SunKeeper
-
6 amp version
-
12 amp version
SunKeeper
SunKeeper™ solar controller provides a low cost regulated output directly from the solar module to maximize battery life in small solar power applications. The SunKeeper is epoxy encapsulated and rated for outdoor use. By mounting directly to the module junction box and wiring through the junction box knockout, the connection is weather-proof. This eliminates the need for an additional housing for the controller.
“This is a great little unit…an outstanding charge controller”
Key features and benefits
- High Temperature Rated
Rated to 70°C to operate in high temperatures at the solar module.
More reliable than controllers mounted inside the junction box. Uses
very low on-resistance power MOSFET’s. No need to re-rate. - Outdoor Rated Rugged Design
ETL approved for outdoor use without an additional enclosure. Rugged
IP65, UV resistant case. Epoxy encapsulated printed circuit board and watertight connection to the module junction box. - Ideal for Oil/Gas Applications
Specifically designed for solar power systems in the oil/gas industry.
Approved for use in Class 1, Division 2, Groups A,B,C,D. - Extensive Electronic Protections
Fully protected against reverse polarity, short circuit, overcurrent, lightning and transient surges, high temperature and reverse current at night. - Longer Battery Life
Series PWM with 3 stage charging: bulk, PWM regulation and float.
Includes temperature compensation at the controller or alternatively at
the battery when using optional remote temperature sensor. Able to
charge a zero voltage battery. - More Information
Bi-color LED is easy to read from the ground when the solar module
is pole-mounted. Indicates solar charging, regulation, normal nighttime operation and any controller or system faults. - Easy to Install
Fits standard half inch conduit knockout (PG 13.5, M20) in module
junction box. Quickly fastens with included locknut. Wires have fork
connectors for easy connection to solar module terminals.
A. Premium high-frequency CoilCraft surface mount inductors
They’re worth it, because they provide the faster power “tracking” that lets us engineer this much power and control into a compact design.
B. High-frequency design
Combined with premium, “over-spec’d” components, this greatly improves control response which guards against system transients, regulation overshoot and overcurrent/overload conditions
C. Built-in 4500W Transient Voltage Surge Suppression for lightning protection
Nature do your worst–this controller can take it
D. Large diameter, high torque, corrosion resistant terminals
If you’ve ever trashed a lesser terminal during an installation, you’ll appreciate some “overkill” here
E. DirectFET™ MOSFET power devices
Allows the surface-mounting of critical components underneath the main board next to the heat sink, which reduces heat travel distance and keeps the controller even cooler
F. Highly-conductive aluminum heatsink extrusion
As opposed to cast aluminum, which is less effective in passive cooling applications
G. Communications/data port with serial/meter auto detect
“Talks solar” with standard industry language, for system monitoring and cloud connectivity-speaks Modbus, and SNMP (with the EMC-1)
H. Lithium foldback circuit
Lithium batteries are expensive and vulnerable to cold temperatures. When it gets close to freezing, the controller backs-off charging to avoid damaging batteries
I. High-speed ARM processor
All-digital calibration for high accuracy, using the same efficient technology found in advanced mobile device
J. TrakStar™ Technology
Morningstar’s hallmark MPPT technology precisely seeks and locks onto the true maximum power point quickly and accurately, to ensure the highest output possible from a solar array
K. Large format, high-resolution backlit LCD
When you’ve been in the field installing, you appreciated being able to read a crisp, high contrast display on site
L. 5 year warranty
Up to 2 1/2 times longer than some competitors in this class
M. Self-diagnostics
ProStar is smart enough to monitor and analyze system performance, and alert you when you need to know
N. High temperature architecture
Heat is the enemy of all electronics. That’s why Prostar’s critical components are rated to withstand temperatures right up to the boiling point of water (100°C)
O. Lexan polycarbonate UL listed case
Protects the precision electronics inside with an impact strength 30 times greater than the acrylic thermoplastics commonly found on lesser controllers
P. Cooling Fan
Just kidding. We’ve never needed them
Specifications and Certifications
| Model | SK-6 | SK-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Charge Rating | 6 amps | 12 amps |
| Max. PV Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) | 30 volts | 30 volts |
| Nominal Battery Voltage | 12V | 12V |
| Self-Consumption | 2-7 mA | 2-7 mA |
| Minimum Battery Voltage | 0V | 0V |
| Voltage Accuracy | +/- 150mV | +/- 150mV |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +70C | -40 C to +70C |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| CE and RoHS compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Certified for use in Class 1, Division 2, Groups A,B,C,D hazardous locations | Yes | Yes |
| Manufactured in a Certified ISO 9001 Facility | Yes | Yes |
Datasheets
Download the SunKeeper Solar Charge Controller Datasheet.
Operation Manuals
Download the SunKeeper Solar Charge Controller Manual.
Videos
ProStar MPPT Controller - 4 minute video
This short video highlights the high quality of the ProStar MPPT solar charge controller, and its ability to regulate charging of lead acid, lithium, or nickel cadmium batteries in off-grid solar applications. The video also addresses lighting control, self-diagnostics, data logging, MODBUS communications, array oversizing, and low noise design.
Morningstar Charging Experts featuring ProStar MPPT
This 5 minute video highlights the ProStar MPPT solar charge controller’s circuit board that differentiates it from other brands. In addition to the capacitors, inductors, processors, surge protectors, and other over-spec’d internal components, the quality of the controller’s heat sink and outer casing is also addressed. The video concludes with mention of features and capabilities related to communications, datalogging, lithium battery charging, and high quality and reliability.
New ProStar MPPT Solar Charge Controller
Recorded Webinar
This 30 minute recorded webinar gives a more in depth overview of how the ProStar MPPT solar charge controller fits into the existing Morningstar portfolio. The recording also includes answers to questions about operating temperatures, the display meter interface, and protections, faults and alerts.
Accessories
Remote Temperature Sensor
recommended when temperature at the battery and controller differs more than 5°C
Firmware
It’s a recommended best practice to install your product’s latest firmware to ensure access to all up-to-date features, accessory compatibilities, and code modifications. Watch this 5 minute video for instructions on how to download and update ProStar MPPT firmware.
After watching the video, click here to download the firmware.
System Diagrams
Off-Grid Diagram with DC Load
The schematic diagram above, illustrates how the ProStar MPPT regulates power to batteries and a direct current (DC) load in an off-grid system.
- Sunlight contacts the solar modules, which convert solar into DC electrical power that it delivers to a charge controller.
- The charge controller regulates the amperage and voltage that is delivered to the loads and any excess power is delivered to the battery system so the batteries maintain their state of charge without getting overcharged.
- During the evening when there is no sunlight, battery power is used to run the load.
Off-Grid Diagram with AC Load
The schematic diagram above, illustrates how the ProStar MPPT regulates power to batteries and an alternating current (AC) load in an off-grid system. This diagram is very similar to the DC load diagram above it except an inverter has been added.
- Sunlight contacts the solar modules, which convert solar into DC electrical power that it delivers to a charge controller.
- The charge controller regulates the amperage and voltage that is delivered to the battery system so the batteries maintain their state of charge without getting overcharged.
- Batteries deliver power to the inverter which converts DC to AC power that it delivers to the load. Notice that the inverter is connected to the battery, not the controller’s load terminals, like we did in the DC load example. That’s because the inverter can have a high energy surge upon start up, and this high current surge might be higher than the rated capacity of the charge controller, whereas the batteries will be able to meet the high energy surge requirement.