HARDKORR HKPSOLR8A24V 8A / 24V Solar Charge Controller Instruction Manual
- June 10, 2024
- HARDKORR
Table of Contents
- HARDKORR HKPSOLR8A24V 8A / 24V Solar Charge Controller
- Product Information: 8A / 24V Solar Charge Controller
- Product Usage Instructions
- INTRODUCTION
- GENERAL INFO & SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- OVERVIEW
- INSTALLATION & DIMENSIONS
- SPECIFICATIONS
- WARRANTY
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
HARDKORR HKPSOLR8A24V 8A / 24V Solar Charge Controller
Product Information: 8A / 24V Solar Charge Controller
The 8A / 24V Solar Charge Controller is a device that regulates the voltage and current from solar panels to charge 24V lithium, wet, gel, and AGM batteries. It has three LED indicators that show the charging status and any faults present. The controller ensures that the battery is not overcharged or undercharged, which can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan. The product comes with a user manual that contains important safety instructions that must be read and understood before operating the solar controller.
Product Usage Instructions
- Read and understand the user manual thoroughly before operating the solar controller.
- Ensure that there is enough ventilation when working in the vicinity of lead-acid batteries. Explosive gases can develop during normal battery operation. Do not smoke when in the vicinity of the battery under charge.
- Connect the red wire to the positive terminal and the black wire to the negative terminal if using clamps to connect to your battery. Connecting to the wrong terminals may burn out the regulator.
- Do not use the controller to charge non-rechargeable batteries; this may result in harm to the user and/or damage to the equipment.
- Check the manufacturer’s data for your battery and ensure that the maximum voltage of the profile you select does not exceed the recommended maximum charge voltage.
- Confirm that the power wires are tightly connected to avoid excessive heating from a loose connection.
- Be very careful not to short-circuit the battery connections. Accidental shorting of the terminals or wiring can result in sparks, causing personal injury or a fire hazard. We recommend covering up the panel with a soft cloth during installation of the controller to block all incoming light. This will ensure that no damage is caused to the solar panel or battery if the wires are accidentally short-circuited.
- The controller should not be used by children or persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they are supervised or have been instructed on how to use the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
- Do not alter or disassemble the solar controller under any circumstances. Incorrect handling or reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire and may void the unit warranty.
- The minimum cable gauge is dependent on the total cable length between the solar panel and battery. The installer is responsible for ensuring that the correct cable and fuse sizes are used when installing this solar controller. We recommend the following cable sizes for each total distance:
- Less than 3 metres: 16AWG
- 3-6 metres: 14AWG
- 6-9 metres: 12AWG
- 9-12 metres: 10AWG
- Use only this solar charge controller for charging 24V lithium, wet, gel, and AGM batteries.
- Observe the LED indicators to monitor the charging status and any faults present. The three LEDs indicate:
- Solar connected, battery not connected
- Battery reversed
- Solar panel reversed
- Soft start charging
- Bulk, absorption, equalisation charging
- Float charging
- Solar panel weak
- At night, no charge
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on purchasing this high quality Hardkorr product.
In doing so, you now have the assurance and peace of mind that comes from
purchasing a product that has been manufactured to the highest quality
standards.
Our aim is for you to be completely satisfied with your purchase, and
therefore your new Hardkorr product is backed by a comprehensive 2-year
warranty and an outstanding after-sales customer service team.
We hope you will enjoy using this product for many years to come.
If you require technical support, or in the unlikely event your purchase
appears to be faulty, please contact our support team for immediate
assistance.
GENERAL INFO & SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Hardkorr 8A PWM solar charge controllers offer unrivalled quality, durability
and value for money. They are simple to operate without sacrificing features
or functionality.
These controllers ensure that the power generated from your solar panels is at
the right voltage to charge your auxilliary batteries. They have an advanced
5-stage charging algorithm, and contain specific charge programs for a range
of batteries including AGM, Wet, Gel and Lithium.
Their rugged, high-quality construction means they are also IP65 rated, so
will not be damaged by exposure to dust and rain. With a host of electronic
protection circuitry including reverse discharge protection and over-
temperature protection, it will ensure your batteries are charged optimally
and protected from damage.
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
This manual contains important safety instructions for your 8amp PWM solar
controller.
Do not operate the solar controller until you have thoroughly read and
understood this user manual.
WARNINGS
RISK OF FIRE, EXPLOSION AND BURNS: Working in the vicinity of lead acid
batteries is dangerous. Explosive gases can develop during normal battery
operation. Be certain there is enough ventilation to release the gasses. DO
NOT smoke when in the vicinity of the battery under charge.
ENSURE the red is connected to the positive terminal and the black is
connected to the negative terminal if using clamps to connect to your battery.
Connecting to the wrong terminals may burn out the regulator.
DO NOT use the controller to charge non-rechargeable batteries; this may
result in harm to the user and/or damage to the equipment.
CHECK the manufacturer’s data for your battery and ensure the maximum voltage
of the the profile you select does not exceed the recommended maximum charge
voltage.
CONFIRM that the power wires are tightly connected to avoid excessive heating
from a loose connection.
BE VERY CAREFUL not to short-circuit the battery connections.
Accidental shorting of the terminals or wiring can result in sparks, causing
personal inury or a fire hazard. We recommend that you cover up the panel with
a soft cloth during installation of the controller to block all incoming
light. This will ensure that no damage is caused to the solar panel or battery
if the wires are accidentally short-circuited.
CAUTION
The controller should not be used by children or persons with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge,
unless they are supervised or have been instructed on how to use the appliance
by a person responsible for their safety.
DO NOT alter or disassemble the solar controller under any circumstances.
Incorrect handling or reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or
fire and may void the unit warranty.
Minimum cable gauge is dependent on the total cable length between the solar
panel and battery. Selecting the wrong cable or fuse size could result in harm
to the installer or user and/or damage to the battery or other equipment
installed in the system. The installer is responsible for ensuring that the
correct cable and fuse sizes are used when installing this solar controller.
We recommend the following cable sizes for each total distance:
- < 3 metres: 16AWG
- 3-6 metres: 14AWG
- 6-9 metres: 12AWG
- 9-12 metres: 10AWG
ONLY use this solar charge controller for charging 24 volt lithium, wet, gel and AGM batteries.
OVERVIEW
The three LEDs indicate the charge status of the controller and alert to any faults present.
| Fault| Charge| Full
---|---|---|---
Solar connected, battery not connected| ON| Slow flash| Slow flash
Battery reversed| ON| Fast flash| Fast flash
Solar panel reversed| OFF| OFF| OFF
Soft start charging| OFF| Slow flash| OFF
Bulk, absorption, equalisation charging| OFF| ON| OFF
Float charging| OFF| OFF| ON
Solar panel weak| Slow flash| OFF| OFF
At night, no charge| OFF| OFF| OFF
INSTALLATION & DIMENSIONS
If you wish to permanently mount the solar charge controller, the easiest way to do so is to use two spacers and self-tapping screws (not supplied). Ensure you mount to a flat surface.
DIP SWITCH SETTINGS
| Battery Type | Charge voltage | Switch 1 | Switch 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGM | 28.8V | OFF | OFF |
| Gel | 28.2V | ON | OFF |
| Wet | 29.4V | OFF | ON |
| Lithium | 28.8V | ON | ON |
SPECIFICATIONS
Rated maximum solar panel current 8A
Normal solar cell array input voltage 30-44V
Lowest operating voltage (solar or battery)
16V
Standby consumption 5mA
Max.voltage drop (solar panel to battery) 0.25V
Minimum battery start charging voltage
6V
Soft start charging voltage / current 6-20V ± 0.2V / max 4A
Bulk charge voltage 20-28V ± 0.2V
Absorption charging voltage @ 25°C:
- Gel battery 28.2V ± 0.2V
- LiFePO4 battery 28.8V ± 0.2V
- AGM battery 28.8V ± 0.2V
- Wet cell battery 29.4V ± 0.2V
Absorption transitions to equalisation or float when:
- Charging current drops to 0.5A ± 0.1A
- Total absorption charging time reaches 4 hours
Equalisation charge (Wet cell only) activated when:
- Battery voltage discharged to less than 20V ± 0.2V
- Time elasped since last equalisation charge is 28 days
Equalisation charge @ 25°C 31.0V ± 0.2V
Equalisation charge timeout 2
hours
Float charge voltage @ 25°C:
- LiFePO4 battery 26.8V
- AGM, Gel, Wet battery 27.2V
Materials ABS plastic
Waterproof rating IP65
Operating temperature -25°C to 50°C
Storage temperature -40°C to 85°C
Operating humidity range 0% to 100%
Net weight 0.3kg
Terminal size M4
Protection circuits
Reverse polarity, short circuit, reverse current,
over-temperature, over-discharge
WARRANTY
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 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 the failure does not amount to a major failure.
Hardkorr warrants that this product will be free from defects in material and
workmanship for two years. The warranty commences on the date of purchase by
the original purchaser, and is not transferable. To access the benefits of
this warranty, you must retain your proof of purchase and follow any other
direction we reasonably give you (e.g. completing and returning your warranty
card if applicable).
If you believe your Hardkorr product is defective, it must be returned to
Hardkorr for inspection by our warranty claims department. Hardkorr will not
be liable for any charges you incur relating to installation, repair or
removal of Hardkorr products, nor for any costs incurred in returning the
product to us.
To begin your warranty claim:
- You must have a Return Authorization (RA) number. To get your RA number, please complete the form found on our website and wait for the warranty team to contact you.
- Once you have an RA number, you must arrange for the product must be shipped back to Hardkorr (except in the case of fridge/freezers, which must be taken to an authorised service agent for examination). The address for shipment is 25 Old Pacific Hwy, Yatala Qld 4207.
- Please include a copy of your original proof of purchase.
- Please be sure that your RA number is clearly marked on your documentation as well as on the outside of the packaging used for shipping.
Completing the steps above will ensure faster processing of your claim, so
that Hardkorr® can get your product back to you as soon as possible.
If Hardkorr determines, at our sole discretion, that your product is defective
in material or workmanship, we will honor your warranty claim. We will
determine whether the item is repaired or replaced.
Your warranty is voided if we (at our sole discretion) determine that there is
evidence of one or more of the following:
- Negligence: Improper installation, improper or extreme use, etc.
- Abuse: Road hazards, Damage beyond the limits of “normal wear and tear.”
- Unauthorized Repair: Repair service performed by an unauthorized service centre.
- Disassembly: Any attempt to open, tamper with or otherwise compromise the integrity of the product.
Discontinued Items:
Discontinued items that are still under warranty will be reviewed by
Hardkorr®. If a discontinued item is covered under warranty it may be replaced
by an equivalent item. If an equivalent item is not available Hardkorr® will
determine terms of resolution on a case-by-case basis.
Exceptions to this Warranty:
Painted Finish: Hardkorr uses the highest quality materials available, but
depending on location, environment and exposure, painted surfaces can fade. We
will not approve any warranty claims that relate to faded paint.
Damage to Lenses: Please be aware that certain chemicals cause damage to
polycarbonate plastics. Do not use cleaning products that contain any
chemicals in the following list: Acetic Acid Aq., Acetone, Ammonium Carbonate
Aq., Ammonium Chloride Aq., Benzene, Calcium Hypochlorite, Chloroform, Chromic
Acid Aq., Ethyl Acetate, Ethylene, Glycol Aq., Formaldehyde Aq., Citric Acid,
Heptane, Hydrofluoric Acid Aq., Lubricating Oils (Petroleum), Methyl Ethyl
Ketone, Methyl Chloride, Mineral Oils, Oleic Acid, Ozone, Phosphoric Acid Aq.,
Toluene, Turpentine, Zinc Chloride Aq.
Hardkorr will not approve any warranty claims for lighting products where we reasonably believe that products have been exposed to any of these chemicals.