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20W Framed Panels (new style)

SEIS-UK 20 W new style framed solar panels come complete with:

  • 2 x long struts
  • 2 x short struts
  • 4 x screws
  • 8 x nuts
  • 2 x U clamps
  • 1 x attached frame

The new style framed panels are similar in set up to the old style framed panels. A secure post should be set up ensuring a firm and stable base with extra support or struts as applicable to the terrain conditions.

 A 20W solar panel, 2 long struts, 2 short struts, 2 U clamps and screws and nuts laid out on the floor

1

Loosely attach U clamps to the top and bottom of the solar panel frame.

The U clamps can be attached in in one of three different positions across the back of the panel. This variation is useful if the solar panel needs to be deployed at a vertical angle, as tightening the nuts near the black power supply is tricky at this attitude.
The back of a solar panel with U clamps attached to the top and bottom of the frame, off-centre The back of a solar panel with U clamps attached to the top and bottom of the frame, in the centre of the panel
High angle panel deployment may require U clamps to be off centre as shown here. Low angle solar deployments can have U clamps in the centre of panel.

2

Slot the U clamps of the panel over the post, and secure the nuts tightly with a spanner to hold the panel in place.
A person in the field slotting the U clamps and solar panel over a pole. A person in the field tightening the U clamps to the solar panel and wooden post with a spanner.

3

A solar panel being angled by a person holding a compass against it. Angle the solar panel to the desired sunlight angle dependent on your field setting using a compass-clino. This angle will have been calculated and provided to you by SEIS-UK. Please contact us at SEIS-UK if you are unsure, or if this is not possible simply using your latitude + 15 degrees can be used as a best measure.

To angle your solar panel, start with the solar panel either horizontal or vertical. If horizontal, put your compass clino on the solar panel and rotate the compass ring until the suspended red arrow is pointing to 0 degrees. If vertical, put your compass clino on the solar panel and rotate the compass ring until the suspended red arrow is pointing to 90 degrees.

A compass held against a horizontal solar panel. The red suspended arrow is pointing to 0 degress.
A compass held against a vertical solar panel. The red suspended arrow is pointing to 90 degress.
A compass angled on a solar panel. The red suspended arrow is pointing to 48 degress. Then angle the solar panel until the suspended red arrow is pointing to the required angle. In this example it is 48 degrees.

At this stage, either the long or short struts should be attached to each side of the solar panel to secure the position required for the cells (see below). Tighten the nuts on the inside of the solar panel to secure the inclination.
A solar panel angled near horizontal with long struts attached

Long struts can be used for shallow angled deployments at low latitudes.

 

NOTE: For projects at low latitudes, although a horizontal angle maybe optimal, it is best practice to have a slight angle so that any rain can wash dust from the solar cell surface.
A solar panel angled near vertical with short struts attached Short struts can be used for steeper angled deployments at high latitudes.
A screw and nut being screwed into the holes on the side of the solar panel frame If the panel is to be deployed at a vertical position and not opened, secure the panel with a screw and nut through the sides of the panel with no struts.

4

A solar regulator First attach the solar regulator to the battery and then attach the solar panel to the solar regulator. Cover plugs and bury any cables. Further information regarding cable care can be found on the page Field Site Modifications.