Sunpower BPS SP40 Manual

The Sunpower BPS SP40 is a high-performance 40-watt solar panel designed for off-grid and backup power applications. It features monocrystalline silicon cells, robust weatherproof construction, integrated bypass diodes, and a high-efficiency charge controller. Suitable for RVs, boats, cabins, and emergency power systems. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Battery & Load 7. Operation & Monitoring 8. Maintenance & Storage 9. Safety & Warnings 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Monocrystalline solar panel, Charge controller, Junction box with MC4 connectors, Mounting brackets, Cable set.

Feature	Description
Solar Cells	High-efficiency monocrystalline silicon
Rated Power	40 Watts (Max)
Charge Controller	Integrated PWM with LCD display
Weather Resistance	IP65 rated junction box, tempered glass
Bypass Diodes	Integrated to reduce shading losses
MC4 Connectors	Standard waterproof connectors
Mounting Holes	Pre-drilled for easy installation
LCD Display	Shows voltage, current, battery status
Protections	Overcharge, short-circuit, reverse polarity
Operating Temp	-20°C to 60°C

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose a location with maximum sunlight exposure.

Mounting: Secure panel using brackets on roof, ground, or pole. Ensure angle faces sun (approx. 30-45°).
Wiring: Connect panel to charge controller using provided cables with MC4 connectors.
Battery Connection: Connect charge controller to battery (12V lead-acid/LiFePO4) observing polarity.
Load Connection: Connect DC load to charge controller load terminals.

WARNING! Install in dry conditions; avoid shading. Ensure all connections are tight and waterproof.

First-Time Setup

After installation, power on the system; monitor LCD display.

Battery Type Setting: Press MODE on controller to select battery type (GEL, AGM, FLOODED, LITHIUM).
Load Mode: Set load working mode (Manual, Light Control, Timer) via controller buttons.
Voltage Calibration: Verify battery voltage matches display; adjust if necessary.
Test Output: Connect a small load to verify power delivery.

CAUTION! Do not connect battery reverse polarity. Use appropriate fuse on battery positive line.

Specifications

Maximum Power (Pmax): 40W
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 22.5V
Short Circuit Current (Isc): 2.25A
Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 18V
Optimum Operating Current (Imp): 2.22A
Cell Efficiency: >21%
Dimensions: 670 x 540 x 30 mm
Weight: 4.2 kg
Controller Type: PWM, 12V/24V auto detect
Max Load Current: 10A

Controls and Settings

Charge Controller Front Panel: LCD display, MODE button, ON/OFF button, LED indicators.

LCD Display: Shows battery voltage (V), charging current (A), load current, battery level icon, mode icons.

Settings: Press MODE to cycle through settings: Battery type, Load mode (Manual/Time/Light), Overvoltage disconnect, Low voltage reconnect. Use ON/OFF to toggle load manually. Default password for advanced settings: 0000.

Connecting to Battery & Load

Battery: Connect to 12V battery via controller BAT terminals. Load: Connect DC devices to LOAD terminals.

Turn off controller before connecting.
Connect battery first, then solar panel, then load.
Use proper wire gauge (min 12 AWG for short runs).
Install fuse (10A) on battery positive line.

Tip: Keep cables short to minimize voltage drop. Use waterproof connectors for outdoor runs.

Operation & Monitoring

Daily operation is automatic. Monitor via LCD.

Charging: Panel charges battery when sun is out. LCD shows charging current.
Load Power: Load is powered from battery via controller. Load icon lights when active.
Mode Selection: Use MODE to set load to manual on/off, dusk-to-dawn, or timer.
Data Reading: Display cycles voltage, current, battery state of charge.
Protections: Controller disconnects load on low battery; reconnects when charged.

WARNING! Do not disconnect under load. Avoid touching terminals during operation.

Maintenance & Storage

Regularly clean panel surface with soft cloth and water. Check connections for corrosion.

Storage: If not used, disconnect battery, store panel in dry place. Recharge battery every 3 months.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners. Do not walk on panel. Keep away from children.

Safety & Warnings

Electric shock hazard: Panel produces DC voltage when exposed to light. Use insulated tools. Fire hazard: Ensure no flammable materials near connections. Battery hazard: Batteries produce explosive gases; ventilate area.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No output from panel	Shading, dirty panel, faulty connection	Clean panel, check all MC4 connections, ensure full sun.
Battery not charging	Wrong battery type setting, low sun	Set correct battery type, check sun exposure, verify battery voltage.
Load not working	Low battery, load mode off, fuse blown	Charge battery, set load to ON, check/replace fuse.
LCD display blank	No battery power, reverse polarity	Connect battery correctly, check polarity, ensure battery voltage >10V.
Low charging current	Panel angle, cloudy weather, aging	Adjust panel toward sun, wait for clear sky, check panel degradation.

Reset: Disconnect battery and solar, wait 1 minute, reconnect.

Service: 1-800-555-1234; www.sunpower.com