MANUAL i SERIES SOLAR STATIONS

1. Application

The i Series solar stations are optimised for year-round use, according to the latitude given in figure 1.1. They offer the possibility to safely electrify even the largest grazing areas year round without the need for a mains power supply. Under normal weather conditions, i Series solar stations guarantee year-long maintenance-free operation.

Figure 1.1 shows a map of Europe illustrating photovoltaic power potential, with a legend indicating annual sum of PVOUT in kWh/kWp from 800 to 1800. The map indicates areas suitable for year-long operation and areas that might experience a winter break under certain circumstances.

2. All versions

The kit comprises:

Diagram showing the components of the i Series solar station kit, labeled 1 through 6. Component 1 appears to be the energizer unit, 2 the WiFi gateway, 3 the charge controller, 4 the solar module, 5 the battery protect, and 6 the battery.

What is included

Image shows the Victron BlueSolar MPPT charge controller with connection points labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4. Instructions indicate connecting the solar controller, removing yellow insulation (1), plugging into a free slot (2), and activating the battery protection device by inserting plug (3) into connection (4).

3. Installation Instructions

Location

When selecting a suitable location, it is essential to take into account that the location is fully OUT OF THE SHADE all day long. Even partial shading of the solar panel, regardless of how minimal, will result in a significant loss of efficiency! The solar panel must be placed in a southerly facing direction.

Insulation to the ground

The solar station itself is live. Insulation to the ground is achieved by means of the plastic pallet supplied. In case of higher vegetation or risk of flooding, the solar station should be raised above the potential hazard, e.g. on four wooden posts.

Make sure that the solar station is securely attached, and that the pallet is firmly secured on the posts. A piece of PVC strip has been included, to prevent shading caused by grass growth at the base of the solar panel. This is screwed to the base of the pallet in order to avoid vegetation causing overgrowth there (see figure 3.1).

Figure 3.1 shows a PVC strip attached to the base of the solar panel pallet, designed to prevent grass growth from shading the panel.

3.0 First use of the solar station

Image shows the Victron BlueSolar MPPT charge controller with connection points labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4. Instructions indicate connecting the solar controller, removing yellow insulation (1), plugging into a free slot (2), and activating the battery protection device by inserting plug (3) into connection (4).

3.1 Tools and Materials

The following tools and materials are required for installation of your solar station:

• Shovel or spade
• Earth drill ø 10 cm (Gallagher article no. 704668)
• Sledgehammer (Gallagher article no. 017614)
• Side cutter / wire cutter
• Wrench 13 mm
• Wrench 17 mm

Installation is easier when undertaken by two people.

3.2 Installation steps

Installing the earth wire

Only optimally earthed energizers bring full power to the fence. The distance of the earthing to power lines, telephone cables, water pipes and buildings should be at least 10 m.

Follow the instructions carefully.

3.2.1 Digging a trench

Dig a trench of 20-40 cm deep and with the following length:

• Model MBS3000i approx. 25 m
• Model MBS2000i approx. 15 m
• Model MBS800 approx. 10m

3.2.2 Reference - earth (A)

Take the 1.0 m long galvanised earth rod and drive it into the excavated trench approx. 90 cm into the ground. Use the earth rod as a centre point. This earth rod is needed as an earth reference point.

3.2.3 Earthing (B)

Drill a hole at least 5 m from the centre point. It should be approx. 1.0 m deep and 10 cm in diameter. Pour the earthing mixture into the hole.

Connect two earth rods of 1.0 m to form a long earthing rod using a connector.

Take the connected earth rods, place them in the centre of the hole and drive them down approx. 1.9 m into the ground. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 m until all the earth rods have been successfully installed. (see figure 3.2)

Figure 3.2 shows an earthing diagram for the MBS3000i model, illustrating the placement of multiple earth rods (B) connected together, with a reference earth rod (A) positioned separately, showing distances of 5m and 10m between rods.

3.2.4 Attaching the ground cable

Remove approx. 5 cm of the plastic insulation from one end of the supplied ground cable. Attach the bare wire using the earthing clamp to the furthest earth rod.

Pull the ground cable to the next earth rod and cut the cable (+ approx. 10 cm for attachment). Once again remove the plastic insulation and clamp the wire to the earth rod using the earthing clamp. Repeat this process until all the earth rods are connected.

3.2.5 Connecting the earth rods to the energizer (B)

1. Connect the green earth output on the device to the earthing system. Remove approx. 5 cm of insulating plastic from one end of the ground cable, loosen the screw on the green earth output, and pass the wire through the clamp. Now tighten the clamp again. Make sure that the wire is firmly clamped.
2. Thread the ground cable through the tube out to the earthing system. (first pair of earth rods (B)) and shorten the cable (+10 cm).
3. Once again remove the plastic insulation and clamp the wire to the earth rod.

3.2.6 Connection reference - earth (A)

Connect the black reference earth output on the device and the 1.0 m earth rod (centre point) to the ground cable. Remove approx. 5 cm of insulating plastic from one end of the ground cable, loosen the screw on the black reference earth output, and pass the wire through the clamp. Tighten the clamp again and make sure that the wire is firmly clamped. Pull the ground cable through the opening and the protective tube to the centre point. Cut the cable (+10 cm) and remove the insulation. Attach the wire end to the earth rod using the earth clamp.

3.2.7 Is the earthing sufficient?

The supplied earthing system is sufficient for normal ground conditions. If this is not sufficient (value of the earthing in the display > 0.6 kV), the system can be expanded using one or more extra super grounding sets, installed according to the instructions for the earthing system.

3.2.8 Connection to the fence

Remove approx. 5 cm of insulating plastic from one end of the ground cable, loosen the red (fence) connector and thread the wire through the clamp. Tighten the clamp again and make sure that the wire is firmly clamped. Pull the ground cable through the opening and the protective tube to the connection point on the fence. Cut the cable (10cm) and remove the insulation. Attach the other end of the cable to the fence using the wire connecting screw.

4. Solar panel control

Your solar panel is designed to generate enough energy to power the fence energizer throughout the year. The best solar components are used for this purpose.

MPPT technology constantly monitors the voltage and current output of your solar panels and ensures that all available power from the solar panels is stored in the battery pack. This becomes particularly relevant in partially cloudy weather, resulting in varying light intensities.

The VictronConnect App allows you to view live status information via Bluetooth and to configure your solar station settings.

4.1 Download

VictronConnect is available for Windows PCs, MacOS X, iOS and Android phones and tablets. Use the App Store or Google Play to download the applicable app for your device.

Image shows download options for the VictronConnect app on various platforms, including App Store, Google Play, Mac App Store, and Windows download.

4.3 App overview

Live data

Obtain live data from your solar station.

Screenshots of the VictronConnect app on a smartphone, displaying live data such as solar panel output (18W), battery voltage (34.76V), and current (0.5A), as well as battery status (13.85V, 1.2A).

Viewing historical data

Simplify the diagnosis of your installation. Using the BlueSolar MPPT chargers and the VictronConnect app, you can view the last 30 days' data at a glance.

4.2 Connection set-up

4.2.1 Before establishing the connection

In order to establish a connection between the two devices (mobile phone and solar controller), it is necessary to update the firmware first. This happens automatically after connecting to the app.

4.2.2 Bluetooth Smart pairing and connection

• Switch on the bluetooth functionality.
• Open the VictronConnect app on your device and connect via Bluetooth.
• On your phone or tablet: Tap the Refresh button to start scanning.
• On your computer or laptop: Click the Scan or Refresh button on the left.
• When you connect your phone or tablet for the first time, you will be asked to connect to the device. The default pin code is 000000
• Your device should now be connected.

Image shows the Bluetooth pairing request screen on a smartphone, prompting for a PIN code (default 000000) to connect to the SmartSolar device, with a numeric keypad displayed.

5. Accessories and tools

5.1 Accessories

* Only combined with 579009

5.2 Gallagher tools

6. FAQs

How do I know whether the batteries are still functioning correctly?

Using the VictronConnect app, you can check the voltage directly on your phone. On the charge controller, the individual voltage status can be checked by means of the LEDs. If the blue LED flashes for 3 seconds, for example, there is not enough power to charge the batteries. Further indications can be found in the enclosed instructions of the Victron solar controller.

Do the batteries need to be recharged manually?

Manual charging of the batteries is usually not necessary! The solar panels and the batteries are designed so that even long periods of bad weather can be bridged. The solar controller detects whether the batteries need to be charged or not and adapts accordingly.

It is very cloudy. Should I switch off the energizer?

No! You do not have to turn off the device, It can stay in operation throughout.

Does the solar panel need extra maintenance?

The solar panel should be cleaned regularly of dust and dirt. Use only fresh water and a soft cloth.

How should I align the solar system?

The solar system must not be in the shade or under a tree. Align the solar panel with the sun for maximum exposure.

Solar controller and the energizer are working but I have no power on the fence.

This can have several causes:

• The solar station is switched off and must be switched on using the key.
• Earthing is insufficient or it is too dry. Ensure the ground is moist and then try measuring again. You may have to add extra 2 m earth rods.

The solar controller is working but the energizer is not.

• The flat fuse (30 A) is defective and needs to be replaced.
• The battery is empty. Check whether there is still voltage using the VictronConnect app. If there is no voltage, the battery must be removed and recharged using a 12 V charger. A conventional car battery charger is suitable for this purpose or our charger No. 118645.

7. Tips for storing/wintering the solar station

Ideally, the solar station should remain on the fence all year round. If the solar station is to be stored, care must be taken to ensure that the batteries are not fully discharge. In the case of deep discharge, the voltage drops to such an extent that the battery can no longer be recognized by the charger and can therefore not be charged. We recommend storing the solar station in a place with direct daylight. In this way, the batteries are kept under voltage and charged by the solar module. Check the batteries regularly so that you can recharge them if necessary.