Load control Programming feature of the EPRC solar charge controller AVI

I see another youtuber testing this unit which I've been using for a few months. The programmable load control feature is great. The controller uses your solar panels as a photosensor to turn your lighting or other loads to go on/off. A few minutes after dark, the controller will switch on the load automatically. You can program your12v lights to be on from 1 to 13 hours. The controller is only 10amps and goes by other names also. The unit is $30 on Ebay. In life, sometimes you overpaid, get a bargain and sometimes a real steal. Well, $30 for this unit is well worth it for me.

[yuandrew]

There is also about a 10 min delay in modes 0-5 between it detecting "dark" (PV voltage going under 3 volts) to when it turns on the load; that is to make sure it is actually dark out and not because a passing object or cloud shaded the solar panel. "Test" mode bypasses this delay and turns the light on immediately when you cover or disconnect the solar panel.

[wtam]

If you switch it on manually, the led on the right is yellow. If you use the programming function, the light is red. The center led is green and turns yellow is the battery level is low. My programmed solar lights are about to turn on, so I can double check to be sure that I'm not mistaken.

[ozdriversatfault]

Yep, I just got mine for $15, setting it up today with a 80w panel and 200 amp hour deep cycle battery. Hope it works as well as yours. My instruction manual is not in English so your video helped me alot. Thanks.

[wtam]

@SuperFeejay I use a 15w Sunforce panel to charge my deep cycle battery Only use 3, 4 amps per night The load is 3w or so LED lights. I don't use the inverter to power the leds as they are wired for 12v and powered directly by the battery. My battery is 125 amp hour so you can use half of that each time before recharging. My inverter is used for backup only.

[jrmclaws]

Thank you for your video. I was looking at purchasing one of these charge controllers, but had a lot of questions (as the descriptions leave a lot unanswered). Thank you for your time to show it in action!

[wtam]

Maybe there is but the instructions that came with the EPRC controller expressly advise against mixing and matching. You can use what is called a "buck converter" to lower the solar panel voltage from 37v to maybe 18v or so in order to charge your 12 v batteries. I saw an inexpensive buck converter a few months back at big lots for $5. I forgot the ratings of the converter.

[wtam]

Thanks for commenting. You get a lot bang for this inexpensive charger.

[wtam]

@Fearlessthinker I think the turn on signal kicks in when the solar panel is no longer sensing light and charging the battery. Maybe you're right. I don't know if the charger is smart enough to compare the two voltages. I know when I switch off the solar panels, the turn on signal will come on even in daytime. I'm like a "Incomplete music lover, " so I know how to turn the radio on but I don't know how to actually play the music nor do I understand how the radio works.

[alexandruclaudiu]

Related to the comment "Uses the sensor for the solar panel" there is no sensor in the solar panel. The sensing of the dark is made when the solar panels does not produce the power because it's dark of course. An alternative would be for the solar charger to have a photodiode but this will be affected by the light inside place where the solar charger sits (inside lightbulbs), so more likely is to use the power measurement of the solar panels. Logic enough. I want to buy myself also one, if possible with a usb port so I can charge a portable USB powerbank that I can use as a portable energy source to charge devices when needed. I hope it helps. Congratulations sir for the setup!

[wtam]

You're right about this charger having different brand names. They are pretty much the same with slighly different components to handle higher power for the 20 or 30 amp models. Even the mppt models look pretty much the same. I think it's a proven design and should work well as a basic unit as long as you don't overload it.

[wtam]

When the battery led is slowly blinking, it means battery level is full. 13.6 is the float voltage. I believe it float charges at 13.3 to 13.5. Equalization voltage is 14.6 for 10 minutes and boost voltage 14.4v.

[wtam]

I think you should make a video of what you are trying to do. It will help many others who are experimenting with this charge controller. A picture, or a video, is worth a thousand words. Your converted flood light sounds like an interesting project too.

[wtam]

I got two of them. They now have a 20 amp model with the same features for a little bit more. You're at an advantage as I believe you have more sun in Australia.

[wtam]

Mine's been working for the last 2, 3 years with no problems. Just keep it under 10 amps and don't overdrive it. They have a 20 amp model which I assume will be a bit more robust. I love the programmable load feature, which I use as a timer for my night lights.

[wtam]

The center light, if yellow, means your battery voltage is low. If you have a volt meter, you can check the battery. Check to see after a few hours of charging by your solar panel and see if the voltage goes up. If your battery has good voltage, the yellow light will turn green.
The right led light, normally not lit, turns yellow when your load is turn on. That is normal.

[wtam]

Yes you can use it simply as a light sensor and not as a timer. That would be option "7." Not "7" Press the power switch for 5 seconds, and cycle through the numbers to select "7."

[wtam]

Hi Oleskou and solar people in Denmark. I just put the link to the manual underneath the description of the video. By the way, I just started watching the Danish series "The Eagle". Very interesting. Good luck. I have the manual and extra information on battery hookups.

[bertlhen]

Yes they are all connected, i forgot to tell you that i have two 6v 14ah which i put together to create much more, ijust dont know if there is a connection about the wire and the floodlights ., thanks

[wtam]

I think I saw a 24v to 12v inverter at Big Lots for $5. I forgot how many watts it can handle. Not an efficient way to do things though. There are 24v dc to ac 110 inverters available so that may be the way to go.

[wtam]

Yes, it works with 37v panels but your battery setup will have to be 24v. Can't mix and match.