Quick Morningstar question

[AtomicNo13]

I'm about to install a new Morningstar mppt 60 charge controller, I'm wondering how much heat is shed from the heat sinks. I have 1.2 kw pv feeding it. I have a location available inside, but don't want any extra heat in the coach. If I install behind the fridge I have the issue of long cable runs and potential voltage drop en route to the batteries. It's a catch 22.
Opinions please?

[idroba]

Any heat output from the charge controller will be very minimal and I doubt that you would ever feel it. They are very efficient in their operation and only need heat sinks to keep the electronics cool, but that does not mean they produce a lot of heat, if you understand what I mean. Just don't enclose it inside a small box and it will work fine and you will not feel any significant heat from it.

[AtomicNo13]

Thanks, I understand all this very well! Having not used the Morningstar, I wasn't sure just how hot it runs, the last thing I want is more heat inside!
Thanks for your feedback

[lewster]

They will be warm to the touch while operating. We used to install many of those, but have since switched over to the Blue Sky units as it is far easier to stack the controllers onto a single iPN remote that has their full function battery monitor.

Just be certain that the cooling fins are oriented properly according to the manual.

BTW, your 1200 watts of solar should peg that controller at 60 amps on most sunny days. On a system with that size solar array, we would have stacked 2 Blue Sky 3024 solar controllers for an 80 amp charging capacity.

[AtomicNo13]

Thanks for the insight. I have divided vital services from lighting and other systems. I plan on 2 mppt 60 controllers for the two battery banks. Plus you never know when you'll want to do some welding!

[lewster]

Originally Posted by AtomicNo13

Thanks for the insight. I have divided vital services from lighting and other systems. I plan on 2 mppt 60 controllers for the two battery banks. Plus you never know when you'll want to do some welding!

How many batteries are you planning to have? Will you be towing this rig?

[AtomicNo13]

I have towed 6 lifelines better than 120000 miles already, just switching converters, after failures of sob!

[lewster]

Thanks for the update.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357