Important Safety Instructions
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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
Description: Regulates the voltage and amperage coming from the solar panel to properly charge the battery bank.
Visual Description: A compact, grey 10A PWM solar charge controller with an LCD screen and several buttons/ports labeled 'Solar panel', 'Battery', 'Load', and 'USB (5V 1A)'. It features CE and ROHS markings.
MC4 to Alligator Clips w/ Fuse
Description: Used for connecting the charge controller to the battery. The entire cable from the charge controller to the alligator clips measures 3.3 feet with an inline fuse of 10A.
Visual Description: A set of cables featuring MC4 connectors on one end and red and black alligator clips on the other, with an inline fuse holder.
Controller Panel Structure
The charge controller panel features the following components:
- LCD Screen: Displays system information.
- Mounting holes: For securing the controller.
- Key: Button for operation.
- Terminals: Labeled for Solar panel (+/-), Battery (+/-), Load (+/-), and USB (5V 1A).
Visual Description: A diagram showing the top and front view of the charge controller. The front view displays the LCD screen, a key button, and clearly marked input/output terminals for Solar Panel, Battery, Load, and a USB port.
Controller Operation
Follow these steps for operation:
- 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 3 seconds:
- Battery Voltage: Displays current battery voltage (e.g., 12.0 V).
- Battery Capacity: Displays battery charge level (e.g., 100%).
- Temperature: Displays ambient temperature (e.g., 26 °C).
- Error Code: Displays error status (e.g., E0 for No Error).
- Load Mode: Displays the current load operating mode (e.g., 15).
Visual Description: A diagram shows a sequence of LCD screen displays for Battery Voltage, Battery Capacity, Temperature, Error Code, and Load Mode, connected by arrows indicating the cycle.
Setting Menu on LCD Screen
To enter the load mode setting interface, long press the red button in any mode. The load mode will begin to flash. Short press the button to adjust the load mode. Long press the button again to save and exit mode setting, or wait for 10 seconds for the system to save and exit automatically.
Visual Description: A diagram illustrates the process of setting the load mode. It shows pressing the button to enter flashing mode, short pressing to change the mode number, and long pressing to save.
Five Load Working Modes
The charge controller offers five distinct load working modes:
- Pure light control (0): The load turns on when sunlight disappears (below a starting point) and turns off when sunlight returns (above a starting point), with a settable one-minute delay for confirmation.
- Light control + time control (1 to 14): Similar to pure light control, but the load operates for a preset period (1 to 14 hours) after activation before shutting down automatically.
- Manual mode (15): The user can manually switch the load on or off using the button at any time, regardless of light conditions. This is the default manual mode.
- Debugging mode (16): Used for system installation and debugging. The load behavior depends on light signals and preset voltages (e.g., shut off with 6V light signals, on with 5V without light signals).
- Normal on (17): The load remains continuously powered on.
LED Display to Mode Mapping
| 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.
Visual Description: A diagram shows the LCD displaying '12.0 V' with a load icon indicating 'Load switched on'. An arrow points to a display showing '12.0 V' with no load icon, indicating 'Load switched off', after a short press of the button.
Note: Load start is a type of soft start; the load icon on the LCD screen will be delayed after the load is switched on.
Error Code List
The following error codes may appear on the LCD screen:
| 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
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
| Description | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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
| Description | 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.
12V Battery Charging States
| 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 Charge Controller
Visual Description: A diagram shows the dimensions of the 10A PWM charge controller. The overall dimensions are approximately 103mm (width) x 96mm (height) x 36mm (depth). Mounting hole dimensions are indicated as 4xØ3.5mm. The front panel dimensions are approximately 71mm (height) x 60mm (width).
Unit: mm
100 W Suitcase Solar Panel
Visual Description: A diagram shows the dimensions of the 100W Suitcase solar panel. The overall dimensions are approximately 1092mm (width) x 540mm (height).
Unit: mm
50 W Suitcase Solar Panel
Visual Description: A diagram shows the dimensions of the 50W Suitcase solar panel. The overall dimensions are approximately 580mm (width) x 550mm (height).
Unit: mm
Renogy reserves the right to change the contents of this manual without notice.
