Forum Discussion

JiminDenver's avatar
JiminDenver
Explorer II
Mar 27, 2015

Morningstar, Outback, Midnite, which to choose.

Well it is time to pick out a respectable controller since Eco-worthy doesn't build 60a model. Of the larger MPPT controllers the three listed are all in the same general price range.

The Morningstar TS-MPPT-60 is the smallest and least expensive until you add a $100 display. I could add a forth panel but it would be clipping at times.

The Outback Flexmax is 80a and falls between the display and no display price of the Morningstar.

The Midnite Classic is as much as the Morningstar and display but also has the wizbang that can be ordered free. (probably with shipping and handling)

So what is the best bang for the buck here? I'm using the three 250w panels, possibly four if I can.
  • ken_white's avatar
    ken_white
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2015
    KJINTF wrote:
    ...No Fans, Small Size - Integration with the other devices for example the Relay Driver & Remote panel & Inverter - Ethernet interface with wireless compatibility - Firmware field upgradable - Available 3rd party interfaces - etc........ helped make my decision...


    X2...

    :)
  • JiminDenver's avatar
    JiminDenver
    Explorer II
    Mar 27, 2015
    Another one? Man it's going to be a long weekend.

    I will say there are a number of lessor known controllers I considered. Most if you dug deep enough had something in their specs that disqualified them.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Mar 27, 2015
    I believe you are limited to three panels by Voc unless you choose Midnite 200. Or some would have to be in parallel :(

    My MS-MPPT-60 operates just fine without the display. I really like the custom programming available on the MS-MPPT-60 and I hope the Midnite 200 has similar. The programming I like is a short absorption time when the battery is mostly full charge and longer absorption when the battery has been drawn down. Need to connect a PC computer to do the program flash.

    Good luck
  • KJINTF's avatar
    KJINTF
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2015
    Jim

    You know as well or better than most others
    There are too many variables to say one is a better value than the others - They are all very good quality controllers

    For me - No Fans, Small Size - Integration with the other devices for example the Relay Driver & Remote panel & Inverter - Ethernet interface with wireless compatibility - Firmware field upgradable - Available 3rd party interfaces - etc........ helped make my decision

    Look at the feature set and what is important to YOU
    They NOT are all the same
    Price is only one of the differentiating features

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