Go Power MAXIMUM GP-PWM-10 User Manual

GP-PWM-10

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User Manual

© 2017 Go Power!®

GP-PWM-10

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GP-PWM-10

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Contents

1.0 Installation Overview 4

1.1 Introduction 4

1.2 Specifications 5

2.0 Warnings 6

3.0 Tools and Materials Needed 6

4.0 Choosing a Location 7

5.0 Installation Instructions 7

6.0 Wiring Diagram 9

7.0 Operating Instructions 10

7.1 Power Up 10

7.2 Setting the Battery Charging Profile 10

7.3 Battery Charging Profile Chart 11

7.4 Viewing the Controller Display Information 12

7.5 Resetting the ampere hours charged 14

7.6 Errors 14

8.0 Display Symbols 15

9.0 USB Charging 16

10.0 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 17

11.0 Troubleshooting Problems 18

11.1 Problems with the Display 18

11.2 Problems with Voltage 19

11.3 Problems with Current 20

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12.0 Limited Warranty 22

12.1 Repair and Return Information 22

1.0 Installation Overview

1.1 Introduction

A Solar Controller (or Charge Controller / Regulator) is an essential
component of your photovoltaic solar 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-10 is a 12-volt photovoltaic (PV) charge controller rated
for a continuous solar current input of 10 amps. The GP-PWM-10 uses
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology and a unique four stage
charging system that includes an optional equalize setting to charge and
protect your battery bank. The GP-PWM-10 features an LCD digital
display that shows the charge current of the solar array, system battery
voltage, battery capacity and number of amp hours charged.

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Description

Value

Dimensions

Battery Voltage Range

6V – 15.5V

Max. Solar Voltage

28V

(Display backlight on)

(Display backlight off)

Flooded)

12.3

Float Voltage

13.7V (25°C / 77°F), 14.0V(LFP)

(Flooded only)

2h / 28 Day or V < 12.1

Temperature Compensation

- 24mV/ºC / -13V/ºF

USB charger

5V, 800mA

Temperature

Humidity

99% N.C.

continuously with great er th an 10 Amps of PV input.

1.2 Specifications

Nominal System Voltage 12V

Max. Solar Array Current

Operating Consumption

Operating Consumption

Bulk/Absorption Voltage
(Sealed/Gel, AGM/LFP,

Equalization Voltag e

Operating Temperature
Display Operating

Protection Battery Reverse Polarity, Solar Array

10A (amperage is reduced above 50°C)

15mA

6mA

14.1/14.4/14.4V

(25°C / 77°F), 30min / Day or V <

14.9V (25°C / 77°F),

- 40 to 85°C / - 40 to 185°F

- 10 to 55°C / 14 to 131°F

Reverse Polarity, Over Temperature,

PV Short Circuit, Over Current

GP-PWM-10

(H x W x D):

100 x 102 x 29 mm

3.94 x 4.02 x 1.14 in
Weight: 178 g / 6.3 oz

Maximum Wire Gauge:
#4 AWG
Warranty: 5 years

• PWM Charging

• 4 Battery Charging

profiles

• 4 Stage Charging

• Monthly Equalize

option

• Displays Charging
Current, Battery
Voltage, Battery State
of Charge, and Ah
charged since last
reset

• Reverse Polarity
protected

• Temperature
Compensated

• RoHS Compliant,
environmentally safe

• Accepts up to 160
watts of solar at 12
volts

•

The total rated Maximum Power Current (Imp) of the PV input should not exceed 10 amps.

The GP-PWM-10 will limit PV current above 10 Amps. Although the GP-PWM-10 will accept PV
current greater than 10 Amps for a short duration, damage may occur if the GP-PWM-10 operates

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Electricity can be very dangerous. Installation

Observe all safety precautions of the battery

explosive.

Ensure all connections are tight and secure.

after installation to ensure they are still tight.

Wear protective eyewear and appropriate

when handling and working around batteries.

Reverse polarity of the battery terminals and

this fault could damage the controller.

The current rating of the solar system is the

suitable controller alternative.

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2.0 Warnings

`

Disconnect all
power sources

Battery and
wiring safety

Wiring
connections

Work safely

Observe
correct polarity

Do not exceed
the GP-PWM-10
Amp current
and max
voltage ratings

should be performed only by a licensed
electrician or qualified personnel.

manufacturer when handling or working
around batteries. When charging, batteries
produce hydrogen gas, which is highly

Loose connections may generate sparks and
heat. Be sure to check connections one week

clothing during installation. Use extreme
caution when working with electricity 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

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

3.0 Tools and Materials Needed

• Flathead Screwdriver (for wire terminals)

• Philips Screwdriver (for mounting screws)

If the GP-PWM-10 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 prov ided w ith the Kit .

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4.0 Choosing a Location

The GP-PWM-10 is designed to be mounted against a wall, out of the
way but easily visible.

The GP-PWM-10 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 an 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 or by using the Go Power! Cable Entry Plate (sold
separately) that allows installers to run wires through any part of 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.

5.0 Installation Instructions

1. Complete the installation of the solar modules. If this

GP-PWM-10 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.

2. Select wire type and gauge. If this GP-PWM-10 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-10 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 and minimize voltage dr op.

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GP-PWM-10

50 Watt Solar Module

#14 Wire Gauge

80 Watt Solar Module

#12 Wire Gauge

95 Watt Solar Module

#10 Wire Gauge

100 Watt Solar Module

#10 Wire Gauge

160 Watt Solar Module

#10 Wire Gauge

170 Watt Solar Module

#10 Wire Gauge

Terminal Screw Torque

16 inch pounds (1.8N.m)

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Wire Strip Gauge

You will find a strip gauge diagram
on the back of the GP-PWM-10,
which helps you to strip your wires
to the correct length. Insert wire
into the concave slot of the strip
gauge until it meets the back of the
Strip Gauge slot. Mark the length of
wire from the back of the Strip
Gauge slot to the edge of the
controller with a pen or your finger
and strip all wires to be connected
to the controller to this length.

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-10 is protected, a reverse
polarity contact may damage the unit.

Wiring the GP-PWM-10. Wire the GP-PWM-10 according to the w irin g
schematic in Section 6. Run wires from the solar array and the batteries
to the location of the GP-PWM-10. Keep the solar array covered with an
opaque material until all wiring is completed.

3. Torque all terminal screws to 16 inch pounds (1.8N.m).
Connect the battery wiring to the controller first and then connect
the battery wiring to the battery.

IMPORTANT: Always use appropriate circuit protection on any
conductor attached to a battery.

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With battery power attached, the controller should power up and
display information. Connect the solar wiring to the controller and
remove the opaque material from the solar array. The negative
solar array and battery wiring must be connected directly to the
controller for proper operation. Do not connect the negative solar
array or negative battery controller wiring to the chassis of the
vehicle.

4. Mounting the GP-PWM-10. Mount the GP-PWM-10 to the wall
using the included two mounting screws.

IMPORTANT: You must set the battery type on the GP-PWM-10
before you begin to use the controller (follow steps in Section 7). The

default battery setting is for AGM batteries.

Congratulations, your GP-PWM-10 should now be
operational. If the battery power is low and the solar array
is producing power, your battery should begin to charge.

5. Re-torque: After 30 days of operation, re-torque all terminal
screws to ensure the wires are properly secured to the controller.

6.0 Wiring Diagram

The GP-PWM-10 is based on a 10
amp max input from the solar
modules. Use the wiring diagram
to connect your battery to the
battery terminals on the solar
controller. First, connect the
battery to the controller, and then
connect the solar panel to the
controller.

The fuse or breaker
used should be no

larger than 10 amps.

The controller will not work unless
there is a battery connected to the
battery terminals.

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GP-PWM-10

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7.0 Operating Instructions

7.1 Power Up

When the GP-PWM-10 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-PWM­10 Power Up occurs, the
controller may do a Boost
Charge or quickly go into
Float Charge. The Charging
Profile selected will
commence the following day
after a Power Up (refer to the
Charging Profile Chart on
page 11 for more details).

7.2 Setting the Battery Charging Profile

To select the battery charging
profile, press and ho ld the B
Button. This will cause the
current battery type to flash.

Then, press the B Button to
toggle through the profile
options: Sealed/Gel,
AGM/LiFePO

4 or Flooded.

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SEALED

Float Charge @ 25°C:

13.7V (+/- 0.1V)

N/A

Bulk/Absorption Charge @ 25°C:

14.1V

14.4V

14.4V

Equalization Charge @ 25°C:

V

Absorption Charge voltage for

N/A

14.0VDC

If a charging cycle is unable to complete in a single day, it will continue the following day. The

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To confirm the battery profile,
press and hold the A Button
for 3 seconds.

Non-volatile memory: Any
settings made on the GP­PWM-10 will be saved even
when the power has been
disconnected from the
controller.

Refer to the Battery Charge
Profile Chart below for details
on each profile.

7.3 Battery Charging Profile Chart

Battery Type

Set to 30 minutes every morning.

Applied for 2 hours if the battery
voltage drops below 12.3 volts.

Applied for 2 hours every 28 days
and if the battery voltage drops
below 12.1 volts.

LiFePO4:
Set to 30 minutes every morning

Float Charge voltage for LiFePO4:

terms SEALED/GEL, AGM, FLOODED and LFP are generic battery designations. Choose the
charging profile that works best with your battery manufacturer’s recommendations.

/GEL

(+/- 0.1V)

N/A N/A

AGM FLOODED LFP

(+/-

0.1V)

N/A 14.4VDC

(+/- 0.1V)

14.9

(+/-0.1V)

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N/A

N/A

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Auto Equalize: The GP-PWM-10 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.

This feature is only available when Flooded batteries are
selected.

7.4 Viewing the Controller Display Information

To toggle between Battery Voltage, PV Charging Current, Battery State of
Charge (SOC) and ampere hours charged since last reset, 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 (%)

Push the B Button to show the
number of amp hours charged
since the last reset.

Icons Displayed: Amp hours
charged, Amp hour symbol (Ah)
or Kiloamp hour symbol (kAh)

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7.5 Resetting the ampere hours charged

To reset the count of ampere hours charged, toggle to the ampere hours
charged. Press and hold the A Button for 6 seconds to reset the counter
to zero.

7.6 Errors

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
flash with all icons. The
controller will resume operating
when the error is cleared.

Icons Displayed: All symbols

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 voltage drops
below 6 volts.

Icons Displayed: Battery SOC
Symbol, LOW

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Symbol

Indicator For:

SEALED

Sealed/Gel

AGM

AGM/LFP

FLOODED

Flooded

Controller tries to keep battery at

Whole display will start to blink

Battery voltage > 15.5V

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8.0 Display Symbols

Day Time: PV Charge Current

Night Time

Battery Voltage

Battery State of Charge

Other Symbols

USB charger on

(When charger is off, no symbol will show)

BOOST

Boost Voltage or higher

LOW Battery voltage is lower than 11.0V

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Symbol

Battery Voltage

Shows on l y after full Boost
or Equalization Cycle

 =

  − 11.0

1.8

∗ 90%

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Battery State of Charge

Shows only after full Boost
or Equalization Cycle

>= 12.6V

>= 11.8 -12.6V

> 11.0 -11.8V

<= 11.0V

100%

9.0 USB Charging

The GP-PWM-10 offers a standard USB connector for delivering 5V to
small mobile appliances such as cell phones, tablets or small music
players. This charging port is capable of supplying up to 800 mA of
current.

The USB charging port is always active when the USB symbol appears
on the display.

90% >= 12.8V

< 12.8V and > 11.0V

0% <= 11. 0V

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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.

Warning: Do not connect the
charging device anywhere
else! USB-Negative contact
is connected to battery
negative.

10.0 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. Please visit gpelectric.com for the most up-to-date
FAQs.

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. Excessive water loss during a short
period of time indicates the possibility of overcharging or aging batteries.

When charging, my flooded batteries are emitting gas.
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. Important: Ensure batteries are in a well-ventilated space.

My voltmeter shows a different reading than th e GP-PWM-10 display

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.

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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 GP-PWM-10 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. Consult the Suggested Minimum Wire Gauge
chart in Section 5 for wiring suggestions and check all connections.

11.0 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.

It is imperative all electrical precautions stated in the Warning Section
and outlined in the Installation Section are followed. Even if it appears
the system is not functioning, it should be treated as a fully functioning
system generating live power.

11.1 Problems with the Display

Display Reading: Blank

Time of Day: Daytime/Nighttime

Possible Causes:

Battery or fuse connection and/or solar array connection
(Daytime only) or battery or fuse connection (Nighttime only).

How to tell:

1. Check the voltage at the controller battery terminals with a
voltmeter and compare with a voltage reading at the battery
terminals.

2. If there is no voltage reading at the 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.

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3. For the solar array, repeat steps 1 and 2 substituting all battery
terminals with solar array terminals.

Remedy:

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.

Display Reading: Nighttime
Time of Day: Daytime

Possible Causes:

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.

Remedy:

Check the panel and to ensure it is not obscured. Clean the panel if it is
dirty. Check that PV cables are connected to the controller.

11.2 Problems with Voltage

Voltage Reading: Inaccurate
Time of Day: Daytime/Nighttime

Possible Cause:

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.

2. If there is a voltage discrepancy of more than 0.5 V, there is an
excessive voltage drop.

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Remedy:

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.

11.3 Problems with Current

Current Reading: 0 A
Time of Day: Daytime, clear sunny skies

Possible Cause:

Current is being limited below 1 Amp as per normal operation or
poor connection between solar array and controller.

How to tell:

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 the 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.

Remedy:

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 lo w
current readings.

Current Reading: Less than expected
Time of Day: Daytime, clear sunny skies

Possible Causes:

(1) Current is being limited below 1 Amp as per normal operation.

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(2) Incorrect series/paral lel c onf iguration 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.

How to tell:

(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 configured 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.

Avoid any shading no matter how small. An object as
small as a broomstick held across the solar module may
cause the power output to be reduced. Overcast days
may also cut the power output of the module.

(4) Disconnect one or both array wires from the controller. Take a
voltage reading between the positive and negative array wire. A single
12 volt module should have an open circuit voltage between 17 and 22
volts. If you have more than one solar module, you will need to conduct
this test between the positive and negative terminals of each module
junction box with either the positive or the negative wires disconnected
from the terminal.

Remedy:

(2) Reconnect in correct configuration. Tighten all connections. Check
wire gauge and length of wire run. Refer to Suggested Minimum Wire
Gauge in Section 5.

(3) Clean modules, clear obstruction or wait for conditions to clear.
(4) If the open circuit voltage of a non-c onn ec ted 12 volt m odule is lower

than the manufacturer’s specifications, the module may be faulty. Check
for blown diodes in the solar module junction box, which may be shorting
the power output of module.

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12.0 Limited Warranty

1. Go Power! warrants the GP-PWM-10 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. 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, floods, earthquakes, fire,

and high winds

• Damage in handling, including damage encountered during

shipment

2. This warranty shall be considered void if the warranted product is
in any way opened or altered. The warranty will be void if any
eyelet, rivets, or other fasteners used to seal the unit are
removed or altered, or if the unit’s serial number is in any way
removed, altered, replaced, defaced, or rendered illegible.

12.1 Repair and Return Information

Visit www.gpelectric.com to read the “frequently asked questions”
section of our website to troubleshoot the 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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