Installation

The following diagram shows the electrical connections between the components of the off-grid irrigation system.

The Picapot controller, the solar charge controller, and the battery fit inside a 30 × 30 × 15 cm outdoor metal enclosure.

Three cables exit the enclosure: the first to the solar panel, the second to the solenoid valve, and an optional third to the 1-wire external sensor.

Personally, I prefer to use a single large cable gland (PG 13.5) through which all the cables pass. After every cable is in place and fixed to the metal plate with cable ties, fill the gland with neutral silicone (e.g., 704 silicone).

To avoid malfunctions, the solar panel should always be the last component to be connected and the first to be disconnected.