is midnite solar is the best charge controller in the world?

[Mike90250]

Don't spend $ yet. Configure the controller to "obtain" it's address via DHCP, your Router will assign it an address :
ClassisDHCP_line4-.jpg
The morningstar is line 1, Combox line 3, classic is line 4

Morningstar log file (web view)
TSMPPT-60log.jpg

[James1079]

Thanks Mike. Screenshots would be helpful. I did check out your Facebook page. You are the reason that I was considering a Morning Star. I do have a router. And a buddy of mine tried to help me set up the IP addresses for my generic Chinese controller with no luck his final diagnosis was that the controller is junk not necessarily my router or computer. So that's why based on my last two weeks experience with you I have narrowed it mostly down to Morningstar or midnight solar. I see the morning star on your Facebook but you have also spoken about midnight solar and the sizing tool. Could you give me a brief pro and con of each in the $600 range? Thanks again Edit: my brief reading about the Midnite solar SL is that it has no ground fault protection and is not usable for wind or Hydro so I am steering away from that one based on my hope for expansion someday

[Mike90250]

When you run the string sizing tool, you will know what breakers to get, You WILL want the midnight combiner box, and you can fit several breakers in it, I used 3 for panel strings and also the output of the charge controller (Batt)

I have both the Midnight Classic and the Morningstar MPPT 60. I prefer the Morningstar, it runs cooler (less loss) and is fanless (quiet)

Both have web interface for monitoring, but you will need a crossover cable (null modem) ethernet cable to connect - both your laptop and charge controller will be "receivers" . And then you have to configure each to work with a specific IP address, easy if you are a geek.
But obtaining a $30 wireless router would sure make it easier to manage, instead of being tied to a cable. I don't have mine connected to internet, just the router to assign IP addresses to both the controller and laptop.

Morningstar has a graphic "web page style" interface, Midnight needs a helper app [called the Local App and runs via adobe Air] and it can download a .CSV log file.

Morningstar does not ship with the optional meter front, avoid the cheap Classic SL, with no display/ web interface.

i have screen shots if you want

[James1079]

Hi my name is Jamie. I am looking for a good charge controller. I have 8 x 6 volt 230 amp hour FLA batteries and 12 x Trina 235w panels. I bought a generic 60 amp mppt charge controller on eBay. But after fighting with it I have decided to invest in a decent charge controller. I'm looking for something that can handle my batteries and panels efficiently and also has the capability to monitor all the watts going in and out via my computer. I don't want to be reliant on internet access or Wi-Fi for this if possible because although I do have Internet on my phone that I can hook it to the computer I do not have a hotspot or home internet. My budget is $600 for the charge controller. Is there something that is suited to my needs? I've been looking at midnight solar, Morningstar, E P ever. I can't figure out if any of these can meet my monitoring desire without internet. Does anyone have experience with these models or have suggestions of others? Edit: I also heard Outback was a good brand. Also I am ready to buy Breakers but I think I need to choose a charge controller and string configuration before I can size the breakers. Edit: my panels will be maximum 50ft round trip from the batteries / controller / & inverter