These are the best charge controllers on the market, they are solid, reliable and what we use for The Bimble Inn.
The FLEXmax family of charge controllers is the latest innovation in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers from OutBack Power Technologies. The innovative FLEXmax MPPT software algorithm is both continuous and active, increasing your photovoltaic array power yield up to 30% compared to non-MPPT controllers. Thanks to active cooling and intelligent thermal management cooling, both FLEXmax charge controllers can operate at their full maximum current rating, 60 Amps or 80 Amps respectively, in ambient temperatures as high as 104°F (40°C).
Included in all of the FLEXmax Charge Controllers are the revolutionary features first developed by OutBack Power, including support for a wide range of nominal battery voltages and the ability to step-down a higher voltage solar array to recharge a lower voltage battery bank. A built-in, backlit 80 character display shows the current status and logged system performance data for the last 128 days at the touch of a button. The integrated OutBack network communications allows FLEXmax series Charge Controllers to be remotely programmed and monitored via a MATE system display and provides unrivaled system integration.
FLEXmax MPPT Charge Controllers are the only choice when you demand a high performance, efficient and versatile charge controller for your advanced power system.
A note on Outback and lithium: Outback MPPT's can't be controlled by a Lithium battery BMS that needs comms, so you can't use e.g. Pylontech with them. But, you can set up certain charging profiles that are suitable for lithium batteries that have a dumb BMS that doesn't need communication. With Outback systems we sell and recommend Gcell batteries.
Using an Outback controller would invalidate any Pylon battery warranty, as the Pylons need to be able to control the charging voltage and current.
Voltage | Recommended PV Max | Absolute Max |
12V | 750W | 900W |
24V | 1500W | 1800W |
48V | 3000W | 3600W |
FLEXmax 60 Specifications | |
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Nominal Battery Voltages | 12, 24, 36, 48, or 60 VDC (Single model - selectable via field programming at start-up) |
Maximum Output Current | 60 amps @ 104° F (40°C) with adjustable current limit |
Maximum Solar Array STC Nameplate | 12 VDC systems 900 Watts / 24 VDC systems 1800 Watts / 48 VDC systems 3600 Watts / 60 VDC Systems 4500 Watts |
NEC Recommended Solar Array STC Nameplate | 12 VDC systems 750 Watts / 24 VDC systems 1500 Watts / 48 VDC systems 3000 Watts / 60 VDC Systems 3750 Watts |
PV Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) | 150 VDC absolute maximum coldest conditions / 145 VDC start-up and operating maximum |
Standby Power Consumption | Less than 1 Watt typical |
Power Conversion Efficiency | 98.1% @ 60 Amps in at 48 VDC System voltage - Typical |
Charging Regulation | Five Stages: Bulk, Absorption, Float, Silent and Equalization |
Voltage Regulation Set points | 10 to 80 VDC user adjustable with password protection |
Equalization Charging | Programmable Voltage Setpoint and Duration - Automatic Termination when completed |
Battery Temperature Compensation | Automatic with optional RTS installed / 5.0 mV per °C per 2V battery cell |
Voltage Step-Down Capability | Can charge a lower voltage battery from a higher voltage PV array - Max 150 VDC input |
Programmable Auxilary Control Output | 12 VDC output signal which can be programmed for different control applications (Maximum of 0.2 amps DC) |
Status Display | 3.1" (8 cm) backlit LCD screen - 4 lines with 80 alphanumeric characters total |
Remote Display and Controller | Optional Mate or Mate2 with RS232 Serial Communications Port |
Network Cabeling | Proprietary network system using RJ 45 Modular Connectors with CAT 5e Cable (8 wires) |
Data Logging | Last 128 days of Operation - Amp Hours, Watt Hours, Time in Float , Peak Watts, Amps, Solar Array Voltage, Max Battery Voltage Min Battery Voltage and Absorb for each day along with total Accumulated Amp Hours, and kW Hours of production |
Hydro Turbine Applications | Consult factory for approved Turbines |
Positive Ground Applications | Requires two Pole Breakers for switching both positive and Negative Conductors on both Solar Array and Battery Connections (HUB-4 and HUB-10 can not be used for use in positive ground applications) |
Operating Temperature Range | Minimum -40° to maximum 60° C (Power capacity of the controller is automatically derated when operated above 40° C) |
Environmental Rating | Indoor Type 1 |
Conduit Knockouts | One 1" (35mm)on the back; One 1" (35mm) on the left side; Two 1" (35mm) on the bottom |
Warranty | Standard 5 year / Available 10 Year |
Weight - Unit | 11.65 lbs (5.3 kg) |
- Shipping | 14.55 lbs (6.4 kg) |
Dimensions - Unit | 13.5 x 5.75 x 4" (40 x 14 x 10 cm) |
- Shipping | 18 x 11 x 8" (46 x 30 x 20 cm) |
Options | Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS), HUB 4, HUB 10, MATE, MATE 2 |
Menu Languages | English & Spanish |
Note - In unusually high winds, you should flat mount your panels
SEE ESSENTIAL TOOLKIT LINK BELOW, PURCHASE IF YOUR INSTALLER DOES NOT HAVE THESE PARTS AS REQUIRED TO FIT:
Tool Kit
A tool kit with everything you need for a waterproof and secure installation supplied separately, select the tool kit option to purchase this as well.
2 top spec cobalt drill bits and M10 tap and ratchet allow quick and easy installation with even the toughest steel roof.
Supplied with marine sealant, a secure and waterproof installation can be done in as little as 4 hours.
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Boat Solar Panel Tilting Mounting Bundle - Stainless Steel Swivel Brackets
A pair of 2mm stainless steel (316L) solar panel brackets designed with canalboats and vehicles in mind, supplied with anti tamper bolts & bit.
Allow your solar panels to both tilt and swivel throughout the year, maximising the sun's energy whilst providing excellent ventilation. This can improve the power of your panels by up to 40%, perfect for smaller systems where efficiency is key. *Standing at just over 25cm high and 16cm wide they're designed to maximise the angle of your panels whilst being low enough for most bridges and tunnels.
Using any padlock attach your panel securely to the roof via an integrated 8mm stainless steel chain that secures directly to the bracket, keeping your panels safe. The anti tamper bolts secure the bracket to your roof for maximum security deterring even the most determined of thieves.
Using M10 for both bolts and glands means you only need to drill six identical holes, saving both time and money on tools or labour whilst providing a safe and secure mounting solution.
Contents:
1 x Stainless Steel Bracket with Chain
1 x Stainless Steel Bracket with no chain
4 x TORX Security bolts
2 x Hand Spindles
2 x Stainless Steel Wingnuts
2 x Stainless Steel Spring Washers
2 x Stainless Steel Washers
1 x TORX Security bit
Save yourself hours of drilling! Get our essential toolkit for installing the boat swivel mounts!
Contains:
Cobalt drill bits (for drilling into the panel frame and boat hull) 8.5mm and 5.5mm
Ratchet and Tap set (Taper, Plug & Bottoming)
Marine Sealant
Premade 6mm Solar Cable with Male to Female MC4 connectors, quick and easy to install.
(Please note if using as a cable run from panel to controller, you would cut in half giving you 2 x 10m lengths, MC4 to bare wire.)
Double Insulated UV protected solar cable
Max load: 70A in air
Our solar cable is ozone resistant according to BS EN 50396
UV resistant according to HD 605 S2 and is tested for durability according to EN 60216
Flexible tinned copper conductor
Conductor
Class 5 flexible tinned copper conductor
Insulation
Halogen-free cross-linked compound
Sheath
Halogen-free cross-linked, flame retardant compound
Sheath Colour
Black
Fitted with Staubli 4-6mm MC4s - Staubli MC4 Link
Wire size range: 6mm2
4 Way unit can hold our Tomzn DC and AC breakers
Unit can hold the following options:
Measurements for this consumer unit are 212mm wide, 228mm tall and <=102mm deep.
This is an empty unit, you must add the breakers you need to your cart as well, see related items tab above to see the breakers that fit.
Cable Gland Entry Box, use to connect through external surface. Perfect for solar panel cables coming from outside to controller.
This comes with a cradle for keeping your MC4 connectors in place and tidy.
Dimensions:
Length 182mm
Width 95mm
Affordable DC Breaker for 35mm DIN mount. Use with our DIN Rail as an easy and affordable breaker solution.
Current Flows from top to bottom of the breaker:
For charge controller wire top pole to charge controller and bottom pole to battery.
For Inverter wire top pole to battery and bottom pole to inverter.
This breaker can take up to and including 25mm2 cable.
Affordable DC Breaker for 35mm DIN mount. Use with our DIN Rail as an easy and affordable breaker solution.
Current Flows from top to bottom of the breaker:
For charge controller wire top pole to charge controller and bottom pole to battery.
For Inverter wire top pole to battery and bottom pole to inverter.
A small, low cost multimeter supplied with test leads and holster.
DMM Functions: DC Current, AC/DC Voltage, Continuity, Diode, Resistance, Transistor
No. of Digits: 3.5
DMM Response Type: Average
Display Count: 1999
Range Selection: Manual
Voltage Measure DC Max: 500V
Voltage Measure AC Max: 500V
Current Measure DC Max: 5A
Resistance Measure Max: 2Mohm