[RE-wrenches] FM80

[Ray Walters]

You can plug your module specs into this: 
http://www.midnitesolar.com/sizingTool/index.php
to see if the Midnite Classic might work for your configuration. At 
lower array voltages, the Classic 150 can exceed 2500w arrays.
Depending on how critical the reliability of the system is, I often go 
to 2 controllers instead of pushing one hard.  (pair of FM 60s?)
We can get insolation that regularly exceeds 1200 w/ m2 also.
Multiple controllers means you still have some charging if one 
controller fails, and you are pushing the electronics much less, 
temperatures will be lower, and MTBF (mean time between failures) will 
improve.  Obviously cost goes up, but controllers are still cheaper than 
inverters, and call backs on remote systems are expensive too.

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 5/24/2013 9:06 PM, Jesse Dahl wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I'm working on bid for a system using the FM80 controller. The specs for the controller say the maximum STC wattage for a 24V system is 2500W.  The array I want to use has a STC wattage 2550. I called outback to ask if this was "close enough" today and didn't get a reply (holiday weekend?!) I also called the distributor I buy my parts through and they said it wouldn't be a problem.
>
> I don't want to lose warranty of something happens.  I don't want to use different modules.  I don't want to have to add another controller and split up the array just for 50W.
>   
> Thoughts?
>
>
> Have a good holiday weekend!
>
> Jesse
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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