Insele Solar Questions And Answers
Answers about buying, installing, using and looking after an Insele system. If you can’t find what you need, call us on 011 792 5322 or email sales@insele-solar.co.za.
Buying
Where can I buy Insele products?
Through our distributors in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. For bulk orders, tenders and programme supply, contact us directly.
Do you supply in bulk or for tenders?
Yes. Insele systems are manufactured in volume for municipalities, government programmes, NGOs and distributors. Tell us the quantity, the product and where the systems are going, and we’ll come back to you.
How much does an Insele system cost?
Prices depend on the product, the configuration and the quantity, so we quote on enquiry. Contact us or one of our distributors.
Which system do I need?
It depends on how many rooms you want to light and what else you want to power. Our comparison table sets the systems side by side.
Who installs the system?
Your distributor installs it. That said, every Insele product except the inverters is designed to be DIY friendly, so the panel and lights plug straight into the unit and a household can set it up themselves.
Installing
Where should the solar panel go?
On a steady structure that faces north, at roughly a 30 degree angle, where nothing shades it. Trees and taller buildings cast shade that moves through the day, so check the spot at different times before you fix the panel down.
Can the panel stay outside permanently?
Yes. The panel is weather resistant and can be left outdoors. The control unit is not waterproof, so it needs to be inside.
Where should the unit go?
Inside, in a cool spot out of direct sunlight, and away from water, steam and heat sources like stoves and candles. Keep it somewhere the solar cable can reach easily.
Is it hard to install?
No. The lights and panel plug into the unit, so no rewiring is needed. Larger systems like the i1000 HomeGrow use a distribution module and normal wall switches, which an installer sets up.
Using Your System
How do I switch the unit on and off?
Press the red power button once to switch it on, and once again to switch it off.
How do I dim the lights?
Flick the light’s switch off and on again. Each light has two settings, a dim setting at 0.6W and full brightness at 3.5W. Using dim mode at night makes a charge last longer.
What is sleep mode and how do I use it?
Sleep mode switches the unit off completely, which is useful when it won’t be used for a while. Hold the power button down for four seconds. The white LED starts flashing and the unit switches off after two minutes. To come out of sleep mode, hold the power button down for four seconds again.
Sleep mode is only available when there’s no solar input.
What can I plug into the USB ports?
Phones, tablets and anything else that charges over USB. Most systems give 2A in total, and the i1000 HomeGrow has two 3A ports.
What can I run from the 12V socket?
Small 12V devices and chargers. The socket on the i1000 HomeGrow is rated 12V 2A, which is 24W.
Can I run a TV, kettle or fridge?
Not on the 12V systems. They’re built for LED lights, USB charging and small 12V devices. The AC/DC Homegrow has a 1kVA inverter for 220V appliances like a TV, a decoder or an A+++ fridge. Kettles, stoves, microwaves and heaters are too heavy for it.
Can I add more lights?
Yes, on most systems. The i100 comes with two lights and runs up to four. The i150 comes with four. The i350, i350+ and i1000 HomeGrow all run eight. The i100 EBL runs up to twelve, three on each output. Insele LED lights are available through our distributors.
Charging And Batteries
How long does it take to charge from flat?
3.5 to 4 hours of good sun for the i100, i150 and i100 EBL, and about 4.5 hours for the i350, i350+, i1000 HomeGrow and AC/DC Homegrow.
Can I charge the unit without the sun?
The i100 and i150 can be charged from the 18 to 20V 2A mains adapter we supply. Don’t connect any other power source to the input.
What do the indicator light colours mean?
• Flashing blue: the battery is charging
• Green: fully charged
• Yellow: about three quarters charged
• Amber: about half charged
• Red: almost flat
The colour moving up and down while the sun is out is normal, because the power coming from the panel changes through the day.
Will the solar panel overcharge the battery?
No. The charge controller manages the charge and stops the battery from being overcharged.
Can the battery be damaged by running it flat?
No. The charge controller watches the battery level and disconnects the battery before it gets that low.
How long does the battery last before it needs replacing?
Around three years, and up to seven with proper care. Hard use shortens that.
Where do I get a replacement battery?
From your supplier, or contact us and we’ll point you to the nearest source. Insele systems use lithium (LiPo) batteries.
Should I unplug the system when I go away?
No. Leave the solar panel plugged in so the system keeps charging while you’re away.
How do I clean the solar panel?
Brush the loose dust off with a soft brush, then wipe the surface with a wet cloth. A clean panel charges better.
How often should I clean it?
Once a month, and sooner if it gets dusty or dirty.
Troubleshooting
None of the lights come on. What do I do?
If none of the indicator lights are lit, the system has probably gone into battery protection mode and shut down. Wait until there’s enough sun to recharge it, and it will come back on by itself.
If that doesn’t fix it, check that every connection is secure and clear of dust and debris, then contact your installer.
My unit isn't charging. What should I check?
• The panel is in full sun, facing north, with nothing shading it
• The panel is clean
• The solar cable is properly plugged into the unit
• The indicator light shows the battery charging when the sun is on the panel
All the status lights are flashing except the power light. What does that mean?
That’s a battery error. Check all the connections to the battery first. If the lights keep flashing, the battery is faulty and needs to be replaced.
The lights don't last as long as they used to. Why?
If the panel is clean and getting full sun, the battery may be reaching the end of its life. Contact your supplier or us to check.
Warranty
What warranty do Insele systems have?
A 12-month limited warranty from Microtronix Manufacturing. During that period Microtronix will repair, at no charge, any product or part that proves faulty because of the materials or workmanship, under normal use and maintenance.
What isn't covered?
• Goods that haven’t been kept in the recommended conditions
• Damage that doesn’t come from a defect in materials or workmanship
• Tampering or modifications that weren’t approved
• Units with a broken warranty void seal
There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit, and opening it voids the warranty.
Is the battery covered?
The battery has its own warranty from the battery supplier, which is separate from the 12-month product warranty.
Do Insele systems need servicing?
No. Apart from cleaning the solar panel, they need no maintenance.