Install new Rogue MPT-3048

[marcindy]

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

[DaYooper]

I was just checking he Rogue site last week and was saddened to see that they no longer make the 3048 that I installed last year. Everything continues to work great and I love having solar power on the 5er.

Hoping Rogue comes back to the market with something special.

[Almot]

brulaz wrote:

Must be hard competing in that field.

No. Must be hard competing with $2.50/hour labor in Shanghai, 12 hours working day with no benefits and no environment protection of any kind. But this would steer the discussion to the whole different subject, so I won't go there.

[CA_Traveler]

Almot wrote:
Though MS Tristar 45 isn't esthetically pleasing either. Midnite 30 - don't know if it even qualifies as "fully programmable" - is about same ugly as TS 45. Belongs in a powerhouse in a backyard, if you have one. Panels are getting cheaper, people are demanding controllers with 40+ amps, and they are all big.

My MS MPPT 60 is a beautiful controller. :B :B :B

[brulaz]

Wish Rogue all the luck in the world.
Our 3048 has been a great piece of equipment.
Must be hard competing in that field.

[Almot]

Indeed, it says "discontinued" on the Rogue website. Just when I was about to ask Marc to replace me that medical-white casing with black, like it was on the older 3024. After cleaning the mess that Mexican hurricane Odille left around the trailer, and following some deliberating with myself, have installed 3048 inside, rather than in a low outside storage with flimsy hatch. Black would blend into interior better. This thing is big, and techno-looking. I guess will have to paint it black now :)...

Though MS Tristar 45 isn't esthetically pleasing either. Midnite 30 - don't know if it even qualifies as "fully programmable" - is about same ugly as TS 45. Belongs in a powerhouse in a backyard, if you have one. Panels are getting cheaper, people are demanding controllers with 40+ amps, and they are all big.

[hbski]

no more mpt-3048

Other news: After a lot of deliberating, we've decided not to produce another run of the MPT-3048. The niche for a 30A MPPT controller is no longer what it was when Rogue first came out with one. We were one of about two companies in 2008 that sold a fully programmable 30A MPPT controller. Now there are at least three US-based companies and a handful of Chinese competition that have crowded the market, such that we can no longer economically manufacture the 3048. The MPT-2024 may also be discontinued after existing stock runs out, for the same reason (it is actually much less profitable than the 3048 is). We have a good supply of the 2024 right now, but will likely sell out this year. The flip side of all of this is that we have some ideas for designs that are presently not being produced by any manufacturer, and which have a strong potential to create a new niche for a smaller company like Rogue. Stay tuned this year for more details on what's to come!

[JesLookin]

lorelec wrote:

JesLookin wrote:
Hi Marcindy, Where did you purchase the 3048? I've been looking around, but haven't seen anyone offering it for sale. I expect to have my system installed in the new Arctic Fox this fall. Very similar to your install, but with two panels to start with. I'll be hooking my panels in series, with the controller very close to the batteries.

A small number of people have been evaluating it for the past month. It's not yet available for sale...expect that to happen within the next week. They'll first be available on the Rogue website:

http://www.roguepowertech.com/products/mpt3048.htm

P.S. I think you sent in an email inquiry too, but your ISP is blocking replies (AT&T is notorious for that).

Yes I did email. ATT&T is nice that you get very little spam, but sometimes you don't get the stuff you want to get.:R

I'll check back in a week or two. Thanks

[lorelec]

JesLookin wrote:
Hi Marcindy, Where did you purchase the 3048? I've been looking around, but haven't seen anyone offering it for sale. I expect to have my system installed in the new Arctic Fox this fall. Very similar to your install, but with two panels to start with. I'll be hooking my panels in series, with the controller very close to the batteries.

A small number of people have been evaluating it for the past month. It's not yet available for sale...expect that to happen within the next week. They'll first be available on the Rogue website:

http://www.roguepowertech.com/products/mpt3048.htm

P.S. I think you sent in an email inquiry too, but your ISP is blocking replies (AT&T is notorious for that).

[pianotuna]

Hi,

You would purchase directly from the web site:

http://www.roguepowertech.com/products/controllers.htm

JesLookin wrote:
Hi Marcindy, Where did you purchase the 3048? I've been looking around, but haven't seen anyone offering it for sale. I expect to have my system installed in the new Arctic Fox this fall. Very similar to your install, but with two panels to start with. I'll be hooking my panels in series, with the controller very close to the batteries.

[JesLookin]

Hi Marcindy, Where did you purchase the 3048? I've been looking around, but haven't seen anyone offering it for sale. I expect to have my system installed in the new Arctic Fox this fall. Very similar to your install, but with two panels to start with. I'll be hooking my panels in series, with the controller very close to the batteries.

[marcindy]

Almot wrote:
Marcindy, could your copy-paste the Amps log for the bulk stage for a sunny day? I'm curious about 30A peaks.

I can, but not sure if I'm bring the trailer home this weekend to work on it or not (I keep in in storage 15 min from my house). I can certainly post more info.

Marc

[Almot]

Marcindy, could your copy-paste the Amps log for the bulk stage for a sunny day? I'm curious about 30A peaks.

[lorelec]

Almot wrote:

Without inverter the controller "sees" 465W at 30.4A. This is 15.3V. Is it possible to have over 15V on battery contacts?

Without the inverter/load, the controller would probably not be outputting 465w. It would put ~30A into the batteries (assuming it was at current limit) until the battery voltage hit the absorb setpoint. Assuming 14.4v for absorb, that would be ~432w, plus a little extra to compensate for inefficiency. At the transition to absorb, the controller is going to regulate voltage, and charging current will taper down.

Now, if you had the absorb setpoint set for 15.3v, then you could certainly see 465w...probably a little more if your panels were capable.

[Almot]

12thgenusa wrote:
I guess the other thing that I don't understand is when the voltage sagged to 11.6 that only equates to an approximate wattage of 348 at 30 amps. Maybe Marc from Rogue can shed some light on this.

I must be the most stupid in this sandbox, because I don't understand not just this.

Without inverter the controller "sees" 465W at 30.4A. This is 15.3V. Is it possible to have over 15V on battery contacts?

As a side note, I have to say that 465W from 470W panel in Toronto at less than optimal tilt is impressive. Though this is at noon only, and averaged over daytime hours over entire summer it should be around 360W. In other words this 30A current - I think - occurs for such a short period that doesn't affect the total daily energy harvest.