Operating Guide

ZENITH MPPT CHARGE CONTROLLER
SOLAR
+
-
BATTERY DC LOAD
OPTIONS
+ - + - + -
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Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is an advanced charging technology that enables the solar panel to output
more power by adjusting the electric module's operating status. Due to the nonlinearity of solar arrays, there exists a
maximum energy output point (maximum power point) on their curves. Unable to continuously lock onto this point to
charge the battery, conventional controllers (employing switching and PWM charging technologies) can't get the most
of the power from the solar panel. But a solar charge controller featuring MPPT technology can continuously track
arrays' maximum power point so as to get the maximum amount of power to charge the battery.
Take a 12V system as an example. As the solar panel's peak voltage (Vpp) is approximately 17V while the battery's
voltage is around 12V, when charging with a conventional charge controller, the solar panel's voltage will stay at around
12V, failing to deliver the maximum power. However, the MPPT controller can overcome the problem by adjusting the
solar panel's input voltage and current in real time, realizing a maximum input power.
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◆ Though partial shading conditions may cause dual or multiple peaks on the I-V curve, the controller is still able to
accurately track the maximum power point with advanced dual and multi-peak power point tracking technology.
◆ A combination of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms can raise charging efficiency by 15-20% over
conventional PWM methods, and provide quick automatic adjustments on-the-fly in variable and rapidly changing
conditions.
◆ An on-board MPPT tracking algorithm with 99.9% accuracy and advanced digital power supply technology raise the
power conversion efficiency to as high as 98%.
◆ Auto-recognition of 12V and 24V batteries and charging program presets are available for most battery types
including sealed GEL and AGM, Flooded, and Lithium.
◆ A protection feature called current-limiting mode or "clipping" is activated whenever an oversized solar array is
producing power which exceeds the controller's rated output.
◆ Instantaneous large current startup of capacitive loads is supported.
◆ LED status indicators and an LCD screen which can display errors help users quickly identify faults and configuration
problems.
◆ Historical data storage function is available, and data can be stored for up to a year.
◆ The controller has over-temperature protection. Charging current will be limited in cases of overheating of the
controller.
◆ The controller's temperature compensation function can automatically adjust charging and load parameters to
extend battery service life..
◆ TVS lighting protection
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◆ This controller can charge the battery most efficiently by dynamically loading the panel to deliver its maximum power
even during rapidly changing conditions, and monitoring the State Of Charge (SoC) of the battery. It is designed to
function as the primary control unit in an off-grid photovoltaic system, and to provide an intelligent interface between
solar panels, battery, and load.
◆ The large LCD screen can display the current status, operating parameters, and controller logs in real time. User-
friendly buttons and display prompts provide flexibility of configuration, and safe and sensible default settings make
first-time setup easy for most users.
◆ Powerful internal fault detection and other electronic protection features inside the controller help prevent
component damage if installation errors and accidents occur.
1.1 Product Overview
1. Product Introduction
1.2 Product Features
1.3 Exterior and Interfaces
Fig. 1-1 Product appearance and interfaces
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Battery "+" interface
Battery "-" interface
Load "+" interface
Load "-" interface
External temperature sampling interface
Charging indicator
Battery indicator
Load indicator
Abnormality indicator
LCD screen
Operating keys
Installation hole
Solar panel "+" interface
Solar panel "-" interface
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Item
Item
1.4 Introduction to Maximum Power Point Tracking Technology