What an MPPT controller does in a solar system
Between the panels and the battery, the controller manages charging so that the energy produced reaches the battery in a controlled way. The SUNBEAMSystem MoonRay 160 belongs to the family of MPPT controllers: its name points to shade optimisation (Shadow Optimized) and a build meant for outdoor surroundings (WeatherMax). It is aimed at small systems running at 12 V or 24 V.
Where it proves useful
Vans, motorhomes and boats
On a leisure vehicle, one panel or two panels wired in series are often enough to maintain the leisure battery. Passing shade from branches, aerials or rigging is common there, hence the interest of the shade-optimisation label.
Garden sheds, cabins and off-grid setups
To light a hut or run a small pump, this controller handles a 12 V or 24 V battery with the PV power listed below. Professionals who equip remote measuring points or isolated signage also find a small-format component here.
Design
The plastic housing measures 172 x 139 x 44 mm and weighs 0.6 kg. An IP 33 rating does not mean it should stay exposed to driving rain, so choose a sheltered, dry and ventilated spot. Its self-consumption, below 12 mA, limits the drain on the battery when the panels are producing nothing.
Installation
- Fix the housing to a flat surface, away from heat sources.
- Connect the battery first, then the panels, respecting polarity and the cable sizes given in the manual.
- Check that the panel voltage stays below the 45 V input value.
- Check the display or indicators once power is on.
For an installation tied to a home network, or to a vehicle whose wiring you do not fully understand, call on a qualified installer.
Strengths
- Works with 12/24 V batteries.
- Up to 160 W of panels at 12 V and 320 W at 24 V.
- Low self-consumption and a weight of 0.6 kg.
Technical specifications
- Brand: SUNBEAMSystem
- Type: MPPT charge controller
- Rated charge current: 11 A
- Battery voltage: 12/24 V
- Nominal PV power at 12 V: 160 W
- Nominal PV power at 24 V: 320 W
- Self-consumption: < 12mA
- Protection rating: IP 33
- Dimensions: 172 x 139 x 44 mm
- Weight: 0.6 kg
- Material: plastic
- Output: 12V/160W – 24V/320W
- Input: 45 V
Safety
Panels exposed to light produce current all the time: insulate the cables and do not disconnect them under load. Use cables of suitable cross-section, fit protection on each link as the manual recommends and do not exceed the input values stated.
Maintenance
Dust the housing dry, check periodically that the terminals are tight and free of oxidation, and keep the controller away from damp when it is removed. Before each season of heavy use, such as the start of the camping year, it is worth re-reading the manual and checking every cable for chafing, because vibration in a vehicle can slowly loosen connections.
