Comparison Chart

TriStar MPPT 60 Advantages Comparison Chart
Morningstar TriStar MPPT 60 Advantage
TriStar MPPT TS-MPPT-60
OutBack FLEXmax 60/80
Schneider XW 60 150
Highest Efficiency for all conditions = Highest MPPT boost.
Multiple Power Stages: Superior Low Power Performance
during sunrise & low solar levels provides more charging
for critical time periods (several days of cloudy weather).
It’s like having gears on a bike to make it up hills.* see note
Peak Efficiency = 99%
Multi-Stage power
>+3% higher efficiency at
lower power. Highest
efficiency for all conditions
Peak Efficiency = 98.1
> 2% efficiency drop at full
high power levels.
>3% less efficient than
TS-MPPT at low power.
Not published but tested
at lower efficiency under
all conditions and
>3% less efficient than
TS-MPPT at low power.
Lowest Self Consumption. No fans.
1.7W +1W with Ethernet
No fan.
9 Watts max.
Fan uses power.
4 Watts max. No fan.
Highest idle power usage.
Highest Reliability due to best environmental protections
and fewer components prone to failure.
Less maintenance and remote site visits.
Quieter Operation – No Fans or mechanical relays.
Epoxy encapsulated
Inductors. Conformally
Coated Circuit Boards. No
fans, no mechanical relays.
Noisy Fans and
mechanical relays prone
to failure.
Mechanical relays prone
to failure.
Relays make irritating
clicking noise.
Widest ambient temperature rating at full power
-40°C to +45°C
-40°C to +40°C
-20°C to +45°C
Best MPPT Tracking- Most Accurate and highest efficiency.
More energy harvest due to more time operating on the
maximum power point.
¼ - ½ second sweep
Adjusts frequency of
sweeps for conditions
Losses power due to very
slow tracking
30-60 sec. sweep
Can get stuck on non-
maximum power point.
Built-in PC or Remote Communication Capabilities.
No need to buy expensive auxiliary equipment.
More communications options at lower cost.
Ethernet, RS-232 or RJ-485
Open Industry-Standard
MODBUS protocol
Mate/Mate 2- RS-232 only
Costly Mate 3- Ethernet
(Non-Industry standard)
XWCT- PC connection only
configuration/ firmware
only
Voltage Sensor- obtains accurate battery voltage level so
there is no undercharging due to voltage drop.
Voltage sensor
16 to 24 AWG terminal
Operator must measure
V battery & calibrate.
No Voltage Sensor or
calibration option.
Smallest footprint and overall form factor at this power
level (inches/ Lbs.)
11.4 x 5.1 x 5.6
9.2 Lbs.
13.75/16.25 x 5.75 x 4.5;
11.65 Lbs./12.2 Lbs.
14.5 x 5.75 × 5.5; 40%
larger by volume; 10.75Lbs
Radio Frequency Radiation Interference
FCC Class B Part 15 Compliance
FCC Class B Part 15
Compliant
No FCC Compliancy
FCC Class B Part 15
Compliant
17 years with same ownership, management and strategy
17 years with same
ownership; Stable; Long
term employees
Taken over by larger Corp.
New president & large
turnover of employees.
Manufacturing in China
Taken over by large Corp.
Degraded return policy;
Major turnover in
management.
Morningstar Corporation experience and reputation.
Leading supplier of solar controllers
250,000 controllers per
year
Inverter supplier primarily
Electrical distribution and
inverter supplier primarily
* - Multiple Power Stages allow the controller to run at 1 of 3 power levels to maximize efficiency relative to need.