Use and Care Manual

7
STEP 3: ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
MULTIPLE PANELS:
PARALLEL CONNECTION
Exacly how you connect your panels will vary based on how your overall
system is designed. There are many different products that can be
connected to your panel; all diagrams are shown using a Ramsond
SunShield Charge Controller, which is purchased separately, and a
battery. Charge controllers are highly recommended for multiple panel
use to regulate the flow of power and to ensure nothing is damaged
during operation.
To connect panels that do not come pre-wired,
slide open the cover on
the junction box of your first panel. Once open, run a wire through
each rubber wiring guide along the bottom, one for positive flow
and one for negative flow. Once there is enough exposed wire near
each terminal screw in the junction box,
secure the end of one wire to
the positive terminal, then secure the other wire to the negative
terminal. Then, pull any excess wiring through the rubber guides,
leaving a small amount of slack near the secured ends. Once you have
connected both the positive and negative wires in the first panel’s
junction box and run them through the wiring guides,
close the junction
box by snapping the cover back into place securely.
The next step is more complex. Using the diagram shown at right as a
reference,
connect the positive wire from the first panel to the
positive terminal inside the second panel’s junction box. After this is
done,
connect the negative wire from the first panel to the negative
terminal inside the second panel’s junction box. While the junction
box of the second panel is still open, you will need to
repeat the initial
wiring procedure from the first panel for the second panel also.
This will result in
TWO wires connected to each terminal in the second
panel - one coming in from the first module, and one leading back out.
Once both wires are secured to each terminal, you may
close the
junction box securely by snapping the cover back into place.
If connecting more than two panels, repeat the
ENTIRE wiring process
performed on the second panel for each additional module until you
reach the last panel of the module array. You should now have
four
wires connecting every module except for the first - two coming from
the previous module and two leading out to the next module.
Finally,
connect the last panel’s positive wire out and negative wire
out to your desired power controller or battery system. Proceed to
connect any additional wiring from whichever component your panels
are now connected to. You may remove the opaque coverings from your
solar modules and they will begin working. Your parallel connection
solar panel system is now complete.
Important Note: Pre-wired solar panels are set up for serial
connections out-of-box. To connect pre-wired solar panels in parallel,
you have several options:
(1) Replace the pre-installed MC4 connectors with different connectors
(not provided) specifically designed for parallel connection
(2) Follow the above procedure for non-wired panels, disregarding the
pre-soldered cabling and/or removing it entirely
(3) Consult a solar power equipment specialist to splice the provided
cables together for parallel connection
The first option is the most common solution, but is beyond the scope of
this manual. With any option, consult an experienced solar power
equipment technician or system integrator for the safest, best solution
that fits your system.
IP 65 1000 VDC 4mm
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2
2
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2
IP 65 1000 VDC 4mm
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2
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2
CHARGE
CONTROLLER
PARALLEL
CONNECTION