high-voltage mppt controllers?
I'd like to mount two 260-290 watt panels on my TT, rather than several smaller more expensive 100-150w panels. What controllers are popular these days, for high cell count panels (60 to 72 cells p...
Forum Discussion
With the exception of the Intronics, it looks like a suitable controller is costing about $500-600; from Midnite, Outback or MorningStar... Xantrex probably makes a good product, but I'm avoiding the brand due to not liking the parent company.
Decisions, decisions...
Comparing some metrics:
Midnite Classic 150 $610 ... Lite 150 $503
Outback Flexmax 80 $520
MS-TS MPPT60 $500
Midnite and Morningstar both offer display-less versions, with rs232 and ethernet. Outback includes a display, but only offers a proprietary interface, charging extra for ethernet or serial.
Midnite includes the battery temp sensor, MS and Outback charge extra for the sensor.
Dimensions MS weighs 9.2 lbs, Midnite and Outback 12 lbs, MS is 11 x 5 x 6 inches, Midnite 15 x 6 x 4, Outback 16 x 6 x 4
Parasitic load:
MS power drain is 2.7 watts, Midnite is 4 watts, Outback doesn't list operating consumption, only 1 watt "standby"
Operating temp:
Outback claims their derate starts at 40C and the unit will function to 60C, MS claims to operate to 45C without derating, Midnite starts derating at 25C (bummer!). I could not find a graph to show what the output is at 40/45C.
Operating values:
Max PV volts, all three 150vdc. Max amps at 12v: Outback 80A, MS 60A, Midnite 96A
Warranty:
All three 5 year
Overall, I'm liking the Midnite, but I want to study more... The Lite version has a huge row of dip-switches to program the thing, which is kind of a put-off, need to see if it is also programmable through the computer port.
The smaller size and weight of the MorningStar is a big plus, and it includes ethernet as well.
I'll be installing whichever controller in the back of a closet which shares a wall with my battery / inverter bay. The closet also has the gray tank vent stack in it, for easy access to the roof.
Decisions, decisions...
Comparing some metrics:
Midnite Classic 150 $610 ... Lite 150 $503
Outback Flexmax 80 $520
MS-TS MPPT60 $500
Midnite and Morningstar both offer display-less versions, with rs232 and ethernet. Outback includes a display, but only offers a proprietary interface, charging extra for ethernet or serial.
Midnite includes the battery temp sensor, MS and Outback charge extra for the sensor.
Dimensions MS weighs 9.2 lbs, Midnite and Outback 12 lbs, MS is 11 x 5 x 6 inches, Midnite 15 x 6 x 4, Outback 16 x 6 x 4
Parasitic load:
MS power drain is 2.7 watts, Midnite is 4 watts, Outback doesn't list operating consumption, only 1 watt "standby"
Operating temp:
Outback claims their derate starts at 40C and the unit will function to 60C, MS claims to operate to 45C without derating, Midnite starts derating at 25C (bummer!). I could not find a graph to show what the output is at 40/45C.
Operating values:
Max PV volts, all three 150vdc. Max amps at 12v: Outback 80A, MS 60A, Midnite 96A
Warranty:
All three 5 year
Overall, I'm liking the Midnite, but I want to study more... The Lite version has a huge row of dip-switches to program the thing, which is kind of a put-off, need to see if it is also programmable through the computer port.
The smaller size and weight of the MorningStar is a big plus, and it includes ethernet as well.
I'll be installing whichever controller in the back of a closet which shares a wall with my battery / inverter bay. The closet also has the gray tank vent stack in it, for easy access to the roof.
