TriStar TS-45 Charge Controller Reviews

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List Price: $279.00
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This is an outstanding charge controller. Installation was clearly laid out in the owners manual with factory default charge programs that cover most battery charge point voltages. The programs are easily set using small DIP switches. If you prefer to have a custom solar charging program (ie bulk chargeing voltage of 15.0 volts with a float of 13.4 volts) you can download Morningstar's PC software and manually input the charging points.

There are 3 different colored LED's on the front of the unit that let you know how your system is performing. The LEDS will tell you the status of your battery bank charge, the stage of charging process (bulk, PWM, Float and equalization), and whether or not the batteries are discharging. You will need to refer to the owners manual the first couple of times to decipher the lights, but easy once you know what you are looking for. Additionally, the LED lights will flash different colors to indicate different faults.

Lastly, if LEDs are too complicated or frustrating for the owner, Morningstar makes a LCD display that will tell you the same things the LED's will, just in a digital readout. I have not personally used it, but it is nice to know if I want a remote digital display hanging inside my cabin, I can do that instead of trudging through the rain to the garage to see how the system is performing.

This is the second charge controller I have used for my off grid cabin, and am extremely pleased. My previous charge controller (Xantrex C60) failed within a week and customer service was horrible. Xantrex was made in China, and the quality showed. The Morningstar is made in Taiwan and it is hands down built better and sturdier than the Xantrex.

I will update if the Morningstar has any problems in the future.

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I've been using the TS-45 for three years now. It is one of those products that remind me of the "good old days" when things were built to last. This charge controller is bullet proof.

After retiring I've been doing a lot more camping in my truck camper. I prefer boondocking (free camping without hookups) but was continually running my batteries dead. I hate generator noise, so opted for a solar install. Three years ago I put together a 200 watt system using the TS-45 as my charge controller. I knew I made the right choice as soon as I removed it from its packaging. It's a solid little unit.

This controller does not have MPPT, but I don't need it for my system as I am recharged by about noon every day anyway. If you're looking for the MPPT version of this controller it's the TS-MPPT-45. There is also a 60-watt version, both in PWM and MPPT. Note, however, that if you want to comply with NEC guidelines your controller's amperage rating must be equal to or greater than 125% of your solar array's short circuit current output (Isc). That means to use the TS-45 your array's Isc must not be any more than 36 amps. This controller, however, will handle solar overloads of up to 130% of rated current, which will be tapered down instead of disconnecting the array. Over-temperature conditions are handled similarly.

This controller allows you to choose solar charging or diversion charge control, choose the system voltage (12, 24 or 48v), set your absorption stage charging voltage (set point), choose automatic or manual equalization and choose between PWM or on/off charging via a series of dip switches. It has terminals for voltage sensing wires (for more accurate reading of the batteries' state of charge), and supports temperature compensation (but the remote sensor is purchased separately). Three LED lights tell you how the system is performing, but I opted to also install a Trimetric 2020 meter for more extensive readings in a digital format. A meter is also offered as an optional item to the TS-45, but I have no experience with that.

Besides what can be set via the dip switches, there is an RS-232 serial port which can be used to connect the TS-45 to your computer for more extensive settings. I have never used that feature yet so can't comment on its functionality.

Also worth mentioning is the TS-45 comes with an outstanding instruction manual. Everything is explained clearly and extensively. In this day and age when so many items come with almost non-existent instructions this was a very pleasant surprise. I keep it where I can easily get to it and often refer back to it when wanting to learn more about the system.

Three years going and not so much as a hiccup with this charge controller. In fact, I am writing this from the Southern California desert via power supplied through the TS-45 right now. After my experience with this controller, I am sold on Morningstar products.

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I've been very happy with this controller. I have both flood lead acid as well as an AGM, and this controller allows me to charge each one correctly, by making minor changes to the switch settings.

Honest reviews on TriStar TS-45 Charge Controller

I like alot of the features , looks well made,had good reviews on the internet

the manual needs to be read many times to understand this controller/custom programming is a little hard to figure out/ unit has been working very good no problems

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for TriStar TS-45 Charge Controller

Charge controller came with good instructions, very versitle, will cover close to 4ooo watts @ 48volts. Made well sold by an American company, but not made here, but made well. I had a problem when I first ordered the unit, my firmware was out of date (not from the Company, from a solar reseller), attempted to update firmware, and unit locked up. Contacted Morningstar and they stood behind the product!! Sent me a new unit out that was already updated. Unit must be configured before use, but using the free software, it is a breeze, step by step (my 12 year old did it with me!). You can monitor almost any paramater with a pc with a serial connection, or usb to serial. I am very Satified with the unit. Would recommend to anyone for off grid use.