XTM 160W ETFE Folding Solar Panel Kit
This document is the owner's and instruction manual for the XTM 160W ETFE Folding Solar Panel Kit. It provides essential information for safe and effective use, installation, and maintenance.
Safety and Warnings
- Ensure the product manual and instructions are read and understood before use. Failure to do so may result in incorrect operation or impact product performance.
- This solar system is recommended for installation by an experienced professional.
- The folding solar panel kit is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons. Keep away from pets.
- The XTM folding solar panel kit is designed to charge most 12-volt battery types, including: Flooded (Lead acid), Gel, Sealed/Mat (AGM), VRLA, and LiFePO4 (Lithium) batteries.
- Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves and eye protection, when working near batteries.
- Ensure batteries are charged in a well-ventilated area, as explosive gases may escape. Never charge a battery in a closed-off space or without ventilation.
- Never smoke, use open flames, or create sparks near a battery or charger during charging, as gases may cause explosion. Keep ignition sources away from the charging battery.
- Do NOT use the folding solar panel kit if cables or plugs are damaged. These units do not contain serviceable parts. To avoid hazards, any damage to the unit, cable, or plugs must be replaced by a qualified technician.
- Do NOT disassemble the folding solar panel kit; doing so will void the warranty.
- If a battery is still connected in a vehicle, switch off the vehicle's ignition before charging the battery.
- Do NOT place the folding solar panel kit on fabric, leather, or vinyl seats, or balance it in the engine bay.
- Never charge a frozen, non-rechargeable, or dry cell battery.
- Handle the XTM folding solar panel kit with care, as it may have sharp edges.
- Do NOT bend or scratch the folding solar panel kit.
- Do NOT walk, sit, or place heavy items onto the folding solar panel kit or the kit in its bag.
- To clean the folding solar panel kit surfaces, use a clean microfibre cloth. Do NOT use a high-pressure hose.
XTM 15A MPPT Solar Charger Controller
- Do NOT disassemble or attempt to repair the controller.
- Power connections must remain tight to avoid excessive heating from a loose connection.
- Only charge 12V batteries that comply with the controller's parameters.
- Battery connection can be wired to one battery or a bank of batteries.
- Keep the controller in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- Use appropriately sized cable for the required distance; consult a qualified professional if unsure.
Connection Order
STEP 1. Battery Connection
- Remove the fuse from the holder in the battery cables.
- Connect the battery cables to the controller's 50A connector marked with the battery symbol (Step 1). Pay particular attention to the "+" and "-" terminals. Connect the red wire to the positive terminal and the black wire to the negative terminal of the battery.
- Install the fuses. After 1 second, both the PV and Battery LEDs on the controller should illuminate. The PV LED will then extinguish, while the Battery LED may flash depending on the battery voltage.
- If hard wiring, install a fuse in the battery positive circuit within 150mm of the battery. The fuse rating must be 1.25 to 2 times the controller's rated current.
- ⚠️ WARNING: If Step 3 is not met (LEDs do not illuminate correctly), stop immediately. Check battery connections for reverse polarity and correct if necessary. Continuing with incorrect connections may cause irreparable damage or fire.
STEP 2. Load Connection
- For heavy loads (greater than the controller's rating), it is recommended to connect them directly to the battery. All battery connections should be adequately fused.
- Remove the fuse from the circuit and make connections to the wires connected to the controller marked Step 2. Pay particular attention to polarity. Insert the fuse once finished.
- If there is no output, check that the load does not exceed the current marked on the controller. Reduce the load if necessary and continue.
STEP 3. PV Connection
- Remove the fuse and connect the solar device (solar panel/blanket) to the 50A connector wired to the controller and marked Step 3. Pay attention to polarity, then reinsert the fuse.
- Observe the LEDs. If all connections are correct, after 1 second, both the Battery and PV LEDs will illuminate for 10 seconds. The PV LED will then start flashing, and the Battery LED will be either solid or flashing, depending on the battery voltage. Refer to the LED indicators section for more information.
First Aid & Batteries
- For advice, contact the Poisons Information Centre in Australia at PH: 13 1126.
- If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water.
- If battery acid contacts eyes, hold eyelids apart and flush the eyes continuously with fresh running water for at least 15 minutes, or until advised by the Poisons Information Centre.
- If battery acid is swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting. Drink a glass of water and seek immediate medical assistance.
Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Solar Technology | High Efficiency Monocrystalline |
| Power Output | 160 Watt Max @ 20.60V |
| Testing Condition | AM1.5, 1000W/m², 25°C |
| Operate Temperature for Panel Only | -40°C to +85°C |
| Accessories | 5m extension lead with 50A connectors 90cm extension lead with 50A connector and alligator clips |
| Controller Dimension | 15A 12V IP68 Dustproof and waterproof MPPT controller. Suitable for Deep Cycle, Gel, AGM, VRLA, Flooded and LiFePO4 (Lithium) batteries. |
| Panel Dimension (Folded) | 585x785x40mm |
| Panel Dimension (Open) | 1180x785x17mm |
Caution
- Use and store the product in a dry and well-ventilated location.
- Do not use near flammable liquids or explosives.
- Stop use immediately if any wires become loose or electronic components are exposed.
Installation Guide
Step 1:
Locate a clear sunlit area free from overhanging branches or heavy shade.
Step 2:
Unfold the solar panels and adjust the two supports to the suitable angle.
Step 3:
Always face the front side of the solar panels toward the sun.
Note:
To ensure maximum possible output, it is recommended that the Solar Panels are regularly moved to follow the sun's movement throughout the day.
How to Charge a 12V Battery
Diagram Description: The diagram illustrates the connection of a solar panel (PV) to an XTM 15A MPPT Solar Charger Controller. The solar panel is connected via a fuse to the controller's PV input. The controller's battery terminals are connected via a fuse to a 12V battery. The controller's load terminals are connected via a fuse to a 'Load'. The diagram also shows the controller's various ports and LEDs.
Connection Sequence:
- First, connect the battery to the controller.
- Second, connect the load to the controller.
- Last, connect the solar panel to the controller.
NOTE: Heavy loads should be connected directly to the battery. Do not expose connections to water.
XTM 15A MPPT Solar Charge Controller
1. Safety Information
- Read all instructions in the manual before installation.
- DO NOT disassemble or attempt to repair the controller.
- Install an external fuse or breaker as required.
- Disconnect the solar module and fuse/breakers near the battery before installing or moving the controller.
- Power connections must remain tight to avoid excessive heating from a loose connection.
- Only charge batteries that comply with the controller's parameters.
- Battery connection may be wired to one battery or a bank of batteries.
- Risk of electric shock: the PV and load can produce high voltages when the controller is working.
2. Product Features
The controller features the following ports and indicators:
| Label | Component |
|---|---|
| ① | Temperature Sensor |
| ② | PV Positive and Negative Wires |
| ③ | Battery Positive and Negative Wires |
| ④ | Load Positive and Negative Wires |
| ⑤ | Charging Status LED indicator |
| ⑥ | Battery Status LED indicator |
| ⑦ | Waterproof Cap |
NOTE: 1. If the temperature sensor is short-circuited or damaged, the controller will charge/discharge at the default temperature of 25°C. 2. The waterproof cap must be fitted to prevent water and dust from entering the unit. 3. COM adaptor is not available with this unit.
3. Wiring
Diagram Description: The wiring diagram shows the solar panel (PV) connected via a fuse to the controller's PV input. The battery is connected via a fuse to the controller's battery input. The load is connected via a fuse to the controller's load output. The diagram labels the PV, Battery, and Load connections, along with fuses and the controller itself.
4. LED Indicators
| Indicator | Color | Status | Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
| PV | Green | On Solid | Photovoltaic (PV) connection normal but low voltage (irradiance) from PV, no charging. |
| Green | Slowly Flashing (1 flash per second) | No PV voltage (night time) or PV connection problem. | |
| Green | Fast Flashing (4 flashes per second) | PV Over voltage. | |
| BATT | Green | On Solid | Normal. |
| Green | Slowly Flashing (1 flash per second) | Full. | |
| Green | Fast Flashing (4 flashes per second) | Over voltage. | |
| Red | On Solid | Over discharged. | |
| Red | Fast Flashing (4 flashes per second) | Battery Overheating. | |
| System Error | Charging (green) and battery indicator (orange) flashing simultaneously | System voltage error. |
5. Inbuilt Controller Protections
Photovoltaic (PV) Protections:
- PV Over Current: Where PV over current occurs, battery charging will be limited to the maximum battery current rating. Oversized solar arrays will therefore not operate at peak power.
- PV Short Circuit: Where PV short circuit occurs, or PV input short circuits on lower power, charging will stop, the controller will turn off, and the LED will not be illuminated. Disconnect PV input from the controller and check for short circuits in the wiring. ⚠️ WARNING: Damage to the controller may occur where PV input short circuits on high power.
- PV Reverse Polarity: Where reverse polarity occurs, check the wire connections and resume normal operation. ⚠️ WARNING: If this controller is connected to a different PV to the one supplied and the power from that solar panel (PV) is greater than 300W, damage WILL occur to the controller.
Battery Protections:
- Battery Reverse Polarity: Where battery reverse polarity occurs, check wire connections and resume normal operation.
- Battery Over Voltage (16V): Where over voltage is detected, the controller will stop charging the battery to prevent damage. Refer to Section 7 Technical Specifications.
- Battery Over Discharge (11.1V): Where over discharge (low voltage) is detected, the controller will stop power supply to the load to prevent damage to the battery. Refer to Section 7 Technical Specifications.
- Battery Overheating: The controller monitors environmental temperature via a sensor. Where environmental temperatures exceed 65°C, the controller will cease charging until the temperature reaches 55°C, after which charging will resume.
- Temperature Sensor Error: If the temperature sensor faults, the controller will continue to charge/discharge the battery at the default temperature of 25°C to prevent damage from overcharging or low voltage.
- Lithium Battery Low Temperature: If the temperature sensor reads less than -10°C, the Lithium battery stops charging/discharging. Charging/discharging resumes when the temperature rises above -10°C.
- Load Overload: The controller will disconnect the load when the load current exceeds the maximum load current rating by 1.05 times (15.75 amps). Where overload occurs, reduce load demand and restart the controller.
- Load Short Circuit: The controller will disconnect the load if a short circuit (greater than or equal to 60 amps) occurs and will attempt reconnection 5 times. If reconnection attempts fail, the user must clear the short circuit by disconnecting the controller, checking all wiring, and reconnecting. If restart fails, refer to Section 6 Troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting
| Faults | Possible Reasons | Action |
|---|---|---|
| LED charging indicator turns off in daylight, despite PV modules under direct sun. | Photovoltaic (PV) array disconnection. | Check PV & battery wire connections are correct and tight. |
| No LED indicator. | Battery voltage may be less than 8.5V. | Measure battery voltage with a multi-meter. A minimum of 8.5V is required to power the controller. |
| Battery LED indicator red - fast flashing - green. | Battery over voltage. | Check if battery voltage is higher than the over voltage disconnect value. If so, disconnect the PV. |
| Battery LED indicator red flashing. | Battery Overheating. | The controller will automatically turn off until temperature falls below 55°C, then resume normal operation. |
| Load output has stopped. | Load Overload ^ Load Short Circuit ^ | 1. Reduce output load demand. 2. Restart controller. 1. Check load connections, clear controller fault. 2. Restart controller. |
^ Where overload or short circuit occurs and the controller ceases charging, it will then attempt auto-recovery 5 times, in the following timing intervals: 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s and 25s.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Model | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal system voltage | 12VDC | |
| Model | Tracer3906BP | |
| Battery input voltage range | 8.5~32VDC | |
| Rated charge/discharge current | 15A | |
| Rated charge power | 200W | |
| Max. PV open circuit voltage | 58V (at minimum operating environment temperature) 46V (at 25°C environment temperature) | |
| MPPT Voltage range | (Battery voltage+2V)~36V | |
| Battery Type | Sealed/Gel/Flooded/LiFePO4 (Lithium) | |
| Equalize Charging Voltage | 14.4V | |
| Boost Charging Voltage | 14.4V | |
| Float Charging Voltage | 13.8V | |
| Over Voltage Disconnect Voltage | 16V | |
| Low Voltage Reconnect Voltage | 12.8V | |
| Low Voltage Disconnect Voltage | 11.1V | |
| Self-consumption | <13mA | |
| Temperature compensation coefficient | -3mv/°C/2V | |
| Working environment temperature | -10°C~+60°C | |
| Enclosure | IP68 | |
| Overall dimension | 150x93.5x32.7mm | |
| Mounting hole size | 3.5mm | |
| Mounting dimension | 120x83mm | |
| Net weight | 0.74kg |
Disclaimer
Under the following conditions, product warranty does not cover/apply:
- Damage caused through misuse, including use within unsuitable environments.
- Damage caused as a result of PV, load current, voltage, or power exceeding the rated value of the controller.
- Damage caused from use in excessively hot environments.
- If the controller has been disassembled, opened, or altered by the user.
- Damage caused from natural elements, for example, lightning.
- Damage caused during transportation by the user.
- Damage caused by exposing connections to water.
Warranty
The product is guaranteed to be free from quality and manufacturing defects for a period of 12 months.
If the product becomes defective during this period, SRGS PTY LTD will offer a replacement, credit, or refund if the product is faulty, wrongly described, different from the sample shown, or does not perform as intended.
This warranty will not cover substantially modified products, misuse or abuse contrary to user instructions or packaging labels, change of mind, or normal wear and tear.
The goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. Customers are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. Goods are also entitled to be repaired or replaced if they fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
To claim the warranty, take the product to the service desk of the nearest store of purchase. Proof of purchase, such as a receipt or bank statement, is required. Additional information, such as identification showing name, address, and signature, may be needed.
Expenses relating to the return of the product to the store are typically paid by the customer. For online store purchases, SRGS PTY LTD will pay for return freight for products assessed as having a major failure.
The benefits provided by this warranty are in addition to other rights and remedies under the Australian Consumer Law.
This warranty is provided by SRGS PTY LTD, 6 Coulthards Avenue, Strathpine QLD 4500, Australia. Phone: 1300 880 764.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What type of batteries can be used with the solar battery charger kit?
A. Deep Cycle, Gel, AGM, VRLA, Flooded, and LiFePO4 (Lithium) batteries.
Q. Will the folding solar panel overcharge my battery?
A. No. The Solar battery charger kit controller ensures a steady charge is supplied to the battery without overcharging.
Q. Can I extend/lengthen the battery lead wire?
A. If the lead is extended, this can result in a loss of voltage, causing insufficient power transfer from the solar panels to the battery. Use appropriately sized cable for the distance required; consult a qualified professional if unsure. Product modifications will void your warranty.
Q. How do I clean the solar battery charger kit panels?
A. Dust and dirt should first be swept off the panel surface using a soft brush or a microfibre cloth. Then, using a clean microfibre cloth, wipe the solar panel surfaces to remove remaining dirt and grime. It is recommended that any bird droppings be removed as soon as possible to avoid surface damage.
Q. Is the 160W Folding Solar Panel Kit waterproof or dustproof?
A. Yes, the solar panel is waterproof and dustproof to a rating of IP67. NOTE: Do not expose connections to water.
Q. Is the 12V 15A MPPT Solar Charge Controller waterproof?
A. Yes, the controller is IP68 rated, waterproof, and dustproof. NOTE: Do not expose connections to water.
Q. What is photovoltaic?
A. The photovoltaic (PV) effect refers to solar cells that produce direct current electricity from sunlight, which can be used to power equipment or recharge a battery.
