Read these instructions in full before installing or using your Thunder Bolt system, and keep them for future reference. Using the system in any way not described here may impair its safety. If in doubt, stop and contact a qualified electrician or Thunder Support at support@thunderenergy.co.uk.
CHECK YOUR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION FIRST
Plug-in solar feeds electricity into your home’s wiring. Connect the system only to a suitable UK socket-outlet on an appropriate final circuit, in an electrical installation that is in good condition and has suitable circuit protection and residual current protection.
Before connecting, check at your consumer unit (fuse board) that:
- The circuit is protected by an RCD or RCBO of Type A, F or B. Type AC devices are not suitable.
- The RCD or RCBO is suitable for two-way (bidirectional) power flow. Some show “BD” or “Bi-dir” in the model number. If unmarked, ask the device manufacturer, quoting the model number on the front, or ask an electrician.
Electrical assessment required where uncertain: if your home has rewirable or cartridge fuses, or the socket, circuit, consumer unit, protective devices, wiring or earthing is damaged, unclear, unsuitable or of unknown condition, have it assessed by a qualified electrician registered with a Competent Person Scheme before connecting.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SOCKET
- Use a socket-outlet circuit only, never a lighting circuit or one supplying fixed equipment such as a cooker, hob or boiler.
- Only one plug-in solar system is permitted per household.
- Never connect through an extension lead, cable reel, multi-way adaptor, travel adaptor or RCD adaptor.
- Do not use a damaged, loose or scorched socket.
REGISTRATION AND LABELLING
- You must notify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) by registering the system after installation (see page 2), and deregister it if you remove it.
- Affix the plug-in solar label visibly at or near your consumer unit, and refit it if the consumer unit is replaced or moved.
BEFORE YOU INSTALL
- Check any landlord or freeholder permission, planning or listed building consent, and home insurance requirements.
- Do not install on buildings with ACM, MCM or HPL cladding, timber cladding or timber balconies, or on buildings undergoing external wall remediation.
- Do not install near corrosive, flammable or explosive materials.
- Keep escape routes, doors and windows clear, and do not install where the system could help fire spread along walls or balconies or onto neighbouring property.
- Where a lightning protection system is fitted, keep the separation distance advised by its installer.
CONNECTING AND DISCONNECTING
Solar panels produce electricity whenever they are exposed to daylight.
- Connection: connect the AC side first, then the DC side.
- Disconnection: always unplug from the socket first, then release the DC connectors with the disconnect tool. Never disconnect DC connectors under load.
- Cover the panels with an opaque sheet when handling connectors in daylight. Keep connectors dry and cap any unused DC connectors.
- Use only cables and connectors supplied or approved by Thunder. Never cut, extend or rewire any cable or plug.
MOUNTING AND PHYSICAL SAFETY
- Use only Thunder-supplied or approved brackets. Never secure panels with cable ties, rope, straps or tape.
- Panels are large and heavy: use two people to lift them, never stand on them, and do not install in rain, ice or strong wind.
- Wall mounting needs four M8x70 expansion bolts (not included) in a sound wall. Flat roof brackets must be secured with ballast weights (not included) of at least 60 kg per bracket. Any railing or surface must be strong enough to carry the panel and wind loads.
- Take particular care to prevent falling objects above paths, public spaces or balconies.
- Route cables so they cannot cause trips, are not trapped in doors or windows, and are protected from sharp edges.
- The microinverter may become hot. Keep it ventilated and do not touch it until it has cooled.
- Operating limits: ambient temperature −40 °C to +65 °C. Angled bracket: tilt 20° to 35°, rated for wind speeds up to 35 m/s and snow loads up to 1.2 kN/m². Maximum installation height: 3m.
USE, MAINTENANCE AND DISPOSAL
- Every six months, while the system is generating, press the test button on the RCD or RCBO protecting the circuit. If it does not trip, unplug the system and consult an electrician.
- Inspect panels, brackets, ballast, cables, connectors and plug yearly and after severe weather.
- Clean panels with clean water and a soft brush. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents or pressure washers.
- Do not modify, repair or replace any part except as instructed by Thunder.
- At end of life, unplug, disconnect and deregister the system, and take it to an electrical recycling point (WEEE). Do not put it in household waste.
CHILDREN AND PETS
Keep children and pets away from the system, cables and plug.
LIABILITY
Thunder disclaims liability for any damage or injury resulting from failure to follow these instructions, improper installation or use, unauthorised modifications, the use of third-party parts, or events beyond our control, such as natural disasters.
