ATEM POWER 10A MPPT Solar Charge Controller User Manual

Product Overview

The ATEM POWER 10A MPPT Solar Charge Controller is a compact and intelligent device designed to efficiently charge various battery types using solar panels. It features high conversion efficiency and automatic voltage recognition for 12V or 24V systems. This controller is essential for protecting your battery from overcharging and ensuring optimal performance in solar power setups.

Figure 1: ATEM POWER 10A MPPT Solar Charge Controller with Anderson Style plugs.

Safety Information

Please read all warnings and safety instructions carefully before installation and operation to prevent personal injury or product damage.

• General Safety Precautions:
  • This product is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience or knowledge. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the product.
  • NEVER operate the product in a wet environment, or at sites where gas or dust explosions could occur.
  • NEVER touch uninsulated cable ends, and use ONLY insulated tools.
  • The installer must provide a means for cable strain relief to prevent the transmission of stress to the connections.
  • The MPPT controller is ONLY designed to regulate solar panels.
  • DO NOT reverse the polarity of the battery connection to the MPPT controller. It is highly likely that the controller will be burned if it is connected to the solar panel with reverse battery connection.
  • Please set the correct battery type the first time you use.
  • All lead-acid batteries produce harmful, explosive gases. The battery should be mounted in a well-ventilated area, as far as possible from any ignition sources. DO NOT smoke or have a naked flame in the vicinity of the battery under charge.
  • Keep the battery away from any metal objects which may cause a short circuit of the terminals.
  • Ventilation is highly recommended when mounting the controller in an enclosed enclosure with flooded batteries. Battery gases from flooded batteries can cause corrosion and destroy the controller circuits.
  • Loose power connections and corroded wires may result in high heat that can melt or burn surrounding materials, or even cause fire. Ensure tight connections and use cable ties to secure cables and prevent them from unnecessary movement.
• Battery Safety:
  • Please note that this controller is ONLY compatible with lead-acid, AGM, GEL, calcium, or LiFePO4 batteries.
  • Be cautious when working with lead acid batteries. Immediately rinse the affected area with water and seek medical assistance if lead acid comes into contact with your eyes or skin.
  • DO NOT connect any inverters or battery charger into the load terminal of the controller.
  • NEVER connect battery terminals to the controller BEFORE connecting the solar panel to the controller.
  • NEVER connect solar panels to the controller until the battery is connected.
  • DO NOT use the controller to charge non-rechargeable batteries. Doing so may result in harm to the user and/or damage the solar panel, battery and controller.
  • Refer to the specifications provided by the manufacturer of the battery to ensure that the battery is suitable for use with this product. The battery manufacturer's safety instructions should always be observed.
  • The controller will achieve optimal performance when proper battery maintenance is regularly performed.

Setup and Installation

The ATEM POWER 10A MPPT Solar Charge Controller is designed for effortless DIY setup. Follow these steps for proper connection:

1. Connect the lithium battery to the charge controller.
2. Connect the solar panel to the controller, and configure the battery type.
3. When in lithium battery mode, the charge controller automatically enables the activation function and supplies voltage to activate the battery.
4. If the voltage fails to increase, it may indicate that your battery is faulty. Please contact our customer service center for professional assistance.

Figure 2: Connection diagram showing solar panel to controller and controller to battery.

The controller comes with integrated Anderson Style plugs for easy and secure connections. A polarity reversed adapter is included for convenience.

Figure 3: The compact design and Anderson Style plugs make installation simple.

Operation

Exterior Interface and Indicators

The controller features LED indicators to show charging status and battery type. While charging, the indicator will flash, and a full charge is indicated when all three indicators are lit. If there is an abnormal battery voltage, all three indicators will flash simultaneously.

Figure 4: The controller's LED indicators provide visual feedback on charging status and battery type.

Battery Type Selection

To select the battery type, long press the 'BATTERY TYPE' button for 3 seconds to enter the battery type selection mode. The LED indicator will then flash, indicating the current battery type. To switch between different battery types, simply press the 'BATTERY TYPE' button once. Once you have selected the desired battery type, exit the mode by holding the button for 3 seconds. This operation comes with power-off memory, eliminating the need to reselect the battery type after the charger restarts.

Figure 5: The controller supports Lead Acid, AGM/Gel, Calcium, and LiFePO4 battery types.

Efficiency and Protection

The MPPT technology ensures up to 95% conversion efficiency and 99.99% tracking efficiency, maximizing power harvest from your solar panels. The controller also includes comprehensive protection features:

• Reverse Polarity Protection
• Under-voltage Protection
• Over-current Protection
• Over-temperature Protection
• Short-circuit Protection

Figure 6: Built-in protection systems ensure safe and reliable operation.

Maintenance and Cleaning

To maintain the controller's performance, it is recommended that the following maintenance be carried out:

• Ensure the controller is securely installed in a clean and dry ambient.
• Ensure there is no block on air-flow around the controller.
• Ensure the controller is clean and periodically check the terminals to ensure they're clean before plugging in.
• Check for exposed wiring between solar panel and battery. Repair or replace some wires if necessary.
• Ensure that all the system components are ground connected tightly and correctly.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your ATEM POWER Solar Charge Controller, refer to the common problems and solutions below:

Q: My batteries are not charged.

A: Possible causes can be:

• Loose or missing battery cables.
• Loose cable connections, or badly crimped cable terminals.
• Missing or incorrectly wired battery cables.
• Incorrect settings.
• Incorrect polarities.
• The battery is full.

Q: My batteries are undercharged.

A: Possible causes can be:

• Too much DC load.
• Battery charge voltages are too low.
• The battery is almost full.
• Insufficient solar.

Q: My controller cannot reach its full rated output.

A: Possible causes can be:

• PV array too small.
• Temperature above 45°C or below -10°C.

Please be sure to let us know if you are still experiencing any issues on your side by contacting our customer center.

Specifications

Battery Voltage Parameters

Warranty and Support

ATEM POWER (Manufacturer) warrants to the original purchaser ("User") that its MPPT solar charge controller, if purchased from Manufacturer or an authorized distributor or dealer, will be free of defects in material and/or workmanship under normal application, installation, use and service conditions from the date sold and for the duration (the "Warranty Period") of 1 YEAR. Within the Warranty Period, subject to the exclusions listed below, the Manufacturer will replace or repair the MPPT solar charge controller. If the components in question are determined to be defective in material or workmanship, if the Manufacturer deems the MPPT solar charge controller to be not repairable, a new, similar controller will be offered, or a refund will be issued. This Limited Warranty is to the original purchaser of the MPPT solar charge controller and is not transferable to any other person or entity.

Exclusions:

This warranty does not cover defects that are caused by normal wear and tear, inadequate maintenance, transportation, storage or faulty repair, misuse, neglect, accident or failure to observe installation, improper installation. It is recommended that the installation should be performed by qualified personnel or the warranty will be voided. For further clarity, this warranty is also void if the MPPT solar charge controller:

• is used for applications other than which it was designed and intended for.
• is not properly installed in accordance with the user manual.
• is disassembled, altered, or repaired by someone other than an authorized Manufacturer's agent.
• has been subject to misuse, abuse or physical damage, or has been modified, altered.
• has been damaged by force majeure (e.g. overvoltage, storm, fire).
• selected by the user is not of the correct size and design for the intended application.

Claims:

Request return authorization. No returns will be credited without an authorization. If an ATEM POWER product is suspected of being defective, you'll need to provide proof of purchase (e.g. a screenshot of the order) and a picture of the damaged goods in their entirety to service@atempower.com or the seller you purchased from for evaluation. In no event shall Manufacturer be liable for any loss or damages of any other kind, whether direct, incidental, consequential including lost profits, exemplary, special or otherwise, including any lost profits or removal, shipping, or installation expenses.

For more information, please visit: www.atempower.com