REDARC Monocrystalline Solar Panels
SMSP1050, SMSP1080, SMSP1120, SMSP1180 & SMSP1200
Introduction
REDARC Monocrystalline Solar Panels offer high efficiency with a robust design. Featuring a tempered glass coating and an anodized aluminium frame, these panels are built to withstand harsh road conditions and extreme weather.
Warning & Safety Instructions
Important Safety Instructions
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS - This manual contains important safety instructions for REDARC Monocrystalline Solar Panels. Do not operate these panels unless you have read and understood this manual and the panel is installed as per these instructions. REDARC recommends professional installation by a suitably qualified person.
Warnings
- Risk of Explosive Gases: Working near a Lead-Acid battery is dangerous. Batteries generate explosive gases during normal operation. Always follow instructions when installing and using the Solar Panel.
- Battery Voltage Compatibility: Ensure the 'Absorption' voltage of your selected solar regulator does not exceed your battery manufacturer's recommended maximum charging voltage. If it does, select another charging profile or regulator.
- Risk of Damage and Injury from Improperly Secured Panels: Panels mounted on vehicles are subject to high wind and vibration. Ensure panels are securely attached according to local and national safety standards and manufacturer instructions. Professional installation is recommended.
Cautions
- This appliance is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience, unless supervised or instructed by a responsible person. Supervise children to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
- Never connect the Solar Panel directly to a battery. Always use a Solar Regulator between the panel and the battery.
- Use the Solar Panel only for charging Lead Acid, Gel, Calcium content, AGM, or Lithium Iron Phosphate 12V batteries with a suitable Solar Regulator. Verify the 'Maximum' voltage setting against your battery's specifications.
- Mount batteries in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources. Never smoke or allow sparks near batteries or engines, as this can cause explosions.
- Unconnected panels exposed to light can generate voltages over 20V. Cover panels with opaque material during installation and connection/disconnection to prevent electrical sparks.
- Regular battery maintenance, including checking water and specific gravity levels, is crucial for optimal panel performance.
- Do not use mirrors or other devices to artificially concentrate sunlight on the panel.
- Position panels used in series, parallel, or series-parallel to receive identical amounts of light to prevent damage.
- Partially shaded or obscured panels will have reduced output and may be damaged.
Personal Safety Precautions
When working with the Solar Panel connected to a battery via a Regulator:
- Wear complete eye protection and protective clothing. Avoid touching eyes while working near a battery.
- If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, remove affected clothing and wash the area immediately with soap and water. If acid enters the eye, flush immediately with cold running water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical assistance.
Panel Features
REDARC Monocrystalline Solar Panels feature:
- Anodized Aluminium Frame: Provides structural integrity and durability.
- Diode Protected Junction Box: Houses bypass diodes to protect against shading effects.
- Quality MC4 Connectors: Standard, weather-resistant connectors for secure electrical connections.
- Tempered Glass Coating: Offers protection against impacts and environmental factors.
- Monocrystalline Construction: High-efficiency solar cells for maximum power output.
Panel Specifications
The following table details the specifications for each REDARC Monocrystalline Solar Panel model:
| Model | Peak Power | Cell Construction | Cable Length | Frame | Front Material | Dimensions (mm / inches) | Net Weight (kg / lb) | Conversion Efficiency | Operating Temperature (°C / °F) | Max Power Voltage (V) | Max Power Current (A) | Open Circuit Voltage (V) | Short Circuit Current (A) | Power to Temperature Coefficient | Power Tolerance | Standard Test Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMSP1050 | 50 W | Monocrystalline | 900 mm / 3 ft | Anodized aluminium | Tempered glass | 590 x 505 x 35 / 23.2" x 19.9" x 1.4" | 3.6 kg / 7.9 lb | 20.6% | -40 to +85 / -40 to +185 | 20.0 V | 2.5 A | 22.3 V | 2.7 A | -0.41%/°C / -0.23%/°F | ±3% | AM1.5 1000 W/m², 25°C / 77°F |
| SMSP1080 | 80 W | Monocrystalline | 900 mm / 3 ft | Anodized aluminium | Tempered glass | 700 x 670 x 35 / 27.6" x 26.4" x 1.4" | 5.5 kg / 12.0 lb | 20.6% | -40 to +85 / -40 to +185 | 20.0 V | 4.0 A | 22.3 V | 4.32 A | -0.41%/°C / -0.23%/°F | ±3% | AM1.5 1000 W/m², 25°C / 77°F |
| SMSP1120 | 120 W | Monocrystalline | 900 mm / 3 ft | Anodized aluminium | Tempered glass | 1005 x 670 x 35 / 39.6" x 26.4" x 1.4" | 7.5 kg / 16.5 lb | 20.6% | -40 to +85 / -40 to +185 | 20.0 V | 6.0 A | 22.3 V | 6.48 A | -0.41%/°C / -0.23%/°F | ±3% | AM1.5 1000 W/m², 25°C / 77°F |
| SMSP1180 | 180 W | Monocrystalline | 900 mm / 3 ft | Anodized aluminium | Tempered glass | 1475 x 670 x 35 / 58.1" x 26.4" x 1.4" | 10.7 kg / 23.6 lb | 20.6% | -40 to +85 / -40 to +185 | 20.0 V | 9.0 A | 22.3 V | 9.72 A | -0.41%/°C / -0.23%/°F | ±3% | AM1.5 1000 W/m², 25°C / 77°F |
| SMSP1200 | 200 W | Monocrystalline | 900 mm / 3 ft | Anodized aluminium | Tempered glass | 1110 x 992 x 35 / 43.7" x 39.1" x 1.4" | 12.1 kg / 26.7 lb | 20.6% | -40 to +85 / -40 to +185 | 20.0 V | 10.0 A | 22.3 V | 10.8 A | -0.41%/°C / -0.23%/°F | ±3% | AM1.5 1000 W/m², 25°C / 77°F |
Solar Optimisation
Angle to the Sun
For peak performance, REDARC solar panels should face directly towards the sun. In practice, an angle between 20° and 40° from the ground is recommended to ensure optimal output throughout the day and across seasons.
Hemisphere Orientation:
- Southern Hemisphere: The sun is always in the Northern half of the sky. Face your panel NORTH for the best angle.
- Northern Hemisphere: The sun is always in the Southern half of the sky. Face your panel SOUTH for the best angle.
System Installation
ABS Plastic Mounts
REDARC offers ABS Plastic Corner, Side, and Spoiler mounts for securing single or multiple panels to RV or Caravan roofs. These mounts can be attached using silicon adhesive, specialized adhesive tape, or screws. Panels are then secured to the mounts with standard metal screws. Spoiler mounts are designed to minimize wind resistance and noise.
WARNING: Solar panels mounted on vehicles are subject to high wind and vibration. Ensure panels are securely attached according to all local and national safety standards, and follow manufacturer instructions for mounts. Professional installation is recommended.
Installation Diagram Description: The diagram shows a solar panel being attached to an RV roof using ABS plastic mounts. It illustrates drilling holes in the panel and screwing it to the mounts, and using adhesive, tape, and screws to fix the mounts to the roof.
Profile Dimensions Description: A diagram shows the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of an ABS plastic mount, indicating key measurements for installation.
ABS Plastic Mount Types
- SMI9001 (4 x ABS Plastic Corner Mounts): Used to secure the corners of a single solar panel.
- SMI9002 (2 x ABS Plastic Side Mounts): Used for mounting multiple panels side-by-side.
- SMI9003 (2 x ABS Plastic Spoiler Mounts): Designed to suit the SMSP1050 panel, typically fitted to the rear edge.
- SMI9007 (2 x ABS Plastic Spoiler Mounts): Designed to suit the SMSP1080, SMSP1120, and SMSP1180 panels, typically fitted to the rear edge.
Caution on Shading
Be aware of potential shading from roof-mounted accessories on your caravan or motor home, as shading sections of your solar panels will significantly reduce performance. During installation, cover panels with an opaque material to prevent the generation of potentially dangerous voltages.
System Wiring
Parallel and Series Connections
Solar arrays can be connected in Parallel or Series, or a combination of both:
- Parallel Connection: Connects two identical panels (same wattage) to multiply total output current by 2 while keeping system voltage the same. Use 'Y' connectors for parallel connections. Diagram shows two 12V, 80W panels resulting in a 12V, 160W array.
- Series Connection: Connects two identical panels by linking the negative terminal of one to the positive terminal of the next, multiplying system voltage by 2 while keeping output current the same. Diagram shows two 12V, 80W panels resulting in a 24V, 80W array.
Wiring Multiple Identical Panels
A basic wiring diagram illustrates connecting multiple panels to a Solar Regulator, which is connected to a battery via a fuse. 'Y' connectors are shown for second panel installations.
Standard BMS Installation
Typical Manager Setup
- Fuse size should be rated slightly higher than the total current draw of all connected loads. REDARC recommends MIDI Style Fuses.
- Essential loads must remain on until the battery is flat. Non-essential loads can be switched off based on battery charge level settings in the 'Advanced Settings' menu.
- Both CANBus connections can be used for either the Display or the Battery Sensor.
- Ensure the RED terminal on the Battery Sensor is connected to the Battery Positive Terminal.
Fuse Setup Description: An illustration shows a single fuse and holder setup, available from REDARC Fuse Kits, with part numbers FK40 (40A) or FK60 (60A).
BMS Installation Diagram Description
The diagram illustrates the wiring for the BMS1230S3 unit. Connections include:
- Mains AC input (rear side).
- Solar Panel input.
- Start Battery (connected via a 50A fuse, not supplied).
- Ignition Trigger.
- SBI12-BLD.
- House Battery (connected via a 40A fuse, not supplied, and a Battery Sensor).
- Essential Loads (connected via Load Fuses, not supplied).
- Non-essential Loads (connected via Load Fuses, not supplied).
- Display unit (connected via CANBus).
- Battery Sensor (connected via CANBus).
- Ground connections are shown for various components.
Wiring Precautions
- Ensure all connections use REDARC recommended or suitably rated connectors and cables.
- Verify that total system current does not exceed the maximum current rating for cables or connectors.
- Ensure grounding and fusing are adequate as per wiring diagrams.
- Use the correct MC4 crimping tool for all MC4 connections. Contact REDARC for tool information.
- All cable entries into the vehicle must be suitably sealed; REDARC Single or Double Cable Glands are recommended.
- If your regulator has a dedicated solar input ground (negative) terminal, connect the negative ground from your solar panels there.
Accessories
- SRC0001-CK - MC4 Connector Kit: Includes 1 male MC4 connector and crimp, and 1 female MC4 connector and crimp.
- SRC0006 - MC4 'Y' Adaptor Kit: For connecting 2 positive and 2 negative MC4 connectors in parallel, reducing 2 outputs to 1.
- SMC0001 - Single Cable Gland: Used for routing a single cable into a Caravan or RV, with adhesive for sealing the gland to the vehicle.
REDARC Solar Product Warranty
Limited Warranty
For full warranty terms and conditions, visit the provided links or refer to the contact details for your region.
- Warranty Terms: https://redarc.com.au/warranty
- Warranty Terms: https://redarcelectronics.com/warranty
Contact Information
- Australia and New Zealand:
- Website: www.redarc.com.au
- REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd, 23 Brodie Road (North), Lonsdale SA 5160, Australia
- Phone: +61 8 8322 4848 (Australia), +64 9 222 1024 (New Zealand)
- North America:
- Website: www.redarcelectronics.com
- REDARC Corporation, c/o Shallco, Inc., 308 Component Dr., Smithfield, NC 27577, USA
- USA Phone: +1 (704) 247 5150
- Canada Phone: +1 (604) 260 5512
- Mexico Phone: +52 (558) 526 2898
REDARC : Automotive Electronics, DC Charging & Brake Control
REDARC : Automotive Electronics, DC Charging & Brake Control
REDARC : Automotive Electronics, DC Charging & Brake Control
Warranty | REDARC Electronics
