Lumo solar panels and antennas may cause obstructions for harvesters and other machinery. This article outlines best practices for managing Lumo hardware during harvest and other activities, such as hedging.
Each Lumo valve is powered by onboard batteries, which will last approximately 5 days without charge. If solar panels must be removed or lowered to avoid damage, they should be reinstalled immediately after to prevent dead batteries and inoperable valves.
The best practice is to always reinstall solar panels within 3-4 days of removing them. This will prevent batteries from completely draining and help ensure that valves remain operable after machine work.
Before removing solar panels, please inform Lumo Support by phone or text at 1-888-586-6828 or send an email to [email protected].
Click here if your operation allows for panels to be removed and replaced within 3-4 days, and follow the steps below
Click here if your operation allows for panels to be removed and replaced within 3-4 days, and follow the steps below
Tools
Impact driver or drill with a 5/16” hex bit socket
Cutting pliers
Instructions for Removing Solar Panels
Snip and remove any zip ties to free cables to trellis posts/stakes
Remove hose clamps fixing the Lumo mounting pole to the trellis using an impact driver or drill with a 5/16” hex bit
Place the solar panel on the ground below the trellis, clear from any tractor activity, or remove the solar panel assembly from the row entirely if required
If the solar panel must be moved away from the valve, disconnect the antenna cable and the solar panel cable from the green dome (unscrew the brass connector, and unscrew and pull apart the black twist-lock connector)
Step 2: remove hose clamps
Step 3: lower solar panel to ground safely under trellis
Disconnect the antenna cable (left) and solar panel cable (right) if necessary
Reinstalling Solar Panels After Harvest
Lumo valves depend on solar panels to remain charged and operational. Please reinstall solar panels as soon as possible after harvest and inform Lumo Support when you’re done. Lumo Support can assist by remotely checking the health of each valve and verify that they’ve reconnected and are charging.
Identify which direction is south-southwest. Solar panels should be oriented south-southwest for optimal sun exposure
Resecure the solar panel mounting pole to its original post using hose clamps
Please place hose clamps underneath the cables to avoid pinching and damaging the cables
Verify that the glass side of the panel faces south-southwest
If cables were disconnected, reconnect cables
Tie down any loose cables using zip ties to prevent future damage
Click here if your operation requires panels to be removed for more than 4 days, and follow the steps below
Click here if your operation requires panels to be removed for more than 4 days, and follow the steps below
Tools
Impact driver or drill with a 5/16” hex bit socket
Cutting pliers
Lumo wrench (for 2" valves only)
Instructions for Removing Solar Panels
Power off each valve to avoid draining the battery while the solar panel is removed
2" Lumo valves:
Remove the black cap
Unscrew the Philips head screw holding the spring tension nut
Use the Lumo wrench to remove the spring tension nut. You can also use your fingers or pliers
Use the Lumo wrench (or pliers) to loosen and remove the dome retaining nut
Firmly grasp and lift up the green dome
On the underside, you’ll see a green power button. Press it once and verify that LEDs turn off
Place the green dome back on the valve, replace the dome retaining nut, spring tension nut, and cap. Reference this video to ensure dome has been properly installed
4" Lumo valves:
Identify the power button on the underside of the green dome. Press once and verify that LEDs turn off
Snip and remove any zip ties to free cables to trellis posts/stakes
Remove hose clamps fixing the Lumo mounting pole to the trellis using an impact driver or drill with a 5/16” hex bit
Place the solar panel on the ground below the trellis, clear from any tractor activity, or remove the solar panel assembly from the row entirely if required
If the solar panel must be moved away from the valve, disconnect the antenna cable and the solar panel cable from the green dome (unscrew the brass connector, and unscrew and pull apart the black twist-lock connector)
Step 2: remove hose clamps
Step 3: lower solar panel to ground safely under trellis
Disconnect the antenna cable (left) and solar panel cable (right)
Reinstalling Solar Panels After Harvest
Lumo valves depend on solar panels to remain charged and operational. Please reinstall solar panels as soon as possible after harvest and inform Lumo Support when you’re done. Lumo Support can assist by remotely checking the health of each valve and verify that they’ve reconnected and are charging.
Identify which direction is south-southwest. Solar panels should be oriented south-southwest for optimal sun exposure
Resecure the solar panel mounting pole to its original post using hose clamps
Please place hose clamps underneath the cables to avoid pinching and damaging the cables
Verify that the glass side of the panel faces south-southwest
If cables were disconnected, reconnect cables
Tie down any loose cables using zip ties to prevent future damage
Power on the device and verify that LEDs illuminate
2" Lumo valves:
Remove the black cap
Unscrew the Philips head screw holding the spring tension nut
Use the Lumo wrench to remove the spring tension nut. You can also use your fingers or pliers
Use the Lumo wrench (or pliers) to loosen and remove the dome retaining nut
Firmly grasp and lift up the green dome
On the underside, you’ll see a green power button. Press it once and verify that LEDs turn on
Place the green dome back on the valve, replace the dome retaining nut, spring tension nut, and cap. Reference this video to ensure dome has been properly installed
4" Lumo valves:
Identify the power button on the underside of the green dome. Press once and verify that LEDs turn on