Solar Panel Care - Monaco DIPLOMAT 2004 Owner's Manual

DIPLOMAT 2004
8 •324

Solar Panel Care:

A critical part of maintaining the solar powered battery charging system is
keeping the panels clean. The amount of power that a panel will produce is
directly related to the intensity of sunlight that reaches the internal crystals. A
dirty panel will allow less light to reach the crystals resulting in reduced
power output. A layer of dust or road grime can reduce power output by 15
to 25%. Combining dust with leaves and debris that cover two or three of the
individual cells can reduce output power by 50 to 75%.
Use of the basic maintenance tips, regular inspections and regular clean-
ing will assure maximum performance from the solar charging system. To
clean the panels use non-abrasive cleanser and paper towels. The sur-
rounding environment and the amount of road dust encountered deter-
mines how frequently the panels should be cleaned. One to two times a month
is preferred.
Tips:
1. The panels should be cleaned if a film or a layer of dust is on the
windshield.
2. On a bright sunny day, charging current of two or three amps can
be obtained during the peak charge cycle.
3. High winds blow dust and debris causing dirt build up on the
panel. Frequently inspect the panel and clean as necessary.
CAUTION: Avoid damage to the solar panel controller.
Cover the solar panel with a blanket when replacing the
batteries or performing battery cable maintenance.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - HOUSE