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How to install and mount the GP-PWM Solar Charge Controller 30-SQ
Choosing a Location
The GP-PWM-30-SQ is designed to be mounted against a wall, out of the way but easily visible. The GP-PWM-30-SQ should be:
• Mounted as close to the battery as possible
• Mounted on a vertical surface to optimize cooling of the unit
• Indoors, protected from the weather
Solar should connect directly to the controller. Positive and negative battery connections must connect directly from the controller to the batteries. Use of a positive or negative distribution bus is allowed between the controller and battery as long as it is properly sized, electrically safe and an adequate wire size is maintained. Note: In a RV, the most common controller location is above the refrigerator. The wire from the solar array most commonly enters the RV through the fridge vent on the roof.
Installation Instructions
1. Select wire type and gauge.
If this GP-PWM-30-SQ was purchased as part of a Go Power! Solar Power Kit, appropriate wire type, gauge and length is provided. Please see article GP-PWM Solar Charge Controller 10-SQ: Operations. If the GP-PWM-30-SQ was purchased separately, follow the instructions included here. Wire type is recommended to be a stranded aluminum UV resistant wire. Wire fatigue and the likelihood of a loose connection are greatly reduced in stranded wire compared to solid wire. Wire gauge should be able to sustain rated current as well as minimizing voltage drop.
Suggested min. wire gauge:
- 80-Watt Solar Module #12 Wire Gauge
- 95-Watt Solar Module #10 Wire Gauge
- 160-Watt Solar Module #10 Wire Gauge
- 240-Watt Solar Module #10 Wire Gauge
- For other applications, please refer to standard wire guide.
WARNING: Identify the polarity (pos. and neg.) on the cable used for the battery and solar module. Use colored wires or mark the wire ends with tags. Although the GP-PWM10-SQ is protected, a reverse polarity contact may damage the unit
2. Wiring the GP-PWM-30-SQ.
Wire the GP-PWM-30-SQ according to the wiring schematic below. Run wires from the solar array and the batteries to the location of the GP-PWM-30-SQ. Keep the solar array covered with an opaque material until all wiring is completed. Torque all terminal screws to 16 inch pounds (1.8N.m). Connect the battery wiring to the controller first and then connect the battery wiring to the battery.
WARNING: Use appropriate circuit protection on any conductor attached to a battery.
With battery power attached, the controller should power up and display information. Connect the solar wiring to the controller and remove the opaque material from the solar array. The negative solar array and battery wiring must be connected directly to the controller for proper operation. Do not connect the negative solar array or negative battery controller wiring to the chassis of the vehicle.
Wiring Diagram
To protect the battery and solar panel, we strongly recommend that you place an inline fuse on the positive wire on both the SOLAR and BATTERY circuits. Install the 30A fuse for the GPPWM-30-SQ as close to the battery/panel as possible.
The solar controller has 4 terminals, which are clearly marked SOLAR and BATTERY. There is a (12V) and Earth (GND) terminal for each circuit. Refer to the wiring diagram below.
The controller will not work unless there is a battery connected to the battery terminals.
Mounting
Mount the GP-PWM-30-SQ to the wall using the included two mounting screws. After 30 days of operation, re-torque all terminal screws to ensure the wires are properly secured to the controller. Congratulations, your GPPWM-10-SQ should now be operational. If the battery power is low and the solar array is producing power, your battery should begin to charge.
You must set the battery type on the GP-PWM-30-SQ before you begin to use the controller, please see article GP-PWM Solar Charge Controller 10-SQ: Operations.
