MPPT and battery charging [RE-wrenches]

[Christopher Freitas - OutBack Power]

ezra at lasqueti.net wrote:
>Now if only someone would make one that did more for less money...

Actually, a MPPT charge controller can often save more money than it 
adds to the system cost. 

For example,  wiring the PV array up as a higher nominal voltage and 
stepping it down at the battery can result in significant cost savings 
in wire - especially if the distance is long.  The higher voltage array 
with a "smart" MPPT controller can tolerate partial shading wih less 
losses and also requires fewer source circuits in the combiner box and 
array wiring - saving additional money. 

Also - the increased performance of the PV array can be worth more than 
the controller - PV panels are still typically the largest chunk of the 
system price.  Getting 5% more output of a $10,000 array would be worth 
$500 or more...   

All OutBack MX60s with serial number 700 or higher will now work with 
open circuit voltages up to 145 vdc (although this is a factory rating - 
not UL/ETL yet).  This allows three 24 vdc PV modules in series - 
although in cold climates it may exceed our current 120 vdc ETL listing 
for max open circuit voltage and the 125 vdc breaker ratings.  


Christopher Freitas
OutBack Power Systems, Inc.
cfreitas at outbackpower.com  www.outbackpower.com
Tel 360 435 6030  Arlington WA USA

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