As with any machine, regular maintenance of your SolarTech arrow boards and message boards will prolong the life of the equipment. SolarTech advanced warning arrow panels and portable changeable message signs are designed to run year round. However, shorter days, increased cloud coverage, and extreme cold all make winter the toughest season.

Proper maintenance is critical for trouble free operation during winter months.

Solar Panels

Solar Panels must be checked periodically to ensure that they’re clean and free of debris – including leaves and snow.  Dirty or covered panels will not produce adequate electrical energy output. Wiping and rinsing with clear water will remove accumulated dirt. You may also need to adjust the location of your units to eliminate shading caused by trees, light posts, or other obstructions.

Warning: Dirty solar panels will result in units automatically shutting down during winter months!

Battery Fluid Level

The battery fluid level should be checked regularly. The fluid level should be at the plastic fill port lower ring. If the level is low, add distilled water.

Warning: Batteries can sustain permanent damage if the fluid level is permitted to drop below the top of the plates!

Battery Voltage

Extreme cold temperatures can be very hard on your batteries. Battery output voltage and battery capacity both decrease with temperature. Check battery voltage often. If battery level is at or below 12 volts DC, you should charge the batteries.

Warning: check fluid levels and replenish prior to charging batteries!

• Use a 45 amp or greater capacity 12 volt DC battery charger. Each battery has a capacity of 260 amp-hours. Therefore, a 45 amp charger will require about 5 hours per-battery to fully restore a deeply discharged battery bank.Warning: The electrolyte in inadequately charged batteries could freeze at low temperatures and cause permanent damage!
• If possible, the batteries should receive an equalizing battery charge from a high capacity battery charger about once a year to keep the plates free of sulfate buildup.