Steca Solarix MPPT 3020 User manual

Solarix MPPT 3020 / MPPT 5020
Installation and operating instructions
EN
764393| Z01 | 18.43

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Preface
Thank you for choosing a solar charge controller from our company. Through the use of
solar energy, you significantly help to protect the environment by reducing the pollution of
the atmosphere by the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other harmful gases.
All rights reserved, including those for the translation. No part of this manual may be repro-
duced in any form without our written consent, nor processed by means of electronic sys-
tems.

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Table of contents
1General information .................................................................... 4
2Safety instructions...................................................................... 5
2.1 Labels and symbols ..............................................................................................6
2.1.1 Safety marks.........................................................................................................6
2.1.2 Keywords..............................................................................................................6
3Designated use............................................................................ 7
4Overview ...................................................................................... 8
5Installation ................................................................................... 9
6Operation ................................................................................... 13
6.1 Switching on / switching off.................................................................................15
6.2 Changing the display: .........................................................................................16
6.3Settings menu.....................................................................................................18
7Maintenance and care............................................................... 26
8Disposal ..................................................................................... 26
9Fault correction ......................................................................... 27
9.1 Measures in the event of faults...........................................................................28
10 Technical data ........................................................................... 30
11 Commercial and legal guarantee conditions.......................... 32

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1 General information
The solar charge controller is available in two power levels (30 A and 50 A).
The device fulfils the following tasks:
•Optimizing the power yield of the connected solar modules
•Controlling the charging process of the battery
•Monitoring the charge state of the battery
•Connecting and disconnecting the consumers connected to the load output
Characteristics
•Intelligent Maximum Power Point Tracking
•Automatic battery voltage detection
•Three-stage charging process to optimize battery performance
•Maximum efficiency up to 99 %
•Charging current configurable depending on the application
•Support of various battery types
•Backlight
•Data output via serial interface (RS-232)
The state-of-the-art device is equipped with an optimized "Maximum Power Point Tracking
(MPPT)" algorithm and is, thus, able to utilise the maximum available power of the solar
module at any point in time and in a wide range of environmental conditions.
The type plate with the required data related to the device and the manufacturer is at-
tached on the bottom of the right side.
The declaration of conformity is available on the website of the manufacturer.
Scope of delivery
•1 ea. solar charge controller
•1 ea. installation and operating instructions
Prior to the installation, check whether the packaging and the device are intact.

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2 Safety instructions
This document is part of the product.
•Read these operating instructions thoroughly and completely prior to installation and
use.
•Keep these operating instructions close the device over the entire lifetime of the device.
•Pass these operating instructions on to every subsequent owner or user of the product.
The installation may only be carried out by a qualified trained electrician.
The solar module and the battery supply voltage to the device even while the device is
switched off. When connecting or disconnecting the solar module or the battery, proceed
precisely as described in the instructions in chapter 5.
Incorrectly connected components can damage the device.
Improper operation can reduce the yields of the solar energy system.
System components can be damaged as well.
If one of the following components is damaged, immediately take the device out of opera-
tion and disconnect it from battery and solar module:
•Device (not functioning, visible damage, smoke, penetration of liquid etc.)
•Terminals and connected cables
•Solar module
Do not switch the device on again before it has not been repaired by the dealer or manu-
facturer, or the damaged cables or solar modules have not been repaired by a specialist.
Do not cover the device.
Follow the following instructions to prevent any risk of fire and explosion:
•Do not use the solar charge controller in a dusty environment, in the proximity of sol-
vents, or where flammable gases and vapours may arise.
•Avoid open fire and light in proximity of the batteries. Avoid sparking.
•Ensure that the room is adequately ventilated.
•Check the charging process regularly.
•Follow the charging instructions of the battery manufacturer.
Do not open the case: There is danger to life! Opening the case will also void any warranty.
Have the device only repaired by a qualified specialist workshop or the manufacturer.
Do not change, remove, nor render illegible the signs and markings attached by the manu-
facturer.
If connecting an external device that is not described within this document, follow the man-
ufacturer’s instructions. Incorrectly connected devices may cause damage to the solar
charge controller.

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Do not allow the following persons to operate the device:
•Children
•Persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities
•Persons that do not possess sufficient experience and knowledge (unless given instruc-
tion on proper use of the device and initial supervision by a person responsible for their
safety)
Follow the safety instructions of the connected battery. The charging voltages and currents
must be set on the solar charge controller in accordance with the battery documentation.
The manufacturer disclaims all responsibility for damages due to solar charge controller
parameters set incorrectly.
Follow the safety instructions of the connected solar module.
Follow the general and national safety and accident prevention regulations.
2.1 Labels and symbols
2.1.1 Safety marks
The following safety marks are used on the device and in these instructions:
Warning sign Nature of the danger
Warning of hazardous voltage
Warning of hazardous area
Follow the instructions
2.1.2 Keywords
The following keywords are used in these instructions:
Keyword
Meaning
DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, leads to death or
serious injuries.
WARNING Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
lead to death or serious injuries.
NOTE Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
lead to damage to property and/or the environment.

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3 Designated use
The solar charge controller is suitable for photovoltaic (PV) systems, for charging batteries
of a rated voltage of 12 VDC or 24 VDC (50 A version also 48 VDC).
The areas of use include the fields of hobbies and leisure, businesses, commerce, and
small companies.
Installation, putting into operation, and removal of the device may only be carried out by
trained qualified personnel complying with the applicable on-site installation regulations.
The qualified personnel must be acquainted with these operating instructions and follow
the instructions.
The end customer may only carry out the operating functions.
The solar charge controller works with direct current and may not be connected to the
public alternating current grid.
Operation is only allowed indoors.
The solar charge controller is only suitable for controlling solar modules. Do not connect
any other charging sources to the solar charge controller. Otherwise, the solar charge con-
troller and/or the source may be destroyed.
The connected solar modules and batteries must satisfy the stated specifications (refer to
chapter 10).
The solar charge controller is basically suitable for the following types of rechargeable
batteries:
•Lead accumulators with liquid electrolyte
•Sealed lead accumulators; AGM, GEL
•Lithium-ion batteries
NOTE
The operator must ensure that the solar charge controller's settings match
the specifications on the battery's data sheet.
Only lithium-ion batteries may be applied that are equipped with an inte-
grated BMS (Battery Management System) and a safety protective shut-
down of the battery in the event of a fault provided that no communication
with the BMS is required.
The respective battery type must be set on the solar charge controller, refer to chapter 6.
The default setting is lead battery GEL/AGM.
Other battery types can be configured. An erroneous configuration may damage the solar
charge controller or the battery. The use of the program function is at the operator's own
responsibility.

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Disclaimer
Both the compliance with these instructions and the conditions and methods during instal-
lation, operation, use, and maintenance of the solar charge controller cannot be supervised
by the manufacturer. Improper performance of the installation may cause property
damages and, subsequently, endanger persons.
Therefore, we assume no responsibility and liability for losses, damages or costs that result
due to incorrect installation, improper operation, usage, and maintenance or in any manner
associated therewith.
We also do not assume any responsibility for infringements of patent rights or infringe-
ments of other third-party rights resulting from the use of this solar charge controller.
The manufacturer reserves the right to carry out modifications to the product, technical
data, or installation and operating instructions without prior notice.
Attention: Opening the device, any manipulation and repair attempts, as well as any use
not in accordance with the intended use result in the loss of warranty.
4 Overview
Two versions for different charging currents are available:
•Solar charge controller 30 A
•Solar charge controller 50 A
1 Display (LCD)
2 LEDs
3 Buttons
4 Electrical connections
5 Communication interface (for accessories)
6 Earth connection

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The solar charge controller optimizes the charging of the battery and its lifetime by means
of a three-stage charging algorithm and a configurable equalizing charge:
Charging stages Description
Bulk charge stage The battery is charged with the maximum power possible
depending on the input by the solar modules
Absorption stage Battery charging at a constant voltage. The duration of the
absorption charge is configurable.
Float stage Trickle charging at a constant voltage. If the battery voltage
drops below the threshold voltage for the float charge, a
switch to bulk charge is performed.
Equalize stage The equalizing charge regenerates the battery to keep the
capacity loss over the lifetime as low as possible.
The equalizing charge function is controlled via the settings
in the programs 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, and 13. To use the
function, it must have been activated in program 07.
Accessories (not included):
PA WiFi1: WiFi box to link the solar charge controller up with a web portal.
5 Installation
DANGER
Voltage
Under solar radiation, the solar modules and cables may be energised. There
is the risk of injuries and fire due electrocution and electric discharge.
►Disconnect the connections from the power sources prior to any work on
the device.
►Only have specialists carry out any installation work.
►Only connect the cables to the solar charge controller when it is requested
by the instructions.

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Mounting location:
•Mount only indoors.
•Mount in vertical position on the wall, on concrete or another non-flammable surface.
Mounting materials such as screws and dowels depend on the mounting surface and
are, therefore, not included in the scope of delivery.
•Observe the free space specified below to ensure ventilation of the device.
•Observe the ambient temperature and air humidity specified in the technical data (refer
to chapter 10).
•To allow a clear view of the display, mount the device at about eye level.
•Select mounting location such that the lengths of the cables to the solar module, the
battery, and the consumer are kept as short as possible.
Mounting location with free space for ventilation
1. Place the device in mounting position.
2. Mark the position of the mounting bores through the four fixing holes on the device
frame.
3. Drill the four mounting bores in the mounting surface (Ø 5 mm).
4. Fix the device with fixing materials suitable for the type of mounting surface.

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Electrical connection
The connections to the solar modules must be realised with circuit breakers or disconnect-
ors. The connections to the batteries must be realised with a fuse or a circuit breaker. It is
not allowed to connect inverters to the load output.
Recommended core cross-sections, tightening torques, and battery circuit breakers:
Device
version
System
voltage
Core cross-section
Tightening
torque
Battery
circuit breaker
30 A
12 V
Battery: 16 mm²
Solar module: 16 mm²
Load: 16 mm²
1.2 Nm 40 A
24 V
Battery: 6 mm²
Solar module: 6 mm²
Load: 6 mm²
50 A
12 V
Battery: 16 mm²
Solar module: 25 mm²
Load: 16 mm²
2 Nm 60 A24 V
Battery: 6 mm²
Solar module: 6 mm²
Load: 6 mm²
48 V
Battery: 6 mm²
Solar module: 6 mm²
Load: 2.5 mm²
The recommended core cross-sections apply to the following presumed distances to the
device:
•2 m to the battery
•10 m to the solar module
•5 m to the load
In the case of considerably different distances, the core cross-sections must be adapted.
The following solar module voltages are assumed:
•30 V for 12 V system voltage
•60 V for 24 V system voltage
•90 V for 48 V system voltage

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The tightening torques apply to the terminal screws of all electrical connections on the de-
vice. The values specified for the battery circuit breaker are calculated maximum values.
This means that the battery circuit breaker used must trigger no later than when reaching
this amperage.
It is recommended to use a two-pole circuit breaker between solar module and solar
charge controller.
In this way, the solar modules can be connected to or disconnected from the solar charge
controller without voltage, and no electric arcs will form at the terminals.
NOTE
If the solar module is connected to the battery connections, the solar charge
controller may be damaged.
Connect the cables correctly.
Ensure correct polarity by measurement of voltage on the cables prior to con-
nection.
Observe the connection order described below to ensure correct operation of
the solar charge controller.
Proceed in inverse order for uninstalling.
1. Ensure that all cables to the solar charge controller are without voltage due to the
open isolating device (solar module circuit breaker or battery fuse).
2. Strip all cables on the connection side and provide with ferrules if necessary:
- 30 A version: 10 mm
- 50 A version: 18 mm

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3. Successively introduce the conductors into the screw-type terminals of the solar
charge controller and tighten the terminal screws.
4. Connect positive cable (+) of the battery to the battery positive input of the solar
charge controller.
5. Connect negative cable (-) of the battery to the battery negative input of the solar
charge controller.
6. Connect positive cable (+) of the solar module to the solar module positive input of the
solar charge controller.
7. Connect negative cable (-) of the solar module to the solar module negative input of
the solar charge controller.
8. Connect positive cable (+) of the consumer to the consumers circuit positive input of
the solar charge controller.
9. Connect negative cable (-) of the consumer to the consumers circuit negative input of
the solar charge controller.
10. Connect earth cable (at least AWG 8/10 mm²) to the earth connection of the solar
charge controller.
NOTE
No more than one of the negative terminals or one of the positive terminals of
the connections of the solar modules, of the battery, or of the load output
may be connected to earth.
6 Operation
NOTE
A battery must have been connected prior to switching on. The solar charge
controller does not work if a solar module but no battery is connected.
The operating panel consists of the display, three LEDs and three buttons:
1 Display
2 LEDs
3 "Load on/off & ESC" button
4 "Enter & Call settings menu" button
5 "Up/down & On/off" button

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Meaning of the LEDs:
LED
Colour
Status
Meaning
SOLAR Green
Permanently lit Input Solar module normal
Off Input Solar module without voltage or
defective
CHARGE Green
Permanently lit Battery is fully charged
Flashing Battery is being charged
FAULT Red
Flashing Error
Off Solar charge controller is working
normally
Function of the buttons:
Button
Function
Meaning
Up/down &
On/off
Selecting next visualization
Switching solar charge controller on and off if there is
no input from the solar module present
Enter &
Call settings menu
Confirming selection in the program mode
Going to program mode or jumping to main page
Acknowledging errors
Load on/off & ESC
Switching load circuit on and off manually
Leaving settings menu
Symbols on the display:
Symbol
Meaning
Display mode Program entry
Day/night indicator
The moon symbol is shown while there is no input coming from the
solar module
Indicates current flow

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Symbol
Meaning
Battery
Consumer
Normal operation / fault
Level of battery charge
When all segments are black, the battery is fully charged
Text display / values / unit
Display during program entry and fault
Shows the program numbers
ERROR XX Flashing with the code for warning
Permanently lit with code for fault
6.1 Switching on / switching off
NOTE
The solar charge controller starts automatically when a sufficiently high
voltage from the solar module is present and a battery is connected.
The solar charge controller can also be switched on and off manually
independently of the solar power.
1. Switch fuse to the battery on.
2. Press "Up/down & On/off" button. The main page appears on the display. The main
page alternates between displaying the battery voltage and displaying the charge state
of the battery.
3. Switch on the disconnector to the solar module. If the sun is shining, the solar charge
controller starts charging the battery.

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Examples for operating states:
Display
Meaning
Solar modules are working, battery is being
charged
Consumer is switched on
Solar modules are working, battery is being
charged
No consumer is switched on
No input from the solar module
The consumer is operated with battery current
6.2 Changing the display:
Press "Up/down & On/off" button repeatedly. The following information is displayed
successively (the values in the figures are examples):
Display
Meaning
Battery voltage (main page)
(here: 12.5 V)
Battery charge state
(here: 60 %)
Solar module voltage
(here: 60 V)

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Display
Meaning
Input current from the solar module
(here: 50 A)
Charging current or discharging current (negative),
battery
(here: 30 A)
Load current, consumer
(here: 20 A)
Total input power
(here: 100 Ah)
Total output power
(here: 80 Ah)
Device temperature (internal)
(here: 40 °C)
Operating hours
(here: 3.5 h)
Maximum occurred battery voltage
(here: 14.7 V)

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Display
Meaning
Minimum occurred battery voltage
(here: 10.1 V)
Maximum occurred charging current
(here: 51.0 A)
Minimum occurred discharging current
(= load current)
(here: 20.8 A)
Firmware version
(here: 1.00)
Then, the main page is displayed again.
6.3 Settings menu
1. Press "Enter & Call settings menu" button and hold for 3 seconds. The solar charge
controller switches to the display mode Settings menu.
If no entry is made during approx. 20 seconds, the display returns to the main page.
2. Press "Up/down & On/off" button repeatedly to select a program. The currently
selected menu item is flashing.
3. Press "Enter & Call settings menu" button to go to the selected program.
4. Press "Up/down & On/off" button to select the desired setting value (the displayed
value is flashing).
5. Press "Enter & Call settings menu" button to confirm the desired value (the displayed
value is no longer flashing).
Alternatively, press "Load on/off & ESC" button to not accept the value and return to
the settings menu.
6. Press "Load on/off & ESC" button to return to the settings menu.

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Program selection
Name
Option
Meaning
01
Setting battery
voltage
AUT The battery voltage is detected
automatically
12.0 Setting battery voltage 12 V
24.0 Setting battery voltage 24 V
48.0 Setting battery voltage 48 V
(only for 50 A version)
02
Selection of
battery type
GEL Lead battery GEL/AGM
(standard)
The voltage values are
automatically set for this battery
type
Programs 04 and 06 cannot be
used when this setting is
selected
FLD Lead-acid battery (standard)
The voltage values are
automatically set for this battery
type
Programs 04 and 06 cannot be
used when this setting is
selected.
LIO Lithium-ion battery
When this setting is selected,
programs 04 and 06 must be
adapted
USE User-defined values
When this setting is selected,
programs 04 and 06 must be
adapted
03
Maximum
charging current
50 A Only for the 50 A version:
Maximum charging current 50 A,
can be set from 5 A to 50 A in
increments of 5 A
30 A Only for the 30 A version:
Maximum charging current 30 A,
can be set from 5 A to 30 A in
increments of 5 A

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Program selection
Name
Option
Meaning
04
Voltage of the
absorption
charge
If "USE" has been selected in program 01,
this program can be used
14.4 V 12 V rated voltage:
Can be set from 12.0 V to 16.0 V
(default setting: 14.4 V)
28.8 V 24 V rated voltage:
Can be set from 24.0 V to 32.0 V
(default setting: 28.8 V)
57.6 V 48 V rated voltage:
Can be set from 48.0 V to 64.0 V
(default setting: 57.6 V)
If "LIO" has been selected in program 01,
this program can be used
28.8 V 30 A version:
Can be set from 9.0 V to 32.0 V
57.6 V 50 A version:
Can be set from 9.0 V to 64.0 V
05
Duration of the
absorption
charge
120 Can be set from 10 min to
900 min in increments of 5 min
(default setting: 120 min)
06
Voltage for float
charge
If "USE" has been selected in program 01,
this program can be used
14.1 V 12 V rated voltage:
Can be set from 12.0 V to 16.0 V
(default setting: 14.1 V)
28.2 V 24 V rated voltage:
Can be set from 24.0 V to 32.0 V
(default setting: 28.2 V)
56.4 V 48 V rated voltage:
Can be set from 48.0 V to 64.0 V
(default setting: 56.4 V)
If "LIO" has been selected in program 01,
this program can be used
28.2 V 30 A version:
Can be set from 9.0 V to 32.0 V
56.4 V 50 A version:
Can be set from 9.0 V to 32.0 V