2.1 CHOOSING AN INSTALLATION LOCATION

 

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

 

The GP-SB-PWM should be:

 

• Indoors, protected from the weather

• Mounted as close to the battery as possible

• Mounted on a vertical surface to optimize cooling of the unit In an RV, the most common controller location is above the refrigerator.

 

The wire from the solar panel(s) 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.

 

2.2 CHOOSING A BATTERY

 

The GP-SB-PWM is suitable for use with lead acid batteries (Sealed, GEL, or AGM type) as well as some lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries that are supplied with a Battery Management System (BMS). If using lithium ion, it must be lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry with a BMS. Other chemistries with a BMS are compatible if a custom profile is chosen to program specific charging parameters.

 

Lithium batteries typically have maximum allowed charge currents. These maximums typically decrease in cold temperatures. GP-SB-PWM does not limit current for these restrictions, and system design of the solar panel(s) must account for this.

 

Be sure to follow all battery manufacturer safety instructions.

 

2.3 TOOLS AND MATERIALS NEEDED

 

• Flathead Screwdriver (for wire terminals)

• Philips Screwdriver (for mounting screws)

• UV resistant wire (see Note below) If the GP-SB-PWM Controller was purchased with a Go Power! RV Solar Power Kit, then UV resistant wire is included.

 

Note. For instructions regarding the Go Power! RV Solar Panel installation, please refer to the Installation Guide provided with the Kit.