Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 Owner’s Manual 1 © 2012 Carmanah Technologies Corporation September 2012
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 2 © 2012 Carmanah Technologies Corporation September 2012
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ CONTENTS 1.0 Installation Overview 4 1.1 Introduction 4 1.2 Specifications 5 2.0 Warnings 6 3.0 Tools and Materials Needed 7 4.0 Choosing a Location 7 5.0 Installation Instructions 8 6.0 Operating Instructions 10 7.0 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 15 8.0 Troubleshooting Problems 16 8.1 Problems with the Display 16 8.2 Problems with Voltage 17 8.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 1.0 Installation Overview 1.1 Introduction A Charge Controller is an essential component of your photovoltaic (PV) system. The Controller maintains the life of the battery by protecting it from overcharging. When your battery has reached a 100% state of charge, the Controller prevents overcharging by limiting the current flowing into the batteries from your solar array.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 1.2 Specifications Description Value Nominal System Voltage 12V Max. Solar Array Current 30 amps Battery Voltage Range 6V – 15.5V 28V Operating Consumption 6mA Display Consumption 10mA (25°C / 77°F), 1 - 2h / Day 13.7 (25°C / 77°F) Equalization Voltage 14.8V (25°C / 77°F), 2h / 28 Day or V < 12.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 2.0 Warnings Disconnect all power sources Battery and wiring safety Wiring connections Work safely Observe correct polarity Do not exceed the GP-PWM-30 Amp current and max voltage ratings Electricity can be very dangerous. Installation should be performed only by a licensed electrician or qualified personnel.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 3.0 Tools and Materials Needed Drill with 3/32” and 3/8 bits Keyhole or Jigsaw Phillips Screwdriver Pencil or Marking Implement Torque wrench (optional) UV Wire (Solar Array to GP-PWM-30)* Battery Wire (GP-PWM30 to Battery)* Wire Cutters Wire Strippers Electrical Tape If the GP-PWM-30 Controller was purchased with a Go Power! RV Solar Power Kit then UV resistant wire is included.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 5.0 Installation Instructions 1. Prepare for mounting. Use the template provided at the end of the manual to mark the four mounting holes and the “cutting line for flush mounting.” 2. Complete the installation of the solar modules. If this GPPWM-30 was purchased as part of a Go Power! Solar Power Kit, follow the Installation Guide provided.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 4. Wiring the GP-PWM-30. Wire the GP-PWM-30 according to the wiring schematic in Section 11. Run wires from the solar array and the batteries to the location of the GP-PWM-30. Keep the solar array covered with an opaque material until all wiring is completed. Torque all terminal screws to 16 inch pounds (1.8N.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 6.0 Operating Instructions Power Up When the GP-PWM-30 is connected to the battery, the GP-PWM-30 will go into Power Up mode. Icons Displayed: Three horizontal dashes Setting the Battery Type / Charging Profile Set the Battery Type / Charging Profile by holding down the B Button for 5 seconds.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ Refer to the Battery Charge Profile Chart on the following page for details on each profile. Confirm the Battery Type / Charging Profile selection by pressing the A Button. Depending on the battery voltage when the GP-PWM-30 Power Up occurs, the GP-PWM-30 may do a Boost Charge or quickly go into Float Charge. The Charging Profile selected will commence the following day after a Power Up.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ Battery Charge Profile Chart Battery Type Charging Profile # FLOODED AGM GEL 1 2 3 Float Charge @ 25°C: 13.7V Bulk/Absorption Charge @ 25°C: 14.4V 14.1V Applied for 1h each morning Boost Charge 14.4V Applied for 2 hours if the battery voltage drops below 12.3 volts. 14.1V Equalization Charge Applied for 2 hours every 28 days and if the battery voltage drops below 12.1 volts. 14.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ Viewing the Controller display information To toggle between State of Charge (SOC), Battery Voltage and PV Charging Current, press the B Button. The battery state of charge is shown as a percentage. Icons Displayed: Battery, Percent Symbol Push the B Button to show the battery voltage. Icons Displayed: Battery, Volt Symbol (V) Push the B Button to show the PV charging current.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ Errors Over Voltage If the GP-PWM-30 experiences a battery over voltage (15.5V), the controller will stop operating and the display will begin to flash. The controller will resume operating when the error is cleared.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 7.0 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Before a problem is suspected with the system, read this section. There are numerous events that may appear as problems but are in fact perfectly normal. It seems like my flooded batteries are losing water over time. Flooded batteries may need to have distilled water added periodically to replace fluid loss during charging.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 8.0 Troubleshooting Problems How to read this section Troubleshooting Problems is split into three sub-sections, grouped by symptoms involving key components. Components considered irrelevant in a diagnosis are denoted ‘Not Applicable’ (N/A). A multimeter or voltmeter may be required for some procedures listed.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 8.2 Problems with Voltage Voltage Reading: Inaccurate Time of Day: Daytime/Nighttime Possible Cause: (1) Excessive voltage drop from batteries to controller due to loose connections, small wire gauge or both. How to tell: (1) Check the voltage at the controller battery terminals with a voltmeter and compare with the voltage reading at the battery terminals. If there is a voltage discrepancy of more than 0.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ Current Reading: Less than expected Time of Day: Daytime, clear sunny skies Possible Cause: (1) Current is being limited below 1 Amp as per normal operation. (2) Incorrect series/parallel configuration and/or wiring connections and/or wire gauge. (3) Dirty or shaded module or lack of sun. (4) Blown diode in solar module when two or more modules are connected in parallel.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 9.0 Limited Warranty 1. Carmanah warrants the GP-PWM-30 for a period of five (5) years from the date of shipment from its factory. This warranty is valid against defects in materials and workmanship for the five (5) year warranty period.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 10.0 Glossary Ampere: A unit of electrical current. Designates the number of electrons flowing per second through a conductive material. Array: One or more photovoltaic (PV) modules electrically connected to produce a single electrical output. Battery: Two or more electrochemical cells connected to provide energy storage. May be used to designate one cell. PV system batteries may be “sealed” or “wet acid”.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ Series Connection: Electrical connection where the positive terminal of one device is attached to the negative terminal of the next in a series string; in this connection, the string voltage is the sum of the device voltages and the string current is limited to the current of the least productive device in the string.
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 22 © 2012 Carmanah Technologies Corporation September 2012
Solar Controller GP-PWM-30 ______________________________________________________________________ 12.
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