PRODUCT MANUAL
SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER MPPT
SOL MPPT 10A (BLUETOOTH)
Introduction
Dear Clients,
Thanks for selecting the solar charge controller SOL MPPT 10A (BLUETOOTH) by VOLT Polska. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with this user manual, as it will help you take full advantage of the controller's features. This manual gives important recommendations for installing, using, and programming the solar controller.
1. Functions
Smart-MPPT series intelligent MPPT solar controller is programmable, waterproof and well-suited for a wide range of solar systems. The charging efficiency of this controller is higher than a traditional PWM controller, helping to get the most out of the solar panel. It comes with a number of outstanding features, such as:
- Innovative Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology, tracking efficiency >99.9%
- High charge conversion efficiency up to 96.5%
- Adjustable 5-stage timer for load output
- Use high performance, ultra-low power consumption Bluetooth dedicated chip
- Adopt Bluetooth 4.2 and BLE technology
- Suitable for Gel, Liquid, AGM and Lithium battery
- Four stage charging: MPPT, boost, equalization, float
- 0°C Charging Protection (Lithium)
- When BMS power off because of LVD, it can activate the system automatically
- Day/Night threshold can adjust automatically
- Waterproof IP67, Strong and durable aluminum case
- Full automatic electronic protect function
2. Dimensions
The device is a compact unit with the following approximate dimensions: Width: 85.8 mm, Height: 81 mm, Depth: 23.1 mm.
Diagram shows the physical dimensions of the MPPT controller.
3. Installation
The following diagram provides an overview of the terminals. Please make sure to follow the proper order of connection.
Terminal overview for the MPPT controller. Connections are labeled for load, battery, and solar panel. The recommended order of connection is: 1. Load (using corresponding red [positive] and black [negative] cables). 2. Battery (using corresponding positive and negative cables). 3. Solar Panel (using corresponding red [positive] and black [negative] cables). The controller begins charging after the panel connection. Ensure the wire length between the battery and controller is as short as possible. Recommended wire size: 2.5mm².
Confirm the LED display status after connection; refer to section 8.2 Faults and Alarms.
4. Starting up the controller
4.1 Self Test
As soon as the controller is powered, it starts a self-test routine. After this, the LED display will change to normal operation.
4.2 System Voltage
The controller applies to Lithium, AGM, Liquid, and Gel batteries. The factory default setting is suitable for Gel batteries. It is your responsibility to check and ensure that these settings are correct for your battery; otherwise, they must be amended.
When the controller is set to Lithium battery, the charging target voltage and charging recovery voltage can be set according to customer requirements.
If the battery voltage on start-up is between 10V-15V, the controller infers a 12V system when the controller is set to Gel, Liquid, or AGM battery. If the battery voltage is not within the normal operating range (approx. 10V to 15V) at start-up, please refer to section 8.2 Faults & Alarms.
5. App Installation
Search for "solarlife" in the app market and download and install it. For detailed instructions and settings, please read the Bluetooth APP user manual.
Screenshots show the 'solarlife' app listing in app stores for Android and iOS, indicating its availability and features.
6. Bluetooth
The controller has a Bluetooth communication function. The Bluetooth module of the controller can be connected to a mobile phone after installing the APP. For detailed operation, please read the "Bluetooth APP instructions". The app on a mobile phone can view the real-time working state of the controller and set parameters, including device and battery parameters.
6.1 Charging Voltage (Liquid/ GEL/AGM)
When choosing Liquid, GEL, or AGM for battery type, the parameters of boost, equalization, and float charging voltage can be set by the mobile phone APP. The following voltage parameters are for 25°C/12V systems:
Charging stage | Charging Voltage Range | Default charging voltage |
---|---|---|
Boost | 14.0~14.8V | 14.5V |
Equalization | 14.0~15.0V | 14.8V |
Float | 13.0~14.5V | 13.7V |
6.2 Charging Voltage Parameters (Lithium)
When choosing lithium battery type, the overcharge protection and overcharge recovery voltage of the lithium battery can be set by the mobile phone APP.
- Overcharge protection voltage (CVT): 10.0-17.0V
- Overcharge recovery voltage (CVR): 9.2-16.8V
The required accuracy of PCM shall be at least 0.2V. If the deviation is higher than 0.2V, the manufacturer will assume no liability for any system malfunction caused by this.
6.3 Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD)
When the battery voltage drops below the LVD voltage, the controller will disconnect the load to prevent deep discharge of the battery. If this occurs, the battery should be well charged before resuming use.
- 1. Lithium Battery
LVD range: 9.0~15.0V (default: 9.0V). - 2. Gel, Liquid and AGM Battery
The low voltage protection of the controller can be divided into two types: battery voltage control and capacity control.- a. Battery voltage control
Low voltage disconnect setting range: 10.8~11.8V (default: 11.2V). - b. Battery capacity control
Low voltage disconnect setting range: Soc1~Soc5
- a. Battery voltage control
Soc | Low voltage protection range |
---|---|
Soc1 | 11.0~11.6V |
Soc2 | 11.1~11.7V |
Soc3 | 11.2~11.8V |
Soc4 | 11.4~11.9V |
Soc5 | 11.6~12.0V |
6.4 Low Voltage Reconnect (LVR)
If the low voltage disconnect is triggered, the controller will restore load connection only when the battery voltage increases above the LVR voltage.
- 1. Lithium Battery
LVR range: 9.6~16.0V. - 2. Gel, Liquid and AGM Battery
LVR range: 11.4~12.8V.
[Important] The low voltage recovery voltage (LVR) should be higher than the low voltage disconnect voltage (LVD) by at least 0.6V. If you want to improve LVD, you should first improve LVR.
6.5 0°C Charging (Lithium)
"0°C Chg" can be set to "Yes", "Slow", or "No".
- When the controller detects that the ambient temperature is higher than 0°C, the charging function is normal.
- When the ambient temperature is lower than 0°C:
- If "0°C Chg" is set to "Yes", the charging function is normal.
- If "0°C Chg" is set to "Slow", the maximum charging current is 20% of the rated current.
- If "0°C Chg" is set to "No", the controller does not charge the battery.
The user can select the appropriate charging method.
6.6 Day/Night Threshold, Day/Night Delay
The controller recognizes day and night based on the solar array open circuit voltage. This day/night threshold can be modified according to local light conditions and the solar array used.
- Day/Night threshold setting range: 3.0~8.0V.
- The actual time of turning on can be delayed by up to 30 minutes from the time the threshold was reached using the Day/Night delay setting (D/N delay).
- Day/Night delay time setting range: 0~30min.
The day/night threshold voltage for load disconnect is 1V higher than the setting data, meaning the load will disconnect when the solar voltage is at 4.0~9.0V.
The controller will automatically adjust the day/night threshold. If the lowest solar voltage is higher than the day/night threshold, the load will have no output the first night. After 24 hours, the controller will automatically adjust the setting to provide output the following night.
Timing diagrams illustrate the relationship between Day/Night Threshold (D/N Thr), Sunrise, Sunset, Dusk, Dawn, and the Day/Night Delay (D/N Delay) for load control.
7. Load Modes
7.1 Always on Mode
When the controller is set to always-on mode, no matter the charging or discharging state, the load is always powered on (except when in a protection state).
Diagram shows load always on between D/N Thr and Sunrise/Sunset.
7.2 Street Lamp Function
When the load is set to D2D (Dusk to Dawn) or Evening mode, the Day/Night threshold voltage and the Day/Night delay time can be set, and the load can be turned on or off by the test function during the day charging process.
Diagram shows load turning on at dusk (after D/N Thr and D/N Delay) and off at dawn.
7.3 Five-stage Mode
Time 1-5 and Dim 1-5 can be set individually to give variable load power throughout the night.
Diagram shows load turning on at dusk, with five distinct time segments (Time1 to Time5) and potential dimming, followed by turning off at dawn. If "Time4" is set to "TOT", this mode is TOT mode, where the controller determines Time4 based on Time5 and previous data on the time of sunrise.
7.4 Manual Mode
If the load mode is selected "Manual", then you can switch on and off the load output manually via the Bluetooth APP.
Diagram shows load turning on at dusk and off at dawn, controlled manually.
[Important] If the controller turns off the load due to low voltage protection or overcurrent.
8. LED Indicators, Faults & Alarms
8.1 LED Display Explanation
The controller uses LED indicators to show its status:
LED | Status | Function |
---|---|---|
Green LED | On | Solar panel is correctly connected, but not charged |
Flash fast (0.1/0.1s) | MPPT charging | |
Flash (0.5/0.5s) | Equal or Boost charging (Gel, Liquid or AGM) | |
Flash slowly (0.5/2s) | Charging | |
Yellow LED | On | Battery is normal |
Slow flash (0.5/2s) | Battery voltage is low | |
Fast flash (0.1/0.1s) | Low voltage protection | |
Red LED | Off | Work normal |
On | The output power is 0. | |
Flash (0.5s/0.5s) | Over temperature | |
Fast flash (0.1/0.1s) | Short circuit or over current protection |
Detailed fault information can be read by S-Unit remote controller.
8.2 Faults & Alarms
The controller reports various faults and alarms:
Fault | Status | Reason | Remedy |
---|---|---|---|
Loads are not powered | Low volt. protection capacity | Low Battery | Recharge battery above LVR. |
Overcurrent, Overload or short circuit load protection | Short circuit load | Switch off all loads, remove short-circuit, load will be reconnected after 1 minute. | |
Over temp. protection | Controller temp. is too high | Controller will turn the system off until temperature is below 60 °C. | |
High voltage at battery terminal | Over voltage protection | Battery overvoltage >15.5V (Li: CVT+0.2V) | Check if other sources overcharge the battery. If not, controller is damaged. |
Incorrect system voltage | Battery wires or battery fuse damaged, battery has high resistance. | Check battery wires, fuse and battery. | |
Battery empty voltage protection | Battery voltage not in right range | Charge or discharge battery to correct the voltage. | |
Battery has low capacity after a short time | Change battery | ||
Battery Green LED not charging is on | PV panel fault or reverse connection | Check panels and wire connections. |
9. Safety Features
The controller provides protection for various connections:
Solar terminal | Battery terminal | Load terminal | |
---|---|---|---|
Reverse polarity | Protected [Note 1] | Protected | Protected |
Short circuit | Protected | Protected [Note 2] | Protected |
Over current | Protected | Switches off immediately | Switches off with delay |
Reverse Current | Protected | ||
Over voltage | Protected | Max.45V | Max. 25V |
Under voltage | Switches off | ||
Over temp. | The controller cuts off the load if the temperature reaches the set value. |
[Note 1]: Controller can protect itself, but the load might be damaged.
[Note 2]: Battery must be protected by a fuse.
Warning: The combination of different error conditions may cause damage to the controller. Always remove the error before you continue connecting the controller.
10. Safety Instructions and Liability
10.1 Safety
The solar charge controller may only be used in PV systems in accordance with this user manual and with solar panels specifications in line with the requirements of this controller. No energy source other than solar panels may be connected to the solar charge controller.
Batteries store a large amount of energy; never short-circuit a battery under any circumstances. It is strongly recommended to connect an in-line fuse or circuit-breaker on the "+" wire between the battery and controller, no more than 15cm from the battery terminal.
10.2 Safety Precautions
Batteries can produce flammable gases. Avoid sparks and flames near the batteries. Make sure the battery is installed in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid touching or short-circuiting wires or terminals. Be aware that the voltages on special terminals or wires can be several times greater than the battery voltage. Use isolated tools and only perform any work in a dry environment.
Keep children away from batteries and the charge controller.
Liability Exclusion
The manufacturer shall not be liable for damages to the controller or battery caused by use other than as instructed in this manual, or if the battery manufacturer's recommendations are neglected. The manufacturer shall not be liable if there has been service or repair carried out by any unauthorized person, unusual use, incorrect setup, or bad system design.
11. Technical Data
Item | SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER SOL MPPT 10A (BLUETOOTH) | |
---|---|---|
Max Charging Current | 10A | |
System Voltage | 12V | |
Max volt on Bat. Terminal | 25V | |
Battery Parameters | Battery Type | Lithium, Liquid, Gel, AGM (Programmable, default: Gel) |
MPPT Charging Voltage | <14.5V@25°C | |
Boost Voltage | 14.0~14.8V (Programmable, default: 14.5V@25°C) | |
Equalization Voltage | 14.0~15.0V (Programmable, default: 14.8V@25°C) | |
Float Voltage | 13.0~14.5V (Programmable, default: 13.7V@25°C) | |
Low Volt. Disconnect | Liquid, AGM and Gel: 10.8~11.8V, SOC1~5 (Programmable, default: 11.2V) | |
Reconnect Voltage | Liquid, AGM and Gel: 11.4~12.8V (Programmable, default: 12.0V) | |
Lithium Parameters | Overcharge Protect | 15.5V |
Temp. Compensation | -4.17mV/K per cell (Boost, Equalization), -3.33mV/K per cell (Float) | |
Charging voltage target | 10.0~17.0V (Programmable) | |
Charging voltage recovery | 9.2~16.8V (Programmable) | |
Lithium Parameters (cont.) | Low voltage disconnect | 9.0~15.0V (Programmable) |
Low voltage reconnect | 9.6~16.0V (Programmable) | |
0°C Charge Protection | Yes, No, Slow (Lithium, default: Yes) | |
Max input power | 130W | |
Max volt on PV terminal | 45V | |
Panel Parameters | Dusk/Dawn detect volt. | 3.0~8.0V (Default: 5.0V) |
Day/Night delay time | 0~30Min (Programmable, default: 0min) | |
MPPT tracking range | (Battery Voltage + 1.0V) ~ Voc*0.9 | |
Max tracking efficiency | >99.9% | |
Work mode | Always on, Street lamp, Five-stage, Manual (Default: Always on) | |
System Parameters | Output Current | 10A |
Max charge conversion | 96.5% | |
Communication distance | 10m | |
Self consumption | 8mA | |
Dimensions | 85.8*81*23.1mm | |
Weight | 260g | |
Ambient temperature | -35~+60°C | |
Ambient humidity | 0~100%RH | |
Protection degree | IP67 | |
Max Altitude | 4000m |
[Note 1]: PV panel Voc cannot exceed this value, otherwise it will damage the controller.
[Note 2]: Voc means the open circuit voltage of the solar panel.