Keeper SERIES MPPT 20A-40A Solar Charge Controller
Maximum Power Point Tracking Solar Charge Controller
Important Initial Setup Warning
⚠️ Please connect the battery first, and then connect the solar panel after setting the system parameters. If you do not operate in order, the battery will be damaged.
Document Version: 240116-V1.8
Product Overview
This document provides instructions and technical data for the PowMr Keeper SERIES MPPT solar charge controller, available in 20A, 30A, and 40A models.
1. Wiring Precautions
Perform the following steps to connect cables and install them:
- Step 1: Connect batteries ([+] and [-] terminals).
- Step 2: Connect the load (?).
- Step 3: Connect the solar panels (☀️).
- Step 4: Connect the inverter to the battery (This step can be ignored if no inverter is used).
2. Notice
⚠️ NOTICE: This series of MPPT is a common positive controller. The positive pole of the PV array, battery, and load can be grounded at the same time.
⚠️ NOTICE: If an inverter or other device with high starting current is loaded in the system, please connect the inverter directly to the battery. Do not connect it with the controller's load terminal.
⚠️ NOTICE: If a lithium battery is used, set the system voltage and the battery type before use. (See Section 3.8 for details)
3. Product Instructions
3.1 LCD Screen
3.2 Status Introduce
| Item | Icon | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PV array | ☀️ | Day | Night |
| ☀️ → MPPT → ? | Charging | ||
| Battery | ? | Uncharged/ Battery capacity | |
| [LiPo] [LiFe] | Battery type | ||
| Load | ? | Load on | Load off |
* On the main page, the load on/off button is functional in any load operating mode.
3.3 Button Definition
| Button meaning | Button pattern | Button function |
|---|---|---|
| MENU | ▲ | Short Press: switch down press, and hold for 3 seconds to enter the next interface. |
| SET | [SET] | Short press to switch up. Press and hold for 3 seconds to exit without saving. |
3.4 Boot Screen
(1) Starting interface: It is normal to detect LCD when the system is powered on.
(2) Battery voltage interface: Displays the battery voltage.
(3) Software revision: Displays the current software version.
NOTICE: At the first interface, long press the “MENU” button to enter the secondary interface. It will automatically switch to the first interface without user input for 15 seconds.
3.5 Load Switch on/off
* On the main page, the load on/off button is functional in any load operating mode.
3.6 Main Loop Pages
After the controller is powered on, the LCD screen will enter the main page. At this page, short press “MENU” or “SET” to switch among the main loop pages.
3.7 Setting Pages
Under the main page, long press “MENU” for 3 seconds to enter the setting page, and then short press “MENU” or “SET” to switch among the setting pages. After setting, long press “MENU” for 3 seconds to save the setting, long press “SET” for 3 seconds to switch to the main page without saving.
For details, see Section 3.10 Setting Battery Voltage Parameters.
3.8 Battery Type
Under the main page, long press “MENU” for 3 seconds to enter the setting page, and then short press “MENU” to switch to the battery type page (user mode 1). After entering the battery type page (user mode 1), long press “MENU” for 3 seconds to enter battery type selection pages. Short press “MENU” or “SET” to switch among GEL battery, sealed battery, flooded battery, and lithium batteries.
Under each lithium battery page, long press “MENU” for 3 seconds to enter a program for setting the lithium battery's capacity. At this time, the parameters on screen will start flashing. Keep long pressing “MENU” for 3 seconds, the parameter will become battery capacity. Short press “MENU” or “SET” to set the capacity of the currently connected lithium batteries. After setting the parameters, save the data by long pressing “MENU” for 3 seconds.
For lithium batteries, please set the system voltage before selecting the battery type.
Battery Type Selection Table
| Display | Battery type |
|---|---|
| USE 1 | Lead-acid battery custom |
| GEL | Colloidal lead acid battery |
| SLD | Sealed lead acid battery |
| FLD | Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Battery |
| 4*3.2 | 4S LiFePO4 battery |
| 5*3.2 | 5S LiFePO4 battery |
| 3*3.7 | 3S Lithium-ion battery |
| 4*3.7 | 4S Lithium-ion battery |
| USE 2 | Lithium battery custom |
3.9 System Voltage Setting
After completing the battery type configuration, proceed to the next setting, which is the system voltage setting. “AUTO” indicates automatic detection of the system voltage.
After entering the setting pages, switch to the system voltage page. Long press “MENU” for 3 seconds until “AUTO” starts to flash. Then short press “MENU” or “SET” to select the system voltage (12V or 24V).
3.10 Battery Parameters and Load Working Mode
Battery Parameters of Different Types
| Parameter | USE 1 | GEL | SLD | FLD | 4*3.2 | 5*3.2 | 3*3.7 | 4*3.7 | USE 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resume charge voltage | 13.6V | 13.6V | 13.6V | 13.6V | 13.0V | 16.2V | 12.0V | 16.0V | 13.6V |
| Constant voltage charge voltage | 14.4V | 14.4V | 14.4V | 14.4V | 14.4V | 18.0V | 12.6V | 16.8V | 14.4V |
| Equalization charge voltage | 14.6V | 14.2V | 14.6V | 14.8V | - | - | - | - | - |
| Absorption charge voltage | 14.4V | 14.2V | 14.4V | 14.6V | - | - | - | - | - |
| Float charge voltage | 13.8V | 13.8V | 13.8V | 13.8V | - | - | - | - | - |
| Low voltage protection voltage | 10.8V | 10.8V | 10.8V | 10.8V | 11.2V | 14.0V | 9.9V | 13.2V | 11.2V |
| Low voltage recovery voltage | 12.6V | 12.6V | 12.6V | 12.6V | 12.8V | 16.0V | 11.1V | 14.8V | 12.8V |
* The parameters for Equalize, Absorption, and Float charge voltages may include duration details for specific battery types not fully listed in this summary table.
Load Working Mode
The controller defaults to 24-hour load working. There are 4 load working modes for selection:
| Icon | Description |
|---|---|
| [LD1] | Regular mode: The load works normally and can be turned on or off manually. |
| [LD2] | Light control mode: The load automatically turns on at dark and turns off at dawn. |
| [LD3] | Light & time control mode: Load working hours after dark, load working hours before dawn. (Automatically identifies dark and light according to local environment) |
| [LD4] | Reverse light control mode: Load automatically turns on at dawn, load automatically turns off at dark. |
If the "Light & time control mode" is selected, the user will enter the setting interface for configuring the duration of DC output. Once the duration is set, the LD3 mode configuration program can be activated or deactivated by selecting the "on" or "off" option in the switch interface.
In light control mode, time and light control mode, and reverse light control mode, the controller will start or stop the load with a delay of approximately 30 seconds after the light is detected or disappears. On the main page, the load on/off button is functional in any load operating mode.
3.11 PV Voltage Page
3.12 Setting of equalization charging duration
After switching to the equalization charging page from the main page, long press “MENU” for 3 seconds when the parameter starts to flash. Keep pressing it for 3 seconds to turn the page to the equalization charging duration setting page. Short press “MENU” or “SET” to increase or decrease the time.
3.13 Setting of absorption charging duration
After switching to the absorption charge page from the main page, long press “MENU” for 3 seconds when the parameter status flashes. Keep pressing it for 3 seconds to turn the page to the absorption charging duration setting page. Short press “MENU” or “SET” to increase or decrease the time.
4. Protection Function
| Protection | Condition | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panel reversed | Solar panel can be reversed if battery is not connected. | Controller isn't broken. |
| Battery is reversed | Battery can be reserved if PV is unconnected. | Controller isn't broken. |
| Battery over-voltage | Battery voltage reaches the over-voltage point. | Stop charging and discharging. |
| Battery over-discharge | Battery voltage drops the under-voltage point. | Stop discharging. |
| Over-load | The load current is over the rated current. | Turn off the output. |
5. Fault Management
| Error code | Cause | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| PV array indicator is off when sunlight is enough. | Solar panel is disconnection. | Check whether if PV array connection is proper or not. |
| No sign on the LCD when connection is right. | 1. Battery voltage is less than 8V. 2. Voltage of solar panel is less than battery voltage. | 1. Check battery voltage (at least 8V to activate the controller). 2. The voltage of PV must be higher than battery voltage. |
| E 1 (Ex1) | Battery over discharge. | The load will stop automatically and recover when battery voltage reaches 12.6V (LVR). |
| E 2 (Ex2) | Battery over voltage. | Make sure the settled value of high voltage disconnection voltage is over battery voltage and reconnect PV array. |
| E 3 (Ex3) | Over load. | Reduce load or check load connection. |
| E 5 (Ex5) | Controller overheating. | The controller will restart after it cools down. |
| E 6 (Ex6) | Input voltage of solar panel is too high. | Check voltage of solar panel and reduce quantities of solar panel in series. |
| E 7 (Ex7) | No operation. | Controller will restart after setting system voltage. |
The fault code consists of an "E" and two digits. The first digit represents the current error count, and the second digit indicates the specific fault condition. For example, when the fault code displays as "E-12," it means that there is one error at the moment, and the specific reason is overvoltage in battery.
6. Technical Data
| Parameter | 20A | 30A | 40A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated Charge Current | 20A | 30A | 40A |
| PV Input | |||
| Max. open voltage of PV array | <60V | <75V | <100V |
| System rated voltage | 12/24V Auto recognized | ||
| Battery voltage range | 8V~32V | ||
| Maximum input power | 260W(12V) 520W(24V) | 390W(12V) 780W(24V) | 520W(12V) 1040W(24V) |
| DC Output | |||
| Rated Discharge Current | 20A | 20A | 30A |
| Battery type | User default, Sealed, Flooded, GEL, LiFePO4, Li(NiCoMn)O2 | ||
| Equalize charging voltage* | Maintenance-free lead-acid battery: 14.6V; GEL: 14.2V; Lead-acid Flooded battery: 14.6V. Duration: 2 hours. | ||
| Absorption charging voltage* | Maintenance-free lead-acid battery: 14.4V; GEL: No; Lead-acid Flooded battery: 14.8V. Duration: 2 hours. | ||
| Float charging voltage* | Maintenance-free lead-acid battery, GEL, Lead-acid Flooded battery: 13.8V. | ||
| LVR* | Maintenance-free lead-acid battery, GEL, Lead-acid Flooded battery: 12.6V. | ||
| LVD* | Maintenance-free lead-acid battery, GEL, Lead-acid Flooded battery: 10.8V. | ||
| Static loss | <50mA | ||
| HVD | Lead acid battery 16V | ||
| Light control voltage | 5V/10A | ||
| Temperature compensation coefficient | -4mV/°C/2V(25°C) | ||
| Discharge loop voltage drop | <0.2V | ||
| LCD temperature | -20℃~+70°C | ||
| Operating temperature | -20°C~+55°C | ||
| Storage temperature | -30°C~+80°C | ||
| Working humidity | <90%, No condensation | ||
| Protection class | IP30 | ||
| Grounded type | Positive grounded | ||
| Aperture for installation | Φ5mm | ||
*Above the parameters are in 12V system at 25°C, twice in 24V system.
