Comparing Midnite Solar Classic MPPT solar charge controllers

[@leotesting]

Thanks for the video man....I got a lite 150 last year and haven't had a problem...good to know they stand behind their product 100% and that everything turned out great for your setup..

[@pauls0416]

She's a woman

[@chojthoj08]

hey does your tends to be running hot everyday? does the fans kick on every 2 min? cause I got the 250 model and it runs hot all the time.

[@leotesting]

+Christmas Eve true sorry :-)

[@leotesting]

chojthoj08 mine runs cool at 48v...

[@DIYOneForAll]

Nice video as always, Amy. I am yet to play with my Classic but hopefully this weekend.

[@PearsonParty]

I'm unable to determine which model you are referring to in the video. They are all refered to as the "Midnite Classic" and there is nothing visible on the product to determine them apart. The model number conflicts with the amperage rating which is confusing. Can you clarify better? My home is a 200amp service. and I assume I need two 150V-96A controllers for my system???

[@AltEStore]

At 0:38, I pop up labels. From left to right, Classic Lite 200, Classic SL 150, Classic 250. I should have left the labels up the whole time. As the solar charge controllers are to manage the DC energy coming from the solar array to the DC battery, it has nothing to do with the AC service of your house. You determine the size charge controller needed by dividing the watts of the solar array with the volts of the battery bank. For example, 3600W of solar / 48V battery bank = 75A minimum size controller needed. The total voltage of the solar panels wired in series determines if you need the 150V, 200V, or 250V model. Three 60 cell solar panels in series can use the 150V controller. So 12 300W 60 cell panels, wired in 4 parallel strings of 3 in series can use the Classic 150 96A controller. If you don't need Arc fault protection or Ethernet, you can save a little money by using the Classic 150 SL version.

[@martinwhite418]

Miss her.

[@jamest.5001]

Why no new videos about midnight? I'm thinking about the getting a classic. I heard they discontinued the lite version. And only have the classic and SL. And the SL can be programmed to work with wind and hydro! But doesn't come programmed? I'm not sure if I'd get the classic or SL. I'm trying to learn more about them. My charge controllers are maxed out. And I need more solar panels. Soim looking on to a good controller. With a good warranty. All the midnight videos are old. I wish they were not recent videos about their products . covering more thoroughly the features!

[@AltEStore]

We've got a long list of videos we need to make, just trying to find the time. According to Midnite, "The Classic SL-150 MPPT Charge Controller is a simplified SOLAR ONLY version of the Classic 150 with streamlined menus. The Classic SL-150 has a graphics panel and ground fault but no arc fault or Ethernet capabilities."

[@bestillandknowthatuaregod]

For CTL70- 12V battery what is the battery charging voltage to set it up on the classic charge control. ?

[@anythinguploads2161]

Great video, thanks for clearing up some questions.

[@craiggerlach5548]

Your site showed the units jumped from 48v to 72v battery banks, no mention of 60v, which their tool claimed the unit would handle.. trying to set up 20 250w panels, 5 stings of 4 and source a 60v split inverter...

[@dipoajax]

how can i recognize the difference between midnite classic 150, classic 200 and classic 250? I bought one 6 years ago and misplaced the receipt. Now that I want to install it, I couldn't remember which of the 3 midnite classic models that I bought. Can someone please help me out with how I can know which of the classic models I bought. Thanks

[@AltEStore]

There should be a sticker on the outside stating the model. There are also stickers inside on some of the components on the circuit board stating the voltage (150VCD).

[@dipoajax]

Ok. I will open it and check inside. Thanks

[@markchapmon8670]

What is the value of ARC Fault Protection? I know you mentioned it several times, but I didn't catch what it would do for me.

[@AltEStore]

If the positive wire hits the frame of the solar panel, which is grounded, it can cause a spark, or an arc. This can happen if animals like squirrels chew through the wires on the roof. An Arc Fault Protector will sense that there is current flowing from ground to negative, and shut down the system to protect it from a fire from the arc.

[@markchapmon8670]

Thanks! I guess this explains why they wanted the area underneath the solar panels guarded from pests when I built my ground mount array.

[@rastarito]

can any of the midnite can be use for solar and wind (hibrid) at the same time?

[@AltEStore]

The Classic is designed to be used for 1 power input source. If you have a hybrid system of solar and a turbine, you would need to have multiple Classics.

[@klassica]

Please consider doing an update!

[@fester.]

quick question midnite or outback and what reason thanks amy

[@AltEStore]

Oooh, that's actually a tough question. Like asking which child you like best. Both are terrific options, with quality companies behind them. I know, I sound like a politician, but they are both great options. If I'm designing an all Outback system, I tend to go with an Outback charge controller, just so they can all talk to each other with the Mate. But Midnite has higher current and voltage options, so sometimes it's a better fit for the solar array. You can't go wrong with either.

[@netaonly423]

@@AltEStore. Q@1

[@ChileExpatFamily]

Why would you need multiple Charge Controllers Please?

[@AltEStore]

If the solar array is too big for one to handle. If each charge controller can manage 48V x 96A = 4600W of solar, and you have 8000W of solar, you would need to have 2 charge controllers, each one managing 4000W.

[@ChileExpatFamily]

Ok I did not know those limits. Thanks

[@melvinmolly4151]

Does it have a fan to cool it?

[@AltEStore]

Yes it does.

[@iwantosavemoney]

actually this was very helpful in have to say.

[@leotesting]

anyone know how to do factory reset to the lite? I upgraded firmware and can't do it following classic 150 instructions since it involved using front control to do it which does not have...

[@AltEStore]

Midnite describes doing the reset with jumpers on the Lite here, www.midnitesolar.com/firmwareReport.php?firmware_ID=9&firmwareProduct_ID=1&act=edit

[@fester.]

Thank you I'm still undecided I have 2kw of panels 36volt so will have to use 2 strings

[@AltEStore]

What panels are you using? What's the Voc and Vmp of them? You may need more than 2 strings.

[@fester.]

the panels are perlight PLM-250MB-60 they are 250watt the voc is 38.00v and the vmp is 30.50v thank you for your time

[@fester.]

at the moment they are in series through a on grid sunny boy

[@AltEStore]

Have you looked at adding a Sunny Island instead of rewiring to add batteries? www.altestore.com/store/inverters/hybrid-inverters/sma-sunny-island-4548-us-inverter-p10855/

[@AltEStore]

8 panels would require 2 strings of 4 with a higher voltage charge controller, like the Midnite Classic 200.

[@jamest.5001]

It would be awesome if they were not so expensive, they do have a ton of features, (I'm not saying they aren't worth the price) I only need a dependable controller, capable of wind and solar, (not at once) and has the battery voltage range, and mppt with a display, maybe follow me, but that's about all I need, the current limiting is a plus, I'd like to have maybe 2 150's with solar, and a 200 for wind/hydro, 60-70+ amps from a wind turbine would be awesome!

[@DIYSolarandWind]

I will pin this so I can watch it again. I need one of these soon.

[@johnturner2946]

Customer Service Sucks at the altE Store. I bought a Midnite Classic 200 there, had some questions so I called them, was hung up on, I called back ( within 5 minute's ) got a recording that they're in a meeting and can't answer the phone. Sent the question in an email, no reply. I look elsewhere for my solar needs now.

[@AltEStore]

Sorry you happened to catch us during one of our meetings. I can't find any record of you buying the charge controller from us. Please call our customer support line again and tell them the sales order number, or the name the order was placed under so we can help you.

[@johnturner2946]

@@AltEStore It wasn't me who made the complaint, it was a friend who made the comment on my channel, he was over at my place. He bought a midnite 200 classic charge controller from you guy's and had a question and felt he was being blown off cause 2 calls and a email were ignored. I'll let him know you replied.

[@timothy790110]

that glorious hair!

[@MindControlledSheepie]

Came here to say this!

[@conversationswithme8601]

I like Amy, She's cool

[@mteca5093]

I ordered the 200v classic 3 weeks ago and you still haven't shipped it. Scammers!!!

[@AltEStore]

Midnite had supply issues and is backordered on the Classics. We expect some to finally arrive to us next week. Once they arrive, we'll get them shipped right out. We apologize for the delay, it's been frustrating for us too.

[@AltEStore]

Most backordered items have been shipped. Give us a call if you haven't received your order yet, or at least a tracking number.

[@georgeshotrodbarn2113]

What about that hair due

[@bobstockwell3911]

GETTING A LOAD FAULT