SOLAR WATER HEATING UNIT
OWNER’S GUIDE
Contents
Introduction
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Introduction..........................................................................................3 Safety Information................................................................................4
Warranty Information
6
Warranty Terms.....................................................................................6 Warranty Duration.................................................................................6 Limitation of Liability............................................................................7 Exclusions.............................................................................................7
Product Specifications
8
Introduction..........................................................................................8 Main Components.................................................................................9
Operation Instructions
Controller Display................................................................................11 Getting Started...................................................................................12 Initial Setup.........................................................................................12 How to Make Payments / Top-Up Credits..........................................13 How to Check Credit Balance via SMS...............................................15 System Performance..........................................................................15
Maintenance Instructions
Maintencance Instructions.................................................................17 Tips for Best Results...........................................................................18
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Contents
Troubleshooting
Controller Issues.................................................................................19 Credit Issues.......................................................................................19 System Troubleshooting.....................................................................19
FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions...............................................................20
Pricing Information
Option A.............................................................................................21 Option B.............................................................................................21 Option C.............................................................................................21
Contact Information
Customer Care Line...........................................................................21 Toll Free SMS Shortcode....................................................................21 Website and Email..............................................................................21
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INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the ComIN Solar Water Heating System by BOSCH. This guide explains the Solar Water Heating Unit’s basic components, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting instructions. For more detailed information, please call the 24/7 M-KOPA Customer Care line on 0707 333 222 or send a FREE SMS to 22363. Please read the entire guide before operating any component of the product.
Solar Hot Water System Includes 5
4
3
2
8 7
1
3
6
1 Cold water tank
5 Automatic valve
2 Manual pump
6 M-KOPA controller
3 Solar collector
7 Solar PV panel
4 Hot water tank
8 Mounting frame
Safety Information
Failure to properly follow the instructions and precautions in this guide may result in property damage, voiding of the warranty and / or bodily harm.
Never expose the M-KOPA controller to water as this could damage the device and cause individual harm. If it gets wet, turn it off immediately, drain any remaining water, wipe thoroughly and leave to dry completely before use.
Do not charge the M-KOPA controller in direct sunlight as this could damage the battery.
Never open or tamper with any component as this will render the warranty void, cause the device to stop working and could potentially be a personal hazard.
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Safety Information
If the M-KOPA controller becomes too hot to touch during charging, disconnect it and inform Customer Care on 0707 333 222 or send a FREE SMS to 22363.
Connect the M-KOPA controller to ONLY an M-KOPA approved solar panel. Failure to adhere to this could result in damage to the unit and risk harm to the individual.
If you notice any faults on your device, contact Customer Care on 0707 333 222 or send a FREE SMS to 22363.
CAUTION!
The following parts might get very hot and cause injury on physical contact: - Solar collector - Hot water tank - Hot water from the system - Uninsulated piping
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WARRANTY INFORMATION This section sets out the warranty policy for the solar water heating system.
Warranty Terms Warranty claims are subject to: ●• Inspection by BOSCH to verify that the defect in the equipment has arisen from defects in workmanship or materials during the warranty period. • None of the exclusions being applicable.
Warranty Duration The warranty period is THREE (3) YEARS from the date of purchase by the original customer for the following solar water heater components: 1. Solar collector 2. Hot water tank 3. Valve 4. Thermo-mixing valve 5. Mounting frame 6. Piping and connectors The warranty period is TWO (2) YEARS from the date of purchase by the original customer for the following components: 1. All cables 2. M-KOPA controller 3. Solar PV panel
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Limitation of Liability The express warranty above shall be the full extent of our liability. Accordingly, BOSCH disclaims all other liability for loss or damage howsoever caused.
Exclusions The following are not covered under the warranty: 1. Any damage caused by: • ‘Acts of God’ or any reason beyond BOSCH’s reasonable control. • Misuse, including (but not limited to) failure to use the equipment for its normal purpose in accordance with BOSCH’s instructions on its proper use and maintenance. • Improper operation or maintenance of the equipment. • Connection to an improper power supply. • Attempted repair or alteration by anyone other than BOSCH-certified technicians. 2. Equipment that shows evidence of tampering. 3. Equipment whose manufacturer’s serial number has been altered, deleted, removed or made illegible. 4. Normal wear and tear of parts unless there is evidence of a manufacturing defect.
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Piping Connector
Hot Water Tank
Mounting Structure
Heat Insulated Piping
Solar Collector
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Solar Water Heating Unit Components What’s in the Package? 1. Solar collector. 2. Hot water tank. 3. M-KOPA controller, with a PV panel. 4. Automatic valve. 5. Piping, connectors and insulation. 6. Mounting frame.
Solar Collector
Hot Water Tank
M-KOPA Controller
M-KOPA Controller Casing
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PV Panel
Piping and Connectors
Connection Cables
Automatic Valve
Mounting Frame
Hand Pump
Where water pressure is insufficient, the solar water heating system is accompanied by a hand pump .
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OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS M-KOPA 400 Controller Display Connection between M-KOPA 400 and future upgrade units Network Bars for Connevtivity
Battery Charge TV Button - short press: turn water heater on/ off - long press: show account technical details
M-KOPA Button - connects to the cellular network - press for 1 second to check credit
TV Icon
Credits - Number of days device has been paid for and will work
Disconnected Connecting Connected
Amount and date of last payment to M-KOPA
Date current credit expires
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Amount owed
Getting Started
After BOSCH technicians complete installing the solar water heating unit, please first calibrate the controller by charging it for a full 8 hours. To charge the controller, plug the solar panel cable into the port on the controller with the sun icon. Ensure that the solar panel is placed flat on your roof or somewhere clear of obstructions and shade so it can receive good sunlight throughout the day. When charging is complete, the battery outline will change from broken to a solid outline. Broken outline and no bars indicate the battery is not yet calibrated. You must charge it for 8 hours.
Solid outline and all bars visible indicate the unit is ready for first use.
Once the controller has been calibrated after charging for 8 hours, plug the water heater cable into the TV port on the right side of the panel.
Initial Setup 1. 2.
Check the credit on the controller by pressing the M-KOPA button. Press the TV button to turn on the solar water heating unit.
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How to Make Payments / Top-Up Credits Payments can be made using any M-PESA account or number. Follow the steps below to make a payment or top up credits.
1.
2.
Open the M-PESA menu (Safaricom SIM Toolkit) on your phone.
3.
4.
Select ‘Pay Bill’.
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Select ‘Lipa na M-Pesa’.
Select ‘Enter Business No‘.
5.
6.
Enter the M-KOPA business number: 333222.
7.
Enter your M-KOPA account number. This is your ID Number used to register.
9.
Enter your M-PESA PIN and select ‘OK’
Select ‘Account no.’
8.
Enter the amount you wish to purchase. Example: 500.
10.
Confirm the details are correct and select ‘Send’ or ‘OK’.
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11. 12. 13. 14.
You will receive an SMS from M-PESA confirming the transaction. You will receive an SMS from M-KOPA confirming your updated credits. Your new credits will be displayed on the controller within 24 hours. After receiving the M-KOPA SMS, press the M-KOPA button for 1 second to update the number of credits.
NOTE: NEVER pay cash to anyone for making payments or topping up credits. M-PESA is the exclusive mode of payment to M-KOPA.
How to check M-KOPA balance via SMS 1. 2.
Send an SMS with the word ‘BAL’ from your M-KOPA registered phone number to 22363. The SMS is free of charge. Wait for a reply from M-KOPA.
System Performance Performance of the system depends on location and weather conditions.
Location
The ideal location of the system id where there is no shade or obstructions, and the collector is facing north or south so as to receive sunshine throughout the day.
Sunny Days The system performs best on sunny days with heating all day. Expected water temperature is up to 60°C.
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Partly Cloudy Days The system’s performance is reduced with heating most of the day. Expected water temperature is up to 50°C.
Cloudy or Partly Rainy Days with Frequent Sun The system’s performance is further reduced with heating during some parts of the day. Expected water temperature is 40-50°C.
Cloudy Days with No Sun The system’s performance is greatly reduced with little heating during the day. Expected water temperature is 20-35°C.
Rainy Days with No Sun The system does not perform with no heating during the day. Expected water temperature is cold or equal to the temperature of local stored water.
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MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS The solar panel and solar collector should be wiped regularly to remove dust and particles from the surface.
The solar PV panel and solar collector should be mounted in an open area free from shade and obstruction.
During prolonged periods without any use, cover the collector with a cloth, canvas or plastic or non-transparent black to protect against high temperatures caused by solar radiation.
Check for leaks regularly at joints and connectors that link pipes together.
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Tips for Best Results 1. Secure your panel so that it does not go missing. 2. Wipe clean your solar panel at least once a week to remove dust and particles that could slow down charging of the device battery. 3. One M-KOPA credit runs from midnight to midnight. Always keep your credit balance positive to avoid being cut-off. 4. Always have a minimum of 1 credit to get hot water. 5. Pay regularly and follow the payment plan. 6. The quicker you pay, the quicker you will use your device for FREE! 7. Pay faster to own the device quickly and receive discounts for early completion. It is important that you maintain a good repayment rate as this will build a positive payment record. 8. Remember to purchase your credits early in the day so that your device is topped up early and you get the most usage time from your solar water heating unit.
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TROUBLESHOOTING System Troubleshoting Issue
Possible Cause
No hot water
Action
Weather conditions – cloudy or rainy
No action
No water supply
Check initial water supply
Automatic valve is closed
Check payment / credits
No natural circulation
Call Customer Care on 0707 333 222
Controller
Controller power
Call Customer Care on 0707 333 222
issue
Electronic failure
Call Customer Care on 0707 333 222
Controller and Credit Issues Issue Payment made but credits
Diagnosis
Action
Credits not updating
Call Customer Care on 0707 333 222
Wrong state
Call Customer Care on 0707 333 222
not received on controller Controller display is blank
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1.
What do I do if I’ve paid by M-PESA for my credits, but my device is not reflecting the payment?
If you have paid for at least one day’s worth of credit to M-KOPA via M-PESA, the unit should pick up credit by itself within 12 hours. If not, please check you received a payment confirmation from M-KOPA as well as M-PESA, and that the details are correct. You can press the M-KOPA button once you have the M-KOPA confirmation to pick the updated credits. Call M-KOPA Customer Care for assistance if you are not successful. 2.
I have credit on my device but it is not working.
Check to make sure your device has charge, is calibrated (has had one full charge and the outline around the battery is a solid line), credits are displayed and the solar panel is plugged in. If there is still an issue, call customer care on 0707 333 222. 3.
Does my device pick up credits from my house?
Your M-KOPA Controller should have connection anywhere a typical cell phone can pick up a network signal. If you have poor Safaricom network, please contact our customer care agents for assistance. 4.
What happens if the water heater stops working?
First check the weather conditions. Also, check that your controller has a minimum credit of 1 unit. If the issue persists, call or send an SMS to our customer care agents who will be happy to assist you. 5.
Is there a warranty on the device?
Yes. The main system components (Solar collector, Hot water tank, Valve, Thermomixing valves, Piping and connectors) are covered by a 3-year warranty. The control unit and the solar panel are covered by a 2-year warranty.
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PRICING Customer Segment
Option A
Option B
Option C
Daily Payment (KES)
100
200
300
Deposit (KES)
15,000
15,000
15,000
Payment Duration (Months)
44
20
12
Total Loan (KES)
147,000
135,000
123,000
CONTACTS Customer Care: 0707 333 222 SMS Shortcode: 22363 (free) Email: customercare@m-kopa.com
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