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Can I run wind and solar at the same time to the same battery bank using a Morningstar TriStar PWM charge controller?

Posted by Frank Molina, Stellavolta on Jul 15th 2018

Can I run wind and solar at the same time to the same battery bank using a Morningstar TriStar PWM charge controller?

Yes, you can run wind and solar simultaneously to the same battery bank, but not through the Morningstar TriStar PWM Charge Controller. This is possible only IF the controller is in Diversion mode (this is not possible with the TriStar MPPT charge controllers). The TriStar PWM Controller would then act as a diversion controller to divert excess charge to a diversion load. It's important to note that the solar array would require it's own solar controller.

The total current for all combined charging sources (wind, hydro, solar) must be equal to or less than two-thirds of the controller’s current rating. For Example, 30A for a TS-45. In addition, you must ensure that input wire size and fusing meets all applicable NEC standards and that they meet any other standards that may apply in your area.

This limit will provide a required margin for high winds and high water flow rates as well as a margin for error in the rating and selection of the diversion load. This protects against an overload and a safety disconnect in the TriStar controller, which would leave the battery charging unregulated.

In addition, the wind turbine must be capable of directly charging the battery and it must have it's own overspeed and over voltage protection If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!