10.
USING THE SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER
The solar charge controller or charge regulator is designed to protect batteries from
overcharge and excessive discharge when being charged by the solar panel. The
controller functions to automatically assure the battery is fully charged and keep the
battery fully charged without damages to the battery.
• Do not exceed the maximum input ratings.
• Do not misconnect battery, solar panel and load, as this could cause reverse polarity.
Avoid contact with water.
• Use only with 12V batteries. Do not connect with damaged batteries.
Follow these instructions:
Connect the solar panel, 12V rechargeable battery and application (if any), as shown in
the illustration. Always connect the battery first.
When the solar panel is connected to the solar charge controller, the CHARGING
(yellow) LED will light to show that the 12V rechargeable battery is receiving a charge
from the solar panel.
11.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The solar panel does not have an ON/OFF switch. The On and Off commands are
controlled by placing the solar panel in the sun only after the battery connections have
been made.
You MUST disconnect the solar panel from the 12 volt power outlet or battery when
starting the engine or driving the vehicle. Electrical surges from the alternator when
starting and running may damage the solar panel.
NOTE: The clips and 12V output are always live.
Charging and Maintaining a battery
1. Ensure that all of the solar panel components are in place and in good working
condition. For example, make sure the plastic boots are on the battery clips.
2. Decide whether you are going to use the 12 volt accessory plug or the 50 Amp
battery clips to connect the solar controller to the vehicle. Connect the proper cable
to the solar controller, making sure the connection is secure.
• If using the 12 volt accessory plug, plug the connector into the vehicle's power
outlet making sure the connection is secure.
• If using the 50 Amp battery clips, connect the battery, following the precautions
listed in sections 6 and 7.
3. Place the solar panel in the sun. For optimum solar panel output, face the front (glass)
side of the solar panel towards the sun, making sure there are no shadows being cast
on the panel by the vehicle or other objects. The best orientation to place the solar
panel is in a south to north direction with the panel tilted at a suitable angle. The best
angle would be the same as your local latitude.
4. To disconnect, reverse the procedure.
Connect and disconnect battery lead only when solar panel and load
are disconnected.
NOTE: It is normal for the green and yellow LED to flicker back and forth
during normal operation.
The charge controller provides the following protections for the
whole system:
1. Charging: When the CHARGING (Yellow) LED is lit, the regulator is
charging the battery.
2. Over-discharge protection: When the LOW VOLTAGE (Red) LED is
lit, the charge regulator will shut off the power output to prevent damage
to the battery.
3. Overcharge protection: When the HIGH VOLTAGE (Green) LED is lit,
the regulator will shut off power input from solar panel to the battery.
The solar regulator can be mounted through its three mounting holes.
This solar panel must be properly assembled in accordance with the
assembly instructions before it is used.
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