7
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Can the solar panel be mounted on a flat roof or wall?
A. Yes. It is fine to mount the panel on a horizontal surface such as a roof or on a vertical surface
like a wall as long as the panel receives full sun for a reasonable period of the day. You will
however gain better performance if the panel is tilted toward the sun and faced in a northerly
direction, since this enables the maximum amount of solar energy to reach the panel.
Q. What current output can I expect?
A. The current output (mA) of the solar panel is based mostly on the available solar energy (sun
rays). The current ratings (Peak Power) given in the specifications table are based on the ‘ideal’
sunlight conditions. In reality this may be achieved only on a very bright sunny day. The normal
current output will therefore be a little lower. If the panel is shaded or if it is a very hot day the
output will decrease further.
Q. Will it charge my flat battery & how long will it take?
A. The SPM80K will charge a flat battery (above 9V) 250-900CCA (Automotive) with a charge time
of 7-35Hrs. The SPM120K will charge a flat battery (above 9V) 250-1200CCA (Automotive) with a
charge time of 7-35Hrs.
Q. I am going on a 4WD trip, will 80 Watts or 120 Watts be enough?
A. It really comes down to how many appliances are drawing power from your battery.
For example:
Most people when they go away would run a Fridge, and a couple of lights to cook with etc.
We need to work out how much power would be used in a day.
Energy consumption per day
If we say we get around 10 hours of solar energy from the panels per day (for summer months).
We can then calculate what size and how many panels we need.
45 amps ÷ 10 hours = 4.5 Amps per hour
So the SPM80K solar panel kit produce 5.0 Amps an hour, this should be more than enough.
You might find that during cloudy weather you will have to charge the battery by running your
car for half an hour every second or third day.
Appliance
Current use/hour (Ah)
Total time of use/day (Hours) Total Current per day (Amps)
Fridge
1.5
24
36
3 Lights
3
3
9
Grand Total
45
