Renogy 100W Solar Suitcase User manual

Solar Suitcase
Renogy 60W / 100W Solar Suitcase Manual
14288 Central Ave., Chino, CA 91710
1-800-330-8678

1
Important Safety Instructions
Please save these instructions.
This manual contains important safety, installation, and operating instructions for the charge
controller. The following symbols are used throughout the manual to indicate potentially
dangerous conditions or important safety information.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use extreme caution when
performing this task.
CAUTION: Indicates a critical procedure for safe and proper operation of the controller
NOTE: Indicates a procedure or function that is important to the safe and proper operation
of the controller.
General Safety Information
Read all of the instructions and cautions in the manual before beginning the installation.
There are no serviceable parts for this controller. Do NOT disassemble or attempt to repair
the controller.
Do NOT allow water to enter the controller.
Make sure all connections going into and from the controller are tight.
Charge Controller Safety
NEVER connect the solar panel array to the controller without a battery. Battery must be
connected first.
Ensure input voltage does not exceed 48 VDC to prevent permanent damage. Use the
Open Circuit (Voc) to make sure the voltage does not exceed this value when connecting
panels together.
Do not exceed 10A (VS1024BN) under load.
Battery Safety
Use only sealed lead-acid, flooded, or gel batteries which must be deep cycle.
Explosive battery gases may be present while charging. Be certain there is enough
ventilation to release the gases.

2
Be careful when working with large lead acid batteries. Wear eye protection and have
fresh water available in case there is contact with the battery acid.
Carefully read battery manuals before operation.
Do NOT let the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the battery touch each other.
Recycle battery when it is replaced.
Over-charging and excessive gas precipitation may damage the battery plates and
activate material shedding on them. Too high of an equalizing charge or too long of one
may cause damage. Please carefully review the specific requirements of the battery used
in the system.
Equalization is carried out only for non-sealed / vented/ flooded / wet cell lead acid
batteries.
Do NOT equalize sealed / VRLA type AGM / Gel cell batteries UNLESS permitted by
battery manufacturer.
WARNING: Do NOT connect any inverters or battery charger into the load terminal of the charge
controller.
WARNING: 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.

3
Table of Contents
General Information.........................................................................................................................................4
Optional Components....................................................................................................................................6
Identification of Parts.....................................................................................................................................7
Installation.............................................................................................................................................................8
Operation............................................................................................................................................................ 10
1. Monitoring................................................................................................................................................... 11
2. Device Set.................................................................................................................................................. 12
3. Parameter Set.......................................................................................................................................... 12
4. Load Set...................................................................................................................................................... 13
6. Test Mode.................................................................................................................................................. 15
7. Password.................................................................................................................................................... 15
8. Batt Mng Mode......................................................................................................................................... 15
9. Factory Reset........................................................................................................................................... 15
10. Reboot Device....................................................................................................................................... 16
System Status Icons.................................................................................................................................... 16
System Status Glossary............................................................................................................................ 17
Charge Controller Troubleshooting.................................................................................................... 18
Maintenance...................................................................................................................................................... 19
Frequently Asked Questions.................................................................................................................. 20
Technical Specifications........................................................................................................................... 21
Charge Controller Electrical Parameters.......................................................................................... 21
Charge Controller Charging Parameters.......................................................................................... 22
Charging Parameters Glossary............................................................................................................. 23
Charge Controller Threshold Voltage Parameters....................................................................... 25
Solar Panel Parameters............................................................................................................................ 25
Dimensions........................................................................................................................................................ 25
RNG Group Inc. Limited Warranty....................................................................................................... 29

4
General Information
The Renogy Solar Suitcases combine highly efficient Renogy Solar Panels and a fully adjustable
10 Amp ViewStar Series Charge Controller with an LCD Screen to create an easy-to-use, ‘plug
and play’ system.
This system is specifically designed for mobile off-grid applications, where space and weight
limitations are abundant. The Solar Suitcase models support 12V deep cycle battery varieties
such as sealed, lead acid, gel, and flooded. With built-in tilting stands, these panels can be
adjusted at different angles to maximize the power output throughout the seasons.
The alligator clips included in this package make it easy to connect the panel to a battery in
seconds. If one ever needs to connect a battery with a different type of end terminal, the alligator
clips are attached via MC4 Connectors.
Key Features
Dot-matrix, backlit LCD for displaying operating information and data.
Unique dual-timer for the controller’s load terminal.
Full control of parameter settings that can be adjusted.
Sealed, Gel, and Flooded battery option.
4 Stage charging: Bulk, Boost. Float, and Equalization
Temperature compensation and correcting the charging and discharging parameters
automatically, improving battery lifetime.
RJ45 interface for use with the remote meter MT-50, which conveniently checks the
operating parameters of the charge controller
Protection against: overcharging, over-discharging, overload, short-circuit, and reverse
polarity.
Negative ground controller.
Tilting stand for maximum potential.
Convenient storage case for easy transportation.
PWM Technology
The PWM 30ACC-ViewStar utilizes Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology for battery
charging. Battery charging is a current based process so controlling the current will control the
battery voltage. For the most accurate return of capacity, and for the prevention of excessive
gassing pressure, the battery is required to be controlled byspecified voltage regulation set points
for Absorption, Float, and Equalization charging stages. The charge controller uses automatic
duty cycle conversion, creating pulses of current to charge the battery. The duty cycle is
proportional to the difference between the sensed battery voltage and the specified voltage
regulation set point. Once the battery reached the specified voltage range, pulse current charging
mode allows the battery to react and allows for an acceptable rate of charge for the battery level.

5
Four Charging Stages
The ViewStar charge controllers have a 4-stage battery charging algorithm for a rapid, efficient,
and safe battery charging. They include: Bulk Charge, Boost Charge, Float Charge, and
Equalization.
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.
Boost Charge: 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 default time for this is 120 minutes in the ViewStar
controllers but it can be customizable as needed.
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 orgas.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 afull 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.
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.

6
WARNING: 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.
WARNING: 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: Equalization may increase battery voltage to a level damaging to sensitive DC loads.
Ensure that all load allowable input voltages are greater than the equalizing charging set point
voltage.
Optional Components
Optional components that require a separate purchase:
Remote Temperature Sensor (TS-R):Measures the temperature
at the battery and uses this data for very accurate temperature
compensation. The sensor is supplied with a 6.6ft cable length that
connects to the charge controller. (Figure 1)
NOTE: The 10A ViewStar controller comes equipped with a
temperature sensor, but it is ONLY for the charge controller’s
temperature compensation, not the battery’s
temperature compensation.
LCD Display Tracer Meter (MT-50):Allows for real time monitoring of the
charge controller. Perfect for circumstances where the user cannot easily
access the controller or modify its parameters. It is supplied with a 5.9 ft.
cable and a mounting frame that connects to the RJ45 port on the
ViewStar. (Figure 2)
External Battery (RTC): Allows for access to the charge controller’s
saved settings, charge accumulation, and discharge accumulation without
connecting a deep cycle marine battery. It keeps track of the date/time for
automatic equalization charging purposes.
Figure 1
Figure 2

7
Identification of Parts
Key Parts
1. 10A ViewStar Charge Controller
2. Junction Box
3. Standard SAE Connector
4. Tilt Stands
5. Battery Alligator Clips
6. In-line fuse
7. Latch
8. Handle
9. Case (Not pictured)
NOTE: Components are the same for the 60W | 100W Solar Suitcase
4
1
2
3
5
8
7
6

8
Installation
1. Unlatch and unfold unit then connect Standard SAE Connectors
2. Connect Battery Alligator Clips to 12V Battery

9
3. Unscrew butterfly nut tilt to desired angle and lock butterfly nut
To maximize the output, adjust the angle of the suitcase regularly to track the sun’s movement
throughout the season
Summer
𝜃 = 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒 – 15°
Fall and Spring
𝜃 = 𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒
Winter
𝜃 = 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒 + 15°
𝜃

10
Operation
After connecting the battery to the charge controller, the controller will turn on automatically. The
user will be prompted by an initialization screen fora few seconds followed by the Default Screen.
Use the following buttons to maneuver
through the menu:
Menu / Cursor Left
Cursor up / Number add
button
Cursor down / Number
reduce button
Enter / Cursorright button
Select to display screen
selection
NOTE: In some models, you might be prompted to enter a password. Simply put “0” all the way
through and press enter.
NOTE: To customize charge parameters, TYPE must be set to USER under 5. Rated Value.
NOTE: The values found in your controller are default values and will not necessarily match the
ones listed. The values on this table are to show the user what the different screens are used for.
NOTE: You do NOT have to program the control. These parameters are for extra features. Once you
connect the battery the settings are automatically synced.
MENU/ 
/ 
/ -
ENTER/ 
Welcome
V2.37+V2.65
Jan01 12:12:12
1. Monitoring
2. Device Set
3. Parameter Set
4. Load Set
5. Rated Value
6. Test Mode
7. Password
8. Battery Mng Mode
9. Factory Reset
10. Reboot Device
MENU/ 

11
1. Monitoring
Use to maneuver through the screens
Indicates the voltage (V) and amperage (A) that the
solar panel(s) are delivering to the controller
Indicates the voltage (V) and amperage (A) that the
solar panel(s) are delivering to the battery
Indicates the ambient temperature as well as the
SOC (State of charge) of the battery
NOTE: If the remote temperature sensor is connected,
the temperature will reflect that temperature instead
Indicates Load voltage (V) and amperage (A) draw
System status of components—PV panels, Battery
status, Load status, and Device functionality. Refer
to System Status Glossary for more information
The kilowatt hours accumulated in a day, Month, and
total since the controller has been turned on
NOTE: Once the battery is disconnected, the values
are reset to 0 unless there is an external battery
installed on the controller face
System status icons, date, and time. Refer to
System Status Icons for more information
Charg. Energy
Day: 0.00kWh
Mon: 0.00kWh
Total: 0.00kWh
PV: Disconnect
BATT: NoCharge/ Normal
LOAD: On
DEVICE: Normal
LOAD
12.5V 0.0A
TEMP 20.0 C °
SOC 7%
BATT
12.5V 0.0A
PV
0.0V 0.0A
/ -
/ 
Jan01 12:12:12

12
2. Device Set
Use to cycle through the screens. Press to select
Modify the date and time for the charge controller.
Time is displayed in military time (24Hr) and will be
reflected in the default screen. Select Save when
finished. The user will have to select save
parameters after every screen.
Modify the time the backlight is on for the charge
controller. Backlit operation is in effect once the last
button is pressed. The user could use the ID to
connect to a tracer meter and save parameters.
Select Save Parameters when finished.
Choose between Celsius or Fahrenheit when viewing
system status temperature.
3. Parameter Set
NOTE: To customize charge parameters, TYPE must be set to USER under 5. Rated Value.
Otherwise this screen is only for information in regards to the charge parameters.
NOTE: Minimum and maximum charge parameter values can be found in Technical
Specifications
Indicates Temperature Compensation. Temperature
fluctuation can affect performance in the system.
Therefore, the purpose of temperature compensation
is to adjust the performance of the system to keep
the system functioning normally.
Parameters for Over-Voltage Disconnect, Charging
Limit, and Over-Voltage Reconnection.
Device Set
Temp Unit:
>Cel Fah
Device Set
ID: 001
Backlit: 000 sec
Save Parameters?
>Save Cancel
Device Set
Date: 00-00-0000
Time: 00:00:00
Parameter Set
Over Vol. Disc: 16.0V
Charg Lmt: 15.0V
Over Volt. Rect: 15.0V
Parameter Set
Temp Compensate Coeff
-03.0 mV / C ° / 2V
ENTER/ 
/ -
/ 

13
Parameters for commencing Equalization Charging,
Boost Charging, and Float Charging.
Parameters for Boost Voltage Reconnect, Boost
Under-Voltage Reconnect, and Boost Under-Voltage
warning.
Parameters for controller Low Voltage-Reconnect,
Low Voltage-Disconnect, and the Discharge Limit.
Parameter for setting a time duration for when the
controller approaches Equalization Charging and
Boost Charging.
4. Load Set
Use to cycle through the screens. Press to select
A load selection menu allows the user to control the
load terminal activation automatically, manually, or
with a timer.
This function will set the controller to manual mode
by default so the user is able to control when to turn
the load on or off.
NOTE: The user will need to set delay time to “0” so
that manual mode can be instant as opposed to
waiting for the delay time to pass.
Parameter Set
Equal Chrg: 14.6V
Boost Chrg: 14.4V
Float Chrg: 13.8V
Manual Default
>ON OFF
Manual
Light On/Off
Light On+Timer
Timer
ENTER/ 
/ -
/ 
Parameter Set
Boost V. Rect: 13.2 V
Under V. Rect: 12.2 V
Under V. Warn: 12.0 V
Parameter Set
Low V. Rect: 12.6V
Low V. Disc: 11.1V
Discharg Lmt: 10.6V
Parameter Set
Equa. Time: 120Min
Boost Time: 120Min

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In Light On/Off, the user sets parameters to turn the
load on or off.
The load terminal automatically turns on when the
solar voltage goes BELOW the point of NTTV (Night
Time Threshold Voltage).The load automatically
turns off when the voltage goes ABOVE the point of
DTTV (Day Time Threshold Voltage). There is a
delay between turning the load on or off and can be
programmed to be from 0-99minutes.
NOTE: Minimum and maximum charge parameter
values can be found in Technical Specifications
Similar to Light On/Off parameter with the addition of
a timer that the user sets in order to indicate how
long a load will be on or off. The user also sets an
appropriate time for when it is night time.
NOTE: Timer needs to be activated for it to work.
Using a 24-hour clock, the user is able to set the time
for when the load will turn on and the time for when
the load will turn off.
5. Rated Value
Use to cycle through the screens. Press to select
NOTE: To customize charge parameters, BATT must be set to USER
For BATT: the user selects which battery describes
the one they have—12V, 24V, or AUTO
For Type: The user chooses from Gel, Sealed,
Flooded or USER
The user is able to modify the Amp-hours (AH) to
reflect the actual battery capacity.
NOTE: The Load and PV options will not be adjustable
since the value is based on the charge controller.
Time Control 1
On Time: 19:00:00
Off Time: 06:00:00
Light On + Timer
On: 05.0V Delay: 10m
Off: 06.0V Delay: 10m
Night Time: 12:00
Light On/Off
On: 05.0V Delay: 10m
Off: 06.0V Delay: 10m
Manual
Light On/Off
Light On+Timer
Time
Rated Value
Batt: AUTO 0200AH
Load: 20.0A PV:20.0A
Type: Seal
ENTER/ 
/ -
/ 

15
6. Test Mode
Use to cycle through the screens. Press to select
Test the load of the charge controller. Once settings
have been set in 4. Load Set, the user is able to test
whether the load will turn on upon direction.
NOTE: Delay must be set to “0” to see immediate
results.
7. Password
Use to cycle through the screens. Press to select
Setting a password for the controller prohibits the
user from programming the controller unless the
password is set.
NOTE: Default Password is “00000” if it prompts the
user to enter a password before they set one.
8. Batt Mng Mode
Use to cycle through the screens. Press to select
Voltage Compensation and State of Charge Battery
Managing modes to determine battery charge status.
NOTE: It is not possible to measure actual SOC, but rather express it as a percentage of some
reference. In this case it is voltage alone (VC) or battery capacity over a time span (SOC).
VC. converts a reading from battery voltage to determine SOC by utilizing the charge
controller’s algorithm for known discharge. It is highly sensitive to temperature changes and battery
disturbances thus having less accurate battery charge statuses.
SOC is more accurate by keeping track of the voltage and current flow in and out of the
battery when reporting battery charge status. The SOC is determined by multiplying current by the
time for which it flowed.
9. Factory Reset
Use to cycle through the screens. Press to select
Reset the controller to factory settings. This will
erase any customized parameters the user may have
set.
Test Mode
Load: > ON OFF
Password
Ori.PSW: 000000
NewPSW: 000000
Factory Reset
>NO YES
ENTER/ 
/ -
/ 
ENTER/ 
/ -
/ 
ENTER/ 
/ -
/ 
ENTER/ 
/ -
/ 
Batt Mng Mode
>V.C. SOC

16
The screen will be followed up by a secondary
screen to make sure a factory reset is what the user
intends to do.
10. Reboot Device
Use to cycle through the screens. Press to select
This parameter will reboot the charge controller
without losing any of the customized settings the
user may have set.
System Status Icons
PV
BATTERY
SYSTEM
LOAD
Day/ PV
Charging
Battery
Charging
System
Normal
Load ON
Night/ PV
Not
Charging
Battery
Level Full
UVW
Load OFF
Battery Low
Voltage
LVD
Really to reset?
>NO YES
Reboot Device?
>NO YES
Jan01 12:12:12
ENTER/ 
/ -
/ 

17
System Status Glossary
PV Status
Meaning
Connect
PV is Connected
Disconnect
PV is Disconnected
Measure Err
Measurement Error at the PV terminal
Over Current
PV is Overcurrent
MOS-I Short
(Metal oxide semiconductor) used for PV reverse
polarity is short.
MOS-C Short
(Metal oxide semiconductor) used for charging is
short.
MOS Break
(Metal oxide semiconductor) in control circuit is
damaged
BATT Status
Meaning
Equalize
Battery is equalizing
Boost
Battery is in boost mode
Float
Battery is in float mode
NoCharge
No charge to battery
LVD
Low voltage disconnect
UVW
Under voltage warning
Normal
Battery is normal
OVD
Over voltage disconnect
Error
Battery experiencing error
OverTemp
Battery is too hot, over temperature
LOAD Status
Meaning
On
Load On
Off
Load Off
Overload
Load is overloaded
Short
Load connection is short
Error
Load experiencing error
MOS Short
Metal oxide semiconductor used in load is short
DEVICE Status
Meaning
Normal
Charge controller normal
OverTemp
Charge controller too hot
PV: Disconnect
BATT: NoCharge/ Normal
LOAD: On
DEVICE: Normal

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Charge Controller Troubleshooting
Indicator
Status
Description
Troubleshoot
Connect
The controller recognizes the PV
solar panel(s). System is functioning
normally.
N/A
Disconnect
The controller does not recognize the
solar panel(s).
If it is nighttime, the light
will be off. Otherwise
double check that the
poles are not switched.
Indicator
PV Status
Troubleshoot
Measure Err
Check connections and make sure there is not a short
somewhere along the line. Use a multi-meter to determine
whether the panel(s) output is normal prior to connection. Then
reset the controller to factory settings.
OverCurrent
Use a multi-meter to determine whether solar panel(s)
specification match the nominal parameters of the charge
controller.
MOS-I Short
Reset the controller to factory settings. If problem persists,
contact the supplier
MOS-C Short
Reset the controller to factory settings. If problem persists,
contact the supplier
MOS Break
Reset the controller to factory settings. If problem persists,
contact the supplier
Indicator
BATT Status
Troubleshoot
Error
Check that the battery connections are properly connected to the
battery terminals of the charge controller. Make sure there is no
short along the line. Reboot the controller. If problem continues,
reset the controller.
OverTemp
Place the controller in a cooler environment where it will
automatically reconnect

19
OVD
Check battery parameters and make sure they are suitable to be
used with the charge controller. Use a multi-meter to check
battery voltage to reaffirm the controller’s diagnosis.
Indicator
LOAD Status
Troubleshoot
Overload
Check to make sure the devices connected to the load terminal
are within the load specification. If so, then reduce the number of
loads and it will reconnect automatically.
Short
Check the device wiring and connections going into the load.
There may be a break in the wire.
Error
Reset the controller to factory settings. If problem persists,
contact supplier.
MOS Short
Reset the controller to factory settings. If problem persists,
contact supplier.
Indicator
Device Status
Troubleshoot
OverTemp
Place controller in cooler environment and it will automatically
reconnect.
Maintenance
For best controller performance, it is recommended that these tasks be performed from time to
time.
1. Check that controller is mounted in a clean, dry, and ventilated area.
2. Check wiring going into the charge controller and make sure there is no wire damage or
wear.
3. Tighten all terminals and inspect any loose, broken, or burnt up connections
4. Make sure readings in the LCD and LED are consistent.