the solar charge controller MAZE

[MikeRuth]

This is interesting from their blog.////

Feb. 10, 2015 - After a lot of deliberating, we've decided not to produce another run of the MPT-3048. The niche for a 30A MPPT controller is no longer what it was when Rogue first came out with one. We were one of about two companies in 2008 that sold a fully programmable 30A MPPT controller. Now there are at least three other US-based companies and a handful of Chinese competition that have crowded the market, such that we can no longer economically manufacture the 3048. The MPT-2024 may also be discontinued after existing stock runs out, for the same reason (it is actually much less profitable than the 3048 is). We have a good supply of the 2024 right now, but will likely sell out this year. The flip side of all of this is that we have some ideas for designs that are presently not being produced by any manufacturer, and which have a strong potential to create a new niche for a smaller company like Rogue. Stay tuned this year for more details on what's to come!

 

[jimindenver]

What happened to Rogue is that thy didn't have a stripped down model to support the high end models. The high end models were priced at the competitions next level up. So either you bought the 30a version at near the price of a Morningstar 45a or the Rogue 20a that if you don't need all the bells a whistles, could be replaced for a third of the cost with something functional like the Eco-worthy. That meant that I could run three panels instead of just one with a fancy controller.

Another thing and I am surprised they didn't see this coming when they redesigned the 30a is the sizing. 30a is a off size and has been since I started. The 20a will handle one huge panel but you can't do two panels with the 30a. So when I considered mounting two panels with a nicer controller, the Rogue was never considered. It was simply too small. A 20a and 40a would have been a better line up for the panels that are available now.

I think the last thing is the over-estimated how much extra people would spend on the "made in America" label. They are competing with the likes of Morningstar that build in China and slap an American name on the controllers.

 

[psytechguy]

What's a good 40a charger?
Most of the ones mentioned are only 20a or 30a

Look at the Morningstar Tristar TS-45 MPPT. Around $400


45 amps, but close enough for jazz.
I use one with two 240 watt Sanyo grid tie panels (30v ea)

 

[MikeRuth]

What's a good 40a charger?
Most of the ones mentioned are only 20a or 30a

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Look at the Morningstar Tristar TS-45 MPPT. Around $400[/font]


[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]45 amps, but close enough for jazz. [/font]
[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]I use one with two 240 watt Sanyo grid tie panels (30v ea)[/font]


[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]***********************************************************************[/font]


[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]That's what I just picked up, although I went PWM as I'm not using high voltage panels. [/font]
[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]About $150.00ish[/font]


[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Mike R[/font]

 

[TucsonAZ]

Well, I do disagree with some of what's been said e.g. a 30a CC being an issue, at 12v maybe what you're saying has some value but buying an MPPT for a 12v panel is kind of pointless. The idea is you can run higher volts, lower amps leaving room for A LOT of solar at 24v or 48v with 30 amps.

Also, there are different levels of "Made in the US", Tesoro (metal detectors) for example are made in the US, all of it, from the circuit boards to the housings. So there is value in it and not all "made in the us" is the same, China is also dealing with some issues, a lot of issues with their solar products so who knows what will unfold there.

I only know that if you call Rogue, Mike, the guy that made and designed the product you're calling about will be on the other end to talk to you and address any issues you may have. It sucks to even think people will go with a Chinese made product when you have people right here in the US making better stuff even if at a higher price. My metal detector was $75 more than one not made in the US and I felt that was more than fair for a quality product.

 

[IGBT]

I just installed my Midnite Classic 150 MPPT controller yesterday and the quality of the product is amazing (it has been sitting in a box for a few months while I was working on other parts of our camper).

The WhizbangJr which is now included with all Classics (maybe not the lite)  is pretty nifty.   It connects to a 500A 50mV shunt in series with the DC battery ground and gives you a fuel gauge for your batteries.

The Classic 150 can be connected to Ethernet, comes with a graphics panel you can mount remotely, comes with a battery temperature sensor so your batteries get the correct charge in hot or cold weather.

Just top notch stuff.   Made just a few miles from us in Washington state which is a big plus.

It was $600 but can handle 150V and 90 something amps.   I think they have the high end market cornered.   I wonder what spot Rogue will try to fill?

 

[TucsonAZ]

To be clear, I bought the MidNite 150, I was pushing 1,400 watts to start with plans to upgrade and I was doing 60 plus volts so the Rogue wasn't an option. I just did a lot of looking into and talking to Mike and Rogue and feel the company should be rewarded and supported for what they offer. Maybe it's the Enneagram 8 wing in me always hoping for the underdog, maybe it's that I was a small business owner, I don't know why, I just know the company impressed me a lot and I feel they should be supported.

 

[IGBT]

To be clear, I bought the MidNite 150, I was pushing 1,400 watts to start with plans to upgrade and I was doing 60 plus volts so the Rogue wasn't an option.  I just did a lot of looking into and talking to Mike and Rogue and feel the company should be rewarded and supported for what they offer.  Maybe it's the Enneagram 8 wing in me always hoping for the underdog, maybe it's that I was a small business owner, I don't know why, I just know the company impressed me a lot and I feel they should be supported.

Yes very happy with my MidNite 150.   I have 1080 watts on our camper running 80V open circuit.  The 150 can handle 150V input so I have options.

After my install yesterday it was pumping 560 watts into my battery bank from a mid morning Seattle sun.

 

[TucsonAZ]

Yes very happy with my MidNite 150.   I have 1080 watts on our camper running 80V open circuit.  The 150 can handle 150V input so I have options.

After my install yesterday it was pumping 560 watts into my battery bank from a mid morning Seattle sun.

Here's a picture of mine, noon sun while stealth camping on the Hill (no easy task) in Seattle.  I was starting with 1,380 watts and the MidNite did an amazing job, happy I went with the Classic over the Kid.

 

[gdhillard]

I just installed a $189.00 Renology 100 kit on my van, which came with a cheap ($29.00) Renology controller. I'm running it, and so far, it does exactly what I need it to do. It makes enough juice to run my coach lights, a FanTastic fan and my music, hooked to a VMAX 125 amp/hour battery. The whole system was well under $500, and I couldn't be happier. I do appreciate quality, but also appreciate spending as little as needed to get the job done.

 

[highdesertranger]

can't argue with that gdhillard. in the end it's only you, you have to make happy. highdesertranger

 

[Canine]

My go to controller right now would be a Midnite Kid.    Quality stuff from people who know their stuff.

I went with a Midnite Classic 150 because the Kid was borderline for my power levels (over 1000 watts of panels) but I wanted the Kid for compactness and low self consumption.

Just buy quality solar controller and skimp in other places, like 1 ply toilet paper. 

But if you buy 2 ply toilet paper you can use both sides...

 

[highdesertranger]

But if you buy 2 ply toilet paper you can use both sides...

that is so wrong in so many ways dusty,  but funny.  highdesertranger

 

[rvpopeye]

I'm sure ? he meant to separate the 2ply into 2 pieces of 1 ply first !
Skuh kuh kuh kuh kuh

I've been using solar since 2001 and I agree that the market is overwhelming , confusing and getting bigger every year... But that's a good thing ! When I started out there wasn't a lot to choose from.

Asking here for real experiences is a great way to help clear it up a little , just remember every system is different and what is best for your situation is up to you to decide.
Deciding now about more panels in the future will help.

I'd say knowing what your watts usage requirement is first is most important (Maybe get the tri metric meter first ????) knowing how many panels will fit on the roof will be important too. But that's just me , lots of good advice already.

 

[rvpopeye]

I meant to say amps not watts , but actually amp/hours might be a better term.
Watts a device uses divided by volts gives you amps , amp/hours = multiply your amp draw by the time you use a device.

 

[jimindenver]

Once you have your needs, battery and solar figured out, double it. Needs change as do weather conditions, having a buffer is a good thing.

Before solar I knew we used 20-30 Ah a day camping but we also used the trailer like a hard sided tent even when we used a generator daily. We knew that as soon as that generator shut off that the clock was ticking. Using that number a small portable or 100w mounted would have been enough.
Once we plugged in the solar that number went out the window. More power not only did we not have to be so conservative with the basics, it also allowed us to start doing things we never thought of. Now we use around 100 Ah's a day easily and are looking at using the solar to save on propane.