7. INSTALLATION – solar charge controller
7.1 Connection of the solar panels
Up to three strings of PV panels can be connected with three sets of MC4 (PV-ST01) PV
connectors.
7.2 PV configuration
● The controller will operate only if the PV voltage exceeds battery voltage (Vbat).
● PV voltage must exceed Vbat + 5V for the controller to start. Thereafter minimum PV
voltage is Vbat + 1V.
● Maximum open circuit PV voltage: 100V
The controller can be used with any PV configuration that satisfies the three above
mentioned conditions.
For example:
24V battery and mono- or polycristalline panels
● Minimum number of cells in series: 72 (2x 12V panel in series or 1x 24V panel).
● Maximum: 144 cells.
Remark: at low temperature the open circuit voltage of a 144 cell solar array may exceed
100V, depending on local conditions and cell specifications. In that case the number of cells in
series must be reduced.
7.3 Cable connection sequence (see figure 1)
First: connect the battery.
Second: connect the solar array (when connected with reverse polarity, the controller will
heat up but will not charge the battery).
• Protect the solar modules from incident light during
installation, e.g. cover them.
● Never touch uninsulated cable ends.
● Use only insulated tools.
23