Go Power! GP-PWM-30 User Manual

Solar Controller

GP-PWM-30

Owner’s Manual

September 2012

Solar Controller

GP-PWM-30

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September 2012

Solar Controller

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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

8.3 Problems with Current 17

9.0 Limited Warranty 19

9.1 Repair and Return Information 19

10.0 Glossary 20

11.0 Installation Template 21

12.0 Wiring Diagram 23

September 2012

Solar Controller

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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.

The GP-PWM-30 is a 12 volt flush mounted photovoltaic (PV) charge controller rated for a continuous solar current input of 30 amps. The GPPWM-30 uses pulse width modulation technology and a unique four stage charging system and optional equalize setting to charge and protect your battery bank. The GP-PWM-30 features an LCD digital display that shows solar array charge current, system battery voltage and battery capacity.

September 2012

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Description

Value

Dimensions (H x W x D):

107 x 190 x 35 mm

4.25 x 7.5 x 1.38 in

Weight: 172 grams 6 oz Maximum Wire Gauge: #6 AWG Warranty: 5 years

 PWM Charging  3 Battery Charging profiles  4 Stage Charging  Monthly Equalize option  Displays Charging Current,

Battery Voltage and Battery State of Charge

 Reverse Polarity protected  Temperature Compensated  RoHS Compliant,

environmentally safe

 Accepts over 400 Watts of

solar at 12 volts

Nominal System Voltage

12V

Max. Solar Array Current

30 amps

Battery Voltage Range

6V – 15.5V

Max. Solar Voltage

28V

Operating Consumption Display Consumption

6mA

10mA

Absorption Voltage

14.1/14.4V

(25°C / 77°F), 1 - 2h / Day

Float Voltage

13.7 (25°C / 77°F)

Equalization Voltage

14.8V (25°C / 77°F),

2h / 28 Day or V < 12.1

Temperature Compensation

- 4mV/cell*K

Operating Temperature Display Operating Temperature

- 40 to 85°C / - 40 to 185°F

- 20 to 55°C / - 4 to 131°F

Humidity

99% N.C.

Protection

Battery Reverse Polarity, Solar Array Reverse Polarity, Over Temperature, PV Short

Circuit, Over Current

The total rated Maximum Power Current (Imp) of the PV

input should not exceed 30 Amps.

The GP-PWM-30 will limit PV current above 30 Amps.

Although the GP-PWM-30 will accept PV current greater

than 30 Amps for a short duration, damage may occur if the

GP-PWM-30 operates continuously with greater than 30

Amps of PV input.

1.2 Specifications

Solar Controller

GP-PWM-30

September 2012

Solar Controller

Disconnect all power sources

Electricity can be very dangerous. Installation should be performed only by a licensed electrician or qualified personnel.

Battery and wiring safety

Observe all safety precautions of the battery manufacturer when handling or working around batteries. When charging, batteries produce hydrogen gas, which is highly explosive.

Wiring connections

Ensure all connections are tight and secure. Loose connections may generate sparks and heat. Be sure to check connections one week after installation to ensure they are still tight.

Work safely

Wear protective eyewear and appropriate clothing during installation. Use extreme caution when working with electricity and when handling and working around batteries.

Observe correct polarity

Reverse polarity of the battery terminals will cause the controller to give a warning tone. Reverse connection of the array will not cause an alarm but the controller will not function. Failure to correct this fault could damage the controller.

Do not exceed the GP-PWM-30 Amp current and max voltage ratings

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 30A. 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.

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GP-PWM-30

2.0 Warnings

September 2012

Solar Controller

If the GP-PWM-30 Controller was purchased with a Go Power! RV Solar Power Kit then UV resistant wire is included. For instructions regarding the Go Power! RV Solar Power Kit installation, please refer to the Installation Guide provided with the Kit.

 Drill with 3/32” and 3/8 bits

 UV Wire (Solar Array to

GP-PWM-30)*

 Keyhole or Jigsaw

 Battery Wire (GP-PWM-

30 to Battery)*

 Phillips Screwdriver

 Wire Cutters

 Pencil or Marking Implement

 Wire Strippers

 Torque wrench (optional)

 Electrical Tape

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GP-PWM-30

3.0 Tools and Materials Needed

4.0 Choosing a Location

The GP-PWM-30 is designed to be mounted flush against a wall, out of the way but easily visible. The GP-PWM-30 should be:

 mounted as close to the battery as possible.  mounted on a vertical surface to optimize cooling of the unit.  indoors, protected from the weather.

In a RV, the most common controller location is above the refrigerator. The wire from the solar array most commonly enters the RV through the fridge vent on the roof. PV connections should connect directly to the controller. Positive and negative battery connections must connect directly from the controller to the batteries. Use of a positive or negative distribution bus is allowed between the controller and battery as long as it is properly sized, electrically safe and an adequate wire size is maintained.

September 2012

Solar Controller

50 Watt

#14 Wire Gauge

80 Watt

#12 Wire Gauge

95 Watt

#10 Wire Gauge

110 Watt

#10 Wire Gauge

125 Watt

#10 Wire Gauge

160 Watt

#10 Wire Gauge

240 Watt

#10 Wire Gauge

Terminal Screw Torque

16 inch pounds (1.8N.m)

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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. Otherwise, follow manufacturer’s instructions for solar module mounting and wiring.

3. Select wire type and gauge. If this GP-PWM-30 was purchased as part of a Go Power! Solar Power Kit, appropriate wire type, gauge, and length is provided. Please continue to Section 6, “Operating Instructions.” If the GP-PWM-30 was purchased separately, follow the instructions included here.

Wire type is recommended to be a stranded copper UV resistant wire. Wire fatigue and the likelihood of a loose connection are greatly reduced in stranded wire compared to solid wire. Wire gauge should be able to sustain rated current as well as minimizing voltage drop.

Suggested Minimum Wire Gauge

(Cable length 25 ft max. from solar array to battery bank)

IMPORTANT: Identify the polarity (positive and negative) on the cable used for the battery and solar module. Use colored wires or mark the wire ends with tags. Although the GP-PWM-30 is protected, a reverse polarity contact may damage the unit.

September 2012

+ 16 hidden pages

Go Power! GP-PWM-30 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual