An Introduction to MPPT Solar Charge Controllers
Maximum Power Point Tracking controllers are the latest evolution in the solar pv industry. In some conditions MPPT technology can give a power boost of around 33% over a normal 'shunt' or 'pwm' controller.
MPPT controllers convert the incoming power from the solar panel into the optimum voltage to charge the battery bank. Most solar panels typically produce approx 17.5v at maximum power, however a 12v battery only needs around 14v to charge it.
With a normal 'pwm' solar controller this voltage difference is effectively 'lost' - it just disappears in the charging process. However with an MPPT controller, the excess voltage is converted into extra current, which results in more power going into the battery.
Another advantage of the MPPT process is that it allows a wide variety of solar input voltages and the larger controllers are able to charge a wide voltage range of batteries, i.e. a 24v or 48v solar array charging a 12v battery bank. Higher solar array voltages also allows smaller solar pv cables and reduces losses.
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Morningstar Sunsaver 15A, MPPT Solar Charge Controller
This long-awaited Sunsaver MPPT controller is the natural evolution of the legendary Sunsaver controller range and is ideal for commercial or marine applications.
A Remote Meter is now available as an optional extra.
The controller can be used on 12v or 24v battery banks, with a maximum solar pv wattage of 200w and 400w respectively.
Features:
MPPT Power Boosting Technology
Max PV Power : 400w @ 24v, 200w @ 12v
Temperature compensated charging
Electronically protected
15A Load LVD facility
LED Status Indication
Datalogging Function
Remote temperature sensor available as option.
5yr Warranty.
 Product brochure
Product manual
Price: £229.64 / €252.60 (Ex VAT at 20%)
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Steca MPPT 2010, 12/24v Solar Charge Controller
Steca have been manufacturing solar pv controllers for over 20 years. Their latest solar controller uses advanced power-boosting MPPT technology and a clean, simple design. As a result, the controller provides unbeatable value.
Like most MPPT controllers, the wide input voltage range allows the use of larger solar pv panels, which tend to be less expensive per watt.
This controller has a multi-colour LED status display, a wide range of electronic protection measures, as well as a low voltage disconnect (LVD) facility to prevent over discharge of the battery.
Features:
MPPT Power Boosting Technology
Max PV Power : 500w @ 24v, 250w @ 12v
Temperature compensated charging
LED Status Indicator
Electronically protected
10A Load LVD facility
2yr Warranty
Product brochure
Product manual
Price: £221.15 / €243.27 (Ex VAT at 20%)
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Morningstar Tristar 45A, MPPT 12/24/36/48v Charge Controller
45A Current Capacity
12/24/48vdc
Maximizes Energy Harvest via MPPT Technology
Extremely High Reliability
Very High Efficiency
Extensive Networking and Communication Capabilities
Metering and Data Logging
Comes with external temperature sensor
Product brochure
Product manual
Price: £395.00 / €434.50 (Ex VAT at 20%)
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Morningstar Tristar 60A, MPPT 12/24/36/48v Charge Controller
60A Current Capacity
12/24/48vdc
Maximizes Energy Harvest via MPPT Technology
Extremely High Reliability
Very High Efficiency
Extensive Networking and Communication Capabilities
Metering and Data Logging
Comes with external temperature sensor
Product brochure
Product manual
Price: £495.00 / €544.50 (Ex VAT at 20%)
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Outback FLEXmax FM60 MPPT PV Charge Controller 60A 12/24/36/48/60V
Industry leading solar controller featuring maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology. Digital power tracking can result in up to 33% additional power over standard PWM controllers. Solar panels can be wired in almost any voltage configuration, enabling the use of smaller cables with less parallel connections.
Digital status display.
64 days data logging.
Programmable aux signal connection.
RS232 PC Connection via Mate (optional)
Max current: 60A
PV Input voltage range : 12v to 150v
Battery voltage range : 12, 24, 32, 36, 48, 54 or 60v
5yr Warranty.
Product brochure
Product manual
Price: £495.00 / €544.50 (Ex VAT at 20%)
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Outback FLEXmax FM80 MPPT PV Charge Controller 80A 12/24/36/48/60V
Industry leading solar controller featuring maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology. Digital power tracking can result in up to 33% additional power over standard PWM controllers. Solar panels can be wired in almost any voltage configuration, enabling the use of smaller cables with less parallel connections.
Digital status display.
64 days data logging.
Programmable aux signal connection.
RS232 PC Connection via Mate (optional)
Max current: 80A
PV Input voltage range : 12v to 150v
Battery voltage range : 12, 24, 32, 36, 48, 54 or 60v
5yr Warranty.
Product brochure
Product manual
Price: £544.50 / €598.95 (Ex VAT at 20%)
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Outback MATE Display with 15m cable - white
The Mate is Outback’s digital remote system display and controller, capable of working with multiple MX60s or Outback inverters.
RS232 PC Connection.
Up to 300m network range.
Product brochure
Product manual
Price: £240.44 / €264.48 (Ex VAT at 20%)
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Outback Temperature Sensor (RTS)
Temperature sensor for Outback’s MX60 charge controller - ensures that your controller knows the precise ambient temperature so that it can recharge your batteries safely and efficiently. Supplied with 5m of cable.
Price: £25.50 / €28.05 (Ex VAT at 20%)
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Read our introduction to:
 Solar panels.
Solar charge controllers.
Deep cycle batteries.
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