This high quality waterproof 10A 12V/24V solar charge controller is designed to protect batteries whilst charging them, having automatic cut off to prevent over-charging and deep discharge. The controller uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) technology which increases charge acceptance and prolongs the life of your battery. Often PWM technology can recover some lost battery capacity.
This controller stops reverse current at night (from the battery back to the solar panel) so your battery won't lose any charge. It has many other protection functions such as over charge / discharge, over load, short circuit, overheating etc. Other features of this controller include LED indicators, temperature sensor, battery type selection, dual timer function and several load work modes.
This controller can work with sealed, gel and flooded batteries (simpler controllers can only work with one battery type). In addition, it can accept a wide range of solar input voltage up to 50V, so this controller can work not only with standard off-grid solar modules, but also with on-grid panels which have higher voltage. The controller can handle up to 160W (with 12V batteries) / 320W (with 24V batteries) of solar panels, which makes it a perfect choice for small or medium solar PV systems with a battery and load such as in a camper van or boat.
In addition, the solar charge controller has a very high degree of water protection - IP67 (which means it's completely sealed), so it is absolutely safe to use this solar kit in all weather conditions.
Further to the built-in temperature sensor there is an external temperature sensor located on the controller to measure the ambient temperature more precisely and optimise the charging process.
This model also features advanced communication technology, which offers the user the opportunity to monitor and program parameters for the solar charge controller through various methods:
1) The controller can be connected to a remote meter MT50 with an LCD screen, which displays system performance information and allows the user to manually adjust parameters and load settings. Requires a RS485 to RJ45 cable to extend from controller to the remote meter.
2) An RS485 to USB cable can be used to connect the controller directly to your PC / laptop, where parameters and settings can be monitored and adjusted via a free computer program - Solar Station Monitor (Windows-based PCs and laptops only).
Using one of these communication methods, the user will gain access to various charging parameters such as voltage, current (separately for solar panel / load), battery state of charge, accumulated charge and discharge energy, min/max voltage and other information. If required the user will also be able to amend the battery type and capacity, set charging volts for different charging stages, specify the duration of each charging stage, create a user-defined battery type with charging parameters specific to their battery (if the pre-existing options are unsuitable), personalise the 'load' settings (e.g. set timers for lighting, fans, pumps) and more.
Controller specifications:
- Fully waterproof with IP67 protection from water/moisture
- Rated charging and load current 10A
- Automated operation and auto 12/24V selection
- Solar input voltage up to 50V and power up to 160W (12V batteries) / 320W (24V batteries)
- 3 pairs of terminals (input, battery, output)
- LEDs to indicate charging, battery and load
- Temperature sensor for automatic compensation (-30mV/C/12V)
- Over charge / discharge, overheating and other protection features
- Self-consumption: <9mA (12V), <7mA (24V)
- Working temperature: -35C to +55C
- Size: 10.9 x 6.3 x 2.6cm
- Weight: 300 g
- Mounting holes for ease of installation