Programmable Solar Charge Controller with Nightlight Function Solara SR170CX, SR340CX
User Manual English, Page 2
Nightlight Function (continued)
The controller recognizes day and night based on the solar array open
circuit voltage. In Programming Menu 6 this day/night threshold can be
modified according to the requirements of the local conditions and the
solar array used.
Threshold setting range
7.7 / 15.4 V
Switching point day > night
Switching point night > day
4.9 / 9.8V
(factory
setting)
1.0 / 2.0V
Curve of open-circuit voltage solar array
The two voltage levels before/ after the slash are valid for 12 V and 24 V
systems respectively.
To find the right value, we recommend measuring the solar array open
circuit voltage at the time when twilight has reached the level when the
controller should switch on/off. This value (the closest available) can
then be set according to the description in the programming section.
Switching off the Acoustic Signal
The controller has an acoustic signal which indicates the change of the
state of charge. This function can be deactivated in Programming
Menu 7.
Using the interface
The controller comes with a serial interface, which can be connected
to a PC with an optional interface adapter (
adapter manual for details). In Programming Menu 8 the behaviour of
the serial interface can be modified.
Safety Features
The controller is protected against wrong installation or use:
At the battery
At the solar terminal
terminal
Battery
connected with
Unrestricted
Normal operation Unrestricted
correct polarity
Battery
Unrestricted.
connected with
Unrestricted
Acoustic Warning
wrong polarity
Yes, if only the
Yes, not at 24V
battery is
Reverse polarity
connected.
system voltage.
Acoustic Warning
Unrestricted.
CAUTION: Battery
Short circuit
Unrestricted
must be
protected by
fuse.
Controller limits
Overcurrent
-----------------------
current.
Controller is
Thermal overload
electronically
-----------------------
protected.
No connection
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Reverse current
Unrestricted
-----------------------
Overvoltage
Varistor 56 V, 2,3 J Max. 40 V
Controller
Undervoltage
Normal operation
switches off load
terminal.
WARNING: The combination of different error conditions may cause damage to the
controller. Always remove an error before you continue connecting the controller!
Error Description
Error condition
Display
Reason
Battery is low
Overcurrent /
Short circuit of
loads
Controller is
thermally
Loads are not
overloaded
supplied
Flashes
and has
disconnected
the loads.
Battery voltage
too high (>15.5
/ 31.0 V)
Battery wires or
battery fuse
damaged,
battery has
high resistance
Error Description (continued)
Error condition
Battery is flat
after short time
Battery is not
being charged
during daytime
Battery wrong
polarity
Controller limits
solar current
Programming your SRCX
You enter the programming mode with a long push on the button.
The programming menu structure is described in the right column.
Mind that once you have entered the programming menu you can exit
it at the last item only.
We therefore recommend that you first note down your required
settings in the check boxes beside the menu structure and then do the
programming in one go. This makes programming easier and avoids
errors.
-I) (see interface
Solara SRCX
All programming settings are stored in a non-volatile memory and
remain stored even if the controller was disconnected from the battery.
If you want to reset the controller to the factory settings, choose
Programming Menu 9.
Programming lock-out
By pushing the button for 8 sec in normal operation mode the
At the load terminal
programming lock-out is activated to prevent any accidental settings
change. Another 8 sec push releases the lock-out.
General Safety and Usage Recommendations
Intended Use
The charge regulator is intended for use in photovoltaic systems with 12
Unrestricted
V or 24 V nominal voltage. It shall be used with vented or sealed (VRLA)
lead acid batteries only.
Load output is
Safety Recommendations
protected, but
§ Batteries store a large amount of energy. Never short circuit a battery
loads might be
under all circumstances. We recommend connecting a fuse (slow
damaged.
acting type, according to the nominal regulator current) directly to
the battery terminal.
§ Batteries can produce flammable gases. Avoid making sparks, using
Unrestricted
fire or any naked flame. Make sure that the battery room is ventilated.
§ Avoid touching or short circuiting wires or terminals. Be aware that the
voltages on specific terminals or wires can be up to double the
Controller
battery voltage. Use isolated tools, stand on dry ground and keep
switches off load
your hands dry.
terminal.
§ Keep children away from batteries and the charge regulator.
Controller
§ Please observe the safety recommendations of the battery
switches off load
manufacturer. If in doubt, consult your dealer or installer.
terminal.
Liability Exclusion
Unrestricted
The manufacturer shall not be liable for damages, especially on the
-----------------------
battery, caused by use other than as intended or as mentioned in this
Controller
manual or if the recommendations of the battery manufacturer are
switches off load
neglected. The manufacturer shall not be liable if there has been
terminal.
service or repair carried out by any unauthorised person, unusual use,
Controller
wrong installation, or bad system design.
switches off load
Opening case voids warranty.
terminal.
Technical Data
Nominal voltage
Absorption voltage
Equalization voltage
Remedy
Float voltage
Load will
Load disconnect
reconnect as
voltage
soon as battery is
Load reconnect voltage
recharged.
Temperature
compensation
Switch off all
Max. solar panel current
loads. Remove
short circuit.
Max. load current
Controller will
switch on load
Dimensions
automatically
Weight
after max 1
minute.
Max. wire size
Self consumption
Check proper
Ambient temperature
ventilation of
range
controller.
Case protection
After cooling
down the loads
are reconnected
Subject to change without notice. Version:
automatically.
Made in one of the following countries: China – Germany
SOLARA, Hamburg, www.solara.de
Check if other
sources
overcharge the
battery. If not,
controller is
damaged.
Check battery
wires, fuses and
battery.
Display
Reason
Remedy
Battery has low
Change battery
capacity
No up-
Solar array
Check Solar array
moving
faulty or wrong
and wiring
bars
polarity
Battery is
Permanent
Remove reverse
connected with
sound
polarity
reverse polarity
Controller is
Mount controller
thermally
at a location with
overloaded
better ventilation
Solar array
Flashes
exceeds
Check solar array
nominal current
current.
of controller.
12 / 24 V, automatic recognition
14.4 / 28.8 V (25°C), 0.5-2h
14.8 / 29.6 V (25°C), 2 h
13.7 / 27.4 V (25°C)
11.0-12.2 / 22.0 -24.4 V depending on
setting
12.8 / 25.6 V
-4 mV/cell*K
10 / 20 A according to model number @
25°C (without load current at 50°C)
10 / 20 A according to model number @
25°C (without solar current at 50°C)
89 x 90 x 38 mm (w x h x d)
168 gr
16 mm² (AWG #6)
4 mA
-25 to + 50 °C
IP 22
Solara SRCX
State of Charge
Main Menu
Display Menu
Programming Menu (flashing)
Battery type
liquid electrolyte
(1)
Battery typ
GEL (VRLA)
Load on/off
(2)
Low voltage disconnect
current compensated
11.4 - 11.9 V
Low voltage disconnect
current compensated
11.0 - 11.75 V
Short push
< 1 Second
LVD current compensated /
adaptive 11.0 - 12.2 V
Long push
> 1 Second
Low voltage disconnect
11.5 V
Low voltage disconnect
11.0 V
Nightlight function OFF
(3)
Nightlight function
DUSK TO DAWN
Nightlight function
EVENING/MORNING
Nightlight function
(4)
EVENING OFF
Nightlight function
EVENING 1 HR
Nightlight function
EVENING 2 HRS
Nightlight function
EVENING 3 HRS
Nightlight function
EVENING 4 HRS
Nightlight function
EVENING 5 HRS
Nightlight function EVENING
TO 4 HRS before mid of night
Nightlight function EVENING
TO 3 HRS before mid of night
Nightlight function EVENING
TO 2 HRS before mid of night
Nightlight function EVENING
TO 1 HR before mid of night
Nightlight function EVENING
TO mid of night
Nightlight function
(5)
MORNING OFF
Nightlight function
MORNING 1 HR
Nightlight function
MORNING 2 HRS
Nightlight function
MORNING 3 HRS
Nightlight function
MORNING 4 HRS
Nightlight function
MORNING 5 HRS
Nightlight function MORNING
FROM 2 HRS after mid of night
Nightlight function MORNING
FROM 3 HRS after mid of night
Nightlight function MORNING
FROM 4 HRS after mid of night
Nightlight function MORNING
FROM 5 HRS after mid of night
Nightlight function MORNING
FROM 6 HRS after mid of night
(6)
Day/Night threshold
1.0 / 2.0 V Solar voltage
Day/Night threshold
1.6 / 3.1 V
Day/Night threshold
2.1 / 4.2 V
Day/Night threshold
2.7 / 5.4 V
Day/Night threshold
3.2 / 6.5 V
Day/Night threshold
3.8 / 7.6 V
Day/Night threshold
4.4 / 8. V
Day/Night threshold
4.9 / 9.8 V Solarspannung
Day/Night threshold
5.5 / 11.0 V
Day/Night threshold
6.0 / 12.1 V
Day/Night threshold
6.6 / 13.2 V
Day/Night threshold
7.2 / 14.3 V
Day/Night threshold
7.7 / 15.4 V
(7)
Buzzer ON
Buzzer OFF
Serial interface EXCESS
(8)
ENERGY & CURRENT DATA
Serial interface EXCESS
ENERGY & DATALOGGER
Serial interface
BIDIRECTIONAL NO EXCESS
ENERGY
(9)
Keep individual settings
Reset to factory preset
Setting
Factory
Your
e
Solar voltage
Solar voltage
Solar voltage
Solar voltage
Solar voltage
8
Solar voltage
Solar voltage
Solar voltage
Solar voltage
Solar voltage
Solar voltage
Date of your
own settings: