Mestic MPPT Solar Charge Controller MSC-3010/3020

Product Overview

The Mestic MPPT Solar Charge Controller is designed for efficient charging of batteries from solar panels. It features Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology to optimize energy harvest. This manual provides detailed information on its features, installation, operation, protection mechanisms, troubleshooting, and technical specifications.

Key Specifications:

• Charging Current: 20A (MSC-3020), 10A (MSC-3010)
• System Voltage: 12/24 V (auto-detection)
• Theme: SMART ADVENTURE
• Tagline: Relax... it's mestic

Features

1. LCD display
2. Temperature sensor
3. Menu Button
4. Set Button
5. USB output
6. Solar system terminal
7. Battery terminal
8. Load terminal

Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the performance and longevity of the charge controller.

Installation Location

• Install the controller in a well-ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and moisture.

Mounting

• Use M4 or M5 screws with a head diameter less than 10 mm.
• Ensure sufficient space around the controller for ventilation and cable connections.
• Mounting hole distance: 155.8 x 63.0 mm. Hole diameter: 5 mm.

Connection Order

Connect components in the following sequence:

1. Connect the Battery: Ensure the battery terminal is installed with a fuse. The installation distance for the fuse should not exceed 50 mm from the terminal.
2. Connect the Load: Connect your electrical loads.
3. Connect the Solar Panel Array: Connect the solar panels.
4. The controller will now switch on automatically.

Important Notes for Installation:

• Inverters/Starter Current: If connecting an inverter or other high-current starter device, connect it directly to the battery, not to the controller's load terminal.
• Polarity: Pay close attention to connecting the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals correctly for all components. Do not insert fuses or turn on breakers during installation.
• Battery First: Always connect the battery first. This allows the controller to recognize the system voltage automatically.
• Battery Fuse: Install the battery fuse as close to the battery as possible, with a distance of no more than 150 mm between the fuse and the battery group.
• Grounding: This controller is a positive grounding controller. Positive connections of the solar load or battery can be grounded if required.
• Terminals: The controller's terminals may be locked before use. Loosen them to connect components correctly.
• Connection Order: Do not alter the specified connection order, as this can lead to system voltage recognition errors.
• Cable Length: The cable between the controller and the battery should be as short as possible, ideally between 30 cm and 100 cm.
• Recommended Fuse: It is strongly advised to install a fuse on the battery side rated at 1.5 times the controller's nominal current. A short circuit could cause fire or explosion.
• Reverse Battery Connection: If the battery is connected with reverse polarity, the controller's output will have the same polarity. Do not connect any load in this situation, as it will damage both the load and the controller.
• High Solar Voltage: Solar panels can produce very high voltages in sunlight, which can cause injury or damage the controller. Ensure the maximum PV voltage (PVmax) stays within the required safety MPP range.
• Load Connection Safety: Before connecting the load, turn off the controller's output using the SET button to prevent injury from load voltage. The controller does not offer reverse connection protection for the load; incorrect connection will destroy the load.

Button Functions

The controller features a few buttons for operation and setting adjustments.

1. Load Switch: In manual mode, briefly press the SET button to switch the load on or off.
2. Breakdown/Error: Briefly press the SET button to acknowledge or view error information.
3. Browse Mode: Briefly press the MENU or SET button to cycle through display screens.
4. Setting Mode:
   • Hold the MENU button longer to enter the second browsing interface.
   • Use MENU or SET to navigate through different interfaces.
   • Hold MENU again longer to enter the parameter setting mode.
   • Briefly press MENU or SET to adjust parameters.
   • Hold MENU to save new settings.
   • The interface will exit to the previous screen by pressing SET (long) or after 20 seconds of inactivity.

Display Indicators

The LCD display provides various status information:

1. Night-time Symbol (?): Appears when solar panel input voltage is lower than the sensor identification point voltage.
2. Daytime Symbol (☀️): Appears when solar panel input voltage is higher than the sensor identification point voltage.
3. Solar Panel Parameter Indicator: Shows solar panel parameters (e.g., voltage).
4. Battery Parameter Indicator: Shows battery parameters (e.g., voltage, temperature).
5. Load Parameter Indicator: Shows load parameters.
6. System Voltage: Displays the detected system voltage (12V/24V) and adjusts technical data automatically.
7. Numerical display area.
8. Timer setting function indicator.
9. Switch symbol.
10. Unit symbol.
11. Warning Symbol (⚠️): Appears when an error occurs.
12. Load status indicator (On/Off).
13. Output power indicator: Appears when the load terminal is active.
14. Battery capacity indicator: Shows battery charge level with bars.
15. Charge Status Indicator (⚡): Appears when the controller is charging. A flashing symbol indicates float charge.

Operation

Main Interface

1. Upon power-on, an initialization interface appears for 1 second, followed by the main interface.
2. If the main interface is not operated for 20 seconds, it automatically rotates through battery voltage, solar panel voltage, and environment temperature displays (3 seconds each). Press and hold the SET button for more than 5 seconds to speed up this rotation.
3. Press the SET button in the main interface to turn the load output on or off.
4. Press the MENU button to cycle through the following interfaces: Main Interface -> Float Voltage -> Load Reconnect Voltage -> Load Disconnect Voltage -> Load Mode -> System Voltage Select -> Main Interface.

Parameter Settings

• Float Voltage Setup / High Voltage Disconnection (HVD): This parameter sets the HVD voltage. Navigate to the float voltage interface, then hold MENU for over 5 seconds until numbers flash. Use SET/MENU to adjust. Hold MENU again for over 5 seconds to save. The interface returns to main after 20 seconds of inactivity.
• Low Voltage Reconnection (LVR): When battery voltage is low, output stops. It reconnects when battery voltage is higher than LVD voltage, or by pressing SET to force release. Parameter adjustment is similar to HVD.
• Low Voltage Disconnection (LVD): Output turns off when battery voltage is low. The controller locks until the battery is charged. Reconnection occurs when battery voltage is higher than LVD voltage, or by pressing SET to force release. Parameter adjustment is similar to HVD.

  Note: Users generally do not need to adjust these parameters. Consult your battery supplier before making changes, as incorrect settings can damage the battery.

• Load Working Mode:
  • Default is 24 hours (continuous operation).
  • Less than 23 hours activates timer or sensor function. Load turns on at sunset and off at sunrise or set timer.
• System Voltage Selection:
  • Default mode 'UTO' auto-detects 12/24V. It switches to 24V if battery voltage > 18V, and to 12V if < 18V.
  • Mode '1' maintains voltage under 12V after battery reconnection.
  • Mode '2' maintains voltage under 24V after battery reconnection.

Protection Features

• Battery Low Voltage Disconnection (LVD): Activates when battery voltage is below 11V. Output is turned off, and the battery symbol flashes. Deactivates when voltage exceeds 12.6V.
• Battery Over Voltage Disconnection (OVD): Activates when battery voltage exceeds 16.5V. Load is turned off, and load/warning symbols flash. Deactivates when voltage drops to 15V.
• Load Over Current Protection (OCP): If the load is short-circuited or overloaded, the output is turned off, and load/warning symbols flash. Check for short circuits and reduce load power. The controller will automatically restart after 30 seconds or upon pressing the MENU button.
• High Voltage Disconnection (HVD): Activates when the battery is charged to 13.8V. The charge symbol flashes, and battery voltage is limited.

Troubleshooting

Refer to this section for common issues and their solutions:

1. Solar Panel Disconnected: Check if the solar panel input is connected correctly and the contact is reliable.
2. Battery Voltage Below 8V: The controller only starts when the battery voltage is above 8V. Check battery voltage.
3. Solar Panel Voltage Lower Than Battery Voltage: The solar panel voltage must be higher than the battery voltage.
4. Battery Over-discharge: The load output is automatically turned off and recovers when the battery capacity is sufficient.
5. Battery Over-voltage: If battery over-voltage occurs, check if the battery voltage exceeds the required level and reconnect the solar panel.
6. Overload: Reduce the load or check the load connection.
7. Over Temperature: Ensure the controller cools down. Charging should automatically restart afterward.
8. Solar Panel Charging Current Too High: Check the solar panel's output and reduce the number of parallel-connected panels. Restart after 2 minutes.
9. Display Shows LVD: The battery is over-discharged. Check system setup feasibility and if discharge capacity exceeds charge capacity.
10. Display Shows HVD: Battery voltage is too high. Disconnect the solar panel and check if the voltage returns to a normal level. If the error persists, disconnect and reconnect the battery.
11. Display Shows OCP: The load is short-circuited or overloaded. Check load cables for short circuits, or if the load's output power or surge power is too high.

Technical Specifications

Correct Disposal of This Product

[Symbol: Crossed-out wheeled bin] This symbol means that this product must not be disposed of with normal household waste (Directive 2012/19/EU). To prevent possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle responsibly to promote sustainable reuse of material resources. To return your used device, read the warranty conditions from where the product was purchased. They can take the product back for environmentally safe recycling.

Declaration of Conformity

Gimeg Nederland B.V. hereby declares that the device MPPT MSC-3010/MPPT MSC-3020 complies with the basic requirements and other relevant regulations specified in the European Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2014/30/EU) and Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU). You can request a full declaration of conformity at the address on the back.

Importer Information

Importer: Gimeg Nederland B.V.

Address: Atoomweg 99, 3542 AA Utrecht, The Netherlands