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Solar Regulators - Accessories

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Solar Regulator Main Index Page

Ground Fault Protection Device

Wire Box for ProStar MPPT

Tristar & Tristar MPPT Meters

Sunsaver Duo, Sunsaver MPPT & Prostar MPPT Meter

Relay Driver (RD-1)

MeterHub (HUB-1)

Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS)

PC Meterbus Adapter (MSC)

EIA-485 / RS-232 Communications Adapter (RSC-1)

USB MeterBus Adapter (UMC-1)

DIN Rail Clips (DIN-1)

Solar Panels

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Solar Regulators

What are Solar Regulators / Solar Charge Controllers?

Solar electric power systems are essentially very simple. You have a device which converts sunlight into electrical energy (a photovoltaic panel or 'solar panel') and this is used to charge up a battery. The battery allows you to collect energy when the sun is shining and store it until needed.

This simple picture is complicated by the limitations of the battery. If you leave the photovoltaic panel connected to a battery, the battery will slowly charge up. If you are putting in more energy than you are taking out, then the battery will eventually become fully charged. If this continues, the battery will become overcharged and be damaged by corrosion of it's plates and loss of electrolyte. To avoid this, some sort of charge regulator / solar regulator is used to stop the charging when the battery is full.

Some charge controllers / solar regulators have additional features, such as a low voltage disconnect (LDV), a separate circuit which powers down the load when the batteries become overly discharged (some battery chemistries are such that over-discharge can ruin the battery).Some charge controllers may also monitor battery temperature to prevent overheating. Some charge controller systems also display data, transmit data to remote displays, and data logging to track electric flow over time.

Pulse width modulation (PWM) and maximum power point tracker (MPPT) technologies are more electronically sophisticated, adjusting charging rates depending on the battery's level, to allow charging closer to its maximum capacity.

Series Regulator vs MPPT

The MPPT versus series regulated question is not always straight forward as it very much depends on the conditions under which charging is taking place.

MPPT is good if you need to run cables from an array over a long distance as it allows higher voltage panel strings (therefore lower power loss due to cable resistance, because of lower currents).

Other than that, MPPT is useful if you don’t want to (or can’t) match the panel specifications to the battery (e.g. on a motorhome you may want to use some uncommon, high output panels since the roof space is limited).

Be aware that the % gains claimed for MPPT (other than the above couple of examples) are not likely to be ‘real world’ (e.g. How many hours during the day do your panels work at 25°C or less ?!). The hotter the panels become –the maximum power point voltage decreases and gets close to a typical battery voltage, therefore wiping out most (if not all) the gain an MPPT unit will give.

The other issues with MPPT (particularly for boats at sea) is that it’s not always easy to bypass the regulator should a fault occur (e.g. due to lightning) since the panels and battery are not matched (e.g. high voltage panels and lower voltage battery). With a series regulated system (like the Plasmatronics regulators), the system can be kept running by connecting the panels directly to the battery and manually regulating.

Morningstar Regulator Accessories

Morningstar Ground Fault Protection Device

Morningstar’s Ground Fault Protection Device products are built to provide a superior solution to ground fault protection for both off-grid and on-grid PV systems.

The GFPD products’ are available in two model versions (GFPD-150V and GFPD-600V) to support 150V and 600V PV system breaker stacks.

Morningstar’s GFPD increases safety and design flexibility in off-grid and on-grid PV systems.

Ground fault protection is used in electrical systems to prevent current from following any unintended paths during a ground fault.

It is critical to detect any stray current and to interrupt (break) the circuit until safe operation can be restored.

A current imbalance between the conductors of a circuit indicates a ground fault.

When a ground fault is detected, Morningstar’s GFPD breaks the circuit on both the positive and the negative legs and ensures interruption of the ground fault current better than other solutions on the market.

Key Features & Benefits

Specifications
GFPD-150V
GFPD-600v
Maximum Solar Voltage (Voc):
150V
600V
Maximum Solar Current:
85 Amps
50 Amps
Supply Voltage Range:
10-72 Vdc
Self-Consumption:
<0.5W
Ground Fault Threshold Current:

300 mA +/- 10%

Number of Poles:
2
Trip Method:
Relay
Output Trip Signal:
12V
Nominal System Voltage:
12, 24, 36 or 48 Vdc
Electronic Protections:

Reverse Polarity

Disconnected Feedback Signal Circuit Detection

Ambient Temperature:
-40°c to +50°c
-40°c to +60°c
Storage Temperature:
-55°c to +85°c
-55°c to +85°c
Humidity:
Up to 100%, non-condensing
Tropicalization
PCB Conformal Coating
Dimensions:
26.9 x 12.8 x 11.2 cm (10.6 x 5.1 x 4.4 in)
35.7 x 22.1 x 10.6 cm (14.1 x 8.7 x 4.2 in)
Weight:
2.0 kg / 4.4 lbs
4.4 kg / 8.9 lbs
Certifications: CE, RoHS and REACH Compliant, UL 1741 and CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01 Listed, GFPD-150V is UL-489 Listed, GFPD-600V is UL-1077 Listed, Meets EMC Directives (Immunity, Emissions and Safety), FCC Class B Part 15 Compliant, U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) 690.5 Compliant for use as a GFPD device, Manufactured in a Certified ISO 9001 Facility

 

Wire Box for ProStar MPPT

The Wire Box for ProStar MPPT™ (model: PS-MPPT-WB) provides an effective cover for wires and conduit leading to and from the ProStar MPPT controller.

It is an optional two-piece enclosure accessory that can replace the standard wire cover on the bottom of the ProStar MPPT solar charge controlle

This Wire Box accessory provides an effective cover and additional space for #2 AWG wire and conduit leading to and from the ProStar MPPT solar charge controller.

Inspectors may require or recommend this Wire Box to reduce hazards associated with exposed wires, conduits and connections

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Morningstar TriStar Meters (RM-2, M-2, M-2-600V)

Digital Displays for TriStar Solar Charge Controllers

The TriStar Meter-2™ (TS-M-2), TriStar Meter-2-600V™ (TS-M-2-600V) and the TriStar Remote Meter-2™ (TS-RM-2) are advanced digital meters. They are nearly identical except that the TS-M-2 and TS-M-2-600V are mounted on the controller and the TS-RM-2 is flush mounted up to 30 meters away from the controller.

The TriStar meters are 2 x 16 character LCD’s that display system and controller information, logged data, bar graph metering, alarms and faults for easy troubleshooting. The information may be shown in English, French, German, Portuguese or Spanish. In multi- controller systems, these are networkable using Morningstar’s MeterHub to allow individual controller data and aggregate system data to be displayed together on a single meter.

Key Features and Benefits:

Specifications
TriStar Meter-2™ (TS-M-2)
TriStar Meter-2-600V™ (TS-M-2-600V)
TriStar Remote Meter-2™ (TS-RM-2)
Self-Consumption:
<0.5W 42.5 mA (backlight on)
Connector Type
RJ-11 (6-pin)
Cable:
0.13 m / 5 in - 6 conductor
0.35 m/ 14 in - 6 conductor
30 m / 98.4 ft - 6 conductor
Cable Temperature:
60°c rating
Compatibility:

TriStar

TriStar MPPT

TriStar MPPT 600V

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Ambient Operating Temperature:
-40°c to +60°c
LCD Temperature Rating:
-20°c to +70°c
Storage Temperature Range:
-55°c to +85°c
Humidity:
5 to 95 % non-condensing
Tropicalization
Conformal Coating on both sides of circuit board
Weight:
0.23 kg / 0.5 lb
0.18 kg / 0.4 lb
0.18 kg / 0.4 lb
Certifications:

CE, RoHS and REACH Compliant, ETL Recognised Component FCC Class B Part 15 Compliant, ACMA-EMC Compliant, Manufactured in a Certified ISO 9001 Facility

 

Morningstar Sunsaver Duo, Sunsaver MPPT & Prostar MPPT Meter (RM-1)

Morningstar’s Remote Meter™ (RM-1) is a universal, four digit display with custom icons that is compatible with several Morningstar controllers and inverters. This meter provides comprehensive system information for easy monitoring including voltage, current and temperature.

Key Features & Benefits

Specifications
Self-consumption:

Backlight Off = 6mA

Backlight On = 15mA

Minimum Operating Voltage:
8Vdc
Connector type:
RJ-11 (6 pin)
Faceplate dimensions:
9.5 x 9.5 cm / 3.8 x 3.8 in.
Faceplate material:

Powder coated steel

Meter back dimensions:
7.4 cm / 2.9 in. diameter 2.8 cm / 1.1 in. deep Fits 7.6 cm / 3 in. round hole
Frame dimensions:
11.4 x 11.4 x 3.5 cm 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.4 in.
Frame material:
PBT pastic
Meter cable:
10 m / 33 ft (6 conductor) May be extended to 30 m / 100 ft
Meter cable temp. rating:
60 °c / 140 °f
Meter weight:
135 g / 0.3 lbs
Ambient Temperature:
-20°c to +60°c (-4°f to +140°f)
Storage Temperature:
-30°c to +80°c (-22°f to +176°f)
Humidity:
100% non-condensing
Tropicalization:
Printed circuit board is conformal coated
Compatible With: Sunsaver Duo, Sunsaver MPPT, Prostar MPPT, Suresine Inverter
Certifications:

CE Compliant, RoHS Compliant, Manufactured in a certified ISO 9001 facility

 

Morningstar Relay Driver (RD-1)

Morningstar’s RelayDriver™ is a logic module which provides high level system control functions such as high/low voltage alarms, load control and generator start

Morningstar’s Relay Driver is a logic module which provides high level system control functions such as high/low voltage alarms, load control and generator start. The product controls four independent relay driver outputs by reading digital data inputs from Morningstar’s TriStar controller or by reading battery voltage when used in systems with other controllers.

Typical Functions:

Data Control Input Options:

Key Features and Benefits:

Specifications
System Voltage:

12 to 48 Volts*

Max. Channel Current:
750 mA

Voltage Accuracy:

Temperature Accuracy:

2% ± 50 mV

± 2 ?C

Min. Operating Voltage:
8 Volts
Max. Operating Voltage:

68 Volts

Self-consumption:
< 20 mA
Temperature Sensor Range:
-40°c to +85°c
Transient Surge Protection:
1500 W / channel
Comm. Ports (opto-isolated):

(2) RJ-11 meter bus connections

(1) 9-pin serial RS-232

Electronic Protections:
Reverse Polarity Protection, Short-Circuit Protection, Overcurrent Protection, Lightning and Transient Surge Protection
Dimensions:
Length: 16.3 cm / 6.4 inch Width: 8.1 cm / 3.2 inch Depth: 3.3 cm / 1.3 inch
Weight:
0.2 kg / 0.4 lb
Largest Wire:
1.0 to 0.25 mm2 16 to 24 AWG
Torque Terminals:
0.4 Nm / 3.5 in-lb
Enclosure:
Type 1, indoor rated
DIN Rail Attachment:
35 mm standard
Operating Temperature:

–40°c to +45°c

Storage Temperature:
–55°c to +85°c
Humidity:
100% non-condensing
Tropicalization:
Conformal coating on both sides of printed circuit board
Compatible With: TriStar MPPT 600V Controller, TriStar MPPT Controller, ProStar MPPT Controller, SunSaver MPPT Controller, TriStar Controller, SunSaver Duo Controller, SureSine Inverter, MeterHub
Certifications:

CE Compliant, RoHS Compliant, Manufactured in a certified ISO 9001 facility

*Voltage of user selected relays must be same as battery voltage

Morningstar Meter Hub (HUB-1)

Morningstar’s MeterHub (HUB-1) allows multiple Morningstar products to communicate over a Meterbus network to provide improved data monitoring, additional capabilities and lower system cost.

The MeterHub allows up to 15 Morningstar products on a single MeterBus network. The product electrically isolates devices that supply power to the network, preventing damage to the network in the event of grounding problems. Five status LED’s indicate the proper network connection to each port. The MeterHub is suitable for either wall or DIN rail mounting.

Typical Functions:

Included in the Box:

Specifications
Minimum Isolation (Ports 1-4):

500 Volts

Self-consumption (per port):
8 mA
Compatible DIN rail :
35 mm standard
Enclosure:

Type 1 (indoor and vented)

Port Connections:
RJ-11, gold plated
Dimensions:

13.5 x 10.8 x 3.7 cm (5.3 x 4.3 x 1.5 inch)

Weight:
0.2 kg / 0.4 lb
Operating Temperature:

–40°c to +45°c

Storage Temperature:
–55°c to +85°c
Humidity:
100% non-condensing
Tropicalization:
Conformal coating-printed circuit board
Compatible With: SunSaver-MPPT, TriStar, TriStar-MPPT, TriStar Meter-2, TriStar Remote Meter-2, Relay Driver
Certifications:

CE Compliant, ETL Recognized (UL1741), RoHS Compliant, Manufactured in a certified ISO 9001 facility

Morningstar Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS)

Morningstar’s Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS) provides improved battery charging in solar systems that experience temperature variations during the year.

The RTS measures temperature at the battery and the controller uses this data for very accurate temperature compensation.

Use of the RTS is recommended whenever the temperature at the battery will be more than 5°C (9°F) different than the temperature at the controller.

The TriStar has no on-board temperature compensation; therefore the use of the RTS is required for temperature compensated charging.

Other Morningstar controllers will default to an on-board temperature sensor if a RTS is not connected.

The RTS is compatible with the following Morningstar controllers:

For maximum protection from harsh environments, the sensor is encapsulated in epoxy inside a power lug housing. The RTS is also protected from lightning surges and short circuits.

Standard Features:

Specifications:

Morningstar PC MeterBus Adapter (MSC)

Morningstar’s PC Meterbus Adapter (MSC) converts a controller’s meter port (RJ-11 phone type connector) to a standard RS-232 serial connector for connection to a PC or other equipment.

The MSC may be used with any Morningstar controller or inverter equipped with a meter connection that does not also already have a RS-232 port.

By converting to RS-232, the MSC allows Morningstar’s controllers and inverters to communicate with a variety of third party serial enabled devices such as:

Establishing a communications link enables the monitoring or logging of data from the controller or inverter as well as the customizing of any user-adjustable settings. The MSC makes available a wide variety of data stored in Morningstar’s products such as (varies by product):

All data is transmitted in the form of MODBUS protocol. This industry standard was chosen for a high level of compatibility with a variety of equipment. Each Morningstar product has its own data specification (see their website for full details). The MSC is sold as a kit that includes the following:

Other Technical Specifications:

Morningstar EIA-485 / RS-232 Adapter (RSC-1)

Morningstar’s EIA-485 / RS-232 Communications Adapter (RSC-1) enables networking capability by converting a controller or inverter’s RS-232 port to a standard EIA-485 serial connector.

The RSC-1 may be used with any Morningstar controller or inverter equipped with a RS-232 port.

By converting to EIA-485, the RSC-1 allows up to 128 Morningstar products to communicate on the same communication bus and over much greater distances.

Typical configurations include:

All data is transmitted in the form of MODBUS protocol. This industry standard was chosen for its robust design and high level of compatibility with a variety of equipment. Each Morningstar product has its own MODBUS specification (see our website for full details) that covers the data available from each products specific functions.

Key Features:

Specifications
Power Input Voltage:

8V – 16V

Self Consumption:
8-16mA

Baud Rate

9600 baud

EIA-485 Network Unit Load:
1⁄4
Dimensions:
72 x 35 x 23mm (2.83 x 1.37 x 0.90 inches)
Weight:
37 g (1.3 oz)
Enclosure:
IP20
DIN Rail Attachment:
35 mm standard
Operating Temperature:

–40°c to +60°c

Storage Temperature:
–55°c to +80°c
Humidity:
100% (NC)
Compatible With: TriStar MPPT 600V Controller, TriStar MPPT Controller, ProStar MPPT Controller, SunSaver MPPT Controller, TriStar Controller, SunSaver Duo Controller, SureSine Inverter, MeterHub
Certifications:

CE Compliant, RoHS Compliant, Manufactured in a certified ISO 9001 facility

 

Morningstar USB MeterBus Adapter (UMC-1)

The USB MeterBus Adapter (model: UMC-1) converts the Morningstar MeterBus RJ-11 electrical interface to a standard USB 2.0 interface.

This allows communication between a PC and Morningstar charge controllers or inverters that have a MeterBus connection, but no serial or other communications port.

This includes the Sunsaver MPPT, SunSaver DUO, and SureSine products.

The UMC-1 is required for:

 

 

 

Morningstar DIN Rail Clips (DIN-1)

These rugged plastic clips have been custom made to match the mounting holes on the SunSaver controllers and to either snap on to the middle of the rail or to slide on from the end of the rail.

The clips also provide a mechanism to allow easy removal of the controller from the DIN rail without removing the clips.

The DIN Rail Clips are compatible with the following Morningstar solar controllers:

Key Features and Benefits