How to Guide

Float Charge: After Boost Charge, the controller will reduce the battery voltage to a

float voltage set point. Once the battery is fully charged, there will be no more chemical

reactions and all the charge current would turn into heat or gas. Because of this, the

charge controller will reduce the voltage charge to smaller quantity, while lightly charging

the battery. The purpose for this is to offset the power consumption while maintaining a

full battery storage capacity. In the event that a load drawn from the battery exceeds the

charge current, the controller will no longer be able to maintain the battery to a Float set

point and the controller will end the float charge stage and refer back to bulk charging.

Boost Charge:

Bulk Charge: This algorithm is used for day to day charging. It uses 100% of available

solar power to recharge the battery and is equivalent to constant current.

Equalization: Is carried out every 28 days of the month. It is intentional overcharging of

the battery for a controlled period of time. Certain types of batteries benefit from periodic

equalizing charge, which can stir the electrolyte, balance battery voltage and complete

chemical reaction. Equalizing charge increases the battery voltage, higher than the

standard complement voltage, which gasifies the battery electrolyte.

Once equalization is active in the battery charging, it will not exit this

stage unless there is adequate charging current from the solar panel.

There should be NO load on the batteries when in equalization

charging stage.

Over-charging and excessive gas precipitation may damage the

battery plates and activate material shedding on them. Too high of

equalizing charge or for too long may cause damage. Please carefully

review the specific requirements of the battery used in the system.

WARNING

When the battery has charged to the Boost voltage set-point, it

undergoes an absorption stage which is equivalent to constant voltage

regulation to prevent heating and excessive gassing in the battery. The Boost

time is 120 minutes.