The most important ongoing maintenance is to top off the electrolyte with distilled water about once a month. Your batteries will be damaged quickly if cycled with insufficient electrolyte. Do not use tap water, well water, or anything other than distilled water to top off your batteries, as the mineral content in undistilled water will destroy your batteries very quickly.
We also recommend replacing the electrolyte every 8-10 years. Instructions on how to do this are included with the Iron Sun kit, and are also available online. Additional videos and instructions on using, maintaining, and troubleshooting our products are also available on the Technical Support page.
It’s important to keep your PV panel clean and in full sun. Even a small amount of shade or debris on the panel will drastically reduce its output. Don’t forget to wipe the snow off your panel as well.
Although nickel iron batteries will tolerate deep cycling more than other batteries will, maintaining voltage above 10.5V will keep your batteries and appliances happy for longer. Very low voltages will cause the amperage to spike, which can damage fragile electronics.
The small components of an Iron Sun Power Supply- switches, breakers, outlets, etc- might fail at some point, while the main components are likely still functional. If your Iron Sun Box is not functioning, contact us at info [at] livingenergylights.com and we can help you diagnose the problem, source the replacement parts, and repair your box.