Install new Rogue MPT-3048
I just posted my review of the new controller from Rogue on FB, and since all the design/support/ideas for my system came from here, I thought I would copy my high-level review. I do plan to post pics of my install, I also have some small questions I plan to put here as the technical expertise is fantastic. I should note, I have no affiliation with Rogue, other than I try to support NA manufacturing as much as I reasonable can.
Let me know if there are any questions or comments, I would gladly try to help- sorry, it is a little long
Here is my FB post.
I just finished evaluating the MPT-3048 controller, and so far, I have been totally impressed. To start with, I work in the electronics manufacturing industry, and I am very particular when it comes to quality. The metal work and circuit board are top notch. I originally had a MPPT controller that was made in china, and from my experience, comparing solder joints between these two are night and day (may not seem like a big deal, but is important in long term reliability- especially with fluctuating temperatures).
Installing was very easy. When I first connected everything it didn't work. I realized the red twist tie I had on the + wire from the PV had come off, and I had reversed the polarity- big oops, but didn't hurt the controller. Programming the settings was very easy, no issues there. I love being able to connect to my laptop through PowerNet. I have never had this ability before, and is great to see in detail how my solar system is performing. Updating the firmware couldn't have been easier.
Some background on my setup,
Sharp 2x235W (ND-L235Q2)- connected in series Voc= 37.2V, Isc= 8.59A, Vpmax= 30.0V, Ipmax= 7.81A 10awg wiring from panel to controller, approx 40ft run
Battery: 2x Trojan 6V T-105 in series (225 AH @ 20 hr rate)
Also, have a Xantrex 2000W Prowatt inverter 2/0 awg wiring from battery to bus bar/blue sea 300A switch (approx 3ft)
One on my goals with this setup is to be able to run my Tasimo coffee maker while boondocking- the trimetric indicates that it draws about 115A at initial start up. I ran this a couple of times while monitoring the MPT-3048 to see how it would behave under my high limit- all worked perfect. According to the controller, the panels were putting out 465W (compared to 2x235W theoretical), and the controller was putting out just over 30A to the batteries without any issues.
thanks for reading
Let me know if there are any questions or comments, I would gladly try to help- sorry, it is a little long
Here is my FB post.
I just finished evaluating the MPT-3048 controller, and so far, I have been totally impressed. To start with, I work in the electronics manufacturing industry, and I am very particular when it comes to quality. The metal work and circuit board are top notch. I originally had a MPPT controller that was made in china, and from my experience, comparing solder joints between these two are night and day (may not seem like a big deal, but is important in long term reliability- especially with fluctuating temperatures).
Installing was very easy. When I first connected everything it didn't work. I realized the red twist tie I had on the + wire from the PV had come off, and I had reversed the polarity- big oops, but didn't hurt the controller. Programming the settings was very easy, no issues there. I love being able to connect to my laptop through PowerNet. I have never had this ability before, and is great to see in detail how my solar system is performing. Updating the firmware couldn't have been easier.
Some background on my setup,
Sharp 2x235W (ND-L235Q2)- connected in series Voc= 37.2V, Isc= 8.59A, Vpmax= 30.0V, Ipmax= 7.81A 10awg wiring from panel to controller, approx 40ft run
Battery: 2x Trojan 6V T-105 in series (225 AH @ 20 hr rate)
Also, have a Xantrex 2000W Prowatt inverter 2/0 awg wiring from battery to bus bar/blue sea 300A switch (approx 3ft)
One on my goals with this setup is to be able to run my Tasimo coffee maker while boondocking- the trimetric indicates that it draws about 115A at initial start up. I ran this a couple of times while monitoring the MPT-3048 to see how it would behave under my high limit- all worked perfect. According to the controller, the panels were putting out 465W (compared to 2x235W theoretical), and the controller was putting out just over 30A to the batteries without any issues.
thanks for reading
