This is a specialized device that generates power from the sun. There are three different types of solar modules. MonoCrystalline, Polycrystalline and Amphorous modules.

Monocystalline Module	Polycrystalline Module	Amphorous Module

So you may be thinking, what type should I buy? Well fortunately for you all panels are made with the same materials, which means whatever you buy you know you will be getting a high quality solar module. The way in which these materials are used is what differs. For example the Amphorous Modules are constructed by silicon deposits onto glass or steel. Most often these modules are used in calculators and the like. The Uni-Solar range are made using this technology, including flexible solar modules. You may see that these modules are typically only the smaller output panels, where as Mono and Polycrystalline modules are more efficient and are seen for the larger output market.

Monocrystalline Modules are manufactured by wafers of silicon cut from a single crystal ingot, which are processed to create round or square cells. The cells are usually grouped to create a module, then covered in toughened glass and framed using Anodised Aluminium to eliminate corrosion and for easy mounting.

Polycrystalline Modules (Or sometimes called Multicyrstalline cells) are manufactured by wafers of silicon cut from a multi-crystal ingot. Modules created using this procedure are usually smaller and less efficient than the monocrystalline range. These modules being the most common used and available today.

Solar panels are rated by output at wattage. For example when you look at purchasing solar modules you will look for the size of module that you are after. Typical sizes that we sell are 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 120 and 165W.

Most solar modules are 12 Volt, except those that have an output above about 120-130 Watts, these modules are typically 24 Volt. The maximum output of a 12V solar module is not 12V, instead it may be as high at 19 or 20 Volts depending on the day. The maximum voltage output is called Voc (Voltage Open Current). Each solar module is also rated at the Isc (Short Circuit Current) or Amps Output. For example a 12V, 100W Solar module outputs at maximum 8.3 Amps. This can be worked out by dividing the wattage by the voltage. (Ie 100W Divided By 12 Volt = 8.33 Amps). All solar module technical information is usually listed on a sticker on the rear of the module.

Some Solar Modules are available in two different connection types. The standard Junction Box connection is the most suitable to many applications as it gives the installer a much wider installation options, however others may have a negative and positive lead for quick connection. Ask us today if you are unsure what you may need.

Most solar modules come complete with 20 or 25 Year output warranty and some with 2 year workmanship warranty.

Regulators are used in most solar installations, it is an electronic device specifically designed to prevent the battery from being overcharged. Regulators can be simple or complex. Simple regulators are usually cheaper with limited features, where as Complex regulators can display battery voltage and current, manage electrical loads and more. Most regulators these days feature a low-voltage disconnect, to protect the battery from being completely discharged. A single solar module will require a regulator of around 4-6 amps, whereas a larger system incorporating several solar modules will require anything from a 20 to 60 Amp regulator. Regulators need to be configured to charge the correct type of battery, ie Sealed, Gel etc, alot of the regulators we sell incorporate this feature. Our huge range or Solar Regulators range from $50 up to $650, depending on size and features.

Simple Regulator	Advanced Regulator

Batteries are used to store your power. When the sun doesn’t shine, or when you can’t run other alternative energy sources such as wind generators, because there is no wind, you will require backup power to run your appliances. The most common battery used in solar applications is the Deep Cycle Battery. Designed specifically for solar systems tough enough for the harsh environments encountered. Typical starting type Car batteries are not suitable for this application and if used, will only hold up to the task for a limited time. There are a few different types of solar batteries available. Lead Acid and Gel Cell are ones that we can supply. The typical deep cycle battery will last around 10 years providing maintenance is undertaken. A 12V Battery will require a voltage of around 14 or 15 Volts to charge properly (Typically around 14.4 Volts).

Amp Hours is the way in which batteries are rated. A Deep Cycle battery may be rated at 100 Amp Hours at 12V, therefore this 12V Battery will provide 100 Amp for one hour. This capacity is greatly reduced when cooler temperatures are current. For example a battery bank at 25 Degrees C will have a larger capacity than a battery bank that is as cool as 5 or even 0 Degrees C. The way in which batteries are rated may differ from brand to brand. For example one battery manufacturer will rate their batteries at 100 Amp Hours based on discharge over 100 hours or similar. Therefore the batteries are designed to be discharged over this period at a rated temperature – ie 25 Degrees C. Finally a typical deep cycle battery rated at (C20) 100 Amp Hour at 25 Degrees would be expected to provide 100 Amp Hours over a 20 Hour Period at 25 Degrees. Batteries are also rated in their expected cycle life. Most deep cycle solar batteries are capable of thousands of cycles before they need replacing. The depth of discharge (or the amount of power used before recharge) is important to the life cycle. A deep cycle battery should not be discharged below 50% of their capacity. To maximise the life of your deep cycle battery, minimise your depth of discharge before recharging.

There are three different types of batteries that are recommended for use in solar systems. Flooded wet cell Batteries, AGM and Gel Batteries. The difference of each type of battery is significant in design, a brief description of each battery type and characeristics is below.

Flooded wet cell batteries

These batteries are similiar to your typical car starting battery in design, although using starting batteries in your solar system is not recommended as the life of the battery will be significantly reduced. Wet cell batteries are not sealed and require maintenance including refilling with distilled water, they also exhaust hydrogen gas, and therefore need to be mounted in a well ventilated space. This type of battery is the most cost effective and therefore the most commonly used. Battery life of wet cell should be somewhere between 7 and 10 years providing they are maintained correctly and not discharged too low. It is recommended that they are not discharged below 50% of there capacity, and NEVER below 25% of their capacity as this will overheat the battery internals on recharge. It is important to check the electrolyte level of your battery. This can be done by using a hydrometer, be careful not to overfill you battery with Demineralised water.

AGM Batteries (Absorbed Glass Mat)

AGM Batteries are sealed batteries where the electrolyte is absorbed into a Glass Mat, hence the name Absorbed Glass Mat. AGM batteries incorporate a valve to enable pressure to equalise in each cell.

• The advantages of AGM batteries can outweigh other types of solar batteries.
• They are sealed, meaning they are spill-proof and no maintenance is required
• can be mounted almost anywhere as they do not produce hydrogen gas like convential wet cell batteries
• can be discharged deeper without damaging the battery
• they have low self discharge and can be sit around for over a year and still be completely recharged.
• Quicker recharge than convential wet cell deep cycle batteries.

AGM batteries have an life expectancy of around 5-7 years provided they are treated well.

Gel Batteries

A gel battery is a sealed valve regulated battery which has a gel electrolyte, these batteries can tolerate a 100% discharge unlike other solar batteries. The valve is an important part to the gel cells, it must keep a positive internal pressure in the cell, otherwise the recombination of the gases would not take place and the battery would 'dry up' and eventually require replacement. Gel batteries require no maintenance apart from half yearly checks on battery connections and cleaning. Gel cells are well suited for Marine Applications, Electric Vehicles, Portable Power, UPS, Emergency Lighting etc, they are not suited for starting applications for cars, trucks etc.

Batteries can be wired in two ways to achieve your desired outcome. In series or parallel. See detailed information below for each instance.

Series Wiring
With Series wiring the positive (+) of the battery is connected to the negative (-) of another battery. With this wiring method the Voltage is additive, whereas the amp hour rating of the battery is constant. For example the image below shows two 6V - 100 Amp Hour batteries connected in series. The voltage of this system will be 12V (6V + 6V) and the battery capacity of the system will only be 100 Amps.

Parallel Wiring
With Parallel wiring the positive (+) of the battery is connected to the positive (+) of another battery. With this wiring method the Voltage is constant, whereas the amp hour rating of the battery is additive. For example the image below shows two 12V - 100 Amp Hour batteries connected in parallel. The voltage of this system will be 12V and the battery capacity of the system will be 200 Amps (100 A/H + 100 A/H).

Series & Parallel Wiring
Your system can incorporate both series and parallel wiring. For example see the image below. The system voltage will be 12V whereas the battery capacity of the system will be 300 Amp hours (300 A/H)

This device is designed to provide you with 240 Volt mains type power from your 12 / 24 Volt battery power, so you can run appliances that you would normally run on grid connected power (Ie in your common household). An inverter is similiar to a transformer that you may use in your home everyday, but instead of transforming AC Power to AC power, an Inverter transforms DC Power to AC Power, because all battery banks are Direct Current and most appliances are Alternating Current. There are many different brands and models of Inverters available. Some brands include inbuilt chargers like Xantrex, others also have automatic remote generator startup, so if your batteries are low on power, then the inverter can automatically start a generator to feed into the battery bank. The inverters available these days are very reliable. There are two main types of inverters available.

Pure Sine Wave Inverters – High Quality Inverters providing clean high quality power to run all types of appliances and equipment.

Modified Sine Wave – providing good quality power that will run most appliances and equipment.

You may find that when using Modified Sine Wave Inverters that your appliance may have problems, like your Television may have lines through the screen. Laptops and computers generally will only run on Pure Sine Wave power. Obviously Pure Sine Wave inverters are more expensive than your traditional Modified Sine Wave inverter.

Pure Sine Wave Output	Modified Sine Wave Output

Handy Things to Know regarding Inverters:

Pure Sine Wave = True Sine Wave

Modified Sine Wave = Quasi Sine Wave = Square Wave

Continuous Power Rating = Power supplied continuously once load is applied

Surge Power Rating = Is the power available for a few seconds for initial start-up of load

DC-AC Power Conversion = Inverter

DC-DC Power Conversion = Converter

AC-DC Power Conversion = Power Supply