The PowerFilm® WeatherPro™ Series is the right choice for permanent outdoor applications that are directly exposed to the elements. The especially rugged construction of these PowerFilm® modules includes a UV-stabilized surface, extra edge seal for weather protection, and tin-coated copper leads that extend from the module. Coating the leads with an RTV silicon compound can provide a tightly sealed package
PowerFilm® WeatherPro™ Series - Installation
Leads and Testing The leads on the PowerFilm® WeatherPro™ Series are the tin-coated copper leads extending from the module. Remember to check the Polarity! To test the module using alligator clips, ensure the clips make direct contact with the copper tape. The coating over the copper tape will likely need to be scraped away to ensure direct contact.
PowerFilm® Module Polarity Information
It is extremely important to recognize the correct polarity of the PowerFilm® modules! The positive end of the solar module is shown in the diagram below. A diode, such as 1N5817, is recommended to prevent the solar module from draining the battery when the solar module is in the dark. A diode is not required for a battery-free electrical device. The positive end of the module connects to the positive end of the load. The negative end of the module is also shown in the diagram and should be connected to the negative end of the load. The recommended connector wire size is a minimum size of 24 gauge. As an extra measure, connect the solar module to a digital multimeter for polarity (+,-) identification. On solar modules with copper tape leads, remove a small piece of the clear coating that is on top of the copper tape to ensure good contact between the alligator clips of the digital multimeter and the copper tape.
Warning! Do not connect a charged battery backwards or reverse polarity to the solar module, this will destroy the solar module and may cause the battery to explode causing bodily harm, even death!
Connecting the PowerFilm® Module to a Load Connection methods include soldering, crimping or using alligator clips. Remember to check the Polarity!
Soldering In the PowerFilm® WeatherPro™ Series the tin-coated copper leads extend from each end of the solar module. The positive copper contact is on one end and the negative is on the other end (see section on Polarity).
Good contact can be made by melting and depositing a dot of solder to the exposed copper tape. Use a low temperature soldering iron adjusted to about 600 to 650 degrees (F). It is also acceptable to solder directly to the tin-coated copper leads, without using a solder dot.
Crimping A pressure method of mechanically securing a terminal, splice or contact to the copper strips may be used. There are many sources of crimp connectors, such as Amp (www.amp.com).
Alligator Clips Although not the most secure connection option, alligator clips may be used.
Fastening the PowerFilm® Modules
Adhesives will NOT work since coating is a material from the Teflon family
Mechanical fasteners
Use along the weather seal (extra material around edges of solar module) Stay ¼" away from the active aperture area if using a fastener Grommet with screws or bolts; ensure no damage to weather seal Tube Clamp Framed Enclosure
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