Owner’s Manual | GP-PWM-25 Regulator
6
© 2009 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Last revised July 2009
4.0 Choosing a Location
The GP-PWM-25 is designed to be mounted flush against a wall, out of the way but easily visible.
The GP-PWM-25 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.
In a RV, the most common regulator location is above the refrigerator. The wire from the solar
array most commonly enters the RV through the fridge vent on the roof. PV connections should
connect directly to the regulator. Positive and negative battery connections must connect directly
from the regulator to the batteries. Use of a positive or negative distribution bus is allowed
between the regulator and battery as long as it is properly sized, electrically safe and an
adequate wire size is maintained.
5.0 Installation Instructions
1. Prepare for mounting.
Use the template provided at the end of the manual to mark the
four mounting holes and the
“cutting line for flush mounting.”
2. Complete the installation of the solar modules.
If this GP-PWM-25 was purchased as
part of a Go Power! Solar Power Kit, follow the Installation Guide provided. Otherwise
follow manufacturer’s instructions for solar module mounting and wiring.
3. Select wire type and gauge.
If this GP-PWM-25 was purchased as part of a Go Power!
Solar Power Kit, appropriate wire type, gauge, and length is provided. Please continue to
Section 6, “Operating Instructions.” If the GP-PWM-25 was purchased separately, follow
the instructions included here.
Wire type is recommended to be a stranded copper 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 Minimum Wire Gauge
(Cable length 25 ft max. from solar array to battery bank)
50 Watt
#14 Wire Gauge
80 Watt
#12 Wire Gauge
95 Watt
#10 Wire Gauge
115 Watt
#10 Wire Gauge
160 Watt
#10 Wire Gauge
240 Watt
#10 Wire Gauge
Terminal Screw Torque
16 inch pounds (1.8N.m)
IMPORTANT:
Identify the polarity (positive and negative) on the cable used for the battery and
solar module. Use colored wires or mark the wire ends with tags. Although the GP-PWM-25 is
protected, a reverse polarity contact may damage the unit.
