PowerOptimal Elon® 100 User Manual v2.20

PowerOptimal Elon® 100 User Manual

Version number: 2.20

Version date: 2025/12/28

Enquiries: [email protected]

Address: Postnet Suite 21

Private Bag X21

Tyger Valley

7536

Please note: Always check the PowerOptimal website for the latest version of this manual.

Patented: ZA2019/02129

SAFETY WARNING

Installation of the Elon® 100 should ONLY be performed by an electrical contractor registered with the Department of Labour (the so-called “wireman’s licence”) and strictly according to the installation instructions in this manual. The electrician should provide you with a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) once installation is completed.
We strongly recommend that you use a reputable and experienced solar photovoltaic (PV) system installer to install your solar PV modules.
Solar PV modules exposed to the sun are live (i.e. will produce electricity) and can give an electric shock. Special care should be taken and only trained solar PV installers should install the modules.
Do not attempt to alter or service the electrical installation, or open the Elon® 100 unit or controller for any purpose.
Use the Elon® 100 only for its intended purpose.
Always make sure that every wiring connection is properly tightened.
Do not earth either of the solar module wires (but do earth the frames).
All installation wiring should be at least 2.5mm².
Avoid coiling, since DC switching can create damaging spikes.
Keep all wires as short as possible.

Refer to the PowerOptimal website for the following:

Elon® 100 Installation Guide & Quick Reference User Guide	www.poweroptimal.com/manuals
Online User Instructions Video	www.poweroptimal.com/elon100
Online Elon® Basic Training Course	https://moolmaninstitute.com/p/elon-course

Table of Contents 3

1. Introduction 4

1.1 System overview 4

1.2 Main system components 5

1.3 Deciding on size of Elon® system (basic guide) 5

2. Operation 6

2.1 Elon® 100 controller 6

2.2 Mains and solar indicator lights 7

2.3 Control dial settings 8

2.4 Holiday settings 9

2.5 How to maximise your savings 10

3. Maintenance 11

3.1 Solar PV module maintenance 11

4. What to expect in terms of performance 12

4.1 Hot water production 12

4.2 Impact of location and seasons 13

4.3 Payback period 14

5. Troubleshooting 15

5.1 Troubleshooting Guide for Users 15

5.2 Troubleshooting Guide for Electricians 18

Appendix A. IEC/SANS and EMC Test Certificates: Elon® 100 19

Appendix B. Warranty 24

Appendix C. Terminology 25

Notes 26

1. Introduction

Thank you for buying the PowerOptimal Elon® 100 solar PV water heating unit! You can look forward to many years of savings and free energy from the sun.

1.1 System overview

The PowerOptimal Elon® 100 operates on a very simple principle: it enables you to connect solar PV modules directly to a standard geyser with alternating current (AC) heating element and AC thermostat, with no need for an inverter. It uses the water in your geyser as a battery to store solar energy in the form of heat.

You can connect the system completely off-grid or connect it to your existing grid AC power supply. Connecting the system to the existing grid supply allows for grid power backup in case of cloudy / overcast days, or where you use more hot water than your solar PV array can generate.

Note: the system is designed in such a way that there is no possibility of solar array-produced electricity feeding back into the grid. For municipal registration purposes it is classified as "off-grid".

Below is a simplified layout of the main components of the water heating system.