TriStar MPPT
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Metered Version
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Non-Metered Version
TriStar MPPT
The industry-leading TriStar MPPT™ with TrakStar Technology is an advanced maximum power point tracking controller for larger off-grid photovoltaic (PV) energy systems up to 3kWp. An iconic design, TriStars have been proven in solar installations around the globe and remain the first choice for designers of mission-critical systems where failure is not an option.
“one of the best charge controllers out there… these things are tanks”
Key features and benefits
- Maximizes energy harvest – superior peak power tracking over
conventional MPPT controllers. - Highest peak efficiency for off-grid controllers in the industry: 99% (TS150).
- Built for reliability and performance, with an oversized heatsink and
over-spec’d components. Fully-rated for operation at temperatures up to 45C. - Extensive networking and communications features enable system
monitoring, data logging, and adjustability. - On-board RS-232 port included on all models; Ethernet included on all 60A models.
- Extensive electronic protections include short-circuit, over-current and reverse polarity to ensure the controller will not be damaged by wiring mistakes or overloads.
- Certified to IEC 62093 which establishes requirements for the design qualification of balance-of-system (BOS) components used in terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) systems.
- Fanless design for long-term reliability
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Premium high-frequency CoilCraft surface mount indicators
They’re worth it, because they provide the faster power “tracking” that lets us engineer this much power and control into a compact design. -
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 -
Large diameter, high torque, corrosion resistant terminals
If you’ve ever trashed a lesser terminal during an installation, you’ll appreciate some “overkill” here -
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 -
Highly-conductive aluminum heatsink extrusion
As opposed to cast aluminum, which is less effective in passive cooling applications -
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) -
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 -
High-speed ARM processor
All-digital calibration for high accuracy, using the same efficient technology found in advanced mobile devices
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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 -
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 -
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) -
5 year warranty
Up to 2 1/2 times longer than some competitors in this class -
Cooling Fan
Just kidding. We’ve never needed them -
Self-diagnostics
ProStar is smart enough to monitor and analyze system performance, and alert you when you need to know -
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
Specifications and Certifications
| Model | TS-MPPT-30 | TS-MPPT-45 | TS-MPPT-60 | TS-MPPT-60M |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Input power can exceed Nominal Operating Power. Controller will limit and provide its rated continuous maximum output current into batteries. | ||||
| Charge Rating | 30 amps | 45 amps | 60 amps | 60 amps |
| Max. PV Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) | 150 volts | 150 volts | 150 volts | 150 volts |
| Nominal Battery Voltage | 12V, 24V or 48V | 12V, 24V or 48V | 12V, 24V or 48V | 12V, 24V or 48V |
| Nominal max. Operating Power* - 12 volt battery | 400W | 600W | 800W | 800W |
| Nominal max. Operating Power* - 24 volt battery | 800W | 1200W | 1600W | 1600W |
| Nominal max. Operating Power* - 48 volt battery | 1600W | 2400W | 3200W | 3200W |
| Peak efficiency | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| Battery Operating Voltage Range | 8-72Vdc | 8-72Vdc | 8-72Vdc | 8-72Vdc |
| Voltage Accuracy (12/24V) | <=0.1% +/- 50mV | <=0.1% +/- 50mV | <=0.1% +/- 50mV | <=0.1% +/- 50mV |
| Voltage Accuracy (48V) | <=0.1% +/- 100mV | <=0.1% +/- 100mV | <=0.1% +/- 100mV | <=0.1% +/- 100mV |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +45C | -40 C to +45C | -40 C to 45C | -40 C to +45C |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Built-in meter | Yes | |||
| CE and RoHS compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IEC 62109 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ETL Listed [UL-1741 and Canadian CSA C22.2 No.107.1.01] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FCC Class B Part 15 Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Manufactured in a Certified ISO 9001 Facility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Datasheets
Download the TriStar MPPT Solar Charge Controller Datasheet.
Operation Manuals
Download the TriStar MPPT Solar Charge Controller Manual.
Videos
Morningstar "Charging Experts" - TriStar Solar Charge Controllers
7 Minute Video
Watch this video to see a detailed view of the internal and external components of Morningstar’s TriStar MPPT solar charge controller and discover why Morningstar has been considered the “charging experts” for over a quarter of a century.
TriStar MPPT Solar Charge Controller Training
Recorded Webinar
This in-depth webinar training module highlights the technological advantages and benefits of Morningstar’s advanced TriStar MPPT charge controllers. You will learn about sizing and setup, communications capabilities and many other features. TriStar MPPT controllers are ideal for off-grid solar electric installations in the commercial, industrial and residential markets.
Accessories
EIA-485/RS-232 Communications Adapter
converts RS-232 to EIA-485 so up to 128 MS products can communicate on the same bus
Ethernet MeterBus Converter
enables IP-based networking and internet connectivity for select Morningstar products
Ground Fault Protection Device
prevents current from following any unintended paths during a ground fault
MeterHub
enables up to 15 Morningstar products on a single MeterBus network
Remote Temperature Sensor
recommended when temperature at the battery and controller differs more than 5°C
TriStar Digital Meter-2
on-board advanced digital display for the TriStar and TriStar MPPT controllers
TriStar Remote Meter-2
remote digital display for the TriStar family controllers
Relay Driver
programs conditional generator start/stop, high/low voltage alarms, load control and more
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 video for instructions on how to download and update TriStar MPPT firmware.
After watching the video, click here and go to the software tab to access and 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.