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Section 3. ET Instrumentation Installation
3-3
3.1.2 Solar Panel Installation
FIGURE 3.1-3. Solar Panel Mounting
a) Mount the solar panel to the tower using the mounting brackets as shown
in Figure 3.1-3. Mount the solar panel to the tower so it faces south
(northern hemisphere). Position it as high off the ground as practical,
ensuring it cannot interfere with air flow or sunlight around the sensors.
The solar panel should be oriented to receive maximum insolation over the
course of the year. Suggested tilt angles (referenced to the horizontal
plane) are listed below.
Site Latitude Tilt Angle
0 to 10 degrees 10 degrees
11 to 20 Latitude + 5 degrees
21 to 45 Latitude + 10 degrees
46 to 65 Latitude + 15 degrees
>65 80 degrees
b) After determining the tilt angle, loosen the two bolts that attach the
mounting bracket to the panel. Adjust the angle, then tighten the bolts.
Secure the lead wire to the mast using wire ties. Make electrical
connections as described in 2b above.
3.1.3 AC Power Installation
a) The AC power option includes a 120 VAC to 16 VAC. The transformer
should be mounted inside a user-supplied junction box according to local
electrical codes. Dangerous electrical accidents may be avoided by
locating the transformer remotely and burying a low voltage line to the
station. The low voltage will carry up to 500 feet on an 18 AWG power
cable.