be a 220v electrical supply a TRANSFORMER can step down the 220v
DC current to a 12v DC load device.
The large majority of fridges have  both the 12v and 220v options however many other devices
can be be operated.
 
Figure 6.
Close up of the standard operation with the Charge Controller, Battery and Fridge connected.
System Requirements:
Solar Panel with Extension Cable.
Charge Controller.
Battery Cable Connectors from Charge Controller to load device.
(The types of connectors depend on the cable connectors deployed.)

Figure 7.
  • Two panels were connected and as demonstrated the panels are
    very robust as well as being waterproof and flexible.
    The Solarflex SA 32Watt Panels are specifically designed for yachting, they are also suited for any outdoors environment.
    • NB: Flexibility does not include the panels being rolled up or bent in the middle.
    Recommended to be stored and transported whilst flat.

    Figure 8.
    The left socket is the 12v male input kettle plug type and
    the right socket is a standard 220V male kettle plug socket.
    Figure 9.
    The picture below shows 2 x 32Watt panels, secured with cable ties through the securing eyelets, with the y-splitter cable,
    connected to a 3m Extension Cable which in turn is connected to the Battery Charge Controller.
    The Battery cable (without connecters) is also connected to the charge controller.
    Specific connectors - self installed - according to your battery type, connect to the battery from the battery cable.

    Most users will generally have their own connectors from battery to load devices such as a fridge or whichever
    devices are being powered from the batteries themselves.

    In this configuration the panel’s operating voltage will stay the same; however the output amperage is increased for greater power generation.
        
    The picture below shows 2 x 32Watt panels, secured by cable ties to each other, folded onto each other.
    The panels can be safely transported in this manner thereby protecting the solar panel during transportation.
    It is not recommended to roll up the panels, best practice is to transport whilst flat.
    Kindly download the Solarflex SA User Manual for further information.

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