There is a linux C library and code that will let you pull everything
directly off the Morningstar. You can get access to every data point
that is available on the Morningstar PC app that works with the
controller and then plot it with MRTG. We generally just plot the
voltage as that's the key item to be aware of. Biggest problem with
the Morningstar is the lack of user password protection, you will need
to isolate the subnet you put the controller on for security.
On 10/4/17 8:08 PM, Sean Heskett wrote:
Hey Gino,
Since you are probably limited by time i didn't want to hold things up
while i dig up all the photos and schematics. so to get you started i'd
suggest a system like this:
https://www.wholesalesolar.com/1890130/wholesale-solar/complete-systems/1.04-kw-watt-telecom-off-grid-dc-24-48v
we use this supplier a lot and they are great to work with and their
prices are decent.
they provide the schematics for how it all gets connected and if you get
5 hours of sunlight per day (which you should in PR even on Dec 21st)
then this system will power a 200W tower just fine. if your tower uses
300W then just add 2 more panels (and another 30A breaker) and you can
still use the same morning star 60A charge controller. If your tower
uses more than 300W then keep adding panels, charge controllers and Batts.
You'll need to add batteries, connecting cables and another 80A breaker
(for battery cutoff) to this parts list. we use UB-4D AGM 200 ah 12 VDC
Battery at our towers. we usually have 12 of them at a site but we are
in CO and in December we will go for 2 weeks without any sun (I doubt
you have that issue). you could probably get away with 4-8 of them per
tower.
the other item you want to add is this:
http://store.packetflux.com/sitemonitor-interface-for-morningstar-serial/
and this:
http://store.packetflux.com/sitemonitor-base-unit-ii/
the morning start controller does have an ethernet port but you can use
SNMP to query the device and graph everything, you can only look at
their stats page. it's much easier to do graphing and alerting with the
packetflux devices.
***Be sure to fuse and breaker everything you can*** you want (and
need) to be able to turn off all power coming from the panels or batts
when you need to work on the system. (that's what the 80A breaker in
the parts list is for.)
for the load side of things you can use these fuse blocks. they use the
car style blade fuses you can get at any parts store or order online.
*Qty.* *Stock#* *Mfr. Part #* *Cust. Part #* *Price (USD)* *Total
(USD)*
2 70169109
<http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70169109>
0801733 $5.740 $11.48
DIN Rail; Steel; Silver; 7.50 mm; 35 mm; 2 m
*Ship Method:* FedEx 2nd Day
6 70169386
<http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70169386>
0203250 $9.040 $54.24
Fixed Bridge Bar; Term Blk; Universal; 10; Silver
*Ship Method:* FedEx 2nd Day
12 70169605
<http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70169605>
3047167 $0.690 $8.28
Partition Plate; Term Blk; Gray; 50 mmL; 2 mm W; 48 mm H
*Ship Method:* FedEx 2nd Day
40 70169133
<http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70169133>
3118203 $9.910 $396.40
Conn; Term Blk; Fuse; 1; 2; 26-8AWG; 30A; 300V; 4kV; M4; 1.5Nm; Flat;
PA; 10mm
*Ship Method:* FedEx 2nd Day
40 70169365
<http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70169365>
3004362 $0.960 $38.40
Conn; Term Blk; Feed Thru; Screw Clamp; 2; 0.2-6sq.mm
<http://0.2-6sq.mm>; 24-10 AWG; 6.2 mm W; Gray
*Ship Method:* FedEx 2nd Day
4 70169390
<http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70169390>
0203263 $11.880 $47.52
Fixed Bridge Bar; Term Blk; Universal; 10; Silver
*Ship Method:* FedEx 2nd Day
hit me up if you need help figuring all this out!
also what i've described here is for a totally off grid site. if you
are looking to grid tie in then that's a whole different beast.
hope this all helps!
-sean
On Wed, Oct 4, 2017 at 5:39 AM, Gino A. Villarini <g...@aeronetpr.com
<mailto:g...@aeronetpr.com>> wrote:
Please
From: Af <af-boun...@afmug.com <mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com>> on
behalf of Sean Heskett <af...@zirkel.us <mailto:af...@zirkel.us>>
Reply-To: "af@afmug.com <mailto:af@afmug.com>" <af@afmug.com
<mailto:af@afmug.com>>
Date: Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 10:07 PM
To: "af@afmug.com <mailto:af@afmug.com>" <af@afmug.com
<mailto:af@afmug.com>>
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Good - Cost Effective MPPT Solar Controller?
Hey Gino,
We have 3 solar sites on our network. Let me know if you want me to
send pics, schematics and parts list so you don't have to re-invent
the wheel.
- sean
*//*
*/Gino A. Villarini/*
President
Metro Office Park #18 Suite 304 Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00968
On Tue, Oct 3, 2017 at 10:49 AM Gino A. Villarini <g...@aeronetpr.com
<mailto:g...@aeronetpr.com>> wrote:
Any pointers?
*//*
*/Gino A. Villarini/*
President
Metro Office Park #18 Suite 304 Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00968