04.05.2017
General Editor
Blog
Morningstar’s Networking and Communications Document has been updated to include information about our Ethernet MeterBus Converter (EMC-1) and USB Meter Bus Adapter (UMC-1). This document indicates how to establish communications with Morningstar products to enable networking, logging, data transfer and custom setting capabilities. Topics covered include: MODBUS communications protocol MeterBus networks Serial RS-232 and EIA-485 networks Ethernet, HTTP, web interfaces Related hardware and cables
03.30.2017
General Editor
Blog
Did you know that the new ProStar Gen3 solar charge controller is equipped with DIP Switches (switch #’s 4, 5 and 6) that enable seven preset charge configurations and a custom setting to best meet the charging requirements for valve regulated AGM lead acid batteries? Higher Voltage Equalization charging, commonly used with Flooded batteries, can be harmful to valve regulated AGM batteries. To avoid this problem, auto-equalize options can be disabled for the ProStar Gen3 solar charge controller by switching DIP Switch #7 to the OFF position, regardless of your other DIP Switch settings. The 15 amp and 30 amp Prostar Gen3 models are the newest and smallest Morningstar controllers to include the seven preset and custom charging configurations, and the option to disable auto-equalization. Other larger Morningstar controllers which include similar preset configuration options are the Prostar MPPT, TriStar, and TriStar MPPT controllers.
03.15.2017
General Editor
Blog
In response to requests from system designers seeking to leverage NEC Energy Solution’s ALM 12V35 batteries with Morningstar charge controllers, an application note was developed through a collaborative effort between the two companies. Systems incorporating both ALM 12V35 batteries and Morningstar charge controllers are well suited for a wide range of PV+Storage applications. The information in the application note serves as a guide to help configure settings based on the particular Morningstar controller that is used. Performance may vary depending on use conditions and application. [Read more…]
01.03.2017
General Editor
Blog
Being able to remotely monitor PV systems is important to reducing time and costs associated with site visits. This is obviously especially important for off-grid systems, which are often in even harder to reach or remote areas—geological monitoring, mines, telecom, industrial automation and agriculture applications. [Read more…]
11.23.2016
General Editor
Blog
Morningstar’s TriStar MPPT™ 600V Solar Charge Controllers have proven to be a highly reliable solution to enable several application scenarios including: The use of smaller diameter wire to reduce costs and simplify installation. Long wire runs from the array to the controller. New and retrofit grid-tie systems with battery backup. Each of our 600V charge controller SKU’s are pictured and described below so you can make sure you use the version that is most appropriate to meet your needs. TS-MPPT-60-600V-48 Standard version: smallest version that does not have a PV disconnect or transfer switch. This version is most often used in high voltage off-grid residential and telecommunications applications with long wire runs from the array to the controller. TS-MPPT-60-600V-48-DB DB version: includes a disconnect box to disconnect power from the PV array and connection to batteries. This version is most often used in off-grid residential and telecommunications applications by those who don’t want to be tasked with installing their own disconnect solution to meet safety requirements. TS-MPPT-60-600V-48-DB-TR TR version: includes a transfer switch which directs PV array power to a grid tied string inverter or to a battery bank. This version is used to retrofit grid-tied systems with battery backup for critical loads. TS-MPPT-60-600V-48-DB-TR-GFPD TR with GFPD version: includes a transfer switch and a pre-wired connection to a ground fault protection device. This version is used to retrofit grid-tied systems with battery backup and it meets US NEC requirements for ground fault protection.
