1. Product Overview
The POWLSOJX MPPT Solar Charge Controller utilizes an advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm to efficiently track the maximum power point of your photovoltaic (PV) array. This ensures optimal energy harvesting from solar panels, significantly improving the overall efficiency of your solar system. It is suitable for various applications, including communication base stations, home power supply systems, traffic lights, solar street lamps, and courtyard lighting systems.
Key Features:
- Advanced MPPT technology with tracking efficiency no less than 99.5%.
- LCD display for dynamic monitoring of operation data and working status.
- Compatibility with Seal, GEL, Flooded, and LiFePO4 battery types.
- Dual USB 5V charging ports for external devices.
- Automatic identification for 12V/24V/36V/48V battery systems.
- Comprehensive protection features: over-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature.
- Seven selectable working modes for versatile application.
- User-modifiable controller parameters for customized settings.
- Backlight display for improved visibility.
2. Setup and Installation
2.1 Connecting Components
2.2 Wiring Instructions
To ensure correct identification of the battery voltage, follow these wiring steps:
- Connect the battery to the controller first. Ensure the battery voltage meets the minimum requirements for automatic identification:
- 12V battery: Voltage higher than 10V
- 24V battery: Voltage higher than 20V
- 36V battery: Voltage higher than 30V
- 48V battery: Voltage higher than 42V
- Connect the photovoltaic (PV) panel to the controller.
- Connect the DC load to the controller.
2.3 Installation Precautions
- The controller automatically adapts to 12V/24V/36V/48V systems. During the initial installation, ensure the battery has sufficient voltage for the controller to correctly identify the battery type.
- Install the controller as close to the battery as possible. This minimizes voltage drops caused by long wires, which can affect accurate voltage measurement.
- This controller is suitable for lithium batteries and various lead-acid batteries (including open, sealed, and colloidal types). Note that lithium batteries may require manual adjustment of the overcharging voltage. Do not use other battery types such as nickel-metal hydride batteries.
- Only use a photovoltaic panel as the charging source. Do not connect DC or other power supplies to the charging input.
- The controller will generate heat during operation. Install it on a flat, well-ventilated surface to ensure proper heat dissipation.
2.4 Dimensions
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Display Interface
The LCD screen dynamically displays the controller's operational data and working status. Key indicators include:
- Battery power indication
- Solar panel charging indication
- Load indication
- Mode control display area
- Normal/Fault display area
3.2 Working Modes
The controller offers seven distinct working modes to suit various application needs:
- Charging Mode: In this mode, the controller will only charge the battery and will not allow any discharge under any conditions.
- Light Control Mode: The controller detects ambient light. It will initiate discharge ten minutes after detecting nightfall and cease discharge ten minutes after detecting daylight.
- Light and Time Delay Control Mode: Similar to Light Control Mode, but after detecting nightfall and a ten-minute delay, it starts discharging and begins a countdown timer. Discharge stops when the timer reaches zero. The maximum delay duration is 23 hours and 59 minutes.
- Universal Control Mode: Under normal, trouble-free conditions, the controller will continuously discharge.
- Manual Control Mode: Discharge can be manually toggled on or off using the '▼' button on the controller.
- Timing Control Mode: The controller will open or close the discharge at regularly scheduled times set by the user.
- Test Mode: This mode functions identically to the Light and Time Delay Control Mode, but it bypasses the initial ten-minute delay.
Important Note on Low Voltage Protection: The controller can be forced to discharge even under low voltage protection by holding the '▼' button for 5 seconds. However, this action can potentially damage the battery and should be used with extreme caution.
3.3 Parameter Modification
Some controller parameters, such as working mode, battery voltage settings, and delay times, can be modified and saved by the user through the LCD interface.
4. Maintenance
- Regularly inspect the controller and its connections for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose wiring.
- Ensure the controller is installed in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.
- Keep the heat dissipation fins clear of dust and debris to maintain optimal cooling performance.
- Verify battery compatibility. This controller supports Seal, GEL, Flooded, and LiFePO4 batteries. Using incompatible battery types can lead to malfunction or damage.
- For LiFePO4 batteries, periodically check and manually adjust the overcharging voltage if necessary, as these batteries may have specific requirements.
- Ensure that only photovoltaic panels are connected as the charging source. Connecting other power sources can damage the controller.
5. Troubleshooting
Refer to the table below for common malfunction phenomena, their possible causes, and recommended troubleshooting methods.
| Malfunction Phenomenon | May Cause | Troubleshooting Method |
|---|---|---|
| Sunshine is sufficient but not charging | Photovoltaic board open circuit or reverse connection | Re-link good photovoltaic panels |
| The load logo does not light up | Mode setting error | Re-set the working mode |
| Load mark flashes slowly | Load overcurrent | Reduce load power |
| Load logo flashes quickly | The battery voltage is too low / reverse connection | Replace the battery / check reverse connection |
| The controller does not light up | Short circuit protection | Remove short circuit, controller will automatically recover |
6. Specifications
| Parameter | SA4860A (60A) | SA4880A (80A) | SA48100A (100A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage Auto Recognition | 12V/24V/36V/48V AUTO | ||
| Maximum Charging Current | 60A | 80A | 100A |
| Maximum PV Input (Solar Panel Max Power; Voc) | 12V Battery: 720W; 15-24V | ||
| 24V Battery: 1440W; 30-48V | 24V Battery: 1920W; 30-48V | 24V Battery: 2400W; 30-48V | |
| 36V Battery: 2160W; 45-72V | 36V Battery: 2880W; 45-72V | 36V Battery: 3600W; 45-72V | |
| 48V Battery: 2880W; 60-100V | 48V Battery: 3840W; 60-100V | 48V Battery: 4800W; 60-100V | |
| Low Voltage Shutoff (Solar) | 12V system: 9.5V (adjustable) | ||
| 24V system: 19V (adjustable) | |||
| 36V system: 28.5V (adjustable) | |||
| 48V system: 38V (adjustable) | |||
| Battery Float Charge Voltage | 12V system: Default 14.2V (adjustable) | ||
| 24V system: Default 28.4V (adjustable) | |||
| 36V system: Default 42.6V (adjustable) | |||
| 48V system: Default 56.8V (adjustable) | |||
| Light Control Mode | Load off during the day, load on at night | ||
| Timing Mode | Load on/off timing | ||
| Light Control + Timing Mode | Load off during the day, load on at night + timing | ||
| Manual Mode | Manual load switch | ||
| USB Output Voltage | 5V | ||
| USB Output Current | 2A | ||
| Discharge Overcurrent Protection | Delayed protection if above 5% of max discharge current | ||
| Charging Overcurrent Protection | Delayed protection if above 5% of max charge current | ||
| Overtemperature Protection | MOS temperature protection at 85°C | ||
| Package Length | 23 cm | ||
| Package Width | 22 cm | ||
| Package Height | 9 cm | ||
| Weight | 0.81 kg | 0.87 kg | 0.94 kg |
| Certification | CE, FCC | ||
7. User Tips
- Initial Battery Voltage: Always ensure your battery has sufficient voltage (e.g., >10V for 12V systems) before connecting the controller for the first time. This allows the controller to correctly auto-identify the system voltage.
- Lithium Battery Settings: If using LiFePO4 batteries, be aware that you might need to manually adjust the overcharging voltage settings to match your battery's specific requirements.
- Wiring Order is Crucial: To prevent damage and ensure proper function, always connect the battery first, then the solar panel, and finally the DC load.
- Optimal Placement: Install the controller as close to the battery as possible to minimize voltage drops over wiring, which can impact the controller's performance and accuracy.
- Ventilation: The controller generates heat during operation. Mount it on a flat, well-ventilated surface to ensure adequate airflow and prevent overheating.
8. Warranty and Support
This product is certified with CE and FCC standards, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental protection requirements.
For any technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond the scope of this manual, or warranty inquiries, please contact your retailer or the manufacturer's customer support directly. Ensure you have your product model and purchase details ready when seeking support.