Overview:

This kit includes:

– 2 x 40W high-efficiency waterproof monocrystalline solar panels, each with 5m cable and MC4 connectors
– 10A Solar Bird solar charge controller

2 x 40W Solar Panels:

This 80W system is perfect for permanent outdoor use, providing free electricity for charging 12V batteries to power various applications such as in a camper van, motorhome, boat, shed, farm, and remote applications such as telecommunications or monitoring equipment. It can also provide a direct power supply for applications not sensitive to changes in input voltage/current (e.g. electric motors or pumps).

Each panel is fitted with 5m of special solar cable designed to work at high roof temperatures with minimal power loss. A pair of male/female MC4 connectors are crimped on the end of the cable for easy connection to other solar panels, extension leads, or your existing system (the MC4 connectors can also be cut off when wiring to the screw terminals of a solar charge controller).

The long-lasting, high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells and the tough, sealed aluminium frame will provide years of consistent, free power. The waterproof design ensures that the panels can be used in all weather conditions.

These panels also feature innovative 5 busbar solar cells, which are more efficient than the 2, 3, or 4 busbar solar cells used in most other solar panels, and are able to extract more power from the same surface area. This results in a smaller overall solar panel, ideal for applications where space is limited. These solar cells are also the best choice for applications in warmer climates, as they operate well even in high ambient temperatures.

10A Solar Charge Controller:

The kit includes a 10A 12V/24V dual battery solar charge controller designed to charge and protect two batteries independently, with automatic cut-off to prevent over-charging. The controller uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) technology, which increases charge acceptance and prolongs the life of your batteries. PWM technology can also recover some lost battery capacity.

This is a perfect solar controller for a caravan/camper van/boat or another system with two batteries (e.g. engine and leisure battery) or battery banks. You can set the initial charging priority, e.g., 80% power to the engine battery and 20% to the leisure battery. When one of the batteries is fully charged, the controller will automatically divert all power to the other battery.

Can the unit work with only one battery? Yes, absolutely! The controller will determine automatically if there’s only one battery connected and will pass 100% of the charging current to this battery. You can add a second battery later.

The unit has many protection functions, such as stopping reverse current at night (from the battery back to the solar panel), overcharge, short circuit, reverse polarity, etc. Other features include various LED indicators, battery type selection (sealed, gel, flooded), and an RJ-45 socket for an optional remote LCD meter with a 10m cable.

A built-in temperature sensor allows the controller to optimise the charging process depending on the ambient temperature. If you plan to position the controller far away from the battery, or if the battery and the controller are exposed to different ambient temperatures, an external remote temperature sensor with a 3m cable is recommended for this dual battery solar charge controller. To enable connection to the screw terminals of the controller, the green connector block on the end of the remote temperature sensor cable should be cut off.

This controller can work with solar panels up to 160W, which means that it has enough reserve capacity to add two more 40W solar panels to your system at a later date, without the need to change the controller.

**Please note:** This is an essentials kit and does not include mounting accessories or battery cable. If you require these additional items, please purchase them separately.

Solar panel specifications:

• Peak power: 40W
• Maximum power voltage: 20.2V
• Maximum power current: 1.98A
• Open circuit voltage: 23.9V
• Short circuit current: 2.10A
• Power allowance range: +/- 3%
• Dimensions: 705 x 345 x 25mm
• Weight: 3.5 kg
• 4 mounting holes 9 x 11 mm
• 2 x 5m of high quality single core solar cable 2.5mm cross section
• Male and female MC4 connectors attached (can be cut off when wiring to the solar controller)

Charge controller specifications:

• Fully automated operation and auto 12/24V selection
• 3 pairs of terminals (input, battery 1, battery 2)
• LEDs to indicate state of charge
• Temperature sensor for temperature compensation of charging (-30mV/C/12V)
• RJ-45 connection point for a remote meter (not included)
• Various protection features (over charge, short circuit, reverse polarity etc)
• Self-consumption: 4mA at night, 10mA when charging
• Working temperature: -35C to +55C
• Terminals for wire up to 4.0mm2
• Size: 15.5 x 7.6 x 4.0 cm
• Weight: 185 g
• Multiple mounting holes for ease of installation

This product is covered by a 1 year warranty (workmanship warranty on the solar panel is provided by Solar Bird, solar charge controller warranty is provided by the solar controller manufacturer). For more information please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

In addition, solar cells are guaranteed to produce at least 90% of nominal power in 10 years after purchase and at least 80% of nominal power in 25 years after purchase. This warranty is provided by the manufacturer of solar cells.