For 48 V off-grid homes with big arrays wired in long high-voltage strings or split across two roof faces. Skip it if your inspector requires UL listing.
Amazon DRSA $1,218.90
For off-grid cabins and remote sites that want a proven, fanless 45 A controller. Most home and RV buyers get more for less elsewhere.
- 45 ACharge current
- 12/24/36/48 VBattery
- 150 V maxPV input
- 99%Efficiency
- 5 yearsWarranty
Price checked October 24, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Handles about 2,400 W of panels on a 48 V bank, or more with oversizing
- Fanless, with no moving parts to wear out
- Wired MODBUS monitoring suits remote cabins and telecom sites
- Five-year warranty
- Costs far more per amp than modern Bluetooth controllers
- No display, Bluetooth or Ethernet without paid add-ons
- Lithium charging must be set up by hand
The Morningstar TriStar MPPT family
Every Morningstar TriStar MPPT model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own type.
| Model | Charge current | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morningstar TriStar MPPT 45 (this one) | 45 A | 3.2/5 | $558 |
| Morningstar TriStar MPPT 60 | 60 A | 3.2/5 | $698 |
How it scores
The rating comes from 4 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its type. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | TS-MPPT-45 |
|---|---|
| Charging | |
| Type | MPPT solar charge controller |
| Charge current | 45 A |
| Battery voltage | 12/24/36/48 V |
| Lithium profile | No |
| Custom profile | Yes |
| Temperature sensor | Optional extra |
| Peak efficiency | 99% |
| Standby draw | 225 mA |
| Inputs | |
| Max PV voltage (Voc) | 150 V |
| Max PV power (12 V) | 600 W |
| Max PV power (48 V) | 2,400 W |
| Monitoring and build | |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Display | No |
| Load output | No |
| Cooling | passive (no fans) |
| Water resistance | IP20 (Type 1, indoor and vented) |
| Dimensions | 29.1 x 13.0 x 14.2 cm (11.4 x 5.1 x 5.6 in) |
| Weight | 9.2 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Released | 2009 |
Alternatives in this type
For big off-grid or backup systems on a 48 V bank with long high-voltage strings. Overkill for small arrays.
Amazon $1,960For large 48 V off-grid or backup systems built around OutBack inverters, where 300 V strings and built-in arc-fault protection simplify the install.
NAZ Solar Electric $1,494.66Compare
Compare the Morningstar TriStar MPPT 45 with any other charge controller →
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