Campbell Scientific SP65 Solar Panel - Manual (Page 9)

SP65 Solar Panel
FIGURE 3. Morningstar’s SunSaver SS-10-12V regulator mounted on
an enclosure backplate.
4. Maintenance
An occasional cleaning of the glass improves the solar panel's efficiency.
If a problem with the solar panel is suspected, the panel may be checked by
measuring the voltage output. Check the voltage with a voltmeter connected
between the two leads of the solar panel. There must be solar radiation
incident on the panel and there must be a load connected to the solar panel.
The load can be the datalogger, other equipment, or a 75 ohm resistor capable
of dissipating solar panel power between the two leads. No voltage output
implies a bad solar panel, regulator, or cable. The magnitude of the voltage
output depends on the incident solar radiation.
5. Power Considerations
5.1 Solar Power and Lead Acid Batteries
The solar panel converts light energy to electricity, or specifically direct
current. The direct current produced is used as a charging source for lead acid
batteries.
The solar panel operates in both direct and diffuse light (cloudy days), but not
at night.
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