How To
How To Page
All of the information you need to use your SS Solar Smart Trickle Charger & Charge Controller is here.
Check out our instructional sections, videos, and FAQ below!
Smart Trickle Charger Features
![Smart Trickle Charger Features](https://i0.wp.com/sssolar.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Charge-Controller-Labeled.webp?fit=2500%2C830&ssl=1)
- Mode Button: Push to cycle battery types
- Battery Voltage: Indicates current battery voltage
- Battery Type: Illuminates solid green when battery is selected (default is “12V”)
- Battery SOC: Indicates the connected battery state-of-charge
- Charge Current: Indicates solar charge current
Input & Output: “Male” SAE plug is positive (+) and “female” SAE plug is negative (-)
How The Solar Smart Trickle Charger Works
![SS Solar How-It-Works](https://i0.wp.com/sssolar.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/user-manual-30w-solar-panel-kits-3.png?fit=1024%2C231&ssl=1)
Solar panel collects sunlight to transfer into energy for trickle charger. The trickle charger will not operate when the sun is down.
Connect the Charge Controller to the solar panel (via the junction box in your unit), the LED screen will illuminate and display the selected battery mode voltage.
Press the mode button* to toggle to the appropriate battery type. The selected battery type will be indicated via green LED in one of three spaces on the right side of your charge controller's interface.
*Some models have no mode button and will automatically detect your battery type.
Connect the charger controller to your battery terminals. Wait 5-10 seconds and the trickle charger will enter charging mode once it recognized the battery connection. The SOC, battery voltage, and charge current will illuminate indicating the charging process has started.
Understanding Charge LEDs
![25% Green LED](https://i0.wp.com/sssolar.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/25-Charge.png?fit=144%2C50&ssl=1)
25% Green LED
The 25% charge LED will slowly pulse on/off when the battery is less than 25% fully charged. When the battery is 25% charged, the green charge LED will be solid.
![50% Green LED](https://i0.wp.com/sssolar.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/50-Charge-e1715267982434.png?fit=130%2C50&ssl=1)
50% Green LED
The 50% charge LED will slowly pulse on/off when the battery is less than 50% fully charged. When the battery is 50% charged, the green charge LED will be solid.
![75% Green LED](https://i0.wp.com/sssolar.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/75-Charge.png?fit=130%2C50&ssl=1)
75% Green LED
The 75% charge LED will slowly pulse on/off when the battery is less than 75% fully charged. When the battery is 75% charged, the green charge LED will be solid.
![100% Green LED/Maintenance Green](https://i0.wp.com/sssolar.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/100-ChargeMaintenance-e1715268072878.png?fit=128%2C50&ssl=1)
100% Green LED
Pulsing Green LED - Bulk charge complete, optimizing battery for extended life.
Solid Green LED - When the battery is 100% charged, the charge LED will be solid green.
![100% Green LED/Maintenance Green](https://i0.wp.com/sssolar.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/100-ChargeMaintenance-e1715268072878.png?fit=128%2C50&ssl=1)
Maintenance Green LED
Once battery is fully charged, the charger will continue monitoring and provide ongoing maintenance. The 100% charge LED will pulse on/off slowly and the charger can be left connected to the battery indefinitely.
![SS Solar Digital Manual](https://i0.wp.com/sssolar.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Charge-Controller-Manual-Image.png?fit=1024%2C989&ssl=1)
Download A Digital Copy Of The
SS Solar Trickle Charger Manual Here
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are using a Smart Trickle Charger with a mode button, leaving it on the default setting (marked “12V’, the furthest left) is the best option to utilize if you are unsure of your battery type. This is the most common setting that is compatible with most battery types. If your Smart Trickle Charger does not have a mode button, the battery type will be automatically detected by the system once you hook up and no additional action is required.
No. The SS Solar Smart Trickle Charger has safety features built in to prevent overcharging. Once the battery is at 100% charge, the charge controller switches to maintenance mode, and will monitor the battery and add power as needed to maintain a full charge.