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PORTABLE SOLAR KITS
User Manual
GP-PSK-80
GP-PSK-120
© 2016 Go Power! By Carmanah Technologies
Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information gpelectric.com
Carmanah Technologies Corporate Headquarters
250 Bay St, Victoria, BC Canada V9A 3K5
Tel: 1.866.247.6527
73807_MANUAL_GP-PSK_RevH
®
powered by
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1. CONTENTS
2. GENERAL INFORMATION ......................................................................................... 4
2.1 WARNINGS .................................................................................................... 4
3. FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES .............................................................................. 5
3.1 ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES SOLD SEPARATLEY ..................................... 5
4. INSTALLATION ........................................................................................................... 6
5. OPERATION ............................................................................................................... 6
5.1 CONTROLLER POWER UP ........................................................................... 6
5.2 SETTING THE BATTERY CHARGING PROFILE .......................................... 7
5.3 BATTERY CHARGING PROFILE CHART ...................................................... 7
5.4 MAXIMUM POWER BOOST TECHNOLOGYTM ........................................... 8
5.5 VIEWING THE CONTROLLER DISPLAY INFORMATION ............................. 8
5.6 ERRORS ......................................................................................................... 9
6. DISPLAY SYMBOLS ................................................................................................. 10
7. USB CHARGING .......................................................................................................11
8. SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................................................11
5.1 PORTABLE SOLAR KIT SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................11
5.2 SOLAR CONTROLLER SPECIFICATIONS ................................................. 12
9. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ....................................................................... 12
10. TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................................. 13
11. LIMITED WARRANTY ............................................................................................... 15
gpelectric.com | [page 3]
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2.GENERAL INFORMATION
Welcome to the Go Power! Portable Solar Kit Installation Guide. Please read all instructions contained within this manual to gain a full
understanding of how to install and use this product. Please visit gpelectric.com for the most current version of this manual.
Visit our Go Power! By Carmanah YouTube channel to watch a two minute video on setting up a portable solar kit.
Veuillez visiter gpelectric.com pour la version française de ce manuel de l’utilisateur
Visite gpelectric.com para la versión en español de este manual del usuario
2.1 WARNINGS
Disconnect all
power sources
Battery and
wiring safety
Wiring
connections
Observe correct
polarity
Do not exceed
the GP-PWM-10
amp current and
max voltage
ratings
Electricity can be very dangerous. Take appropriate caution when
making connections.
Observe all safety precautions of the battery manufacturer when
handling or working around batteries. When charging, batteries
produce hydrogen gas, which is highly explosive. Ensure batteries
are in a well-ventilated space, away from sparks for open ames.
Ensure all connections are tight and secure. Loose connections
may generate sparks and heat. Be sure to check all connections
before using the portable solar kit.
Reverse polarity of the battery terminals and array will cause the
controller to give a warning tone. The controller will not function
unless battery terminals are connected to a battery with proper
polarity. Failure to correct this fault could damage the controller.
The current rating of the solar system is the sum of the
Maximum Power Current (Imp) of the solar PV strings in parallel.
The resulting system Imp current is not to exceed 10A. The voltage
of the array is the rated open circuit voltage (Voc) of the PV array
and is not to exceed 28V. If your solar system exceeds these
ratings, contact your dealer for a suitable controller alternative.
Description No Description
1 Handle 10 Fuse
2 Latches 11 Protective carrying case
3 Aluminum frame 12 Corner protection
4 Aluminum support legs 13 Protective feet
5 Solar charge controller 14 Quick connect dust cover
6 Junction box 15 Ring terminals (for permanent mounting)
7 Cables 16 SAE Solar Plug (for connecting to RVs)
8 Battery clamps 17 2-Pin XLR Connector to Anderson Connector
9 Quick connect cable
[page 4] | gpelectric.com
3.FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES
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FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES
12
6
5
10
3
2
11
14
15
13
789
3.1 ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES SOLD SEPARATELY
Visit gpelectric.com for product details.
GP-PSK-7PIN
7 Pin Trailer Plug Adapter
- Use your existing trailer plug to
access your battery for charging
4
1
16
17
GP-PSK-X30
30’ Extension Cable
- Park your RV in the shade and place
your solar panel in the sun using this
extension cable.
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4.INSTALLATION
1. Locate a sunlit area, free from overhanging branches or obstructions.
2. Remove solar panel kit from carrying case.
3. Unclip the two latches on the side of the unit and fold the two panels outward.
Extend the two support legs to their maximum length and lock in position.
4. Place solar panel facing the sun.
Avoid any shading no matter how small. An object as small as a broomstick held across the solar module may
Note
5. Connect battery clamps to the positive (red, +) and negative (black, -) battery terminals. Ensure that the
connection is secure. Connect the battery clamp cable to the rest of the solar panel cable using the quick
connect cable.
cause the power output to be reduced. Overcast days may also cut the power output of the module.
To obtain maximum output it is suggested that the panel’s direction be frequently adjusted to track the sun’s
movement throughout the day (southerly exposure).
Ensure the battery clamps do not come in contact with one another.
Do not let water come into contact with the controller.
5.1 CONTROLLER POWER UP
When the Portable Solar Kit is connected to the battery, the
controller will go into Power Up mode.
Icons Displayed: All segments of the numerical display;
Backlight blinks
Depending on the battery voltage when the GP-PWM-10 Power
Up occurs, the controller may do a Boost Charge or quickly go
into Float Charge. The Charging Prole selected will commence
the following day after a Power Up (refer to the Charging Prole
Chart on page 4 for more details).
5.OPERATION
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5.2 SETTING THE BATTERY CHARGING PROFILE
To select the battery charging prole, press and hold the
B Button. This will cause the current battery type to ash.
Then, press the B Button to toggle through the prole options:
Sealed/Gel, AGM or Flooded.
OPERATION
To conrm the battery prole, press and hold the A Button
for 3 seconds.
Non-volatile memory: Any settings made on the GP-PWM-10
will be saved even when the power has been disconnected from
the controller.
Refer to the Battery Charge Prole Chart below for details on
each prole.
5.3 BATTERY CHARGING PROFILE CHART
BATTERY TYPE SEALED/GEL AGM FLOODED
Float Charge @ 25°C 13.7V (+/- 0.1V)
Bulk/Absorption Charge @ 25°C:
Set to 30 minutes every morning. Applied for 1 hour
if the battery voltage drops below 12.3 volts.
Equalization Charge: Applied for 2 hours every 28 days
and if the battery voltage drops below 12.1 volts.
If a charging cycle is unable to complete in a single day, it will continue the following day.
The terms SEALED/GEL, AGM and FLOODED are generic battery designations.
Choose the charging prole that works best based on your battery manufacturer’s recommendations.
14.1V
(+/- 0.1V)
N/A N/A
14.4V
(+/- 0.1V)
14.4V
(+/- 0.1V)
14.9V
(+/-0.1V)
Auto Equalize: The controller has an automatic equalize feature that will charge and recondition your batteries once a month at a
higher voltage to ensure that any excess sulfation is removed.
Note
Auto Equalize is only available when Flooded batteries are selected.
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5.4 MAXIMUM POWER BOOST TECHNOLOGY™
Maximum Power Boost Technology™ (MPBT) allows you to
override the normal charging algorithm of the solar controller.
MPBT is designed to be used before the end of the day, if
you know you will require many loads through the night. This
feature can also be used when you have just installed the solar
controller, to put batteries on a boost charge up to 14.4V
(Flooded and AGM) or 14.1V (Sealed/Gel) right away.
To activate, hold the B Button for 3 seconds. As long as there
is full sunlight present, your battery voltage will be boosted (to
14.4V for Flooded and AGM and 14.1V for SEALED/GEL) for 30
minutes regardless of the battery’s state of charge.
Icons Displayed: BOOST; Battery Symbol
Do not use the Maximum Power Boost
function more than twice a day as it could
damage your batteries due to gassing.
OPERATION
5.5 VIEWING THE CONTROLLER DISPLAY INFORMATION
To toggle between Battery Voltage, PV Charging Current and
Battery State of Charge (SOC), press the B Button.
Push the B Button to show the battery voltage.
Icons Displayed: Battery SOC, Volt Symbol (V)
Push the B Button to show the PV charging current.
Icons Displayed: Arrow, Ampere Symbol (A), Battery SOC
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Push the B Button to show the battery state of charge (shown
as a percentage).
Icons Displayed: Battery SOC, Percent Symbol (%)
5.6 ERRORS
OPERATION
Over Voltage
If the GP-PWM-10 experiences a battery over voltage (15.5V),
the controller will stop operating and the display will begin to
ash with all icons. The controller will resume operating when
the error is cleared.
Icons Displayed: All symbols blinking
Low Voltage
If the battery state of charge reaches 0%, the battery SOC
symbol will show the text “LOW” beneath it. The controller will
continue operating in this condition and will only stop operating if
the battery voltage drops below 6 volts.
Icons Displayed: Battery SOC Symbol, LOW
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6.DISPLAY SYMBOLS
SYMBOL INDICATOR FOR:
Day Time: PV Charge Current
Battery Voltage
Battery State of Charge
Night Time
SEALED
AGM
FLOODED
BOOST
Controller tries to keep battery at Boost Voltage or higher
LOW
Whole display will start to blink Battery Voltage > 15.5V
BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE
Sealed/Gel Battery Type Selected
AGM Battery Type Selected
Flooded Battery Type Selected
USB Charger On
(when charger is off, no symbol will show)
Battery Voltage is lower than 11.0V
Shows only after full Boost or Equalization Cycle
>= 12.6V
< 12.6V and >= 11.8V
100% Shows only after full Boost or Equalization Cycle
90% >= 12.8V
SOC = Battery Voltage -11.0V
1.8V
0% <= 11.0V
[page 10] | gpelectric.com
*90%
<= 11.0V
< 12.8V and > 11.0V
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The GP-PWM-10 controller offers a standard USB connector for
delivering 5V to small mobile appliances such as cell phones,
tablets and small music players. This charging port is capable of
supplying up to 800 mA of current.
Icons Displayed: USB symbol (appears only when port is active)
The controller disables the USB charger automatically if the
battery voltage drops below 11.0V. If there is enough current
from the PV panel/array available to charge the Battery to above
12.8V, the USB terminal will be enabled again.
Do not connect the charging device anywhere
else! USB-Negative contact is connected to
battery negative.
7.USB CHARGING
8.SPECIFICATIONS
8.1 PORTABLE SOLAR KIT SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE MODULE SIZE
(CLOSED)
Module (H) x (W) x (D) (H) x (W) x (D) lbs / kg W V A V A
80W
(2x40W)
120W
(2x60W)
21.57x19.80x2.75 in
548 x 503 x 70 mm
32.44 x 19.8 x 2.75 in
824 x 503 x 70 mm
MODULE SIZE
(OPENED)
21.57 x 39.61 x 1.38 in
548 x 1006 x 35 mm
32.44 x 39.61 x 1.38 in
824 x 1006 x 35 mm
NET
WEIGHT
19.8 lbs / 9 kg 80 18 4.44 21.60 4.79
33 lbs / 15 kg 120 18 6.66 21.60 7.19
MAX
POWER
MAX
POWER
VOLTAGE
MAX
POWER
CURRENT
OPEN
CIRCUIT
VOLTAGE
SHORT
CIRCUIT
CURRENT
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SPECIFICATIONS
8.2 SOLAR CONTROLLER SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION VALUE
Nominal System Voltage 12V
Max. Solar Array Current 10A
Battery Voltage Range 6 - 15.5V
Max. Solar Voltage 28V
Operating Consumption (display backlight on) 15mA
Operating Consumption (display backlight off) 6mA
Bulk/Absorption Voltage (77°F / 25°C), 1 - 2h / Day
Float Voltage (77°F / 25°C) 13.7V
Equalize Charging Voltage (77°F / 25°C)
2h / 28 Day or V < 12.1
Temperature Compensation -13mV/ºF / - 24mV/ºC
USB Charger 5V, 800mA
Operating Temperature - 40 to 185°F / - 40 to 85°C
Display Operating Temperature - 14 to 131°F / - 10 to 55°C
Humidity 99% N.C.
Protection
Dimensions (H x W x D) 3.94 x 4.02 x 1.14 in / 100 x 102 x 29 mm
Weight 6.3 oz / 178 g
Maximum Wire Gauge #4 AWG
Warranty 5 year
Features
The Solar Controller will not charge if the battery is below 6V. The total rated Maximum Power Current (Imp)
Note
of the PV input should not exceed 10A. The GP-PWM-10 will limit PV current above 10A. Although the controller will
accept PV current greater than 10A for a short duration, damage may occur if the controller operates continuously with
greater than 10A PV input.
Sealed/ Gel
14.1V
Battery Reverse Polarity, Solar Array Reverse Polarity, Over Temperature,
PV Short Circuit, Over Current
Accepts 160 watts of solar at 12 volts; 3 battery charging proles;
4 stage charging; monthly equalize option; temperature compensated;
RoHS compliant; Maximum Power Boost TechnologyTM;
display shows: charging current, battery voltage and battery state of charge
AGM
14.4V
14.9V
Flooded
14.4V
Please visit gpelectric.com for the most up-to-date FAQs.
Q1. It seems like my ooded batteries are losing water over time.
A. Flooded batteries may need to have distilled water added periodically to replace uid loss during charging. Excessive water loss
during a short period of time indicates the possibility of overcharging or aging batteries.
Q2. When charging, my ooded batteries are emitting gas.
A. During charging, hydrogen gas is generated within the battery. The gas bubbles stir the battery acid allowing it to receive a more full
state of charge. Ensure batteries are in a well-ventilated space.
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9.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q3. My voltmeter shows a different reading than the GP-PWM-10 display
A. The meter value on the GP-PWM-10 display is an approximate reading intended for indication purposes only. There is an
approximate 0.1 volt inherent error present that may be accentuated when compared with readings from another voltmeter.
There may be a slight difference between the battery voltage displayed on the GP-PWM-10 display and the battery voltage measured
at the battery terminals. When troubleshooting using a voltmeter, check both the battery voltage at the controller terminals and battery
voltage at the battery terminals. If a difference of more than 0.5 volts is noted, this indicates a large voltage drop possibly caused by
loose connections, long wire runs, small wire gauge, faulty wiring, a faulty voltmeter or all the above. Check all connections.
10.TROUBLESHOOTING
How to Read this Section
Troubleshooting Problems is split into three sub-sections, grouped by symptoms involving key components. A multimeter or voltmeter
may be required for some procedures listed.
Topic
Problems with
the Display
Problems with
the Voltage
It is imperative that all electrical precautions outlined in this manual are followed. Even if it appears the system is not
functioning, it should be treated as a fully functioning system generating live power.
Issue Possible Cause How to Tell Remedy
Display is blank Battery or fuse
Display shows
nighttime during
the day
Inaccurate
voltage reading
connection and/or
solar array connection
(daytime only) or battery or
fuse connection
(nighttime only)
Panel is covered by
something; PV panel is
too dirty to supply a high
enough voltage to charge
the battery; PV panel is not
connected
Excessive voltage drop
from batteries to controller
due to loose connections,
small wire gauge or both.
1. Check voltage at controller battery
terminals with a voltmeter. Compare with
voltage reading at the battery terminals.
2. If there is no voltage reading at
controller battery terminals, the problem is
in the wiring between the battery and the
controller. If the battery voltage is lower
than 6 volts the controller will not function.
3. For the solar array, repeat steps 1 and
2 substituting all references to battery
terminals with solar array terminals.
1. Check the panel and ensure it is not
obscured.
2. Check that PV cables are connected to
the controller.
1. Check the voltage at the controller
battery terminals with a voltmeter and
compare with the voltage reading at the
battery terminals.
2. If there is a voltage discrepancy of
more than 0.5V, there is an excessive
voltage drop.
Check all connections from the
controller to the battery including
checking for correct wire polarity.
Check that all connections are clean,
tight, and secure. Ensure the battery
voltage is above 6 volts.
Clean the panel if it is dirty.
Connect PV cables to controller if
not connected.
Check all connections from the
controller to the battery including
checking for correct wire polarity.
Check that all connections are
clean, tight and secure. Shorten the
distance from the controller to battery
or obtain larger gauge wire. It is also
possible to double up the existing
gauge wire (i.e. two wire runs) to
simulate a larger gauge wire.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Topic Issue Possible Cause How to Tell Remedy
Problems with
the Current
Current reading
shows 0A at
daytime, with
clear sunny
skies
Current reading
is less than
expected at
daytime, with
clear sunny
skies
Current is being limited
below 1A as per normal
operation or poor
connection between solar
array and controller.
1. Current is being limited
below 1A as per normal
operation.
2. Incorrect series/parallel
conguration 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.
1. The State of Charge (SOC) screen is
close to 100% and the Sun and Battery
icon are present with an arrow between.
2. With the solar array in sunlight, check
voltage at the controller solar array
terminals with a voltmeter.
3. If there is no reading at the controller
solar array terminals, the problem is
somewhere in the wiring from the solar
array to the controller.
1. Battery State of Charge screen is close
to 100% and the Sun and Battery icon are
present with an arrow in between.
2. Check that the modules and batteries
are congured correctly. Check all wiring
connections.
3. Modules look dirty, overhead object is
shading modules or it is an overcast day
in which a shadow cannot be cast.
4. Disconnect array wires from the
controller. Take a voltage reading between
the positive and negative array wire. A
12-volt array should have an open circuit
voltage between 17 and 22 volts.
Hold down the MAX BOOST Button
for approximately 3 seconds to
activate Maximum Power Boost.
This will allow the controller to charge
batteries to 14.4 +/- 0.1V (ooded
and AGM) or 14.1 +/- 0.1V (Sealed/
Gel) with all current the solar array is
producing.
Check all connections from the
controller to the array including
checking for correct wire polarity.
Check that all connections are clean,
tight and secure. Continue with the
solutions below for additional help on
low current readings.
Reconnect in correct conguration.
Tighten all connections. Check wire
gauge and length of wire run.
If dirty or obstructed, clean modules,
clear obstruction or wait for
conditions to clear.
If the open circuit voltage of a
non-connected 12-volt array is lower
than the manufacturer’s
specications, the module may be
faulty. Contact the Go Power!
Technical Support team as listed in
section 10.1 for assistance.
[page 14] | gpelectric.com
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11.LIMITED WARRANTY
Go Power! warrants the solar panel of the Portable Solar Kit for 25 years, 1 year for the cable and components and 5 years for the
solar controller. This warranty is valid against defects in materials and workmanship. It is not valid against defects resulting from, but
not limited to:
• Misuse and/or abuse, neglect, or accident
• Exceeding the unit’s design limits
• Improper installation, including, but not limited to, improper environmental protection and improper hook-up
• Acts of God, including lightning, oods, earthquakes, re, and high winds
• Damage in handling, including damage encountered during shipment or installation
Visit gpelectric.com for additional product warranty information.
Refer to the troubleshooting or frequently asked questions section in this manual and/or read our “frequently asked questions” on
gpelectric.com to troubleshoot any problem. If trouble persists:
1. Call your Go Power! Technical Support team (1-866-247-6527).
2. Return defective product to place of purchase.
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