How about a lower scaled Classic?

[Tinman]

There is probably a market for a controller in the 30-45 amp range (input side). Probably don't need more than 80 volts either, for smaller systems like mobile. I know, lots of opinions that smaller systems don't benefit that much from MPPT and all that. Maybe something with a smaller enclosure to boot.

Not sure about the cost to manufacture vs sell ratio but I bet there is a pent up market for something like that. 

[laszlo]

There is a smaller footprint Midnite MPPT controller in the works called  "El Nino"  - the child, according to this forum. Mario is reportedly working on it.  Would be nice to get a status on that.

I want to echo you comments about the market for smaller MPPT, and I also feel this is an area -- high quality power electronics -- where we can compete and win over the Chinese, who are basically eliminating the North American PV manufacturers this year.

Having said that, there are a couple smaller MPPT controllers on the market you can currently buy -- BZ 500, 500 watt, and  Solar Converters mppt controllers. I have a BZ 500 that I used for a few weeks when my Outback MX60 broke about 5 yeasr ago and it works great. But, watt for watt, the large controllers are a much better value and they provide safety features and versatility that the cheap mppt controllers cannot provide. For example, arc fault protection.

[dapdan]

There is one good mppt like that on the market already and it is doing quite good from all reports. It is the Rogue built by a guy named Marc. You can find an exhaustive thread on the NAWS forum on his controller. It is a 30Amp Mppt controller that operates up to 75v I think. It does 12v and 24v batteries and by all account quite good and reliable. I believe he has a second generation controller in the works. So if  midnite were to bring to market a similar sized controller around the same price I would definitely be interested in a couple. I have one of the morningstars Mppt-15 but that can only handle a maximum of two large panels, a controller double that size is definitely worth looking IMHO.

Cheers...
Damani

[nigel]

Also when considering the new El Nino can you consider a basic version with JEEP mentality so that custumers who want a unit to do its job without fancy displays ethernet can have the option at a lower price. One that can be prgrammed by an installer to suit the customers array battery type  and then leave him a with simple led display and maybe a equalise button, plus a fully singing and dancing version as well.

Nigel

[Halfcrazy]

Nigel
That is a very good point and we are doing just that with the Classic right now. We have a new display that has a few LEDs and a EQ button. This is the Classic lite it will have Ethernet though. I will pass this request on for the Kid as well.

Ryan