Renogy 100W & 50W Eclipse Lightweight Suitcase
Renogy
2775 E. Philadelphia St., Ontario, CA 91761
1-800-330-8678
Important Safety Instructions
Please save these instructions.
This manual contains important safety, installation, and operating instructions. The following symbols are used throughout the manual to indicate potentially dangerous conditions or important safety information.
⚠️ WARNING: Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use extreme caution when performing this task.
? CAUTION: Indicates a critical procedure for safe and proper operation of the controller.
ℹ️ NOTE: Indicates a procedure or function that is important to the safe and proper operation of the controller.
General Safety Information
- Read all the instructions and cautions in the manual before beginning the installation.
- There are no serviceable parts for this controller. Do NOT disassemble or attempt to repair the controller.
- Make sure all connections going into and from the controller are tight.
Battery Safety
- Use only sealed lead-acid, flooded, gel or lithium batteries which must be deep cycle.
- Explosive battery gases may be present while charging. Be certain there is enough ventilation to release the gases.
- Be careful when working with large lead acid batteries. Wear eye protection and have fresh water available in case there is contact with the battery acid.
- Carefully read battery manuals before operation.
- Do NOT let the positive [+] and negative [-] terminals of the battery touch each other.
- Recycle battery when it is replaced.
- Over-charging and excessive gas precipitation may damage the battery plates and activate material shedding on them. Too high of an equalizing charge or too long of one may cause damage. Please carefully review the specific requirements of the battery used in the system.
- Equalization is carried out only for non-sealed / vented/ flooded / wet cell lead acid batteries.
- Do NOT equalize sealed / VRLA type AGM / Gel cell batteries UNLESS permitted by battery manufacturer.
General Information
The Renogy 100W & 50W Eclipse Lightweight Suitcase combines highly efficient monocrystalline solar panels with a 10A PWM charge controller to create an easy-to-use, 'plug and play' system. This system is specifically designed for mobile off-grid applications, where space and weight limitations are abundant. The models support 12V/24V deep cycle battery varieties such as sealed-lead acid, gel, and flooded.
The alligator clips included in this package make it easy to connect the panel to a battery in seconds. If one ever needs to connect a battery with a different type of end terminal, the alligator clips are attached via MC4 Connectors.
Key Features
- High Efficiency monocrystalline solar cell with high conversion rate
- Lightweight and durable design with side bag
- Easy to read LCD displaying solar charge information
- Upgraded 3-stage PWM charging algorithm
- Protection against: overcharge, over discharge, overload and short-circuit.
- Positive ground controller.
- A wide range of load working modes facilitate the product's application to different types of loads.
Included Components
10A PWM Charge Controller
Regulates the voltage and amperage coming from the solar panel to properly charge the battery bank.
MC4 to Alligator Clips w/ Fuse
Used for connecting charge controller to battery. The entire cable from the charge controller to the alligator clips measures 3.3 feet with an in-line fuse of 10A.
Controller Panel Structure
The controller panel features the following:
- LCD Screen: Displays system status and parameters.
- Mounting holes: For securing the controller.
- Key button: Used for navigation and settings.
- Terminals:
- Solar panel input: Positive [+] and Negative [-] terminals.
- Battery connection: Positive [+] and Negative [-] terminals.
- Load output: Positive [+] and Negative [-] terminals.
- USB port: 5V 1A output.
The panel also displays regulatory marks such as CE and ROHS.
Controller Operation
Connection Steps
- Connect the battery. If the connection is correct, the controller screen lights up; otherwise, check whether the connection is correct.
- Connect the solar panel. If sunlight is present and strong enough (the solar panel voltage is greater than battery voltage), the sun icon on the LCD screen is on; otherwise, check whether the connection is correct.
- Connect the load. Connect the load leads to the controller's load output terminal, and the current shall not exceed the controller's rated current.
Note: The controller has a common positive pole inside. If grounding is needed, ground the positive pole.
Normal Sequencing Display
The following menus are shown in an automatic cycle on the screen, with an interval of 3s:
- Battery Voltage (e.g., 12.0 V)
- Battery Capacity (e.g., 100%)
- Temperature (e.g., 26 °C)
- Error Code (e.g., E0)
- Load Mode (e.g., 15)
Setting Menu on LCD Screen
Long press the red button in any mode to enter the load mode setting interface, and the load mode begins to flash. Short press the button to adjust the load mode, and long press the button again to save and exit mode setting or wait for 10s to let the system save and exit automatically.
Load Modes
The controller supports five load working modes:
- Pure light control (0): When sunlight disappears, the controller initiates a one-minute delay to confirm the starting signal and switches on the load. When sunlight emerges, it initiates a one-minute delay to confirm the shutting-down signal and stops the load's operation.
- Light control + time control (1 to 14): Similar to pure light control, but the load stops operation automatically after a preset period (settable from 1 to 14 hours).
- Manual mode (15): The user can switch the load on or off using the button, regardless of day or night.
- Debugging mode (16): In cases of 6V with light signals, the load is shut off. In cases of 5V (varies by system voltage) without light signals, the load is switched on. This mode aids in checking system installation correctness.
- Normal on (17): The load remains in the output state (always on).
LED Display Modes
| LED Display | Mode |
|---|---|
| 00 | Pure light control mode |
| 01-14 | Light control + time control (1 to 14 hours) |
| 15 | Manual mode (default) |
| 16 | Debugging mode |
| 17 | Always on mode |
Manually Switching On/Off Load
When the load mode is set to 15 (manual mode), a short press of the button (in non-setting mode) on any interface will switch the load on or off.
Note: Load start is a type of soft start; the load icon display on the LCD screen may be delayed after the load is switched on.
System Status and Troubleshooting
Error Code List
| Code on LCD Screen | Corresponding Error |
|---|---|
| E0 | No Error |
| E1 | Battery Over-discharged |
| E2 | Battery Overvoltage |
| E4 | Load short circuit |
| E5 | Overload |
| E6 | Controller overheated |
System Status Troubleshooting
| Description | Troubleshoot |
|---|---|
| Battery over voltage | Use a multi-meter to check the voltage of the battery. Make sure the battery voltage is not exceeding the rated specification of the charge controller. Disconnect battery. |
| Charge controller does not charge during daytime when the sun is shining on the solar panels. | Confirm that there is a tight and correct connection from the battery bank to the charge controller and the solar panels to the charge controller. Use a multi-meter to check if the polarity of the solar modules has been reversed on the charge controller's solar terminals. |
| Everything is connected correctly, but the LCD on the controller does not turn on. | Check the rated battery voltage. The LCD will not display on the charge controller unless there is at least 9V coming from the battery bank. |
Maintenance and FAQ
Maintenance
For best controller performance, it is recommended that these tasks be performed from time to time:
- Check wiring going into the charge controller and make sure there is no wire damage or wear.
- Tighten all terminals and inspect any loose, broken, or burnt up connections.
- Make sure readings in the LCD and LED are consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the kit charge two or more 12V batteries connected in parallel?
A: Yes, it's possible if the batteries have the same type and capacity and are wired in parallel as a single 12V battery bank.
Q: Is there any risk that the solar kit will over charge my battery?
A: One of the functions of the solar charge controller is to ensure that your battery is not over charged; therefore there is no risk of overcharge.
Q: Can I extend the battery leads?
A: Yes, it's possible – please choose the same size of cable for extension. However, the longer the extension, the greater the line loss. Bigger gauge will be required for longer runs.
Q: Do I need to clean the solar panels?
A: Yes, it is recommended for better performance. Dust and dirt should first be swept off the panel surface using a soft brush. When the sweeping is complete, use a wet cloth to wipe the panel surface to remove remaining dirt and grime.
Q: Can rain damage the solar kit?
A: Yes, the charge controller is not waterproof.
Technical Specifications
Solar Panel Parameters
| Description | 100 W Parameters | 50W Parameters |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Power | 100 W | 50 W |
| Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) | 23.1 V | 23.6 V |
| Short Circuit Current (Isc) | 6.07 A | 3.13 A |
| Maximum Power Voltage (Vmp) | 18.3 V | 18.3 V |
| Maximum Power Current (Imp) | 5.35 A | 2.85 A |
| Cell Type | Monocrystalline | Monocrystalline |
| Operating Temperature | -40°F to +185°F | -40°F to +185°F |
| Folded Size | 21.25x21.5x0.35 inches | 21.65x11.4x0.42 inches |
| Net Weight | 7.25 lbs | 3.97 lbs |
Charge Controller Parameters
Electrical Parameters
| Electrical Parameters | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Model Rating | 10A | |
| Normal Battery Voltage | 12V/24V | |
| Maximum Solar Voltage(OCV) | 55V | |
| Maximum Battery Voltage | 35V | |
| Rated Charging Current | 10A | |
| Electrical Protection and Feature | Over-temperature, Overload and short circuit protection | Reverse current from battery to solar panel protection at night |
Grounding
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Grounding Type | Common Positive |
| Self-consumption | < 12mA |
| Overvoltage Protection | 17.0V; x2/24V |
| Equalization Voltage | 14.6V; x2/24V |
| Boost Voltage | 14.4V; x2/24V |
| Float Voltage | 13.8V; x2/24V |
| Equalization Charging Time | 1H |
| Boost Charging Time | 2H |
| Temperature Compensation | -3.0mV/°C |
Mechanical Parameters
| Mechanical Parameters | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L4.05 x W2.79 x H1.41 inches |
| Weight | 0.22 lbs. |
| Mounting | Vertical Wall Mounting |
| Ingress Protection Rating | IP30 |
| Maximum Terminals Wire Size | 14AWG |
| Operating Temperature | -13 °F to +131 °F |
| Temp. Comp. Range | -4°F ~ 122°F |
Charging Parameters Glossary
Equalization Voltage: Equalization voltage is a corrective over-charge of the battery. The user should consult their battery manufacturer regarding specific battery equalization capacity. This parameter sets the equalization voltage to set the battery at when it reaches the equalization state.
Boost Voltage: Users should check with their battery manufacturer for proper charging parameters. In this stage, users set the boost voltage where the battery will reach a voltage level and remain there until the battery undergoes an absorption stage.
Float Voltage: Once the charge controller recognizes the set float voltage, it will commence floating. The battery is supposed to be fully charged in this state, and the charge current is reduced to maintain battery stability levels.
Battery State of Charge vs. Voltage
| State of Charge | 12 V Battery | Volts per Cell |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | 12.7 | 2.12 |
| 90% | 12.5 | 2.08 |
| 80% | 12.42 | 2.07 |
| 70% | 12.32 | 2.05 |
| 60% | 12.20 | 2.03 |
| 50% | 12.06 | 2.01 |
| 40% | 11.9 | 1.98 |
| 30% | 11.75 | 1.96 |
| 20% | 11.58 | 1.93 |
| 10% | 11.31 | 1.89 |
| 0% | 10.5 | 1.75 |
Dimensions
10A PWM Controller Dimensions
Unit: mm
Top View: Width 103mm, Depth 96mm.
Side View: Height 36mm.
Front View: Height 71mm, Width 60mm. Features four mounting holes with 3.5mm diameter (4xØ3.5).
Suitcase Solar Panel Dimensions
100 W Suitcase
Unit: mm
Overall Dimensions: Width 1092mm, Height 580mm.
50 W Suitcase
Unit: mm
Overall Dimensions: Width 550mm, Height 540mm.
Renogy reserves the right to change the contents of this manual without notice.
