GP-PWM-10
3
3.0 Choosing a Location
The GP-PWM-10 is designed to be mounted against a wall, out of the way but easily visible. The
GP-PWM-10 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.
4.0 Installation Instructions
1. Select wire type and gauge.
If this GP-PWM-10 was purchased as part of a Go
Power! Solar Power Kit, appropriate wire type, gauge and length is provided. Please
continue to
Section 5
, “Operating Instructions.” If the GP-PWM-10 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
(Cable 25 ft. max. from solar array to battery bank)
80 Watt
#12 Wire Gauge
For other applications, please
refer to standard wire guide.
95 Watt
#10 Wire Gauge
160 Watt
#10 Wire Gauge
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-PWM-
10 is protected, a reverse polarity contact may damage the unit
2. Wiring the GP-PWM-10.
Wire the -PWM-10 according to the wiring schematic in
Section 9
. Run wires from the solar array and the batteries to the location of the GP-
PWM-10. 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.
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.
3. Mounting the GP-PWM-10.
Mount the GP-PWM-10 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 GP-PWM-10
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-10 before you begin to use the
controller. See section 5.2
