Thinking about going "Rogue" with a Rogue 3024

Re: Thinking about going "Rogue" with a Rogue 3024

This is the third generation of Rogue MPPT controller--The first two generations are great performers and have lots of features that expensive options with other controllers.

I cannot remember if I have read that anyone here has done a review on the new generation controller (it has only been available for a few months)--But Marc has been very responsive to any issue that may have arisen so far (occasional technical issue, bad component, etc.).

If it meets your needs, I would have no concerns.

Regarding "over paneling"... Actually, in sub freezing weather, because Vmp rises in cold temperatures (and there can be reflections from snow fields), you actually can get higher performance from your array in winter (albeit less hours of sun per day). For MPPT controller Pmp=Vmp*Imp -- Vmp rises in cold weather, them Pmp rises too.

Note: Imp falls in cold weather, but at ~1/5 or 1/10 the rate of Vmp--so Imp changes due to temperature are usually ignored.

The general "cost effective" over panel maximum is:

30 amp controller * 14.5 volts charging * 1/0.77 panel+charger derate = 545 Watts "cost effective maximum"

The calculations for solar are rough estimates--Anything within ~10% of a calculated value is pretty much "the same".

The above will give you a hand full of hours per year where the MPPT controller "clips" the output to 30 amps maximum. You can go higher, but your controller will spend more hours per year "clipping".

It should not hurt anything (as always, monitor charge controller operating temperature and provide good cooling)--However, always contact the mfg/read the manuals for details.

If you have a "very large" array, you may need to put an input breaker/fuse to meet the maximum rated input current--as a safety measure. During normal operation, the array fuse/breaker should never trip--The controller will limit its current draw from the array.

-Bill