Ecotricity ECO1800S Owner's Manual - page 12
22
21
IMPORTANT: The type of damage described above is not covered by
warranty.
NOTE: The solar panel cord plug and the PVCC input receptacle on the
unit connect only one way, so do not force the plug into the receptacle if you
rotate the plug some other way than indicated above.
RECHARGING FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY - PV SOLAR INPUT
The Eco1800S Solar Generator input receptacle includes a built in 8-amp
maximum photovoltaic charge controller (PVCC) to ensure the internal battery
reaches a full charge without risk of overcharge. The PVCC 8-amp limit is
capable of controlling solar panels with maximum current less than 8 amps.
TO CONNECT:
1. Cover the solar panel with an opaque sheet such as a blanket to reduce it’s
output to zero volts.
2. Grasp the solar panel cord plug, align the color matched inserts and press
into the receptacle on the rear panel of the Eco1800S Solar Generator until the
retaining tabs click into place.
TO DISCONNECT
1. Cover the solar panel with an opaque sheet to reduce it’s output to
zero volts.
2. Grasp the solar panel cord plug by squeezing the side retaining tabs to
release and pull plug out of receptacle.
PV Solar recharge time is dependent on the amount of PV Solar energy available
from the panel, battery initial state-of-charge, and simultaneous 12V load on
battery system (i.e., inverter ON, 12VDC accessory loads). PV Solar panel output
power varies widely depending on intensity of sun (weather), angle of panel
towards sun (perpendicular is best) and other factors. Under ideal solar harvest
conditions and no load on battery, a typical 120W panel can recharge in twelve
“sun hours
1
.” Even under less than ideal conditions, significant supplementary
solar energy input will extend PowerSource 1800 Solar’s runtime.
The PVCC with it’s dedicated status LED operate independently from the
Eco1800S Solar Generator’s built-in AC charger and its top panel display. The
PVCC and the AC charger may be operated simultaneously for faster recharge.
The PVCC includes a current blocking feature to prevent battery discharge at
night due to a connected solar panel (reverse leakage). The Eco1800S Solar
Generator may be operated in backup (inverter) mode while the PVCC/Solar
panel is charging.
The PV Solar input “receptacle” accommodates connection of two poles plus
ground from a portable solar panel fitted with cable and the matching Anderson
Power Products # 1460G1-3 pole modular connector “plug” with color coded
housings and contacts. Connections’ polarity and physical orientation must
match the following exactly or equipment damage will result.
1
. Number of “sun hours” per day will vary by location and weather conditions. For example, sun hours per
day in Seattle is “3”, which is low while in Las Vegas it is“7”, which is high.
EXTEND BACKUP POWER FEATURE
CONT.
PV SOLAR INPUT INSTALLATION
Green housing contact PV panel chassis ground
White housing contact PV –/Negative
Red housing contact PV +/Positive 12VDC nominal,
maximum 25VDC
GREEN
WHITE
RED
SPACER
TOP
TOP
Eco1800S Solar Generator
PVCC input receptacle
End of Solar panel
cord plug
120VAC 60 Hz 15A
Max
SURGE PROTECTED / ALW
A
AYS
B
BACKED UP BY BATTERY / FOR LONGE
R RUNTIME, CONNECT LOW POWER DEV
ICES
CAUTION :
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOC K. REFER TO BOTTOM
OFUNIT FOR CAUTIONARY MARKING S AND ALSO RATINGS.
Rear panel of Eco1800S Solar Generator
Solar panel cord plug
Retaining tabs
3. Uncover the solar panel and face it toward the sun.