Mid-range MPPT Charge Controller Comparison

Rogue Morningstar Blue Sky

MPT−3024 Sunsaver MPPT SB3024DiL
System voltage 12v, 24v 12v, 24v 12v, 24v

Maximum PV Voc 60v 75v 57v

Maximum output 30 amps @ 12v or 24v 15 amps @ 12v or 24v 30 amps @ 24v
40 amps @ 12v
Typ. maximum PV watts ~400 watts @ 12v BAT ~200 watts @ 12v BAT ~540 watts @ 12v BAT
~800 watts @ 24v BAT ~400 watts @ 24v BAT ~800 watts @ 24v BAT
Peak efficiency 98.0% 97.5% 97.0%

Idle power consumption 53mW (0.053 watts) unknown 350mW (0.350 watts)

Programmable at con− YES NO* NO

troller?
Data log 30 days 30 days* NO

Warranty 5 years 5 years 5 years

Display on controller? YES, advanced LCD NO YES, basic LED

Remote battery volt− YES NO NO

age sense?
Remote battery temp YES NO (optional) NO (optional)
sensor included?
Communication port? YES YES YES

Made in USA? YES NO YES

Remote display avail− YES, advanced YES, basic ** YES, basic or advanced
able?
Max. cable length from 1000 feet + 100 feet 500 feet
controller to remote
display
PC interface and soft− YES YES NO
ware available?
Auxiliary output? YES YES NO

Street price*** $325.00 $318.00**** $439.00*****

* Accessible only via MeterBus adapter and/or remote meter

** Cannot make adjustments to controller setpoints from remote display
*** Prices obtained August 2011
****Controller with display ($75) and battery temp sensor ($26) options
***** Controller with battery temp sensor option ($33)
1) System Voltage: Allowable battery bank voltage configurations. Higher capac−
ity systems typically use higher voltage battery banks to keep current lower,
which will reduce system losses. 12−volt and 24−volt banks are common in systems
in the 1−2kW range.

2) Maximum PV Voc: The highest allowable open−circuit voltage (Voc) from the PV
array. Higher voltage arrays can reduce system losses and/or accommodate
longer wiring runs.

3) Maximum Output: The most current that the controller can supply to the bat−
teries at any voltage. This is usually electronically limited by the controller.

4) Typical Maximum PV Watts: The highest power array that can be fully utilized
by the controller. The specification is approximately equal the maximum con−
troller output in amps multiplied by the battery voltage and then divided by the
controller and wiring efficiency, or Pmax = (IMax x VBat) / Efficiency. Higher
power arrays may be used, but power from them will be limited to the maximum
output of the controller. [Example: (30 x 28.8) / 0.95 = 910 watts]

5) Peak Efficiency: Best operating efficiency of the controller, usually obtained

at the highest input/output voltage combination. Therefore, a higher voltage sys−
tem will show better efficiency.

6) Idle Power Consumption: The amount of power that the controller uses while
not actively charging batteries. A smaller number here means less drain on bat−
teries during periods of inactivity.

7) Setpoints programmable at controller: Indicates whether the controller can

be programmed from the front panel.

8) Data Log: Charging parameters that are saved on a daily basis and logged for
later retrieval. Data Logs can be useful in analyzing system performance.

9) Warranty: Period of time for which the manufacturer will repair or replace
the unit should it become defective.

10) Display on Controller: Type of readout included on the controller, if any,

which may display any number of operating parameters. Display types are varied
and are options on many controllers at additional cost.

11) Remote Battery Voltage Sense: Controllers that use remote voltage sensing
are able to more accurately monitor charging voltage, which results in a more
consistent and reliable charge.

12) Remote Battery Temp Sensor Included: The charging parameters of a battery
change with temperature. Mounting a remote temperature sensor to the batteries
will enable the controller to automatically adjust for changes in temperature,
and will result in a more accurate charge. Remote temperature sensors are op−
tions for many charge controllers at additional cost.

13) Communication Port: Some charge controllers include a communication port

that may interface with a remote display and/or with a computer.

14) Made in the USA: Some controllers are designed and built in the USA, which
supports a domestic workforce and can be indicative of the quality of the prod−
uct.

15) Remote Display Available: An option that is available for some controllers at
added cost. Types vary widely. Some are basic and display a few operating param−
eters. Others are more advanced and may display more parameters, as well as al−
lowing access to data logs and setpoint adjustments.

16) Maximum Cable Length from Controller to Remote Display: Indicates how far
away from the controller that a remote display can be used. Greater distances
allow for more flexibility.

17) PC Interface and Software Available: Adapters that will interface a con−
troller with a PC are available for some controllers at added cost. Software
may be used with the interface to view, log, an interact with the controller at a
distance from your PC.

18) Auxiliary Output: Some controllers include an auxiliary output that can be
used to activate vent fans, relays, or other devices at a predetermined point.

19) Street Price: Cost as might be found at a typical online retailer.