ACOPOWER PWM20A Reference manual

560mm (22in)
440mm
(17.3in）
4
5
Product Introduction
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1
3
9
8
2
6
7
10
560mm(22in)
1440mm(56.7in)

Introduction
1 3x40 Watts Solar Panel
2 10A Charge Controller
3 Alligator clips
4 Suitcase with handle and pocket
5 Stands
6 MC4 Connectors (two pairs, removable)
7 Cable 14AWG 15ft
8 Cable 14AWG 3ft
9 Fuse
Items
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This portable solar panel comes with a pre-installed charge controller. This charge controller
protects battery against unsafe electrical conditions and must be used to charge 12V batteries. To
charge solar generators with a built-in charge controller, simply use the MC4 cables provided and
plug them into the cables that came with your power station to charge. A 12V battery and solar
generator can be charged at the same time.

Features
User’s guide
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• Max 120 watts solar panel
• 10A PWM charge controller with USB output
• Portable
• Removable MC4 Connectors
• Charge 12V battery by alligator clamps- Sealed, Flooded, GEL, AGM, Lithium and other deep
cycle batteries
• Charge 12V solar generator by MC4 adapter- battery with inverter, power bank/station with built-in
charge controller. ACOPOWER solar generator 400Wh recommended
• Can be used on its own or as part of a larger solar system
• Extendable with MC4 Connectors
After receiving the solar panel kit, please check if all accessories are included in the package and
prepare to test your kit:
1. Locate a sunlit area clear from hanging branches or obstacles.
2. Unfold the solar panels and face the front towards the sun.
Tip: To obtain the maximum output power of solar modules, it is recommended to adjust the solar
modules based on solar trajectory.

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How to test the solar panel
Method 1: use a multi-meter
Set your multi-meter to measure DC voltage and put the red probe on the red MC4 cable and the
black probe on the black MC4 cable (this is the solar panel’s direct output), make sure the
connections are secure. the open-circuit voltage should be displayed on your multi-meter and it
should be around 17.6V-23V.
If you’re not getting something within that range or close to those numbers, you should check and
make sure the solar panel is in direct sunlight and that the connections between the MC4 cables
and the multi-meter is secure.

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Method 2: use your solar generator
To test if the solar panel is working with a solar generator with a built-in charge controller,
connect the MC4 adapters that came with your solar generator and plug it in to the MC4 cables
of the solar panel directly (Bypassing the charge controller). Turn your solar generator on and it
should start charging from the solar panel.

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How to test if the charge controller is working
Step 1: Clamp the red battery clip to positive, black to negative and make sure the connection
is secure. Make sure the solar panel MC4 cables are connected to the MC4 cables of the
charge controller.
Step 2: When all the connections are complete, the charging status indicator should light up if
the solar is under direct sunlight AND the battery is connected to the charge controller.
(Detailed information under Specifications section)

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Tip: The charge controller and the USB port will not respond unless it is connected to a battery!
Always connect the battery first, then load (if applicable) and then the solar panel.
For lights explanation, please check the Specifications section.
What are you going to use it for
1. Charge solar generators
1.1. Charge 12V Solar Generator with built-in Charge Controller
Step 1: understand your solar generator and prepare the MC4 adapter for your solar generator
Step 2: Disconnect MC4 Connectors and let it to be a solar panel with MC4 connectors
Step 3: Use your MC4 Adapter to charge your solar generator

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2. Charge your 12 Volt battery
The solar panel kit is designed to charge a large range of batteries including Sealed, Flooded, GEL,
AGM, Lithium, lead-acid battery and other deep cycle battery. The batteries are used as car battery,
RV battery, boat battery and emergency back-up battery.
Step 1: understand your battery: battery type, capacity and voltage
Step 2: check the charge controller’s set up. We have defaulted the setting of the charge
controller is for SEALED. (AGM is also included in SEALED type.) If your battery’s type is different,
please set your battery type with the charge controller following the instructions below.
The battery type setting method (on charge controller)
Press and hold the program button for more than 5 seconds, the battery indicator LED1, LED2,
LED3 will flash accordingly. Press the button again to set up the exact battery type, after the
selection, wait 5 seconds, no flashing lights means battery setting is completed, the specific
content of the following table indicates
Sealed Lead Acid Battery (Sealed)
Colloidal lead-acid batteries(Gel)
Opening lead-acid batteries(Flooded)
LED1 LED2 LED3 Battery Type
○× ×
○×
○
○
○ ○
Note: "○" means lights on "×" means lights off
Lead-acid Battery LithiumBattery

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3. Join your current solar system by Parallel or Series Circuit
Step 1: Disconnect MC4 Connectors from the charge controller
Step 2: Connect panel with your current system with MC4 connectors. More connectors
and extension cables may be needed.
Specifications
120W Foldable solar panel
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560×440×20
22×17.3×0.8(inches)
1440×560×4
56.7×22×0.2(inches)
3.8
(8.4 lb) 120 20.88
Max
Power
Open
Power
Voltage
N.M
Module Size
Module
Type
Kg WW mm mm V VA A
5.97 24.64 6.32
Folded size
The load switch setting method:
When the controller is on (battery connected), press the Set button to control load output. Use this
button to turn the load ON or OFF.
Tip: The USB port will only output when the Load is set to ON.
Max-power
Current
Open-Circuit
Voltage
Short-Circuit
Current
Unfolded size

Input:DC12/24VSolar Panel(Max.52V)
Output:DC12/24V,10A/15A/20A
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●This solar charger controller is designed with PWM(pulse width modulated)technology.
●Common negative grounding design and100% solid state(no fuses or fans)
●Suitable forall kinds of solar panel, 12V system or 24V system depends on model number.
●Suitable for most of the rechargeable batteries:
-- Lead crystal battery; Lead acid Flooded (WET), AGM, GEL, and Calcium battery
-- Lithium ion battery type, targeted for the following 3-series LI-ion battery (see the following
batterytype setting)
-- Lithium Iron Phosphate,LiFePO4 (LFP) battery,
-- Lithium titanite oxidized battery,Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) battery
●Built into high efficiency smart regulator to prevent your battery from being overcharge and
undercharge, optimize the battery performance, permanently to keep your battery fully charged.
●Colored LED’s to easily indicate the charging status and battery conditions.
●Big Digital LCD to directly display battery voltage, charging current,charging capacity(Amp hour),
battery types, charging percentage,battery temperature and faulty codes.
●Includes aport for external battery temperature sensor.(Temperature sensor optional)
●Waterproof design,suitable for indoor or outdoor use, surface Mount or flush panel mount options
●Designed according to CE standard, EMC, FCC compliance.
WARNING –
RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES WORKING IN VICINITY OF A LEAD-ACID BATTERY IS
DANGEROUS. EXPLOSIVE GASES DEVELOP DURING NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. IT IS
IMPORTANT THAT EACH TIME BEFORE USING OR CONNECTING YOUR SOLAR
CONTROLLER, YOU READ THIS MANUAL AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.
●To reduce risk of battery explosion,follow these instructions and those published by battery
manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in vicinity of battery. Review
cautionary marking on these productsand on engine.
INTRODUCE

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●Lead acid, Lead crystal, Lithiumion, LiFePO4, LTO batteries can be dangerous. Ensure no sparks
or flames are present when working near batteries.Refer to battery manufactures specific
recommended values for battery type and charging rate setting.Do not charge to an improper type of
battery. (For example, do not charge Gel battery with Calcium battery setting)
●Never attempt to charge adamagedbatteryor frozen batteryor non-rechargeablebattery.
● Never smoke, use an open flame,or create sparks near battery or solar controller during charging
operation as batteries may give out explosive gas.
●Eye protection should always be used. Never short circuit the battery.
●Someone should be within range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid when you work
neara lead-acid battery or Lithium ion battery.
●If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters eye,
immediately flush eye with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention
immediately.
●To reduce risk; avoid dropping a metal tool onto the battery.
●Given sufficient light solar panels always generate energy even when they are disconnected.
●Accidental ‘shorting’ of the terminals or wiring can result in sparks causing personal injury or a fire
hazard. We recommend that you cover up the panel(s) with some sort of soft cloth, so you can block
all incoming light during the installation. This will ensure that no damage is caused to the Solar
Panel or Battery if the wires are accidentally short circuited.
●Always install a battery fuse on each circuit including the solar controller
● Do not disassemble charger,take it to a qualified person when repair is required.
● Do not reverse connect the wires to the solar panelor battery
●Appliances incorporating batteries which contain materials hazardous to the environment.
-Common negative grounding connection
-PWM technology,switching control by MOSFET
-High efficiency and low power consumption
-Battery type setting and battery condition indication
-Smart charging control, Charging time management
-LED indication for the battery condition and charging statues
-Digital display charging parameters and battery settings
-Automatically active to Lithium battery against BMS protection
-Thermal protection
-Over voltage protection,Short circuit protection,Reverse polarity protection
-Nosparks
-Waterproof
-Solid-dutycables
-Corrosion-resistant terminals and connectors.
-Flexible cable connection method
-Rubber mask to protect the metal terminals
FEATURES

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The Solar Controller is mounted as shown below
The quickest and easiest way to mount the unit is to use the four(4)plastic spacers and
self-tapping screws supplied and mount the unit to a flat surface.
INSTALLATION
WIRING CONNEC TIONS
To protect the Battery and the Solar Panel, we strongly recommend that you place an inline fuse
on the positive wire on both the “Solar” and “Battery” Circuits. 40A fuse for 20A controller; 30A
fuse for 15A controller, 20A fuse for 10A controller (As close to the Battery/Panel as possible)
The Solar Controller has 4 terminals which are clearly marked ‘Solar’ and ‘Battery’.
The cable connection method is flexible and easy.

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Use the string wires, directly secure the input and output wires into the terminal holes of the
solar controller, screw tightly the wires to the “Solar” terminal to the Solar Panel. screw tightly the
wires to the “Battery” terminal to the Battery.
After tightening the screws, do not forget to fix the rubber mask back to the terminal box, this will
protect the metal terminals against rust or moisture.
The solar controller provides an external temperature sensor,as an option,the unit provides aport
to connect the external battery temperature sensor; if the external battery temperature sensor is
connected,the unit will optimize the charging performance subjected to the battery temperature
detected and also provide the battery over temperature protection, in some case,if battery over
temperature occurs, the controller will auto matically stop charging.
Optional external Battery Temperature Sensor BTS
Refer to the below drawing, please cover the solar panel before connecting cables.
Wiring diagram

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Press BATTERY TYPE button and hold for 3 seconds to go into your battery type selection mode,
the battery type you select will be shown on the LCD meter,the default setting is AGM Battery; the
controller will automatically memorize your battery type setting.
Li-ion battery shown in LCD indicates 3-SERIES Li-ion battery shown as below:
--Lithium Cobalt Oxide LiCoO2 (LCO) battery
--Lithium Manganese Oxide LiMn2O4 (LMQ) battery
--Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide LiNiMnCoO2(NMC) battery
--Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide LiNiCoAlo2(NCA) battery
Remarks: This solar controller is recommended to just work with 3 x series above Li-ion batteries.
LiFePO4 battery shown in LCD indicates Lithium Iron Phosphate battery, LFP battery.
LTO battery shown in LCD indicates Lithium titianate oxidized, Li4Ti5O12 battery.
Caution:Incorrect battery type setting may damage your battery.
When the controller powers on,the unit will runself-qualify modeand automatically show below
items on LCD before going into charging process.
Self-test starts,digital meter segments test
Software version test
Rated voltage and current test
External battery temperature sensor test(if connected)
Indicates the solar panel connected.
After going into charging process, the LCD displays the charging statues as below: Press
VOLT/AMP buttonin sequence,the LCD will display inturn with Battery Voltage,Charging
Current,Charged capacity(Amp-hour) and Battery Temperature(if external temperature sensor
connected)
Displayinsequence

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Alternatively Display voltage and FUL when battery is fully charged
Theunit has a 6-stage charging algorithm.
Diagnose* - Soft Charge – Bulk Charge - Absorption charge–Equalizing Charge* - Float Mode
The VOLT/AMP button can be changed at any time during charging process.
The LCD also can be treated as an independent voltage meter or thermometer.
CHARGINGSTAGE
Diagnose * – Only for Lithium battery type, subjected to the Lithium battery initial voltage then
determine going to Soft start or Bulk charge; if the Lithium battery is protected by BMS, the
controller will automatically send the signal periodically to the battery terminal to activate the BMS
against protection.
Soft start -When batteries suffer an over-discharge,the controller will softly ramp the battery
voltage upto10V for 12V battery, 20V for 24V battery.
Bulk Charge - Maximum current charging until batteries rise to Absorption level. For Leadcrystal
battery type, the charge controller will deliver two step level of Bulk charge,when the first level rises
the battery voltage up to14.4V, then switch into the second level of the 50% of the first bulk charge
rate, until the Lead crystal battery voltage up to14.7V.
Absorption-Constant voltage charging and battery is over 85% for lead acid battery; a Li-ion
battery, LiFePO4 battery and LTO battery will close fully charging after absorption stage, the
absorption voltage level will reach12.6V for Li-ion battery, 14.4V for LiFePO4 battery; 14.0V for LTO
battery. 14.7V for Lead crystal battery.
Equalization*- Only for WET battery or Calcium battery type, when the battery is deeply drained
below10 Vore very 28 day scycle,it will automatically run this stage to bring the internal cells as an
equal state and fully complement the loss of capacity. (Lead crystal, Li-ion, LiFePO4,LTO, Gel and
AGM battery do not run Equalization charge)

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LED INDICATION
Float Charge or Re-Bulk charge- Battery is fully charged and maintainedat a safe level. A
fully charged Lead acid battery(Crystal, GEL,AGM, WET battery) has a voltage of more than13.8
Volts;if the lead acid battery voltagedropsto12.8 Vat float mode,itwill return to Bulk
charge;Li-ion,LiFePO4 and LTO battery have no float mode; If a Li-ion battery voltage drops
to12.0V after absorption stage, it will return to Bulk charge;if a LIFePO4 battery voltage drops
to13.4V, or LTO battery voltage drops to13.2V after Absorption stage,they will return to Bulk
charge. (voltage x 2 for 24V use)

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Voltage are for 12V use, x 2 for 24V use
SAFETY PROTECTION-
-Spark-free protection.
-Reverse polarity solar and battery connection.
-Again strever securrent from battery to solar panel at night.
-Over temperature protection with charging current de-rate.
-Transient over voltage protection, a varistor or transient voltage suppressor (TVS) at the solar
input and battery output against surge voltage.
-Safety and EMC compliance
IEC/EN60335, EN61000-4-2,EN61000-4-3, EN61000-4-4, EN61000-4-5FCC Class-B
EN61000-4-6,EN61000-4-11, EN61000-3-3, CISPR14-1
MAINTENANCE
Occasionally, clean the case using a damp cloth and mild cleaning agent. Check with terminals
without loose, rusty; If connecting cable is damaged,replace the cable by qualified person.

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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
ACOPOWER is always open to customers with technical support, if you have any issues, please feel free to contact ACOPOWER
by email at [e-mail]
Here we collected some frequently asked questions for reference:
Q: What kind of battery can be charged by these solar modules
A: 1. sealed lead-acid battery (Sealed) 2. colloidal lead-acid battery (Gel) 3. the opening lead-acid batteries (Flooded)
Q: How to clean the solar panel surface?
A: When dust and dirt cover the surface of solar module, it can be cleaned with a soft brush, then use a damp cloth to wipe the
surface to remove the remaining dust and dirt. Anything that covers the solar cells should be removed as soon as possible so as
not to affect performance.
Q: Are the foldable solar modules are waterproof?
A: Because the system contains sophisticated electronic components, please prevent water from contacting the module during use.
Q: How can I get my battery’s information?
A: To get your battery’s information, please contact your battery’s manufacturer or check your battery label.
Q: Is the charge controller waterproof, what is IP rate for that?
A: No, the charge controller is not waterproof.
Q: Can I use an extension cables in the system?
A: Yes, any extension cable with MC4 connectors can be used before the solar charge controller. ACOPOWER has 20ft 14AWG
extension cables.
Q: How do I get the MC4 Adapter for my solar generator?
A: Please contact your solar generator’s seller or manufacturer to get a MC4 adapter. The MC4 is a solar industrial universal
connector. If your solar generator’s supplier does not provide it, please contact ACOPOWER to get it customized.
Q: It worked for my car battery and it does not charge my solar generator.
A: Please check your solar generator's connection and voltage. Some generators in the market are designed to be unique like 24V
battery. Most solar generators in the market is 12V. Please contact your solar generator’s supplier for the voltage confirmation.
Q: My battery is two 6V batteries in series, can I use this kit?
A: Yes. Two 6V batteries in series is considered a 12 Volts battery.
Q: My battery is AGM, which battery setting shall I use?
A: Please use SEALED, which is default setting.
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