This powerful 20A 12/24/36/48V solar charge controller with LCD display features advanced monitoring and programming features, offering full control over the charging process and the option to adjust various charging parameters and the load work mode. Users can program their own system settings as opposed to using the factory-defined parameters that many simpler controllers are limited to.

The controller uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) technology which increases the charge acceptance of your battery and extends its life. PWM technology can also recover some lost battery capacity.

This charge controller features a full set of electronic protection functions such as stopping reverse current at night (from the battery back to the solar panel), automatic cut off to prevent over-charging and deep discharge, over heating, over load, short circuit and reverse polarity protection.

Compatibility:

This controller can work with solar panels with a combined power of up to 320W (12V battery system) / 640W (24V battery system) / 960W (36V battery system) / 1.2kW (48V battery system) which means that it is suitable even for large off-grid solar systems. The wide solar input voltage range of up to 96V ensures that even on-grid solar modules with a voltage higher than 12V / 24V can be used as an input.

This solar charge controller is designed for use with a single battery or battery bank (gel, sealed or flooded) with a voltage of 12V, 24V, 36V or 48V - the controller will determine the working mode automatically. Note: if you are planning to design a solar charging system with a battery bank / inverter, there is a substantial benefit from using a 48V battery bank (the system will be safer and more stable due to the lower current rating).

Additional features:

• LCD display with multilevel menu operation and a user-friendly interface with 4 multifunctional buttons
• LED indicators
• Built in temperature sensor
• Access to real-time solar panel and battery performance, including: voltage, current, battery state of charge, and temperature.
• Energy statistics counter which displays the accumulated daily and monthly charge (useful for comparing solar panel performance at different periods)
• Load work mode can be programmed with a timer if needed (for example to set on/off timers for lighting)
• Option to create a personalised, "user-defined" battery type with parameters specific to your battery
• Advanced communication technology (see below)

This model also features advanced communication technology, which offers the user the opportunity to monitor and program parameters for the solar charge controller through various methods:

1) The controller can be connected to a remote meter MT50 with an LCD screen, which displays system performance information and allows the user to manually adjust parameters and load settings

2) The controller can be connected to a Wi-Fi module to create a Wi-Fi network, to which your mobile phone or tablet can connect, in order to monitor or adjust charging parameters and controller settings through a free mobile app (available for Android and iOS users).

3) An RJ45 to USB cable can be used to connect the controller directly to your PC / laptop, where parameters and settings can be monitored and adjusted via a free computer program - Solar Station (Windows-based PCs and laptops only).

Using one of these communication methods, the user will gain access to various charging parameters such as voltage, current (separately for solar panel / load), battery state of charge, accumulated charge and discharge energy, min/max voltage and other information. If required the user will also be able to amend the battery type and capacity, set charging volts for different charging stages, specify the duration of each charging stage, create a user-defined battery type with charging parameters specific to their battery (if the pre-existing options are unsuitable), personalise the 'load' settings (e.g. set timers for lighting, fans, pumps) and more.

In addition to the built-in temperature sensor, the controller has a pair of terminals for connecting a remote temperature sensor, which can be attached directly to the battery to measure the battery temperature more precisely and optimise the charging process.

Click on the Details and Specifications tab for more information

Controller specifications:

• Fully automated operation and auto 12/24/36V/48V selection
• Rated charging and load current: 20A
• Enhanced monitoring and charging / load work control
• Maximum solar panel input voltage 96V
• 3 pairs of terminals (input, battery, output)
• Temperature sensor for automatic compensation (-30mV/C/12V)
• Comprehensive electronic protection features
• Self-consumption: max 15mA (12V); 10mA (24V); 9mA (36V); 8mA (48V);   
• Working temperature: -25C to +55C
• Terminals for wire up to 16mm2
• Size: 20 x 10.5 x 6 cm
• Weight: 0.7 kg
• Multiple mounting holes for ease of installation

This product is covered by a 2 year manufacturer warranty. For more information please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

This unit comes with a detailed user manual which explains wiring and operations (see Documents tab).

If you need help with installation or have any technical questions we can provide FREE support - please contact us by email or phone (see Contact Us page for more information).

The following documents are available to download:

User manual for 20A solar charge controller for 12/24/36/48V battery (VS2048BN)