Going to the MidNite side... my 1st off-grid system plans are done..

[ywhic]

I know I drove you folks crazy..

Originally (3 months ago) it was to be like 4 135 Kyocera panels (540 watts), Morningstar ProStar 30, and Xantrex Pro SW 2000

Well I bought 6 145w panels (870 watts), Morningstar TS-45 (PWM), and wires, breakers, & switches..

Then I debated with you folks aloud about 4 times on the MPPT vs. PWM..

Then I was fishing for input on 24v vs 12v inverters..

Then I was emailing poor Marc at Rogue with questions..

Then along comes the Midnite Solar announcement about the Lite.. Then I was comparing the TS60 MPPT to that and the Xantrex 60 MPPT and the Outback Flex 60 MPPT..

I sold the TS45 and meter yesterday, and in about 1 week I will be holding a Midnite Classic 150 (regular model)..

I asked Ryan for some pics and he sent them right over.. <<good people right there<<

I opted to go MPPT to get as much as I can year round since this will be a year round cabin for me very soon. I know in the summer I won't gain much.. but in the cooler times like fall and spring I will gain some numbers I think..

The panels will be done up like a 24v system.. 2 in series * 3 in parallel..

I will be going with a 12v 400-600ah battery bank to start with.. and my original planned Xantrex SW Prowatt 2000 inverter.. I ordered up the BlueSea 250 amp fuse and fuse mount for the battery.. and I have the 3/0 wire here..

When the inverter dies out I will upgrade to a 24v model of some flavor.. and flip a few switches and be at a 24v system..

Anyway.. thank you,,

[Vic]

Great news, Al,

IMHO, you cannot go wrong with MN products. The Classic has the most capability in its class. And, you've seen their very responsive Tech Support. Looks like a very good concept on your system. Have Fun with it, Vic

[niel]

one thing is for sure, you won't have a need to change out to another controller no matter what you do to the rest of your system except barring having need of 2 classics if your system ever grows that big.

[Photowhit]

I sold the TS45 and meter yesterday, and in about 1 week I will be holding a Midnite Classic 150 (regular model)

I hope this means your getting some action on your web site, or have had other good news. This is a great controller and should give you future room to grow.

I opted to go MPPT to get as much as I can year round since this will be a year round cabin for me very soon. I know in the summer I won't gain much.. but in the cooler times like fall and spring I will gain some numbers I think..

You will indeed, and a bit in the summer, just trying to maximize your usable watt per $ spent, The trick is the gain doesn't mean much if you don't use it, I'll largely waste 4KW of array 9 months out of the year, but have it when I need it... for me the summer. I like the Midnite classic, I purchased 2 of the 'lite' versions this week (most of my array require MPPT type CC)

[Wxboy]

Excellent choices Al.

[ywhic]

Thanks.. nope no sales.. just sold the TS45 and meter for $205 (after eb fees) and a friend paid me $125 to help with some stuff, and I'm tossing in $215 from my pocket.. got to wait for PP to credit me after the buyer gets it (sold TS45 & Meter thru eb).. should be ordering Monday and have by next Friday..

The inverter will be out of my next check in 2 weeks.. maybe I will see something either sell from my site or I'll go get a real job by then..

I got a 4 foot pair of 4 AWG wire coming in for the new Midnite so that will be set to hookup and try with some panels.. :)

It will be like 85-95 up here in NJ testing.. so numbers should be close to temp wise for TX testing, though I think the air will be clearer down their in no-wheres land.. be nice to SEE the 145 w panel in some real tests.. I will be taping and such..

[ywhic]

Well I got my BlueSea fuse/mount in.. got the 3/0 wire... got the BlueSea switch for the inverter..



I have a spare section of 3/0 wire with a 250 amp ANL fuse and holder on it as well.. (good for options on install day)

My 4 AWG wire should be in tommorrow/Saturday for the controller to the battery bank with 100 amp breaker..

Waiting to order the Classic 150.. I did notice my combiner box has a 1" knock-out on the lower right corner.. this will mate nicely to the Classic 150 knock-out as well.. be a nice and semi-clean install..

As you may be able to tell I am stoked..

[Caneman]

sounds good Al, I think you got it going in the right direction... :)

[ywhic]

Ordered the Classic 150 today.. very stoked.. working on a + and - battery board to go with the new setup..

24" of pure copper goodness on its way too.. (to be cut to 12" for each terminal strip side)..

[ywhic]

Heres the layout.. the Midnite will be affixed to the combiner box on the side.. this is a mock up..

4 AWG down to the custom bus board.. then 2 AWG down to the batteries from there.. 3/0 to the inverter..



The Midnite Classic series of MPPT rocks (IMHO).. it performed well today while out in the 102' heat we had in NJ today..

Heres a shot at 10:30 am and about 93' F outside.. I used 15' of my wire I plan on using in TX to simulate the real-deal..

This was with just 2 panels in series to make a 24 circuit.. going to a 12v battery bank.. I will have 3 sets of 2..



630 watts (estimated) in 93' F heat sounds good to me..