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Thanks for that very detailed response. My system is 24 V. You mentioned overvoltage vis a vis cold temperatures. I had that condition late last fall and the MX60 shut down -- not surprisingly, considering its voltage limitations. But it seems having extra capacity (with the SL250) for a...

Yes, thanks for that. For my uses, I don't think the status reporting will be critical. I hear you on teaming the SL with another Midnite. I think I should plan on going that route to be able to match up the charging parameters.

Question 1: I have an Outback MX60, but with the addition this spring of several new and more powerful panels to my system, have decided (based on advice here) I'll need to add a new charge controller. I have a LiFePO4 battery bank, for which the MX60 isn't superbly well matched, but it's...

I notice now, too, they have a Massachusetts business location. And A1 Solar Store, based in Miami, appears to have a fulfillment center in West Boylston, Mass., so might give them a try.

Anyone have the scoop yet on AltE's rumored closing? For someone who had dealt with them for many years, particularly with the convenience of being able to pick up items directly from their warehouse like solar panels, apparently I will need to go elsewhere for the new items I need. Any...

So you would be using the S-5! PVKIT™ (rail-less)? Or another brand? I notice one by EcoFasten, called SimpleSeal. Is there really any particular benefit to going rail-less beyond the purely ecological (no rails, less metal).

What brand L-feet did you use?

Yeah, I find the screws through the ribs questionable, but there they are on the S5 site. I wonder what would be the advantage. I think they have good other options, so like you, I'll go that route.

At long last, I'm migrating my panels to the roof of my off-grid cabin. A new exposed-fastener metal roof was put on last fall. I'd like to do this mostly myself, with some help from someone who will probably know less than me. Fortunately my roof access is conveniently low so not a lot of...

That's a great resource, thanks for posting it!

I agree that would be best. I'm also weighing doing this following the K.I.S.S acronym, and forgetting the Trina's and just adding two more of the GMA panels-- one per string?

Right now my array consists of five Solar World modules: Specification SW 235 Poly Peak Power Watts (PMAX) 235 W Maximum Power Voltage (VMPP) 30.0 V Maximum Power Point Current (IMPP) 7.85 A Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) 37.0 V Short Circuit Current (Isc) 8.35 A ...and one GMA Solar module...

I spoke to folks in-person who staff one of their distributors, Cabin Depot. They are the ones who mentioned truck delivery. That might be due to the size of the individual sections? I mentioned I'm off grid in a spot not the easiest to access. They mentioned I'd have to relay the stuff in...

No, never did. Not only am I hesitant to do a pole mount situation, I can't find any feedback on the quality of the components and other's experiences. I found this other approach intriguing, which I was able to take a look at firsthand...

My home built rack is fixed in a horizontal position; it's not adjustable. It was built this way to provide the best orientation for the seasonal conditions when the house is occupied. This has of course compounded my problems in spring and fall . The angle of the sun drops pretty...

Thanks, good to think about... My array is a ground mount, so at least have that advantage!

I think your Morningstar is around the same rating as my Outback MX60. With my existing array I'm far from hitting any limits with it. With the two additional Trina Solar panels I'd still only be at 2235w. And we get a lot of cloudy conditions up there.

My battery bank is 24 volts. Agreed on a new charge controller. As this is a seasonal residence I'm just strategizing to get through this fall and minimize generator use. I have plans to expand the array further.

Thanks for your comments on these. Am leaning towards them!

Thanks for your insights. I was leaning toward the larger output panels. And my plan as well to orient them as you say. I like the idea of the supplemental charge controller, but getting another line through my conduit may have to wait till next season-- or it may just be time to get an...

I can swear it's getting harder to charge batteries by the sun these days. More overcast conditions, dusty, smoky atmosphere in my maritime Canada location? Whatever it is, after many years with my existing array in my off-grid situation I need to increase solar output, not that I had a ton...

Interesting... Pretty dirty pool but not unexpected in this day and age, and I believe the founders of the company have moved on. Affiliated, from what I read, with Midnite Solar, who have put out this information on integrating their controllers with Kilovault...

Just as an aside, I wrote to Outback wanting specifics as to just what the incompatibility of the MX60 truly was. I was again told simply that the MX60 is not compatible: Lithium ion battery types are not compatible with this MX60 charge controller. You would need to be replaced with the newer...

I'll put that into action. Again, much appreciated!!

I appreciate your taking the time to respond. Here's what I've done: Per Kilovault, I've set absorption to 28.2. (Don't know if that correlates with your 3.45-3.55V/cell). " " , I've set float to 26.8. (Again, don't know if that correlates with your 3.375V/cell). Temperature...

I'm told by Outback that my MX60 is not compatible with lithium. Not that it might not be time to retire the old girl, but... The situation I have now is that I've put into play Kilovault 2400 HLX+ batteries with this controller (for the moment anyway) and have put aside my set of...

I chose a NOCO Genius10. It got my batteries up to exactly 14.1, which is what the manufacturer recommended. At 10 amps it took a bit longer, but I saved a few $$$ in the process. The batteries are now commissioned and doing a great job in my off-grid system.

I appreciate these responses and good information. Thanks!

I'm in the process of buying two 12v 200 kwh LifePO4 batteries. My vendor states they must be charged after they arrive and have recommended this IOTA DLS-45 charger. It's a bit pricey for what seems like almost a one-time use, though I could use it as well for additional batteries as the need...

Great information. Thanks much!

Thanks for your reply.

Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated.

Nope, working just fine. I just get concerned after all these years, with it left on non-stop, that it's reaching a failure point. The other reason is I'm upgrading my solar array and may be exceeding the capacity of this one.

After many years with a trusty Outback MX-60, I am seeing the need for an updated charge controller. My off-grid cabin is in a location with no professional solar support, and the only electrician versed in solar is so busy he doesn't return calls. My original installer (15 years ago) is...

After years of a crude home-brew fixed panel mount setup I'm looking at installing something I can tilt. I found this reasonably priced Tamarack horizontal two-pole system for up to six modules. Product # UNI-PGRM/5P2 Anyone use this and can comment on it? Thx