1
Solar Panels
Campbell Scientific has a range of solar panels of 5W to 100W nominal power output. The SP5,
SP10 and SP30 have no shunt regulator whereas models SP10R and SP30R are supplied
complete with a shunt regulator. The general description and specifications given in this
manual for the SP10 and SP30 also apply to the SP10R and SP30R (see Table 1). The
differences between the types are clearly stated. Larger panels are supplied with higher power
regulators to suit the application.
The SP5 is normally only used with CR200X dataloggers.
In most climates the SP10 generates enough power to maintain a float charge on a lead-acid
battery for many applications, allowing the datalogger to be powered continuously. The
capacity of the battery used depends on the application – battery capacities of 2.5, 5 and 7Ah
are commonly used. The SP30 can be used where climatic conditions are less favourable or
where the extra output is needed, e.g. for GPRS communications. Where current drain is
higher a large battery is often used such as the BP17 or BP24.
If the datalogger is to be used with ancillary equipment which consumes a significant amount
of power (e.g. an Eddy Covariance system), the SP60 or SP100 panel is normally specified.
Under these conditions, the battery capacity should also be increased to suit e.g. using a
leisure battery of 70-100 Ah.
1. Specifications
SP5
SP10
SP30
SP60
SP100
Typical peak power
(W)
4.5(±10%)
10(±10%)
30(+/-5%)
60(+/-5%)
100(+/-5%)
Voltage at peak
power**
16.5
16.8
17.5
17.5
18.0
Current at peak
power (A)
0.27
0.57
1.68
3.43
5.56
Short circuit
current (A)
0.30
0.6
1.88
3.84
6.06
Open circuit
voltage**
20.5
21.0
21.0
21.6
21.6
Dimensions
(excluding bracket)
269x249 mm
420x269 mm
415x510 mm
535x734 mm
1037x527 mm
Weight (excluding
bracket)
0.8kg
1.9kg
2.95kg
5.8kg
7.4kg
Temp. coeff. of
voltage (mV/°C)
-80
-72
-63
-61
-61
Temp. coeff. of
power (%/°C)
-0.5
-0.37
-0.38
-0.38
-0.38
Cable ***
termination
Fixed 4.5m lead
Fixed 4.5 m
lead
0.5 m lead
with MC3
connectors
0.5 m lead with
MC3
connectors
0.5 m lead with
MC3
connectors
*Power ratings are obtained under standard test conditions of 10000 Wm
-2
and 25°C cell temperature.
**These are voltages at the panel surface. If an external regulator or long cables are used the apparent output voltage will be lower.
***Larger panels have two separate output leads fitted with MC3 connectors. A single dual-core extension cable is supplied with mating
connectors to make the standard total cable length 5m.
