What are my internet monitoring MPPT controller options?

[Tony Wright]

I am still deciding on the details of my off-grid cottage system for winter use in Ontario, about 400W PV. To avoid the need for frequent trips to the cottage in winter I would really like to monitor and control the whole system from home using a controller with remote internet capability but I am having trouble finding one that works for me at a reasonable price.

Morningstar have one (TS-MPPT-60 TriStar 60) but it is $800 in Canada and with their smaller ones you need to add their overpriced wifi bridge.
Epever have a range (Triron N) that are much less money but you need to add their wifi bridge (EP-Ever E-Box) which seemed ideal until I looked at the YouTube videos which proved that you cannot use it to connect to the internet.
I have also found several videos from people who have made their own devices from the components but that is way beyond my pay grade.
If you search for a MPPT Remote Controller you find that most are simply a device that extends the controller interface indoors via a wired connection.
I have discovered that there is a lot of mis-information once you start looking at devices using words like remote, internet, wifi, IP, router etc. You have to do careful research.

I am surprised that virtually all MPPT controllers don't have remote internet monitoring. It is very common these days for quite mundane devices like cheap security cameras and smart home switches etc. A solar controller is the one piece of equipment crying out for remote monitoring and control.

Are there any options I am missing?

Thanks
Tony

[ButchDeal]

One would be OutBack power. With the Mate3 you can monitor not only the MPPT charge controller but the whole outback system. I would suggest the Flexpower one solution which would have an inverter, MPPT, battery monitor, AC and DC breakers all pre-wired and a mate3 for monitoring:

http://www.outbackpower.com/products/system-management/optics-re

[Mike90250]

The morningstar MPPT-60 has a nice MONITORING web page, but I don't think you can control it.
The midnight Classic has a "Local App" that allows for monitor & remote control over all aspects except firmware upgrades (windows and android OS)

[Tony Wright]

Thanks for the replies

I checked out the Outback option but it is just too much money. The cheapest Flexmax 60 is $570 Cdn which isn't bad but you have to have the Mate3 for internet access. I only found one of these on Amazon Canada at $664!!!

At least I have now found a Morningstar TS-MPPT-60 TriStar 60 at $730 Cdn which doesn't need any other device to connect to a router.

I really wish I cold use a Epever 40A Triro which is only $260 Cdn but apparently their Wifi bridge doesn't work as advertised.

Tony

[Mike90250]

At least I have now found a Morningstar TS-MPPT-60 TriStar 60 at $730 Cdn which doesn't need any other device to connect to a router.

Remember, that's going to be listen only.. you can monitor, but not control.

[Tony Wright]

Remember, that's going to be listen only.. you can monitor, but not control.

I am not sure what you mean by this. The Morningstar MSView software which you access either by direct wire to a PC or over the internet allows you to setup and adjust most of the same controller configurations that you can do manually on the controller. That is what I meant by "control" Most other manufacturer offer a similar level of remote control, even the EpEver range of MPPT controllers,except that I am still looking for a way to do their's remotely.

Tony

[Mike90250]

I am not sure what you mean by this. The Morningstar MSView software which you access either by direct wire to a PC or over the internet allows you to setup and adjust most of the same controller configurations that you can do manually on the controller. That is what I meant by "control" Most other manufacturer offer a similar level of remote control, even the EpEver range of MPPT controllers,except that I am still looking for a way to do their's remotely.

Tony

And I think with the MS, you have to do a power off reboot. easy to reach out and do it. much harder over the phone, if I recall, I just have no way to flip breakers off and back on.

Please check with morningstar about that befiore you change settings, and find it won't work till you power reset.

[Beanyboy57]

I use Victron components to monitor, control and adjust my whole system remotely, but you need to have Victron MPPT charge controller, inverter and battery monitor too.

[Matrix]

I use a Midnite solar classic MPPT and a Schnider Conext SW and control them both thru their repective local network apps using a Remote Desktop connection (Teamviewer is free for single use). Works great but requires a computer or notebook be on all the time (and network connection gear). I can control my whole system from anywhere with any device.

[Tony Wright]

I use Victron components to monitor, control and adjust my whole system remotely, but you need to have Victron MPPT charge controller, inverter and battery monitor too.

I had not noticed Victron so I had a look and I am impressed by their system for remote data access and connectivity. Still a bit expensive particularly in Canada but they will definitely be on my short list.

Thanks
Tony