Introduction How a solar panel works Batteries
Solar Panel Installation Maintenance
INTRODUCTION
In remote areas with no mains power, or even one corner of a farm some distance from the mains supply, battery energisers are commonly used to power electric fences.
Solar panels can be used to maintain the charge on wet cell batteries providing a permanently operating fence power system.
Back to top
HOW A SOLAR PANEL WORKS
Solar Panels draw energy from the sun that is converted to electricity to recharge the battery.
The panel is at its maximum effectiveness during hours of peak sunlight and at the other extreme, makes no contribution at night.
In the space of a few sun hours, a panel can provide enough energy to keep the battery charged.
Back to top
BATTERIES
The battery must match the size of your energiser to have sufficient storage capacity to compensate for cloudy days and reduced winter daylight.
Minimum battery sizes for energisers are suggested below.
If you are purchasing a new battery for solar use, we recommend deep cycle batteries.
These are especially designed to cope with the conditions of solar use [trickle charging from a panel and very heavy power draw on occasions].
Automotive 12 volt batteries can be used with your solar system, but the life of the battery will be shortened significantly.
Back to top
SOLAR PANEL
The size of the panel required for your solar system depends on four main factors:
What is the MAXIMUM amperage DRAW of the energiser ?
What power/pulse setting have you selected?
What are you local sun conditions?
Will the energiser be used all year round, or only for certain periods?
Sun intensity varies considerably depending on your geographic location.
Back to top
INSTALLATION
Location:
The following points should be observed:
Panel should be installed facing south in a position that allows for maximum sun to fall on it during the whole day.
Positioning should ensure that no shadows fall on the panel at any time during the year.
Panel should always face the equator [i.e. North in the Southern Hemisphere and South in the Northern Hemisphere].
The best tilt angle for the UK is 45 degrees.
This angle also helps the panel to be self cleaning.
Never set a panel on the horizontal.
Assembly and Wiring:
Solar panels require a simple mounting bracket to hold panel firmly at correct angle.
Panel and battery should be as close together as possible.
Panel is wired to the battery.
Do not connect the panel to the energiser.
Ensure that connection polarity is correct.
Back to top
MAINTENANCE
Panel:
This should be cleaned REGULARLY.
At same time check wire connections.
Battery: Check electrolyte once a fortnight.
Back to top
