CCAT greenshed solar lighting/Operations and maintenance manual: Difference between revisions

This is the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) manual for CCAT green shed solar lighting. Please refer to it and keep it up to date with any O&M changes.

WARNING—Be very careful when working with batteries. Lead acid batteries can generate explosive gases, and short circuits can draw thousands of amps from the battery. Read all instructions provided with the battery.

Operation

• WARNING—Be very careful when working with batteries. Lead acid batteries can generate explosive gases, and short circuits can draw thousands of amps from the battery. Read all instructions provided with the battery.
• Do not exceed the voltage or current ratings of the controller. Only use with a 12V battery.

SunSaver-10 PV Controller

The SunSaver is a fully automatic controller that protects the PV system.

DO NOT short circuit the PV array or load while connected to the controller. This will DAMAGE the controller.

The controller should be protected from direct sunlight. Ensure adequate space for air flow around the controller.

LED Indicators: A GREEN LED light indicates that sunlight is available for battery charging. A RED LED light indicates that the battery has fallen below a charge level and so the load has been disconnected to protect the battery from further discharge and possible damage. After the battery is recharged to 40-50 percent of its rated capacity, the load will automatically be reconnected.

Maintenance

• The PV panel located on the green shed roof should be cleaned every few months or so to prevent solar rays from being blocked by debris.

• The PV panel is expected to last approximately 40 years before needing replacement.

• The LED lights have a life expectancy of 50,000 hours. At an average use of 3 hours per day, the lights should last two years before needing replacement.

Yearly SunSaver Maintenance

• Confirm that the correct battery type has been selected (sealed or flooded with the jumper).
• Confirm that the current levels of the PV array and load do not exceed the SunSaver ratings
• Tighten all the terminals. Inspect for loose, broken, or burnt wire connections. Be certain no loose strands of wire are touching other terminals
• Check that the controller is securely mounted in a clean environment. Inspect for dirt, insects, and corrosion
• Check that air flow around the controller is not blocked
• Protect from direct sun and rain. Confirm that water is not collecting under the cover
• Check that the controller functions and LED indicators are correct for the system conditions at that time.

Schedule

Monthly

• a monthly task
• a monthly task

Yearly

• Once a year checks on the SunSaver (listed in maintenance section)
• a yearly task

Every __ years

• task
• task

Instructions

This is how to maintain. The step by step how to template {{How to}} is most likely best for this part.

Troubleshooting

This is only how to troubleshoot basic operation. For complex issues, the solution might just say contact ________. It should be a table in this format:

Suggestions for future changes

Because of the green shed location and the panel direction and placement on the roof, the sun only hits the panel in the afternoon. The panel could be relocated or repositioned to better maximize its potential.

It may be beneficial for a timer to be connected to the solar lighting system that would shut off the lights after (for example) 30 minutes, in the event someone forgot to shut off the lights. This would prevent unnecessary draining of the battery.