XTM 200W Folding Solar Blanket & 15A MPPT Controller

Introduction

Please ensure that you have read the product manual and instruction in full prior to use. Failure to do so may result in incorrect operation and therefore impact on the product's performance.

Safety & Warnings

• Before using the XTM solar blanket, ensure the instructions have been read and understood.
• The solar blanket is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons. Please keep away from pets.
• XTM solar blanket is designed to charge most 12-volt battery types including: Flooded (Lead acid), Gel, Sealed/Mat(AGM) and VRSLA batteries.
• Always wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working near batteries. This includes gloves and eye protection.
• Ensure the battery is being charged in a well-ventilated area. Explosive gases may escape from the battery during charging. Never charge a battery in a closed-off space or in an area without ventilation.
• Never smoke, use an open flame or create sparks near a battery or charger whilst charging, as gases may cause explosion. Please keep burning cigarettes, flames, or other ignition sources away from the charging battery at all times.
• XTM Solar blanket is not water resistant or waterproof. Do not expose the solar blanket to water or liquids.
• DO NOT attempt to use the solar blanket if the cables or plugs are damaged. These units do not contain serviceable parts. To avoid a hazard, ensure that any damage to the unit, cable, or plugs is replaced by a qualified technician.
• DO NOT disassemble the solar blanket. The warranty will be void if this instruction is ignored.
• If the battery is still connected in the vehicle, ensure the vehicle ignition is switched off before charging the battery.
• DO NOT place the solar blanket on fabric/leather/vinyl seats, on the battery, or balanced in the engine bay.
• Never charge a frozen battery, non-rechargeable, or dry cell battery. A compatible solar controller is required to charge lithium batteries. The included controller is not suitable for lithium batteries.
• DO NOT bend or scratch the solar blanket.
• DO NOT walk, sit, or place heavy items onto the solar blankets or the kit in the bag.
• DO NOT use a high-pressure hose to clean the solar blanket. Use a clean microfiber cloth to clean solar blanket surfaces.

XTM 15A MPPT Solar Charge Controller Safety & Usage

• 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 parameters of the controller.
• Battery connection may be wired to one battery or a bank of batteries.
• Keep in a dry, well-ventilated area.

IMPORTANT!

Connection of components to the controller MUST be completed in the sequence outlined in the following Wiring diagram, paying particular attention to the "+" and "-" wiring. When disconnecting components, the order is reversed.

After turning the controller on, check that the LED indicator is green (if not green, please refer to section 8. Troubleshooting).

Load self-test function: Load self-test function - the load will show as "on" when the controller is switched on.

First Aid & Batteries

For advice, contact the Poisons Information Centre in Australia (PH: 13 11 26).

• If battery acid makes contact with the skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water.
• If battery acid makes contact with the eyes, hold eyelids apart and flush the eye continuously with fresh running water for at least 15 minutes or until the Poisons Information Centre advises you to stop.
• If battery acid is swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Drink a glass of water and immediately seek medical assistance.

Specifications

Solar Blanket

XTM 15A MPPT Solar Charge Controller

PLU: 628707 CODE: 200WBLANKET

Manufactured & packaged for: SRGS PTY LTD, ABN 23 113 230 050, 6 Coulthards Avenue, Strathpine QLD 4500, Australia. MADE IN CHINA.

Caution

• ONLY 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.
• DO NOT hang solar blanket by corded loops; loops are designed to secure the blanket to a flat or angled surface only. They are not designed to hang the blanket vertically.

How to Use

• Unfold the solar blanket.
• Place the solar blanket in a position directly facing the sun. Shadows will reduce optimum power output.
• Tilt the solar blanket at a suitable angle. (Additional support may be necessary)

Sun Angle Guidance:

• BEST: Sun directly overhead, perpendicular to the blanket.
• OKAY: Sun at a moderate angle.
• INEFFECTIVE: Sun at a very low angle, casting shadows.

• Connect the solar blanket to the controller and connect the battery clamp wire to the controller.

The following data represents the electricity this solar charger can generate under full sun and ideal working conditions:

The solar blanket generates electricity in proportion to the amount of sunlight exposed to the solar panels. The peak generation of power is on a clear day when the sun is at a correct angle toward the solar panels. Cloud cover, seasonal variations, incidental shading, and dust and dirt on the solar blanket could decrease the performance of the solar charger.

Power loss during transmission through lead wire and connector, efficiency of charge controller, and inverter will also decrease the amount of electricity you can generate.

Handling Instructions:

• DO NOT pick the solar blanket up directly by the solar cells.
• Use the gap between the solar cells to pick the blanket up. [Diagram showing correct lifting by fabric edges between cells].
• DO NOT stand or walk on the solar blanket. [Diagram showing incorrect standing/walking on the blanket].

Charging a 12V Battery

Connection Sequence:

1. First connect the battery to the solar charge controller.
2. Second connect the load to the solar charge controller.
3. Finally connect the solar blanket to the solar charge controller.

NOTE: Heavy loads should be connected to the battery directly.

Wiring Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates the connection of the solar blanket, the 15A MPPT Solar Charge Controller, a 12V battery, and a load. The solar blanket connects to the 'PV BATT' terminals, the battery to the 'Battery 12V' terminals, and the load to the 'Load' terminals. The diagram emphasizes correct polarity (+/-) and the connection sequence.

XTM 15A MPPT Solar Charge Controller Overview

1. Safety Information

• Read all of the instructions in the manual before installation.
• DO NOT disassemble or attempt to repair the controller.
• Disconnect the solar module 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 parameters of the controller.
• Battery connection may be wired to one battery or a bank of batteries.
• Risk of electric shock due to the high voltages produced from the photovoltaic (PV) and load when the controller is in use.

2. Overview

The XTM 15A MPPT Solar Charge Controller utilizes the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charging method. This enables optimized charging and discharging management, increasing system flexibility and reducing overall system running cost. This controller supports a variety of battery types, including sealed, gel & flooded batteries. It can also be used around the home in applications such as home solar systems, solar lighting, and garden lamps.

Features:

• Advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology
• Long lifespan design, made from high-quality components within an aluminium housing
• Ultra-fast tracking speed & efficiency
• Accurately recognises & tracks multiple power points
• Photovoltaic (PV) power limitation function

3. Product Specifications (Controller)

Controller Components:

• ① Charging Status LED indicator
• ② Battery Status LED indicator
• ③ PV Positive and Negative Wires
• ④ Battery Positive and Negative Wires
• ⑤ Load Positive and Negative Wires
• ⑥ Waterproof cap

NOTE: 1. The waterproof cap must be fitted to prevent water & dust entering the unit. 2. COM adapter not available with this unit.

4. Wiring (Controller)

IMPORTANT! *If load wires are not used, it is recommended that these wires are covered.

1. Connection of components to the controller MUST be completed in the sequence outlined in the following Wiring diagram, paying particular attention to the "+" and "-" wiring. When disconnecting components, the order is reversed.
2. After turning the controller on, check that the LED indicator is green (if not green, please refer to section 8. Troubleshooting).

Load self-test function: Load self-test function - the load will show as "on" when the controller is switched on.

5. LED Indicators

6. Load Working Mode

Note: The controller's 'ON' status indicator is defaulted to show Load.

7. 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 low power, charging will stop, the controller will turn off and the LED indicator will not illuminate. Disconnect PV input from controller and check for short circuit in the wiring and reconnect.
  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/12V(600W/24V), damage WILL occur to controller.

Battery Protections:

• Reverse Polarity: Where battery reverse polarity occurs, check wire connections and resume normal operation.
• Over Voltage (16V): Where over voltage is detected, the controller will stop charging the battery, to prevent damage to the battery. Refer to section 9 Technical specifications.
• Over Discharge (11.1V): Where over discharge (low voltage) is detected, the controller will stop power supply to load, to prevent damage to the battery. Refer to section 9 Technical specifications.
• 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 temperature sensor faults, the controller will continue to charge/discharge battery at the default temperature of 25°C, to prevent damage to the battery from overcharging & low voltage.
• Load Overload: The controller will disconnect the load where the load current exceeds the maximum load current rating of 1.05 times (15.75 amps). Where overload does occur, reduce load demand and restart controller.
• Load Short Circuit: The controller will disconnect the load if short circuit (greater than or equal to 60 amps) occurs and will attempt reconnection 5 times. If reconnection attempts fail, the user must clear short circuit by disconnecting the controller from the circuit, check all the wiring for the short circuit and reconnect the controller (follow the steps outlined on the front of the controller) to reset. If restart fails, please refer to 8. Troubleshooting.

8. Troubleshooting

^ 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.

9. Technical Specifications

10. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What type of batteries can be used with the solar blanket kit?
A. Deep Cycle, Gel, AGM, VRSLA and Flooded batteries. Compatible solar controller is required to charge lithium battery. The included controller is not suitable for lithium battery.

Q. Will the solar blanket over charge my battery?
A. No. The solar blanket solar charge controller ensures that a steady charge is supplied to the battery without over charging.

Q. Can I extend or lengthen the battery lead wire?
A. If the lead is extended, this can result in a loss of voltage causing insufficient power being transferred from the solar blanket. Product modifications will void your warranty.

Q. How do I clean the solar blanket?
A. Dust & dirt should first be swept off the panel surface using a soft brush or a microfiber cloth. Then, using a clean microfiber cloth, wipe the solar panel surfaces to remove remaining dirt & grime. It is recommended that any bird droppings be removed as soon as possible to avoid surface damage.

Q. Is the solar blanket waterproof or water resistant?
A. No, the solar blanket is not waterproof or water resistant. Do not expose the solar blanket to water or liquids.

Q. Is the 12V 15A MPPT solar charge controller waterproof?
A. Yes, the controller is IP68 rated, waterproof and dust proof.

Q. What is photovoltaic?
A. The photovoltaic (PV) effect are solar cells that produce direct current electricity from sunlight which can be used to power equipment or to recharge a battery.

Warranty

Our product is guaranteed to be free from quality and manufacturing defects for a period of 12 months.

If your product becomes defective during this period, SRGS PTY LTD will offer you either a replacement, credit or refund where a product is faulty; wrongly described; different from the sample shown to you or do not do what they are supposed to do.

This warranty will not cover substantially modified product; misuse or abuse of the product contrary to user instructions or packaging label; change of mind and normal wear and tear.

Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and failure does not amount to a major failure.

To claim the warranty, take the product to the front Service Desk of your nearest store of purchase. You will need to show receipt or other proof of purchase. Additional information may be required to process your claim. Should you not be able to provide proof of purchase with a receipt or bank statement, identification showing name, address and signature may be required to process your claim.

Any expenses relating to the return of your product to the store will normally have to be paid by you. For online store purchases, SRGS PTY LTD will pay for the return freight for any product assessed as having a major failure.

The benefits to the customer given by this warranty are in addition to other rights and remedies of the Australian Consumer Law in relation to the goods or services to which this warranty relates.

This warranty is provided by SRGS PTY LTD, 6 Coulthards Avenue, Strathpine QLD 4500, Australia. Phone: 1300 880 764.