Full Product Manual

7
Float Charge: After the constant voltage stage, the controller will reduce the battery
voltage to a float voltage set point. Once the battery is fully charged, there will be no more
chemical reactions and all the charge current would turn into heat or gas. Because of this,
the charge controller will reduce the voltage charge to smaller quantity, while lightly
charging the battery. The purpose for this is to offset the power consumption while
maintaining a full battery storage capacity. In the event that a load drawn from the battery
exceeds the charge current, the controller will no longer be able to maintain the battery
to a Float set point and the controller will end the float charge stage and refer back to bulk
charging.
Equalization: Is carried out every 28 days of the month. It is intentional overcharging
of the battery for a controlled period of time. Certain types of batteries benefit from
periodic equalizing charge, which can stir the electrolyte, balance battery voltage and
complete chemical reaction. Equalizing charge increases the battery voltage, higher than
the standard complement voltage, which gasifies the battery electrolyte.
WARNING: Once equalization is active in the battery charging, it will not exit this
stage unless there is adequate charging current from the solar panel. There should
be NO load on the batteries when in equalization charging stage.
WARNING: Over-charging and excessive gas precipitation may damage the battery
plates and activate material shedding on them. Too high of equalizing charge or for
too long may cause damage. Please carefully review the specific requirements of
the battery used in the system.
WARNING: Equalization may increase battery voltage to a level damaging to
sensitive DC loads. Ensure that all load allowable input voltages are greater than
the equalizing charging set point voltage.