Outback FM80 versus Midnite Classic 150

[larrybc1]

Hi..trying to decide between FM80 and Midnite Classic 150..Installation will be in Philippines so i need something reliable..Anyone have experience with either one of these controllers? thks

[Mike90250]

I've heard the Classic is newer, easier for DIY replacements of fan, PCB's and firmware updates

[Sunking]

I like the Midnight Solar if you can afford it, especially the 250 model as you can really run up the voltage and power.

[larrybc1]

I like the Midnight Solar if you can afford it, especially the 250 model as you can really run up the voltage and power.

ok thks...

[Sunking]

ok thks...

Well you are welcome, but there is a catch. Midnight Solar is a new company here in TX and unproven. Outback has been around a while and a proven winner. My advice is go with the best warranty and who you can easily do biz with.

[vinniethePVtech]

My opinion doesn't matter. But it appears the out back handles more amperage. More use of strings per combiner.

[Sunking]

My opinion doesn't matter. But it appears the out back handles more amperage. More use of strings per combiner.

How so Vinny? I am looking at the Classic 150 volt model right now for 48 volt battery and it is slightly better than Outback depending on what PV voltage you run. If operated at 90 volts PV panel wattage maximum is 5202 watts @ 83 amps output to batteries, vs 4000 watt max input at 48 volt battery for the Outback. I see that as 20% gain. Operated at 12 volts is 96 amps which is quite significantly higher than the FM80.

I was so impressed with the unit I arranged at the conference a couple of weeks ago to get a demo unit to play with for a couple of weeks.

[vinniethePVtech]

How so Vinny? I am looking at the Classic 150 volt model right now for 48 volt battery and it is slightly better than Outback depending on what PV voltage you run. If operated at 90 volts PV panel wattage maximum is 52022 watts @ 83 amps output to batteries, vs 4000 watt max input at 48 volt battery for the Outback. I see that as 20% gain. Operated at 12 volts is 96 amps which is quite significantly higher than the FM80.

I was so impressed with the unit I arranged at the conference a couple of weeks ago to get a demo unit to play with for a couple of weeks.

Voltage.. Yes. The midnight solar handles more voltage hands down.
However.. Now I may of skimmed through this to fast looking at amp specs but the outback handles a tad more.
I would say it is better for what type of panel is being used for that MPPT. In my case the suntech at a little over 7 amps per string when combined worked better for the outback than the midnight solar.
It was also based on comparison cost. The midnight solar may offer 20% more wattage, I also found it to be a little more pricey than the out back. It seems that for what is paid for in watts is relative to cost.

[Mike90250]

1) ****

2) Outback needs a MATE to do much adjusting other than voltage set. Midnight does not.

3) if you have long PV runs, other models of the classic, allow even higher PV string voltage, with only a slight reduction in delivered amps.

[Sunking]

Voltage.. Yes. The midnight solar handles more voltage hands down.
However.. Now I may of skimmed through this to fast looking at amp specs but the outback handles a tad more.

Vinny I think you need to read and compare the specs side by side in a little more depth as the Midnight Solar 150 unit outperforms Outback FM80 in every parameter.

You are correct the Midnight Solar is more expensive, no argument from me on that observation, but the Midnight Solar 150 yields more power input vs battery voltage (20%), great data logging capabilities included, can be paralleled, and has a lot more Bells and Whistles like Ethernet ready.

With that said I cannot recommend it yet to the OP because he is not in the USA, but would not hesitate to recommend it to any USA resident because warranty protection is a snap here with teeth and ease of claims. Time will tell, and if it stands up to time is a winner IMHO.

The one thing Midnight Solar does offer is up to 250 volt Voc panel input, and battery voltages up to 120 volts. Those are rare and offer a lot of advantages in residential/commercial/industrial applications. It is the first consumer rated product I have seen offered in those voltages. Otherwise you have to move up to commercial/industrial units to get that kind of voltage range and they are extremely expensive with a several thousand dollar price tag.

[solen]

Midnite solar recommendation

Hi..trying to decide between FM80 and Midnite Classic 150..Installation will be in Philippines so i need something reliable..Anyone have experience with either one of these controllers? thks

We just installed the Classic 150 and can recommend the model and the support from the company. The manufacturer helped us (over skype and email) with a wiring problem that was contrary to the users manuals' suggested use, and the Midnite compensates for a wire run of over 80 feet (4awg) from combiner box to unit with less than 2% line loss.

[Sunking]

the Midnite compensates for a wire run of over 80 feet (4awg) from combiner box to unit with less than 2% line loss.

Care to explain that please?

[solen]

My understanding is that the Midnite solar allowed us to wire out panels in series to push 120 volts out (at 20 amps) over the line. The MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) allows perimeters to be set and constantly regulates input charge to the battery bank changing the ratio of volts to amps to be above the 25 volt battery system, but below the amp circuit breaker. Does that make sense?

[Sunking]

My understanding is that the Midnite solar allowed us to wire out panels in series to push 120 volts out (at 20 amps) over the line. The MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) allows perimeters to be set and constantly regulates input charge to the battery bank changing the ratio of volts to amps to be above the 25 volt battery system, but below the amp circuit breaker. Does that make sense?

Yes but any MPPT controller can do that. The whole point of using a MPPT controller is so you can run the panels at high voltage to minimize line IR losses.