User Manual
Contents
1. A multimeter or voltmeter may be required for some procedures listed Itis 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 18 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation 3 Forthe 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 charge2. Go Power User Manual T 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation 2 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation Contents 10 Installation Overview 4 13 Introduction 4 12 Specifications 5 20 Warnings 6 30 Tools and Materials Needed 6 40 Choosinga Location 7 5 0 Installation Instructions 7 60 Wiring Diagram 9 7 0 Operating Instructions 10 71 Power Up 10 72 Setting the Battery Charging Profile 10 73 Battery Charging Profile Chart 74 Maximum Power Boost Technology 12 75 Viewing the Controller Display Information 12 76 Errors 80 Display Symbols 15 90 USB Charging 16 10 0 Frequently Asked Questions FAQs 17 11 0 Troubleshooting Problems 18 11 Problems with the Display 18 112 Problems with Voltage 19 113 Problems with Current 20 120 Limited Warranty 22 121 Repair and Return information 2 3 D 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation 1 0 Installation Overview 14 Introduction 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 us
3. 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 1 1 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation 8 0 Display Symbols Symbol Indicator For Bat tery 1 Day Time PV Charge Current Night Time Voltage Battery State of Charge SEALED Sealed Gel AGM AGM FLOODED Flooded Other Symbols USB Mhen charger a ot o symbol wil show BOOST Controller tries to keep battery at Boost Voltage or higher LOW Battery voltage is lower than 11 0V Whole display will start to blink Battery voltage gt 155V 5 D 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation Battery State of Charge Symbol Battery Voltage Shows only after full Boost or Equalization Cycle gt 1267 gt 11 8 12 6V gt 11 0 11 8 lt 11 0 100 Shows only after Tul Boost or Equalization Cycle 90 gt 1287 _ batte
4. 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 Powerl amp Technical Support team 1 866 247 6527 2 Return defective product to place of purchase 2 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation m 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation GP PWM 10 iMAXIMUM 02015 GO POWERI By Carmanah Technologies MOBI MAN GP PWM 10 VC gpelectric com
5. 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 Remedy Check all connections from the controller to the battery including checking for correct wire polarity Check that all connections are clean 19 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation tight and secure Shorten the distance from the controller to battery 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
6. bove 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 drop 7 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporati
7. check the voltage at the controller solar array terminals with a voltmeter 3 lf 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 1 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 14 4 0 1V Sealed Gel with all current the solar array is producing 2 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 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 20 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation 2 Incorrect series parallel configuration and or wiring connections and or wire gauge 8 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
8. 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 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 8 Clean modules clear obstruction or wait for conditions to clear 4 If the open circuit voltage of a non connected 12 volt module is lower than the manufacturer s specifications the module may be faulty Check tor blown diodes in the solar module junction box which may be shorting the power output of module n 1 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation 12 0 Limited Warranty 1 Carmanah warrants the GP PWM 10 for a period of one 1 year from the date of shipment from its factory This warranty is valid against defects in materials and workmanship for the one 1 year warranty period
9. electricity and when handling and working around batteries Reverse polarity of the battery terminals and array will cause the controller to give a Observe warning tone The controller wil not function correct polarity uniess battery terminals are connected to a battery with proper polarity Failure to correct tis fault could damage the controller The current rating of the solar system Is The Do not exceed sum ofthe Maximum Power Current Imp of gt ODE and max voltage Voc of the PV array and is not to voltage ratings exceed 28V If your solar system exceeds these ratings contact your dealer for a suitable controller alternative 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 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 6 D 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation 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 a
10. es 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 and battery capacity The GP PWM 10 also features Maximum Power Boost Technology for manual bulk charge at any stage of the charge cycle 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation 12 Specifications Description Value Nominal System Voltage 12 Max Solar Array Current 10A amperage is reduced above 00 Battery Voltage Range ev 1557 Max Solar Voltage 28 Operating Consumption 15mA Display backlight on Operating Consumption cma Display backlight off Buk Absorplion Voltage MA ATA AV SealediGel AGM 25 C 775 1 2h Day Flooded Float Voltage 13 7v 570 77 Equalization Voltage 149V 2501777 2h 28 Day or V lt 12 1 Temperature Compensation AP USB charger 5V 800mA Operating Temperature Display Operating 40 to 85 C 40 to 185 1010556 14101317 Temperature Humidity Protection Battery Reverse Polarity Solar Array Reverse Polarity Over Temperature PV Short Circuit Over Current Dimensions HxWxD 100x 102 x 29 mm 3 94 x 4 02 x 1 14 in Weight 1789 6302 Maximum Wire Gauge sawa Warranty 5 years PWM Char
11. ging Charging 4Slage Charging Monthly Equalize opion Displays Charging Current Battery Voltage and Battery State ot Charge Reverse Polarity protected Temperature Compensated RoHS Compliant environmentally sate Accepts up to 160 watts ot solar at 12 vote Maximum Power Boost Technology The total rated Maximum Power Current mp of the PV input should not exceed 10 amps The GP PWM 10 wil imit PV curent above 10 Amps Although the GP PWM 10 will accept PV current greater than 10 Amps for a shot duration damage may occur if the GP PWM 10 operates continuously with greater than 10 Amps of PV input 5 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation 2 0 Warnings Electriy can be very dangerous installation Disconnect all sould be performed by a licensed Power sources e ectrician or qualified personnel Observe all safely procautions of the battery Battery and manufacturer when handling or working wiring safety around batteries When charging batteries produce hydrogen gas which is highly explosive Ensure all connections are igh and secure Wiring Loose connections may generate sparks and connections heat Be sure to check connections one week after installation to ensure they are stil tight Wear protective eyewear and appropriate Work safely clothing during installation Use extreme caution when working with
12. ies 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 the 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 D 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation There may be 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
13. installed the solar controller to put batteries on a boost charge up to 14 4 Flooded and AGM 14 1 for Sealed Gel right away To activate hold the MAK AMP PWM SOLAR CONTROLLER BOOST 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 IMPORTANT Do not use the Maximum Power Boost function more than twice a day as it could damage your batteries due to gassing 75 Viewing the Controller Display Information mada ac saanak 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 2 1 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation GP PWM 10 iMAXIMUM Oca D Push the B Button to show the PV charging current Icons Displayed Arrow Ampere Symbol A Battery SOC Push the B Button to show the battery state of charge shown as a percentage Icons Displayed Battery SOC Percent Symbol 1 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation GP PWM 10 iMAXIMUM 7 6 Errors 10 AMP PWM SOLAR CONTROLLER v 8 s EB AMP PWM SOLAR CONTROLLER Over Voltage If the GP PWM
14. n disconnected from the controller Refer to the Battery Charge Profile Chart below for details on each profile 73 Battery Charging Profile Chart Battery Type SEALED acm FLOODED IGEL Float Gharge 257 WAS Bulkabsorp on Charge GST aov wav Set to 30 minutes every moming Applied for 1 our di ho banen volage drops belaw 123 aa tram Got vols Equalization Chang TT Applied for 2 hours every 28 days and it the NA NA battery voltage drops below 12 1 volts Wen Ta charging cycle Is unable io complete n a single Gay H wil continue ihe following day The terms SEALED GEL AGM and FLOODED are generic battery designations Choose the charging profile that works best with your battery manufacturer s recommendations 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 ore This feature is only available when Flooded batteries are selected n 1 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation GP PWM 10 maximum 7 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
15. on 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 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 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 50 Watt Solar Module 80 Watt Solar Module 14 Wire Gauge 112 Wire Gauge 95 Watt Solar Module 110 Watt Solar Module 125 Watt Solar Module 160 Watt Solar Module 240 Watt Solar Module Terminal Screw Torque 10 Wire Gauge 10 Wire Gauge 10 Wire Gauge 10 Wire Gauge 10 Wire Gauge 16 inch pounds 1 8N m 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 wiring 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
16. ry 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 E 1 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation GP PWM 10 maximum 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 AMP PWM SOLAR CONTROLLER 8 xw CIDI SUB t 72 Setting the Battery Chargi AMP PWM SOLAR CONTROLLER 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 Profile selected will commence the following day after a Power Up refer to the Charging Profile Chart on page 11 for more details ing Profile To select the battery charging Profile press and hold 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 or Flooded 10 1 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation GP 10 AMP PWM SOLAR CONTROLLER To confirm the battery profile 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 bee
17. ry voltage 1107 soc ka 90 lt 12 8 and gt 11 0V 0 lt 11 0 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 small music players This charging port is capable of supplying up to 800 mA current The USB charging port is always active when the USB symbol appears on the display 16 D 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation GP PW maximum 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 wil be enabled again 10 AMP PWM SOLAR CONTROLLER e 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 batter
18. 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 8 D 2015 Carmanah Technologies Corporation maximum 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 four 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 batte
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