TrakStar MPPT Technology and Maximum Input Power

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Morningstar’s TrakStar™ MPPT

Technology & Maximum Input Power

Solar module operating specifications have changed rapidly in the last several years. This has been due to new cell

configurations becoming available, increases in cell efficiency and the growing demands of the grid connected market

on module design. With so many module manufacturers in the market, an extensively broad range of module choices

are available to meet the needs of many different global markets. Morningstar’s MPPT controllers have a very wide

voltage input range with which they can make use of these many modules for charging batteries in the off-grid market.

However, finding the best fit and knowing how to correctly size them is sometimes challenging. This document

discusses solar module sizing, power ratings and answers some of the more frequently asked questions in order to

help make sense of the many options available on the market.

Summary of content (7 pages)

PAGE 1
Morningstar’s TrakStar™ MPPT Technology & Maximum Input Power Solar module operating specifications have changed rapidly in the last several years. This has been due to new cell configurations becoming available, increases in cell efficiency and the growing demands of the grid connected market on module design. With so many module manufacturers in the market, an extensively broad range of module choices are available to meet the needs of many different global markets.
PAGE 2
Morningstar’s TrakStar™ MPPT Technology & Maximum Input Power  Morningstar’s TrakStar™ MPPT Technology & Maximum Input Power The FAQs: Q1. PWM controllers are rated in current only, but MPPT controllers have both an output current rating and a nominal input power rating in watts.
PAGE 3
Morningstar’s TrakStar™ MPPT Technology & Maximum Input Power  Q2. Can I exceed the nominal wattage ratings of MPPT controllers? Will it void the warranty? You can size Morningstar’s MPPT controllers well above the Maximum Nominal Solar PV Input rating without damaging the controller and without the charging current exceeding the maximum output current rating. The controller can limit output current and will run at 100% of rated current output and not higher.
PAGE 4
Morningstar’s TrakStar™ MPPT Technology & Maximum Input Power  o Limiting charging current for smaller battery banks without exceeding the maximum charging current. System details can be examined to determine if operating closer to the MPPT controller’s full capacity will be cost effective. For example, a 10% loss for 5% of the time when it is not needed may be more like a 0.5% net charging loss. The ability to oversize the array gives the PV designer more choices. Q4.
PAGE 5
Morningstar’s TrakStar™ MPPT Technology & Maximum Input Power  This graph illustrates the output power levels of a SunSaver MPPT controller—comparing a 200W module to a 240W module—operating on a clear & sunny day at STC maximum power (Pmp).    Though the power being delivered to the battery is limited to 200W and the red area at the top of the production curve is lost, the larger module is harvesting more energy, as shown in green.
PAGE 6
Morningstar’s TrakStar™ MPPT Technology & Maximum Input Power  On cloudy (or intermittent sunny) days there will be little or no power-shaving and the extra power will serve the battery well with more energy harvest. This graph uses real array data and is scaled to a 200W module and a 240W module.     On this day there is < 1% loss due to power-shaving (energy above the red line), so more than 95% of the excess power over 200W can be utilized for charging.
PAGE 7
Morningstar’s TrakStar™ MPPT Technology & Maximum Input Power  Q6. Can I oversize other brands of MPPT Controllers? Morningstar’s TriStar MPPT™ & SunSaver MPPT controllers are the only controllers that will always limit the output current regardless of input power levels. Morningstar’s patented TrakStar Technology is capable of limiting the output current, while other manufacturers’ MPPT controllers will operate above their maximum current ratings at higher power levels.