Morningstar TriStar 45 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is a technique used by the TriStar MPPT-45 charge controller to get the maximum possible power from solar panels. The efficiency of a solar panel is influenced in complex ways by solar irradiation, temperature and total resistance, producing a non-linear output efficiency known as an I-V curve (I= amps and V= volts).

The TriStar MPPT-45 charge controller continuously samples the output of the solar panels and applies the proper instantaneous resistance (load) to continuously obtain the maximum power output from the solar panels. The end result is that the TriStar MPPT-45 will increase the power output of your solar panels by up to 35%!

Product Features

• Maximizes Energy Harvest
• Includes the battery sensor for optimal charging!
• Compatible with 12, 24 and 48 volt battery banks
• Extremely High Reliability
• Very High Efficiency
• Extensive Networking and Communication Capabilities
• Metering and Data Logging
• Certified to IEC 62093
• 5 year manufacturer warranty

The Ultimate PV Solar Charge Controller!

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Maximizes Energy Harvest

TrakStar MPPT Technology features:

• Better peak power point tracking than other MPPT controllers
• Very fast sweeping of the entire I-V curve
• Recognition of multiple power points during shading or mixed PV arrays
• Excellent performance at sunrise and low solar insolation levels

Extremely High Reliability

• Robust thermal design and no cooling fans
• Parallel circuit design provides less stress and longer life for electronic components
• No mechanical relays
• Extensive electronic protections including PV short circuit protection
• Epoxy encapsulated inductors and conformally coated printed circuit boards

Very High Efficiency

• Peak efficiency of 99%
• Proprietary tracking algorithm minimizes power losses
• Low self-consumption
• Continuous operation at full power to 45°C without need to de-rate
• Selected electronic devices with higher ratings to minimize losses from heating

Extensive Networking and Communications Capabilities

• Enables system monitoring, data logging and adjustability. Uses open standard MODBUS™ protocol and Morningstar’s MS View software.
• Meterbus: communications between compatible Morningstar products
• Serial RS-232: connection to a personal computer
• Recognition of multiple power points during shading or mixed PV arrays
• EIA-485: communications between multiple devices on a bus
• Ethernet: fully web-enabled interface to a local network or internet; view from a web browser or send email/text messages.

Metering and Data Logging

• Optional TriStar meter and remote meter provide detailed operating data, alarms and faults
• Three LED’s display system status
• Up to 200 days of data logging via meters or communications ports

Technical Specifications

Electrical

Maximum Battery Current: 45 amps
Nominal Maximum Solar Input

• 12 Volt: 600 Watts
• 24 Volt: 1200 Watts
• 48 Volt: 2400 Watts

Peak Efficiency: 99%
Nominal System Voltage: 12, 24, 36 or 48 volts DC
Max. Solar Open Circuit Voltage: 150 volts DC
Battery Operating Voltage Range: 8-72 volts DC
Maximum Self-consumption: 4 Watts
Transient Surge Protection: 4500 Watts/port

Electronic Protections

Solar: Overload, Short Circuit, High Voltage
Battery: High Voltage
High Temperature
Lightning and Transient Surges
Reverse Current at Night

Battery Charging

Charging algorithm: 4-stage
Charging stages: Bulk, Absorption, Float, Equalize
Temperature Compensation:
Coefficient: –5mV/°C/cell (25° ref)
Range: –30°C to +80°C
Set points: Absorption, Float, Equalize, HVD
Note: Remote Temperature Sensor is included.

Mechanical

Dimensions (LWH): 11.4" x 5.1" x 5.6" (29.1 x 13.0 x 14.2 cm)
Weight: 9.2 lbs (4.2 kg)
Max. Wire Size: 35 mm² / 2 AWG
Conduit knockouts M20; ½, 1, 1 ¼ inch
Enclosure: Type 1 (indoor and vented) IP20

Environmental

Ambient Temperature: –40°C to +45°C
Storage Temperature: –55°C to +100°C
Humidity: 100% non-condensing
Tropicalization: Epoxy encapsulation, Conformal coating, Marine rated terminals

Communication Ports

MeterBus: Yes
RS-232: Yes
EIA-485: No
Ethernet: No

Certifications

CE Compliant
ETL Listed (UL1741)
FCC Class B Part 15 Compliant
Complies with (NEC) U.S. National Electric Code
RoHS Compliant
Manufactured in a certified ISO 9001 facility

Warranty

Five year warranty period. Contact Morningstar or your authorized distributor for complete terms.

Options

TriStar Meter-2 (TS-M-2)
TriStar Remote Meter-2 (TS-RM-2)
Meter Hub (HUB-1)
Relay Driver (RD-1)