1. Introduction
The PowMr MPPT Solar Charge Controller is an advanced maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology-based device designed for solar systems. It features a high-performance DSP controller, ensuring fast digital signal processing and a tracking efficiency of 99.9%. This controller is suitable for various battery types, including sealed lead-acid, vented gel, and lithium batteries, and automatically recognizes 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V battery banks. It offers comprehensive protection functions and a user-friendly LCD display for easy monitoring and configuration.
Figure 1: PowMr MPPT Solar Charge Controller Models (20A-40A and 60A)
2. Safety Precautions
To ensure safe operation and prevent damage to the battery or controller, please observe the following precautions:
- Always connect the battery first before connecting the solar panel.
- After connecting the battery, set the system parameters (including system voltage and battery type) before connecting the solar panel. Failure to follow this order may damage the battery.
- This MPPT series controller is a common positive controller. The positive poles of the PV array, battery, and load can be grounded simultaneously.
- If an inverter or other high-current load is used in the system, connect the inverter directly to the battery. Do NOT connect it to the controller's load terminal.
- For lithium batteries, it is crucial to set the system voltage first, and then configure the corresponding battery type.
3. Package Contents
The package typically includes:
- 1 x PowMr MPPT Solar Charge Controller (60A model)
- 1 x User Manual (English)
Figure 2: Product Packaging and Contents
4. Setup
4.1. Wiring Precautions
Follow these steps to connect the cables and install the controller:
- Connect Batteries: Ensure the battery is connected first.
- Connect the Load: Connect your DC loads to the controller.
- Connect the Solar Panels: Connect the solar PV array to the controller.
- Connect the Inverter (Optional): If using an inverter, connect it directly to the battery. This step can be ignored if no inverter is used.
Figure 3: Simplified Solar Energy System Wiring Diagram
Figure 4: Detailed System Connection Diagram
4.2. Initial Setup
Upon powering on the controller, the LCD screen will display a boot sequence:
- Starting Interface: The LCD will be detected.
- Battery Voltage Interface: Displays the current battery voltage.
- Software Revision: Shows the controller's software version.
Important Note: From the first interface, long-press the "MENU" button for 3 seconds to enter the secondary interface. If no action is taken for 15 seconds, it will automatically revert to the first interface.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. LCD Screen Overview
The LCD screen provides real-time information about your solar system. Key indicators include:
- PV: Solar panel status.
- MPPT: Maximum Power Point Tracking active.
- Battery: Battery status and type (LiPo, LiFe).
- Load: Load status.
- Voltage (V), Current (A), Power (W), Temperature (°C), Amp-hours (AH): Various system parameters.
Figure 5: LCD Screen Display
5.2. Status Introduction
The LCD icons indicate the following statuses:
| Item | Icon | Status |
|---|---|---|
| PV array | Day / Night, Charging, Uncharged / Battery capacity | Indicates solar panel activity and charging state. |
| Battery | LiPo / LiFe | Displays the selected battery type. |
| Load | Load on / Load off | Shows whether the load is active or inactive. |
5.3. Button Definition
The controller features two main buttons for navigation and settings:
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| MENU | Short Press: Switches down through options. Long Press (3 seconds): Enters the next interface. |
| SET | Short Press: Switches up through options. Long Press (3 seconds): Exits without saving changes. |
5.4. Load Switch On/Off
To toggle the load on or off, short press the "SET" button. This function is available in any load operating mode when on the main display page.
5.5. Main Loop Pages
After power-on, the LCD displays the main page. Use short presses of the "MENU" or "SET" buttons to cycle through the main loop pages, which include:
- Main page (current status)
- Battery temperature
- Charging current
- Discharging current
- Accumulated charging AH
- Accumulated discharging AH
5.6. Setting Pages
To access the setting pages, long-press the "MENU" button for 3 seconds from the main page. Use short presses of "MENU" or "SET" to navigate between different setting parameters. To save changes, long-press "MENU" for 3 seconds. To exit without saving, long-press "SET" for 3 seconds.
Setting pages include parameters such as: Resume charge, Constant voltage charge (CV), Equalization charge, Absorption charge, System voltage, Battery type, Low voltage recovery, Low voltage protection, Float charge voltage, Temperature compensation, and Load working mode.
5.7. Battery Type Configuration
From the setting pages, navigate to the battery type selection. Long-press "MENU" for 3 seconds to enter the battery type selection. Use short presses of "MENU" or "SET" to choose from:
- Lead-acid battery custom (USE 1)
- Colloidal lead acid battery (GEL)
- Sealed lead acid battery (SLD)
- Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Battery (FLD)
- 4S LiFePO4 battery (4*3.2)
- 5S LiFePO4 battery (5*3.2)
- 3S Lithium-ion battery (3*3.7)
- 4S Lithium-ion battery (4*3.7)
- Lithium battery custom (USE 2)
For lithium batteries, you can also set the capacity by long-pressing "MENU" for 3 seconds on the lithium battery page until parameters flash, then use "MENU" or "SET" to adjust. Remember to save by long-pressing "MENU" for 3 seconds.
5.8. System Voltage Setting
After configuring the battery type, proceed to the system voltage setting page. The "AUTO" option enables automatic detection of the system voltage. To manually set the voltage (12V or 24V), long-press "MENU" for 3 seconds until "AUTO" flashes, then use short presses of "MENU" or "SET" to select the desired voltage.
5.9. Battery Parameters of Different Types
Refer to the tables in the Specifications section for detailed charging voltage parameters for various battery types, especially if using custom battery settings (USE1/USE2).
5.10. Load Working Mode
The controller offers four load working modes:
- LD1 (Regular mode): The load operates normally and can be manually turned on or off.
- LD2 (Light control mode): The load automatically turns on at dusk and turns off at dawn.
- LD3 (Light & time control mode): The load turns on after dark for a set duration and turns off before dawn. The controller automatically identifies dark and light conditions.
- LD4 (Reverse light control mode): The load automatically turns on at dawn and turns off at dark.
For LD3 mode, you can configure the duration of DC output. In light control modes (LD2, LD3, LD4), the controller will start or stop the load with approximately a 30-second delay after light detection changes.
5.11. PV Voltage Page
To view the PV voltage, long-press the "SET" button for 3 seconds to switch between the main page and the PV voltage display page.
5.12. Setting Equalization Charging Duration
From the main page, navigate to the equalization charging page. Long-press "MENU" for 3 seconds until the parameter flashes. Continue pressing for 3 seconds to enter the duration setting page. Use short presses of "MENU" or "SET" to increase or decrease the duration.
5.13. Setting Absorption Charging Duration
Similar to equalization charging, navigate to the absorption charging page from the main page. Long-press "MENU" for 3 seconds until the parameter flashes. Continue pressing for 3 seconds to enter the duration setting page. Use short presses of "MENU" or "SET" to increase or decrease the duration.
6. Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your PowMr MPPT Solar Charge Controller, regular maintenance is recommended:
- Keep the controller clean and free from dust and debris.
- Ensure proper ventilation around the unit to prevent overheating. The controller uses forced air cooling, so keep vents clear.
- Periodically check all wiring connections for tightness and corrosion.
- Inspect the unit for any signs of physical damage.
7. Troubleshooting
7.1. Protection Functions
The controller is equipped with several protection features:
| Protection | Condition | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panel reversed | Solar panel connected with reverse polarity (if battery is not connected). | Controller is not damaged. |
| Battery is reversed | Battery connected with reverse polarity (if PV is unconnected). | Controller is not damaged. |
| Battery over-voltage | Battery voltage reaches the over-voltage point. | Stops charging and discharging. |
| Battery over-discharge | Battery voltage drops below the under-voltage point. | Stops discharging. |
| Over-load | The load current exceeds the rated current. | Turns off the output. |
Figure 6: Protection Functions
7.2. Fault Management
The controller displays error codes to assist in troubleshooting. Fault codes consist of an "E" followed by two digits. The first digit indicates the current error count, and the second digit indicates the specific fault condition (e.g., "E-12" means one error, overvoltage in battery).
| Error Code | Cause | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| PV array indicator is off (sunlight sufficient) | Solar panel is disconnected. | Check if PV array connection is proper. |
| No sign on LCD (connection is right) | 1. Battery voltage is less than 8V. 2. Voltage of solar panel is less than battery voltage. | 1. Check battery voltage (at least 8V to activate controller). 2. PV voltage must be higher than battery voltage. |
| E1 (Ex1) - Battery over discharge | Battery voltage has dropped too low. | Load will stop automatically and recover when battery voltage reaches 12.6V (LVR). |
| E2 (Ex2) - Battery over voltage | Battery voltage is too high. | Ensure settled high voltage disconnection voltage is above battery voltage and reconnect PV array. |
| E3 (Ex3) - Over load | Load current exceeds the rated current. | Reduce load or check load connection. |
| E5 (Ex5) - Controller overheating | Controller internal temperature is too high. | Controller will restart after it cools down. |
| E6 (Ex6) - Input voltage of solar panel is too high | PV array voltage exceeds maximum input voltage. | Check voltage of solar panel and reduce the number of solar panels in series. |
| E7 (Ex7) - No operation | No specific operation detected. | Controller will restart after setting system voltage. |
8. Specifications
8.1. General & Charging Specifications
| Parameter | MPPT-30A | MPPT-40A | MPPT-50A | MPPT-60A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charging mode | MPPT Maximum power point tracking automatically | |||
| Charging | 3-stage: constant current (MPPT), constant voltage (Absorption Voltage), floating charge | |||
| System type | DC12V/24V/36V/48V Recognition automatically | |||
| System voltage automatic recognition | 12V system (DC9V-DC15V) 24V system (DC18V-DC29V) 36V system (DC30V-DC39V) 48V system (DC40V~DC60V) | |||
| Soft start time | ≤1S | |||
| Dynamic response and recovery time | ≥98.1% (Voc is 1.5 or 2 times than battery, then it’s best efficiency) | |||
| PV utilization | ≥99% | |||
| Rated Charge Current | 20A | 30A | 40A | 60A |
| Rated Discharge Current | 20A | 20A | 30A | 30A |
| Battery type | User default, Sealed, Flooded, GEL, LiFePO4, Li(NiCoMn)O2 | |||
| Temperature Coefficient | ±0.02%/ centi-degree | |||
| Automatic temperature compensation | 14.2V-(Max temperature-25 centi-degree)*0.3 | |||
| Output voltage ripple-peak | 100mV | |||
| Output voltage accuracy | ≤±1% | |||
| Input Anti-intrusion protection | Yes | |||
| Temperature Protection | 75°C | |||
Figure 7: Charging and System Parameters
8.2. Voltage & Environmental Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max. open voltage of PV array (30A/40A/50A/60A) | <60V / <75V / <100V / <100V |
| Maximum PV input power (12V/24V/36V/48V system) | 360W/720W/1080W/1440W (30A) 480W/960W/1400W/1700W (40A) 600W/1200W/1800W/2200W (50A) 720W/1440W/2100W/2800W (60A) |
| Battery voltage range | 8V~32V |
| Equalize charging voltage* | Maintenance-free lead-acid: 14.6V; GEL: 14.2V; Flooded: 14.6V. Duration: 2 hours. |
| Absorption charging voltage* | Maintenance-free lead-acid: 14.4V; GEL: No; Flooded: 14.8V. Duration: 2 hours. |
| Float charging voltage* | Maintenance-free lead-acid, GEL, Flooded: 13.8V. |
| LVR* (Low Voltage Reconnect) | Maintenance-free lead-acid, GEL, Flooded: 12.6V. |
| LVD* (Low Voltage Disconnect) | Maintenance-free lead-acid, GEL, Flooded: 10.8V. |
| Static loss | ≤50mA |
| HVD (High Voltage Disconnect) | Lead acid battery 16V |
| Light control voltage | 5V/10A |
| Temperature compensation coefficient | -4mV/°C/2V(25℃) |
| Discharge loop voltage drop | ≤0.2V |
| LCD temperature | -20°C~+70℃ |
| Operating temperature | -20°C~+55°C |
| Storage temperature | -30°C~+80°C |
| Working humidity | ≤90%, No condensation |
| Protection class | IP30 |
| Grounded type | Positive grounded |
| Aperture for installation | Φ5mm |
*Above parameters are for 12V system at 25°C, values are twice for 24V system.
Figure 8: Input Specifications
Figure 9: Environmental and Safety Specifications
9. User Tips
- Parallel Connection: For higher current requirements, two 60A units can be connected in parallel to achieve a total of 120A. The controller supports unlimited parallel connections.
- Lithium Battery Compatibility: The controller is compatible with LiFePO4 and other lithium-ion batteries. Remember to set the system voltage first, then the correct battery type in the settings.
- Inverter Connection: Always connect your inverter directly to the battery bank, not to the controller's load terminals, especially for high-power inverters.
- Output Terminal for Lamps Only: The output terminal on the controller is designed for low-power DC lamps only (e.g., 12V system less than 60W, 24V/36V/48V system less than 100W). Connecting other loads may damage the unit.
10. Warranty & Support
10.1. Warranty Information
PowMr products are guaranteed for two years. Some components, such as fans, are guaranteed for 5000 hours. Please refer to the official statement for full warranty terms.
10.2. Contact Information
For technical support or inquiries, please contact:
Shenzhen Hehejin Industrial Co., Ltd
- Tel/Fax: +86 755-28219903
- Email: support@powmr.com
- Web: www.powmr.com
- Address: Henggang Street, Longgang District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
You can also refer to the original user manual (PDF) for more detailed information.
