Equipment Needed
Parts
Solar panel
Solar panel bracket
Solar panel bracket hardware
(2) ¼-20-½ bolts
(2) nuts
Antenna
Antenna hardware packet
(1) Antenna bracket
(2) M5 screws
(2) M5 wing nuts
LMR 240 coaxial cable
¾” EMT pole
Self tapping screws
Zip ties
Antenna hardware packet
Tools
7/16” wrench/socket
5/16” wrench/socket
Phillips-head screwdriver
Cutting pliers
Impact driver or drill with 5/16” hex bit
Assembly Process
Solar Panel and Antenna Brackets
Solar Panel Bracket
Place the solar panel glass-side down so that the rear of the panel and mounting holes are face up
Place the long side of the mounting bracket across the frame of the solar panel, aligning the two center mounting holes with bracket slots
Insert a ¼-20-½ bolt through each of the mounting holes from the underside of the solar panel frame and secure the bracket in place with a nut on each bolt
Use a 7/16” wrench or ratchet to tighten each nut
Antenna Bracket
Align the antenna bracket with the two mounting holes on the top side of the solar panel frame. The angled part of the bracket should extend past the side of the frame
With one hand, hold a wing nut on the underside of the solar panel frame and feed an M5 screw through the mounting hole with the other hand. Allow the wing nut to catch the side of the solar panel frame, and tighten the screw with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
Repeat with the second hole
Pole Mounting
Mount the solar panel at one end of an EMT pole (or other type) using two self tapping screws, one through each slot on the solar panel bracket
Use caution: do not over-torque the screws, as this will strip the holes and cause the solar panel to wobble
Double Panel Mounting
If there is more than one valve on a single manifold, you may mount a second panel 180 degrees across from the top solar panel. Each valve should receive its own solar panel
When adding a second panel, solar panel mounting bracket should be reversed
Antenna and Antenna Cable
Remove the plastic protective cap, brass nut, and brass washers from the male threaded end of the LMR 240 coaxial cable
Insert the male threaded end of the LMR 240 coaxial cable through the angled hole in the antenna bracket
On the opposite side, replace the toothed washer, then the locking washer, and thread on the nut. Tighten nut using a 5/16” wrench to lock cable in place in the bracket
This step is essential for ensuring a secure antenna connection and signal
Use zip ties to secure both the antenna cable and solar panel cable to the exterior of the pole, placing a zip tie every 8-12 inches from the solar panel to about ⅔ down the length of the pole. Snip ends of zip ties
Before installing in the field, screw the mesh antenna onto the cable end that’s fixed at the antenna bracket. Hand tighten, ensuring the antenna is fully threaded onto the cable
It’s best practice to wait to install the antenna until the solar panel assembly is complete and ready to be installed in the field to avoid damaging the antenna
Verify that the antenna is parallel to the mounting pole. Once installed, the antenna should be completely vertical