Overview
Morningstar’s SunSaver SS-MPPT-15L MPPT solar charge controller with TrakStar Technology™ is an advanced maximum power point tracking (MPPT) battery charger for off-grid solar / photovoltaic (PV) systems. The controller features a smart tracking algorithm that maximizes the energy harvest from the PV and also provides load control to prevent over discharge of the battery.
Another benefit of TrakStar MPPT technology is the ability to charge 12 or 24 Volt batteries with solar arrays of higher nominal voltages. A 12V battery bank can be charged with a 12 V, 24 V, or 36 V nominal off-grid solar array. Certain grid-tie solar modules may also be used as long as the solar array open circuit Voltage (Voc) rating will not exceed the SS-MPPT 60V maximum input Voltage rating at worstcase (coldest) module temperature. Higher solar input voltage results in lower solar input current for a given input power. High voltage solar input strings allow for smaller gauge solar wiring. This is especially helpful for systems with long wiring runs between the solar array and the SS-MPPT.
The SunSaver MPPT is well suited for both professional and consumer PV applications including automatic lighting control (lighting controls requires accesories sold seperatly). Its charging process has been optimized for long battery life and improved system performance. This product is epoxy encapsulated for environmental protection, may be adjusted by the user via four settings switches or connection to a personal computer (accesories sold seperatly for PC connection), and has an optional remote meter and battery temperature sensor sold seperatly.
Traditional controllers connect the solar module directly to the battery when recharging. This requires that the solar module operate in a voltage range that is below the module’s Vmp (Voltage at Maximum Power). In a 12 V system, the battery voltage may range from 10 - 15 Vdc but the module’s Vmp is typically around 17 V. Because traditional controllers do no operate at the Vmp of the solar array, energy is wasted that could otherwise be used to charge the battery and power system loads. The greater the difference between battery voltage and the Vmp of the module, the more energy is wasted. TrakStar MPPT technology will always operate at the Vmp resulting in less wasted energy compared to traditional controllers.
