Go Power GP-PSK-90 Portable Solar Kit

GENERAL INFORMATION

Welcome to the Go Power! Portable Solar Kit Installation Guide. Please read all instructions contained within this manual to gain a full understanding of how to install and use this product. Please visit gpelectric.com for the most current version of this manual.
Visit our Go Power! YouTube channel to watch a two minute video on setting up a portable solar kit.

WARNINGS

• Disconnect all power sources Electricity can be very dangerous. Take appropriate caution when making connections.
• Battery and wiring safety Observe all safety precautions of the battery manufacturer when handling or working around batteries. When charging, batteries produce hydrogen gas, which is highly explosive. Ensure batteries are in a well-ventilated space, away from sparks for open flames.
• Wiring connections Ensure all connections are tight and secure. Loose connections may generate sparks and heat. Be sure to check all connections before using the portable solar kit.
• Observe correct polarity Reverse polarity of the battery terminals and array will cause the controller to give a warning tone. The controller will not function unless battery terminals are connected to a battery with proper polarity. Failure to correct this fault could damage the controller.
• Do not exceed the Charge Controller current and voltage ratings Refer to charge controller manual for details.
• Do not leave the device outside in inclement weather or rain, or unattended This kit is not weatherproof. Never leave your Portable Solar Kit unattended, plugged in overnight, or subject to inclement weather

FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES

| Description| No| Description
---|---|---|---
1| Handle| 10| Fuse
2| Latches| 11| Protective carrying case
3| Aluminum frame| 12| Corner protection
4| Aluminum support legs| 13| Protective feet
5| Solar charge controller| 14| Quick connect dust cover
6| Junction box| 15| Ring terminals (for permanent mounting)
7| Cables| 16| SAE Solar Plug (for connecting to RVs)
8| Battery clamps| 17| 2-Pin XLR Connector to Anderson Connector
9| Quick connect cable| |

ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES SOLD SEPARATELY

GP-PSK-7PIN 7 Pin Trailer Plug Adapter – Use your existing trailer plug to access your battery for charging

GP-PSK-X30 30’ Extension Cable – Park your RV in the shade and place your solar panel in the sun using this extension cable

1. Locate a sunlit area, free from overhanging branches or obstructions.
2. Remove solar panel kit from carrying case.
3. Unclip the two latches on the side of the unit and fold the two panels outward. Extend the two support legs to their maximum length and lock in position.
4. Place solar panel facing the sun.

Note Avoid any shading no matter how small. An object as small as a broomstick held across the solar module may cause the power output to be reduced. Overcast days may also cut the power output of the module. To obtain maximum output it is suggested that the panel’s direction be frequently adjusted to track the sun’s movement throughout the day (southerly exposure).

5. Connect battery clamps to the positive (red, +) and negative (black, -) battery terminals. Ensure that the connection is secure. Connect the battery clamp cable to the rest of the solar panel cable using the quick connect cable.

Ensure the battery clamps do not come in contact with one another. Do not let water come into contact with the controller.

GP-PWM-10-FM/GP-PWM-30-SB SOLAR CONTROLLER

INSTALLATION OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

A Solar Controller (or Charge Controller / Regulator) is an essential component of your photovoltaic solar system. The Controller maintains the life of the battery by protecting it from overcharging. When your battery has reached a 100% state of charge, the Controller prevents
overcharging by limiting the current flowing into the batteries from your solar array.
The GP-PWM-10-FM AND GP-PWM-30-SB use Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology and a unique four stage charging system that includes an optional equalize setting to charge and protect your battery bank. Both controllers feature an LCD digital display that shows the charge current of the solar array, battery voltage and battery state of charge.

VOLTAGE AND CURRENT SYSTEM

• The GP-PWM-10-FM and GP-PWM-30-SB are intended for use at 12 VDC nominal system voltage and is rated for a maximum continuous DC input current of 12.5A and input voltage of 35VDC.
• Per the National Electric Code (NEC) article 690.7 and 690.8, PV module nameplate ratings at Standard Test Conditions (STC) must be multiplied by required values (typically 1.25 for both voltage and current) to obtain the true voltage and continuous current available from the module.
• Applying the NEC factors, the maximum allowable nameplate PV Panel rated Isc is 10A (10A x 1.25 = 12.5A), and the maximum voltage, Voc is 28VDC (28VDC x 1.25 = 35VDC).
• The voltage and current ratings of all equipment connected to PV panels must be capable of accepting the voltage and current levels available from PV panels installed in the field.

BATTERY TYPE

Both controllers are suitable for use with lead acid and lithium batteries (vented, GEL, LiFePO4 (LFP) or AGM type).

LOW VOLTAGE DISCONNECT FUNCTION (USB PORT)
To protect the battery against over-discharge this function automatically switches off the USB output port when battery voltage is lower
than 11.0 VDC. As soon as the battery reaches a voltage of 12.8 VDC the USB output port is switched on again.

SPECIFICATIONS

5.87 x 3.86 x 1.26 in

Weight: 260 g / 9.2 oz

Maximum Wire Gauge:

4 AWG

Warranty: 5 years

• PWM Charging

• 4 Battery Charging Profiles

• 4-Stage Charging

• Monthly Equalize Option

• Displays Charging Current, Battery Voltage, Battery State of Charge, and Amp Hours Charged Since Last Reset

• Reverse Polarity Protected

• Temperature Compensated

• RoHS Compliant, Environmentally Safe

• Accepts up to 160 Watts of Solar at 12 Volts

Nominal System Voltage| 12 VDC
Range of Battery Input Voltage| 9 – 15.5 VDC
Maximum Solar Continuous DC Charge Current Input| 12.5 ADC
Charging Output DC Voltage Range| 9 – 14.9 VDC
Maximum Solar DC Input Voltage| 35 VDC
Maximum Series Fuse or Circuit Breaker Solar/Battery| 15 A
Operating Consumption (Display backlight on)| 15 mA
Operating Consumption

(Display backlight off)

| 6 mA

Battery Types Supported

| Vented & Sealed Lead Acid (GEL, AGM, Flooded, etc.). Lithium (LiFePO4)
Bulk/Absorption Voltage (Sealed/GEL, AGM/LFP, Flooded)| 14.1/14.4/14.4 VDC (25°C / 77°F), 30min / Day

or 2hr if battery voltage < 12.3 VDC

Float Voltage| 13.7V (25°C / 77°F), 14.0V (LFP)
Equalization Voltage| 14.9V (25°C / 77°F), 2h / 28 Days

or if battery voltage < 12.1 VDC

Temperature Compensation| – 24mV/ºC / -13mV/ºF
USB charger| 5V, 1500mA
Low Voltage Disconnect (USB)| 11.0 VDC – Reconnects once battery reaches

12.8 VDC

|
Operating Temperature| – 40 to 85°C / – 40 to 185°F
Display Operating Temperature| – 10 to 55°C / 14 to 131°F
Humidity| 99% N.C.|
---|---|---

Protection

| Battery Reverse Polarity, Solar Array Reverse Polarity, Over Temperature, PV Short Circuit, Over Current

Rated

|

IP50

|

DESCRIPTION

|

VALUE

|

DIMENSIONS (H X W X D):

---|---|---
Model| GP-PWM-30-SB| 149 x 98 x 32 mm

5.87 x 3.86 x 1.26 in

Weight: 260 g / 9.2 oz

Maximum Wire Gauge:

4 AWG

Warranty: 5 years

• PWM Charging

• 4 Battery Charging Profiles

• 4-Stage Charging

• Monthly Equalize Option

• Displays Charging Current, Battery Voltage, Battery State of Charge, and Amp Hours Charged Since Last Reset

• Reverse Polarity Protected

• Temperature Compensated

• RoHS Compliant, Environmentally Safe

• Accepts up to 510 or 540 Watts (for the 190watt Extreme) of Solar at 12 Volts

Nominal System Voltage| 12 VDC
Range of Battery Input Voltage| 9 – 15.5 VDC
Maximum Solar Continuous DC Charge Current Input| 37.5 ADC
Charging Output DC Voltage Range| 9 – 14.9 VDC
Maximum Solar DC Input Voltage| 35 VDC
Maximum Series Fuse or Circuit Breaker Solar/Battery| 15 A
Operating Consumption (Display backlight on)| 15 mA
Operating Consumption

(Display backlight off)

| 6 mA

Battery Types Supported

| Vented & Sealed Lead Acid (GEL, AGM, Flooded, etc.). Lithium (LiFePO4)
Bulk/Absorption Voltage (Sealed/GEL, AGM, Flooded)| 14.1/14.4/14.4 VDC (25°C / 77°F), 30min / Day

or 2hr if battery voltage < 12.3 VDC

Absorption Voltage (LiFePO4)| 14.4V 30min / Day
Float Voltage (Sealed/Gel, AGM, Flooded)| 13.7V (25°C / 77°F)
Float Voltage (LiFePO4)| 14.0V
Equalization Voltage (Sealed Only)| 14.9V (25°C / 77°F), 2h / 28 Days

or if battery voltage < 12.1 VDC

Temperature Compensation| – 24mV/ºC / -13mV/ºF
USB charger| 5V, 1500mA

Low Voltage Disconnect (USB)

| 11.0 VDC – Reconnects once battery reaches

12.8 VDC for Sealed/Gel, AGM, Flooded 12.2V for LiFePO4

|
Operating Temperature| – 40 to 85°C / – 40 to 185°F
Display Operating Temperature| – 10 to 55°C / 14 to 131°F
Humidity| 99% N.C.

Protection

| Battery Reverse Polarity, Solar Array Reverse Polarity, Over Temperature, PV Short Circuit, Over Current

Rated

|

IP50

|

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR MODEL GP-PWM-10-FM and GP- PWM-30-SB THAT SHOULD BE FOLLOWED DURING INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF EITHER CONTROLLER.

Disconnect all power sources electricity can be very dangerous. Installation should be performed only by a licensed  electrician or qualified personnel..

• Battery and wiring safety Observe all safety precautions of the battery manufacturer when handling or working
  around batteries. When charging, batteries produce hydrogen gas, which is highly explosive. Ensure batteries are in a well-ventilated space, away from sparks for open flames.

• Wiring connections Ensure all connections are tight and secure. Loose connections may generate sparks and heat. Be sure to check all connections one week after installation to  ensure they are still tight.

• Work safely Wear protective eyewear and appropriate clothing during installation. Use extreme caution when working with electricity and when handling and working around batteries.

• Observe correct polarity Reverse polarity of the battery terminals and array will cause the controller to give a warning tone. The controller will not function unless battery terminals are connected to a battery with proper polarity. Failure to correct this fault could damage the controller.

• Do not exceed the GPPWM- 10-FM Amp current and max voltage ratings
  The maximum current of the solar system is the sum of parallel-connected PV module– rated short circuit Currents (Isc) multiplied by 1.25. The resulting system current is not to exceed 12.5A. If your solar system exceeds this value, contact your dealer for a suitable controller alternative.

• Do not exceed the GPPWM- 10-FM max voltage ratings
  The maximum voltage of the array is the sum of the PV module–rated open- circuit voltage of the series connected modules multiplied by 1.25 (or by a value from NEC 690.7 provided in Table 690.7 A). The resulting voltage is not to exceed 35V. If your solar system exceeds this value, contact your dealer for a suitable controller alternative.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

POWER UP

• When the GP-PWM-10-FM or GP-PWM-30-SB are connected to the battery, the controller will go into Power Up mode. Icons Displayed: All segments of the numerical display; backlight blinks.
• (The diagrams on the following pages apply to both the GP-PWM-10-FM and the GP-PWM-30-SB).
• Depending on the battery voltage when the controller Power Up occurs, the controller may do a Boost Charge or quickly go into Float Charge.
• The Charging Profile selected will commence the following day after a Power Up (refer to the Charging Profile Chart below for more details).

SETTING THE BATTERY CHARGING PROFILE

Refer to the Battery Charge Profile Chart below for details on each profile.

• To select the battery charging profile, press and hold the B Button. This will cause the current battery type to flash.
• Then, press the B Button to toggle through the profile options: Sealed/Gel, AGM/ LiFePO4 or Flooded.
• To confirm the battery profile, press and hold the A Button for 3 seconds.
• Non-volatile memory: Any settings made on the GP-PWM-10-FM will be saved even when the power has been disconnected from the controller.

BATTERY CHARGING PROFILE CHART

Bulk/Absorption Charge @ 25°C:

Set to 30 minutes every morning. Applied for 2 hours if the battery voltage drops below 12.3 volts.

|

14.1V (+/- 0.1V)

|

14.4V (+/- 0.1V)

|

14.4V (+/- 0.1V)

|

N/A

Equalization Charge @ 25°C:

Applied for 2 hours every 28 days and if the battery voltage drops below

12.1 volts.

|

N/A

|

N/A

|

14.9V (+/-0.1V)

|

N/A

Absorption Charge voltage for LiFe- PO4 :

Set to 30 minutes every morning

|

N/A

|

14.4VDC

Float Charge voltage for LiFePO4 :| N/A| 14.0VDC
If a charging cycle is unable to complete in a single day, it will continue the following day. The terms SEALED/GEL, AGM, FLOODED and LFP are

generic battery designations. Choose the charging profile that works best with your battery manufacturer’s recommendations.

Note If PV power is insufficient or too many loads are drawing power from the battery, the controller will not be able to charge the battery to the target charging voltage.

Auto Equalize: The GP-PWM-10-FM has an automatic equalize feature that will charge and recondition your batteries at least once a month at a higher voltage to ensure that any excess sulfation is removed.

Note This mode should not be entered unless you are using a flooded battery.

VIEWING THE CONTROLLER DISPLAY INFO
To toggle between Battery Voltage, PV Charging Current, Battery State of Charge (SOC), and ampere hours charged since last reset, press the B Button.

• Push the B Button to show the battery voltage.
• Icons Displayed: Battery SOC, Volt Symbol (V)
• Push the B Button to show the PV charging current.
• Icons Displayed: Ampere Symbol (A), Battery SOC
• Push the B Button to show the battery state of charge (shown as a percentage).
• Icons Displayed: Battery SOC, Percent Symbol (%)
• A value of 100% will only be displayed after a Boost or Equalize charge completes.
• Push the B Button to show the number of amp hours charged since the last reset.
• Icons Displayed: Amp hours charged, Amp hour symbol (Ah) or kiloamp hour symbol (kAh

RESETTING THE AMPERE HOURS CHARGED

• To reset the count of ampere hours charged, toggle to the ampere hours charged.
• Press and hold the A Button for 6 seconds to reset the counter to zero.

ERRORS If the GP-PWM-10-FM experiences a battery over voltage (15.5V), the controller will stop operating, and the display will begin to flash with all icons. The controller will resume operating when the error is cleared.
Icons Displayed: All symbols

Low Voltage If the battery voltage reaches 11 volts, the battery SOC symbol will show the text “LOW” beneath it. The controller will continue operating in this condition and will only stop operating if the voltage drops below 9 volts.
Icons Displayed: Battery SOC Symbol, LOW

DISPLAY SYMBOLS

USB CHARGING

• The GP-PWM-10-FM and GP-PWM-30-SB offer a standard USB connector for delivering 5.0 VDC to small mobile appliances such as cell phones, tablets or small music players. This charging port is capable of supplying up to 1500 mA of current.
• Remove the rubber cover of the USB terminal to access the terminal.
• The USB charging port is always active when the USB symbol appears on the display.
• The controller disables the USB charger automatically if the battery voltage drops below 11.0 VDC. If there is enough current from the PV panel/array available to charge the Battery to above 12.8 VDC, the USB terminal will be enabled again.

WARNING: Do not connect the charging device anywhere else! USB-Negative contact is connected to battery negative.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before a problem is suspected with the system, read this section. There are numerous events that may appear as problems but are in fact perfectly normal. Please visit gpelectric.com/support for the most up-to-date
FAQs.
Q. It seems like my flooded batteries are losing water over time.
A. Flooded batteries may need to have distilled water added periodically to replace fluid loss during charging. Excessive water loss during a short period of time indicates the possibility of overcharging or aging batteries.
Q. When charging, my flooded batteries are emitting gas.
A. During charging, hydrogen gas is generated within the battery. The gas bubbles stir the battery acid, allowing it to receive a fuller state of charge. Important: Ensure batteries are in a well-ventilated space.
Q. My voltmeter shows a different reading than the GP-PWM-10-FM display.
A. The meter value on the GP-PWM-10-FM display is an approximate reading intended for indication purposes only. There is an approximate 0.1 volt inherent error present that may be accentuated when compared with readings from another voltmeter.
There may be a slight difference between the battery voltage displayed on the GP-PWM-10-FM display and the battery voltage measured at the battery terminals. When troubleshooting using a voltmeter, check both the battery voltage at the GP-PWM-10-FM controller terminals and battery voltage at the battery terminals. If a difference of more than 0.5 volts is noted, this indicates a large voltage drop possiblycaused by loose connections, long wire runs, small wire gauge, faulty wiring, a faulty voltmeter, or all the above.

Q. What causes a warning signal and when are the warnings triggered?

Q. Why does the battery SOC% never reach 100%?
A. A 100% value will only appear after a 2 hour Boost or Equalize charge has completed. The charge voltage must be maintained for an extended period of time to replenish the energy in the battery bank back to its rated capacity.
If the charge voltage cannot be maintained continuously, then the actual time it takes to complete Boost or Equalize charging may take much longer than 2 hours, even more than 1 day.
If loads are consuming more power than the solar panels can supply, then the battery bank cannot be charged to 100%.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Go Power! warrants the both controllers for a period of five (5) years from the date of shipment from its factory. This warranty is valid against defects in materials and workmanship for the five (5) year warranty period. It is not valid against defects resulting from, but not limited to:

• Misuse and/or abuse, neglect, or accident
• Exceeding the unit’s design limits
• Improper installation, including, but not limited to, improper environmental protection and improper hook-up
• Acts of God, including lightning, floods, earthquakes, fire, high winds, and hail.
• Damage in handling, including damage encountered during shipment

This warranty shall be considered void if the warranted product is in any way opened or altered. The warranty will be void if any eyelet, rivets, or other fasteners used to seal the unit are removed or altered, or if the unit’s serial number is in any way removed, altered, replaced, defaced, or rendered illegible.

REPAIR AND RETURN INFO
Visit www.gpelectric.com to read the “frequently asked questions” section of our website to troubleshoot the problem. If trouble persists:

1. Fill out our online Contact Us form or Live Chat with us
2. Email techsupport@gpelectric.com
3. Return defective product to place of purchase

SPECIFICATIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please visit gpelectric.com for the most up-to-date FAQs.
Q1. It seems like my flooded batteries are losing water over time.
A. Flooded batteries may need to have distilled water added periodically to replace fluid loss during charging. Excessive water loss during a short period of time indicates the possibility of overcharging or aging batteries.
Q2. When charging, my flooded batteries are emitting gas.
A. During charging, hydrogen gas is generated within the battery. The gas bubbles stir the battery acid allowing it to receive a more full state of charge. Ensure batteries are in a well-ventilated space.
Q3. My voltmeter shows a different reading than the charge controller display
A. The meter value on the charge controller display is an approximate reading intended for indication purposes only. There is an approximate 0.1 volt inherent error present that may be accentuated when compared with readings from another voltmeter.
There may be a slight difference between the battery voltage displayed on the charge controller display and the battery voltage mea- sured at the battery terminals. When troubleshooting using a voltmeter, check both the battery voltage at the controller terminals and battery voltage at the battery terminals. If a difference of more than 0.5 volts is noted, this indicates a large voltage drop possibly caused by loose connections, long wire runs, small wire gauge, faulty wiring, a faulty voltmeter or all the above. Check all connections

LIMITED WARRANTY

Go Power! warrants the solar panel of the Portable Solar Kit for 25 years, 1 year for the cable and components and 5 years for the solar controller. This warranty is valid against defects in materials and workmanship. It is not valid against defects resulting from, but not limited to:

• Misuse and/or abuse, neglect, or accident
• Exceeding the unit’s design limits
• Improper installation, including, but not limited to, improper environmental protection and improper hook-up
• Acts of God, including lightning, floods, earthquakes, fire, and high winds
• Damage in handling, including damage encountered during shipment or installation

Visit gpelectric.com for additional product warranty information.

Visit www.gpelectric.com to read the “frequently asked questions” section of our website to troubleshoot the problem. If trouble persists:

1. Fill out our online Contact Us form or Live Chat with us
2. Email techsupport@gpelectric.com
3. Return defective product to place of purchase

© 2019 Go Power!®
Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information gpelectric.com

Go Power! Headquarters #201-710 Redbrick St, Victoria, BC Canada V8T 5J3
Tel: 1.866.247.6527
73807_MANUAL_GP-PSK_RevK

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