MidNite Solar Hawke's Bay 90A 600V MPPT Charge Controller

High-Voltage Solar Charge Control for 48V Battery Systems

600V DC PV Input | 90A Output | 48V Battery Systems | MPPT Technology | CANbus Communication | Integrated Display | Designed and Assembled in the USA

The MidNite Solar Hawke's Bay MPPT Charge Controller is a high-voltage solar charging solution designed for large DC-coupled battery systems, residential solar installations, and off grid solar systems.

Engineered for efficient solar energy conversion, the Hawke's Bay controller manages high-voltage photovoltaic input and regulates charging for compatible 48V battery banks. Its MPPT technology helps maximize available solar production while providing programmable charging functions and integrated system monitoring.

Designed and assembled in the USA, the Hawke's Bay combines a durable die-cast aluminum enclosure, fan-cooled operation, advanced battery charging regulation, and CANbus communication in a versatile solar charge controller.

With support for high-voltage PV arrays, the controller can simplify installation by allowing longer solar strings and reducing the need for additional PV combining equipment in appropriately designed systems.

Key Features and Benefits

• High-voltage solar input: Supports compatible photovoltaic arrays with elevated DC string voltages.
• MPPT charging technology: Optimizes solar energy harvesting and battery charging performance.
• 48V battery system support: Designed for compatible nominal 48V battery banks.
• High-current charging: Provides substantial charging capability for larger solar battery systems.
• Programmable charging: Supports bulk, absorption, float, and equalization charging stages.
• Integrated graphic display: Provides convenient access to controller settings and operating information.
• CANbus communication: Supports system networking and integration with compatible MidNite Solar equipment.
• Battery temperature compensation: Includes a battery temperature sensor for supported temperature-compensated charging.
• Auxiliary outputs: Provides configurable control functions for compatible accessories.
• Expandable protection: Supports optional arc-fault and ground-fault protection modules.
• Durable construction: Features a die-cast and extruded aluminum enclosure with fan cooling.
• American assembly: Designed and assembled in the USA.

Advanced MPPT Solar Charging Technology

The Hawke's Bay uses Maximum Power Point Tracking technology to optimize the electrical power transferred from compatible photovoltaic arrays to the battery system.

By adjusting the operating point of the solar array, the controller helps capture available solar energy under changing sunlight and temperature conditions.

MPPT Charging Advantages

• Efficient conversion of solar array power into battery charging energy.
• Support for high-voltage photovoltaic string designs.
• Improved energy harvesting under changing solar conditions.
• Programmable battery charging regulation.
• Reduced installation complexity in suitable DC-coupled systems.

High-Voltage PV Input for Larger Solar Arrays

The MidNite Hawke's Bay is designed for applications where higher photovoltaic string voltages can simplify solar array wiring and equipment selection.

Its high-voltage architecture can be especially useful in larger residential solar installations and battery-based off grid solar systems.

Using appropriately configured higher-voltage strings may reduce the number of parallel circuits and associated combining equipment required for an installation.

Installation note: Solar string design must remain within the controller's published voltage limits, including cold-weather open-circuit voltage calculations. High-voltage DC equipment requires properly rated disconnects, conductors, and protective devices.

48V Battery Charging and Energy Storage

The Hawke's Bay is designed for compatible nominal 48V battery systems and provides programmable charging regulation for solar energy storage applications.

Its charging functions support battery management through configurable operating stages and voltage setpoints.

Battery Charging Features

• Bulk charging.
• Absorption charging.
• Float charging.
• Adjustable equalization charging.
• Programmable voltage regulation.
• Battery temperature compensation.
• Integrated charging control and monitoring.

Battery compatibility: Charging settings must match the battery manufacturer's requirements. Equalization and temperature compensation should only be enabled when appropriate for the specific battery chemistry and manufacturer instructions. Confirm lithium battery compatibility and any required communication or control arrangements before installation.

Off Grid Solar System Applications

The MidNite Solar Hawke's Bay MPPT Charge Controller is designed for larger battery-based solar installations, including properly configured off grid solar systems.

In an off grid solar system, the charge controller manages electricity from the solar panels and regulates charging of the battery bank. Stored energy can then be used by compatible inverter equipment to power electrical loads.

The Hawke's Bay is particularly relevant to systems using high-voltage solar arrays and nominal 48V battery storage.

Benefits for Off Grid Solar Installations

• Solar energy harvesting: Captures available electricity from compatible PV arrays for battery charging.
• Battery storage integration: Supports properly configured battery-based solar systems.
• High-voltage array design: Allows flexible PV string planning within controller limits.
• Charging management: Provides programmable charging stages and voltage regulation.
• System monitoring: Offers integrated display functions and historical operating data.
• Expandable integration: Supports communication with compatible MidNite Solar equipment.

For independent power systems, additional components such as batteries, an inverter, electrical protection, and solar mounting equipment are required. The charge controller does not convert DC battery power into household AC electricity.

Integrated Display and System Monitoring

The Hawke's Bay includes a graphic control panel for monitoring operating conditions and configuring supported charging functions.

Its display can also be relocated, and a second compatible display may be added for supported installations.

Monitoring and Control Features

• Integrated graphic display.
• Access to controller settings and operating information.
• Historical operating data logging.
• CANbus system communication.
• Support for compatible MidNite Solar networking.
• Remote display configuration options.

Battery Temperature Compensation

The Hawke's Bay includes a battery temperature sensor for supported charging applications.

Temperature compensation helps adjust charging voltage according to battery temperature when required by the battery manufacturer's charging specifications.

This feature is especially useful for battery chemistries that require temperature-adjusted charging voltages.

Temperature compensation must be configured according to the connected battery manufacturer's instructions.

Optional Protection and Expansion Accessories

The Hawke's Bay supports optional accessories for additional electrical protection and system configuration.

Available Options

• Hawke's Bay Breaker Box: Optional accessory for battery-side protection and PV disconnect arrangements.
• Arc-Fault Protection Module: Optional plug-in protection equipment.
• Ground-Fault Protection Module: Optional plug-in protection equipment.
• Additional Display: Supports compatible display expansion.
• System Networking: CANbus connectivity for supported MidNite Solar equipment.

Important: Optional protection modules and the Hawke's Bay Breaker Box are not included unless expressly listed with the product.

Designed and Assembled in the USA

MidNite Solar designs and assembles the Hawke's Bay charge controller in the United States, using American components where feasible.

The controller features a durable aluminum enclosure and fan-cooled construction intended for reliable operation in properly designed indoor solar power installations.

MidNite Solar's established focus on solar power electronics, charge controllers, and electrical protection equipment makes the Hawke's Bay a practical option for installers designing larger battery-based solar systems.

Ideal Applications

• Residential off grid solar systems.
• Large DC-coupled solar battery installations.
• 48V battery-based solar energy storage.
• High-voltage photovoltaic arrays.
• Residential solar system expansions.
• Battery-based renewable energy installations.
• Solar charging systems requiring programmable regulation.
• Installations using compatible MidNite Solar equipment.

Product Specifications

Installation and Compatibility Considerations

The MidNite Solar Hawke's Bay must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and applicable electrical codes.

Before Installation

• Confirm the solar array voltage is within the controller's operating limits.
• Calculate maximum cold-weather photovoltaic open-circuit voltage.
• Verify compatibility with the intended battery chemistry and voltage.
• Configure charging voltage and current according to battery manufacturer requirements.
• Use appropriately rated DC disconnects, breakers, and wiring.
• Confirm whether optional arc-fault or ground-fault protection is required.
• Install the controller in a suitable indoor environment.
• Allow appropriate ventilation and cooling clearance.
• Verify required system grounding and electrical protection.
• Follow applicable permitting and electrical code requirements.

Additional Equipment May Be Required

• Compatible solar panels and mounting equipment.
• Compatible 48V battery bank.
• Battery and PV wiring.
• DC breakers and disconnects.
• Optional Hawke's Bay Breaker Box.
• Optional arc-fault or ground-fault modules.
• Compatible inverter for AC loads.
• Additional system monitoring or networking accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions