1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW

 

 

1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

 

 

A solar controller, also known as a charge controller or regulator, is a device that regulates the flow of electrical current from a solar panel to a battery or other load. Solar Controller 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 panels. The GP-SB-PWM solar charge controller uses PWM technology and comes in two models: 10A and 30A for 12V systems. Each model features an LCD user interface that displays various data and enables settings adjustment. This second version of the product comes with major changes such as a new mechanical and LCD design. The 30A version also comes with an integrated Bluetooth Low Energy module that allows all the data and settings to be accessible and managed via a mobile app. The GP-SB-PWM solar controller is intended for use at 12 VDC nominal system voltage and is rated for a maximum continuous DC input current of 10A and 30A respectively. The voltage and current ratings of all equipment connected to PV panels must be capable of accepting the voltage and current levels available from PV panels installed in the field. The GP-SB-PWM is suitable for use with lead acid batteries (flooded, GEL, or AGM type) as well as some lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries that are supplied with a Battery Management System (BMS).

 

 

1.2 WHAT’S INCLUDED

 

 

 

1.3 COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

 

 

1.4 SPECIFICATIONS

 

 

 

1.5 BATTERY CHARGING STAGES

 

The charge controller has a 4-stage battery charging algorithm for a rapid, efficient, and safe battery charging. These stages include: Bulk, Absorption, Float, and Equalization. Visit gopowersolar.com/controllers to learn more about charging algorithms.

 

 

 

1.5.1 FIRST STAGE:

 

BULK This algorithm uses 100% of available solar power to recharge the battery and provides the maximum current available based on maximum input current setting. In this stage the battery voltage has not yet reached constant voltage and the controller is delivering the maximum available current to the batteries.

 

1.5.2 SECOND STAGE: ABSORPTION

 

When the battery reaches the constant voltage setpoint as indicated in the chart above, the controller will start to operate in constant voltage charging mode, where it is no longer providing the maximum available current to the battery. The current will drop gradually to maintain the setpoint.

 

1.5.3 THIRD STAGE: FLOAT

 

After the Absorption stage, the controller reduces the current even further so that the battery voltage can reach and be maintained at a lower float voltage set point.

 

1.5.4 FORTH STAGE: EQUALIZATION

 

Equalization is carried out every 30 days by default for flooded batteries or custom batteries if it is enabled. It is intentional overcharging of the battery for a controlled 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.