Charge Controllers

Morningstar TriStar

£ 174.15GBP · price may vary

Model: TS-45
Specifications: 5

System Battery Voltage12V, 24V, 48V
ConnectionScrew terminals
Weight (kg)2.1
Warranty5
IP RatingIP20

Overview

These powerful tropicalised three-function PWM controllers provide reliable solar battery charging, load control or diversion regulation to divert excess power to a dump load for use in solar, wind or hydroelectric systems. (Two or more controllers may be used to provide multiple functions). Large heat sink enables operation at up to 45°C without de-rating. 3 LED's indicate battery status, alarms and faults. Optional LCD digital backlit display (included with -M version) provides system & controller information: battery voltage; current; temperature; amp-hours and error mode. Versions mount either on face of the controller or remotely. For use in either 12, 24 or 48V systems. Fully adjustable with DIP switches. RS232 communication for custom settings, data logging, remote monitoring/control. Reverse polarity, short circuit, over-current, high temperature and over-voltage protection. Operation from - 40 to+ 45°C. Terminals take up to 35sqmm cables. 5 year warranty

Specifications

System Battery Voltage	12V, 24V, 48V
Connection	Screw terminals
Weight (kg)	2.1
Warranty	5
IP Rating	IP20

How to read this datasheet

Morningstar TriStar is listed with 5 published specifications from Morningstar, including system battery voltage of 12V, 24V, 48V, connection of Screw terminals, weight (kg) of 2.1 and warranty of 5. Those figures are what decide whether this unit fits your system, so read them against the equipment it will connect to before comparing price.

For a charge controller, the figures that matter most are maximum PV open-circuit voltage, the hard limit that must survive cold-morning Voc rise, supported battery voltages (12/24/36/48 V) and chemistries, conversion efficiency, typically 96–99% for a good MPPT unit and whether it offers a load output, temperature compensation and remote monitoring. In any system with a battery and a separate array, the controller is what protects the most expensive component and determines how much of the array's output actually reaches storage.

Before you buy a charge controller

The checks below apply to any charge controller. Run them against the specification table above — most disappointing solar purchases are compatible-on-paper units that fail one of these in practice.

Confirm the controller supports your battery chemistry with the right charge profile. Lithium, AGM, gel and flooded batteries need different absorption and float voltages.
Prefer a unit with temperature compensation or a battery temperature sensor if the bank lives somewhere that gets hot or cold.
Choose MPPT over PWM for anything beyond a very small array. An MPPT controller harvests roughly 20–30% more energy because it converts excess panel voltage into charge current instead of throwing it away.
Size the current rating from array watts divided by battery voltage, then add at least 25% margin for cold, bright conditions where panels exceed their rated output.

Where buyers lose money

Sizing on rated array watts alone and ignoring the voltage ceiling, which is the most common way controllers are killed.
Using a PWM controller with a high-voltage grid-tie panel — the voltage mismatch wastes a large share of the panel's output.
Running the load output beyond its rating instead of wiring heavy loads directly to the battery through a fuse.

Price and availability in United Kingdom

Morningstar TriStar is listed at £ 174 (GBP) for United Kingdom. Solar pricing moves with supply, import duties and exchange rates, and distributors set their own margins, so treat this as a comparison reference and confirm the current figure before you order.

SolarBazaar compares equipment rather than selling it. Shortlist here on specification and price, then buy from an authorised distributor or installer in United Kingdom: warranty cover on solar hardware is normally honoured through the channel you bought from, so confirm who supports Morningstar locally before ordering.

Morningstar TriStar — frequently asked questions

How much does Morningstar TriStar cost?

Morningstar TriStar is listed at £ 174 (GBP) for United Kingdom. The figure is indicative — solar prices move with supply, duties and exchange rates, and each distributor sets its own margin — so confirm the current price with a supplier before ordering.

What are the specifications of Morningstar TriStar?

We hold 5 published specifications for this charge controller, including system battery voltage 12V, 24V, 48V, connection Screw terminals, weight (kg) 2.1, warranty 5 and IP rating IP20. The full table is on this page, listed under model TS-45.

Who makes Morningstar TriStar?

Morningstar TriStar is a Morningstar product, listed under charge controllers with model reference TS-45. The Morningstar brand page lists the rest of its range so you can compare across the catalogue.

Is Morningstar TriStar right for my system?

That depends on what it has to connect to. For a charge controller, check type: MPPT or PWM, rated charge current in amps, which must exceed the array's short-circuit current with margin and maximum PV open-circuit voltage, the hard limit that must survive cold-morning Voc rise against the rest of your equipment before price enters the decision. Size the current rating from array watts divided by battery voltage, then add at least 25% margin for cold, bright conditions where panels exceed their rated output.

Where can I buy Morningstar TriStar in United Kingdom?

SolarBazaar lists and compares equipment rather than selling it. Use the specifications and price here to shortlist, then buy through an authorised distributor or installer in United Kingdom — buying in-channel is what keeps the manufacturer's warranty valid.

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