1. Introduction and Overview
Thank you for choosing the SRNE MC2440N10 MPPT Solar Charge Controller. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your device. The MC series solar charge controller utilizes PowerCatcher maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology to efficiently manage solar panel output for your home solar system.
The controller is designed for 12V/24V auto-sensing systems and supports various battery types, including lead-acid (sealed, colloidal, vented) and lithium batteries. It features a current-limited charging mode, over-temperature protection, and can be connected to external accessories like an LCD screen (RM-6) or Bluetooth module (BT-2) for monitoring and parameter adjustment.
2. Safety Instructions
- Applicable voltage of the controller exceeds the safety voltage for human body, so please read the manual carefully before use and operate the controller only after safety operation training has been completed.
- There are no parts inside the controller that need to be maintained or repaired. The user shall not disassemble and repair the controller.
- Install the controller indoors to prevent exposure of components and prevent water from entering the controller.
- Please install the controller in a well-ventilated place to prevent the heat sink from being overheated.
- It is recommended to install a proper fuse or circuit breaker outside the controller.
- Be sure to disconnect the wiring of PV array and the fuse or circuit breaker near battery terminal before installation and wiring adjustment of the controller.
- Check that all wiring is tight after installation to avoid danger of heat accumulation due to poor connections.
Warning: Danger, Electric shock hazards! We strongly recommend connect a fuse or circuit breaker to the PV array and battery terminals to prevent electric shock hazards during wiring or error operation, and make sure that fuse or circuit breaker is disconnected before wiring.
Warning: Danger, High voltage hazards! Photovoltaic arrays may generate very high open circuit voltages. Disconnect circuit breaker or fuse before wiring and be very careful during wiring.
Warning: Danger, Explosion hazards! If the positive and negative terminals of battery and the wires connected to them are short-circuited, it may cause a fire or explosion. Please be very careful in operation.
3. Features
- PowerCatcher MPPT Technology: Advanced algorithm for faster response and higher tracking efficiency (up to 99.9%).
- High Energy Utilization: Significantly increases energy utilization efficiency of the photovoltaic system by 15% to 20% compared to traditional PWM charging.
- Active Charging Voltage Regulation: Maintains rated charging voltage at battery open circuit or lithium battery BMS overcharge protection.
- High Conversion Efficiency: Digital power technology ensures circuit energy conversion efficiency up to 98%.
- Versatile Battery Support: Compatible with lithium, colloidal, sealed, and vented lead-acid batteries.
- Current-Limited Charging: Automatically reduces charging power when solar panel power is too large or charging current exceeds rated valve.
- Automatic Voltage Identification: Supports automatic identification of lead-acid battery voltage.
- External Communication: Connects to external LCD screen (RM-6) or Bluetooth module (BT-2) for data viewing, status monitoring, and parameter modification.
- Standard Modbus Protocol: Meets communication needs for various applications.
- Over-Temperature Protection: Reduces charging current linearly when temperature exceeds set value, preventing damage.
- Comprehensive Protections: Includes battery reverse polarity, PV input over-voltage, PV input short circuit, night reverse charging, TVS lightning protection, and over-temperature protection.
4. Specifications
4.1. SRNE MC2440N10 Controller
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | SR-MC2440N10 |
| Application | Charger Controller, MPPT Solar System Controller |
| Rated Voltage | 12V / 24V auto |
| Maximum Current | 40A |
| MPPT efficiency | 95% |
| Weight | 0.8KG - 1.65KG (varies by model) |
| Certification | CE ROHS |
| IP Grade | IP67 Waterproof |
| Work temperature | -35℃ ~ +60℃ |
| Solar Power (W) | 260W-1320W (depending on system voltage and current) |
| Max. PV open circuit voltage | 100V (lowest ambient temperature) |
| Static power consumption | 10mA |
| Types of battery supported | Lead-acid battery (colloidal, vented, sealed), lithium battery |
| Equalizing charge | 14.6V/29.2V (Adjustable) |
| Boost charge | 14.4V/28.8V (Adjustable) |
| Floating charge | 13.8V/27.6V (Adjustable) |
| Temperature compensation | -3mV/℃/2V |
| Humidity | 95%, no condensing |
| Wiring terminal | 10mm²/8AWG |
4.2. Bluetooth Module (BT-2)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | BT-2 |
| Input voltage | 5V-12V |
| Stand-by power consumption | 0.04W |
| Run power consumption | 0.05W |
| Communication distance | ≤15m |
| Serial port baud rate | Fixed baud rate 9600bps |
| Communication methods | TTL |
| Interface type | PH2.0 |
| Connecting line | Standard Ethernet cable (parallel line) |
| Size | 67.3*36*15.5mm |
| Installation dimension | 57.8*12mm |
| Fixed holes dia | φ3.5 |
| Operating temperature | -20℃-75℃ |
| Level of protection | IP67 |
| Net weight | 120g |
4.3. Remote Meter (RM-6)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | RM-6 |
| Applicable models of controller | 50A/40A/30A/20A |
| Input voltage | 5V-12V |
| Standby power consumption | < 0.03W |
| Operating power consumption | < 0.04W |
| Fixed baud rate | 9600bps |
| Communication mode | TTL |
| Interface type | PH2.0 |
| Connection cable length | 1.5M |
| Operating temperature | -35℃ ~ +65℃ |
| IP rating | IP32 |
| Weight | 50g |
| Altitude | ≤ 3000M |
| Dimensions | 104.5*55.5*11.8mm |
5. Setup and Installation
5.1. Installation Precautions
- Ensure the installation location is well-ventilated to prevent overheating.
- Avoid direct sunlight, high temperatures, and water exposure.
- Install appropriate fuses or circuit breakers for both the PV array and battery terminals.
- Ensure all wiring connections are tight to prevent heat accumulation.
- The system connection wires are selected according to the current density not more than 4mm²/A.
5.2. Wiring Specifications
PV and battery connection wires must be selected according to rated current. Refer to the following table for wiring specifications:
| Model | Max. PV input current | PV wire diameter (PV end/mm²/AWG) | Rated charge current | Battery wire diameter (mm²/AWG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC2420N10 | 20A | 5/10 | 20A | 5/10 |
| MC2430N10 | 30A | 8/8 | 30A | 8/8 |
| MC2440N10 | 40A | 10/7 | 40A | 10/7 |
| MC2450N10 | 50A | 12/6 | 50A | 12/6 |
5.3. Installation Steps
- Choose an Installation Location: Install the controller in a place free of direct sunlight, high temperature, and water. Ensure good ventilation around the controller.
- Mark the Mounting Position: According to the mounting dimensions of the controller, drill 4 mounting holes of the appropriate size at the 4 marks.
- Fasten the Controller: Align fixing holes of the controller with the two pre-fixed screws and hang the controller up. Then fix the lower two screws.
- Wiring: We recommend a wiring sequence as follows: battery, then solar panel. Connect the battery first, and then the solar panel.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1. Product Operation and Display
The controller has three indicators:
- PV array indication: Indicates the current charging mode of the controller.
- BAT indication: Indicates the current state of the battery.
- BAT Type indication: Indicates the current battery type.
6.2. RM-6 LCD Display Unit Operation
The RM-6 LCD display unit provides real-time monitoring of data and operating status. It features two buttons: SELECT and ENTER.
- SELECT button: Used for menu viewing and parameter switching.
- ENTER button: Used for parameter setting/adjusting.
6.3. System Parameter Settings (via RM-6)
To enter system parameter settings, press and hold the ENTER button for 2 seconds. Use the SELECT button to switch between different settings. Press ENTER to modify a parameter, use SELECT to adjust the value, and press ENTER again to save. If no operation for 15 seconds, the unit will automatically save and exit.
User-defined Settings Menu:
| No. | LCD Display | Setting Items | Parameter Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USE | Battery type | Custom battery type | |
| 2 | 12V/24V | System voltage | 12V/24V | For custom battery type, the system voltage can be set. |
| 3 | EQUALIZE | Equalizing charge voltage (USE) | 9.0 ~ 17.0V | |
| 4 | BOOST | Boost charge voltage (USE) | 9.0 ~ 17.0V | |
| 5 | FLOAT | Floating charge voltage (USE) | 9.0 ~ 17.0V | |
| 6 | Low voltage disconnection voltage (USE) | 9.0 ~ 17.0V |
7. Maintenance
To ensure long-term performance, regular maintenance is recommended:
- Inspect connections twice a year for tightness and corrosion.
- Ensure proper airflow around the controller; remove any dirt or debris from the heat sink.
- Check for insulation layers of all exposed wires and ensure they are not damaged due to sun exposure, friction, or other agents.
- Verify that indicators are consistent with device operations.
- Check for any signs of corrosion, insulation damage, or high temperature/discoloration.
- Tighten terminal screws periodically.
- Check for dirt, insects nesting, and corrosion, and clean as required.
- If the lightning arrester has failed, replace it to protect the controller and other devices.
- If damaged by lightning operations, note any corrective actions for malfunctions or error indications.
8. Troubleshooting (Error Codes)
The controller provides error codes on the RM-6 display unit to help diagnose issues. Refer to the table below for common error codes and their solutions:
| Error code | Description | Results of execution |
|---|---|---|
| E0 | No exception | System normal |
| E1 | Battery over discharge | Disable load output |
| E2 | Battery over voltage | Do not charge |
| E3 | Battery under-voltage warning | If battery voltage is lower than the under-voltage warning threshold, the charging current will be steadily on or flash and start to charge the battery. |
| E4 | Load short circuit | The load is turned off, and the maximum recovery is 3 times a day. |
| E5 | Load over-current | The load power is too large. So reduce the load power, and the load will return to normal. |
| E6 | Controller internal over-temperature | MPPT controller will implement linear power charging. PWM controller turns off charging. |
| E7 | Battery over temperature | Turn off charging, and discharging, and automatically recover when the temperature is below a certain value. |
| E8 | Solar panel input power over-voltage | The MPPT controller charges as a linear power controller. |
| E9 | Solar panel over-voltage | Solar panel over-voltage, turn off charging, and automatically recover when the voltage is lower than the set value. |
| E10 | Solar panel reverse polarity | Do not charge |
| E13 | Battery not connected or lithium battery fixed | If the battery is not connected, the charging current is 0. If the lithium battery does not have a voltage output, the charging current is 0. |
| E16 | Battery over temperature | Do not charge and disable load output |
| E17 | Battery low temperature | Do not charge |
| E18 | BMS overcharge protection | Do not charge |
| E19 | Battery low temperature 2 | Do not charge |
| E20 | Battery over discharge | Do not charge and disable load output |
| E21 | Output capacitor over-voltage | Do not charge |
9. User Tips
While specific user reviews or Q&A were not provided, here are some general tips for optimizing your solar charge controller's performance:
- Monitor Regularly: Use the RM-6 remote meter or the Bluetooth app to regularly check system performance, battery status, and charging parameters. This helps in early detection of potential issues.
- Battery Compatibility: Ensure your battery type is correctly selected in the controller settings to optimize charging cycles and prolong battery life.
- Ventilation is Key: Always ensure adequate airflow around the controller to prevent overheating, especially in warmer climates.
- Secure Connections: Periodically check all wiring connections for tightness. Loose connections can lead to power loss and potential hazards.
- Cleanliness: Keep the controller and its heat sink free from dust and debris to maintain optimal cooling efficiency.
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty claims, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your original point of purchase or the manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase receipt and product serial number handy for faster service.