TriStar
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metered version
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non-metered version
TriStar
The TriStar™ is a three-function PWM controller for larger systems, providing reliable PWM solar battery charging or load control or diversion regulation. The controller operates in one of these modes at a time and two or more controllers may be used to provide multiple functions. The TriStar uses advanced technology and automated production to provide exciting new features at a competitive cost to regulate battery charging in home systems and professional applications. The 60 amp version is also available with a factory installed meter.
“It is a Morningstar, what do you expect! It is great.”
Key features and benefits
- Built for reliability and performance, with an oversized heatsink and overspec’d components. Fully-rated for operation at temperatures up to 45C.
- More information with LED indicators. Optional meter displays extensive system and controller information in five languages; automatic self-test and
reset. - Communications capability with RS-232 port, connects to a PC for custom settings, data logging, remote monitoring and control.
- SNMP monitoring supported when used with Ethernet MeterBus Converter so you can view system current, voltages, and alerts in your network management system.
- Fully adjustable with DIP switches for seven digital presets. Additional
custom setting via RS-232. - Extensive electronic protection against reverse polarity, short circuits,
overcurrent and excessive temperature. - Low telecom noise. DIP switch setting will change PWM to “On-Off” battery charging.
- Fanless design for long-term reliability.
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 | TS-45 | TS-60 | TS-60M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charge Rating | 45 amps | 60 amps | 60 amps | |
| Max. PV Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) | 125 volts | 125 volts | 125 volts | |
| Nominal Battery Voltage | 12V, 24V, 48V | 12V, 24V, 48V | 12V, 24V, 48V | |
| Minimum Voltage To Operate | 9V | 9V | 9V | |
| Voltage Accuracy (12V/24V) | <=0.1% +/- 50mV | <=0.1% +/- 50mV | <=0.1% +/- 50mV | |
| Voltage Accuracy (48V) | <=0.1% +/- 100mV | <=0.1% +/- 100mV | <=0.1% +/- 100mV | |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +60C | -40 C to +60C | -40 C to +60C | |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years | |
| Built-in meter | Yes | |||
| CE and RoHS compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| IEC 62109 | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| ETL Listed [UL-1741 and Canadian CSA C22.2 No.107.1.01] | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| FCC Class B Part 15 Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Manufactured in a Certified ISO 9001 Facility | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Datasheets
Download the TriStar Solar Charge Controller Datasheet.
Operation Manuals
Download the TriStar 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
EIA-485/RS-232 Communications Adapter [RSC-1]
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
PC MeterBus Adapter
converts a controller's RJ-11 meter port to a RS-232 serial connector for connection to a PC
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.