solar panel instalation guide

How to fit solar panels

This guide will help you fitting kingfisher solar panel kits to your motorhome or narrowboat ,this instalation shows fitting the panels on flat mounts fitted to a motorhome but the narrowboat kits come with the tilting mounts.All the connections are pre made for you so no crimping or soldering required

STEP 1

Take time to consider the size of panels that will fit ,if neccasary make a cardboard template ,also check where the cables will route .it was decided to fit two 60 watt panels on this roof next to the roof light making full use of the space avalable

STEP 2

When the final poition has been decided you can now fit the mounts to the panel (narrowboat kits are predrilled on the ends)

STEP 3

Drill the panel to accept a threaded bolt ,this will then slot into the bracket and simply tightened up the panels then can be easily removed

STEP 4

This is aclose up of the flat mount brackets and can be fitted either on show or concealed ,the slot is where the stud will fit the hole allows fitting of a security device

STEP 5

Tighten up the brackets on to the panel (this panel is being fitted on the roof of a motorhome and shows the mounts on show

STEP 6

Lift the panels into place and check the position of the cables and that they all reach to the connecter blocks

STEP 7

This shows the cable entry box position ,this is where you drll a 25mm hole and the cables then enter the motorhome or boat

STEP 8

Use masking tape to hold the cables out of the way,then use masking tape to mark the position of the mounts

STEP 9

Apply a good quality adhesive like sikaflex (not supplied) to the roof

STEP 10

Lift the panes on and press firmly there are holes that will allow a screw fixing .Narrowboats will be able to drill and tap a fixing

STEP 11

Simply push the connectors together ,if fitting more than one panel you will be supplied with 2 to 1 connectors they only fit one way so theres no way of making a mistake and they are all ready fitted so no crimping or soldering required

STEP 12

Neaten the cables by fixing to the side of the panel use a couple of washers as a spacer

STEP 13

Drill the hole from both sides this will prevent brekout and give a neat hole
thread the cable through the gromets and glands in the waterproof box

STEP 14

Use sika to fix the box down when cured tighten the glands and fit any loose cables in trunking ,thats the roof bit done

STEP 15

Route the cables to the solar controller ,position this away from heat sources as there is a temperature probe fitted ideally close to the battery bank

STEP 16

All the cables are pre crimped with 8mm rings, in this order fit the positive and negative cable to the solar controller from the battery bank .The controller then starts and calculates the battery bank voltage then connect the positive and negative from the panels to the controller

STEP 17

2 60 watt panels fitted in a morning including tea breaks

STEP 18

Straight away putting in 7.2 amps .Locate the controller where its easy to view the screen

just a few notes
narrowboats follow the same precedure for installation
, the solar controller has been upgrade to a 30 amp as standard
a white weather proof box with glands is now supplied
check out the latest prices on the solar page