Morningstar ProStar™ Solar Charging System Controller - Quick Start Guide

Specifications

Specifications	PS-15/PS-15M	PS-30/PS-30M
Nominal Battery Voltage	12/24 V	12/24 V
Max. PV Open-Circuit Voltage	30/60 V	30/60 V
Maximum Input Current	15 A	30 A
Rated Load Current	15 A	30 A

Operational Configuration

Switch 1: Load/Lighting

Controls the load output mode.

OFF (Normal): Load operates continuously.
ON (Lighting): Load operates based on dusk-to-dawn logic (typically controlled by battery voltage thresholds).

Switches 2 & 3: System Voltage

Sets the battery system voltage.

System Voltage	Switch 2	Switch 3
Auto	OFF	OFF
12 V	OFF	ON
24 V	ON	OFF

Switches 4, 5, & 6: Battery Type Selection

Selects the battery charging parameters based on battery chemistry.

Note: Consult the battery manufacturer for optimal charging settings. For metered models, use the Morningstar MSView software (available at https://www.morningstarcorp.com/msview/). For non-metered models, use the same software.

DIP Switch Setting (4-5-6)	Battery Type	Absorption Stage (Volts)	Float Stage (Volts)	Equalize Stage (Volts)	Absorption Time (Minutes)	Equalize Time (Minutes)	Equalize Timeout (Minutes)	Equalize Interval (days)	LVD (Volts)	LVR (Volts)
OFF OFF OFF	1 - Sealed*	14.00	13.50	---	150	---	---	---	11.5	12.6
OFF OFF ON	2 - Sealed*	14.15	13.50	14.40	150	60	120	28	11.5	12.6
OFF ON OFF	3 - Sealed*	14.30	13.50	14.60	150	60	120	28	11.5	12.6
OFF ON ON	4 - AGM/Flooded*	14.40	13.50	15.10	180	120	180	28	11.5	12.6
ON OFF OFF	5 - Flooded	14.60	13.50	15.30	180	120	180	28	11.5	12.6
ON OFF ON	6 - Flooded	14.70	13.50	15.40	180	180	240	28	11.5	12.6
ON ON OFF	7 - L-16	15.40	13.40	16.00	180	180	240	28	11.5	12.6
ON ON ON	8 - Custom**	Custom	Custom	Custom	Custom	Custom	Custom	Custom	Custom	Custom

* "Sealed" battery types include Gel and AGM Batteries.

** Lithium-ion and some other battery types require custom programming. Morningstar provides downloadable settings for selected battery manufacturers at https://www.morningstarcorp.com/energy-storage-partner-program/.

Shared Settings

Absorption Extension Voltage: Set Point 12.50 Volts
Absorption Extension Time: Absorption Time +30 minutes
Float Exit Time-Out: 30 minutes
Float Cancel Voltage: Set Point 12.10 Volts
Equalize Time-Out: Equalize Time +60 minutes
Temperature Compensation Co-Efficient: -30 millivolts / °C / 12 Volts

Switch 7: Battery Equalization

Mode: Manual Equalization (Switch 7: OFF)
Mode: Auto-Equalization (Switch 7: ON)

Switch 8: Current Switching

Mode: PWM Switching (Switch 8: OFF)
Mode: Slow Switching (Switch 8: ON)

Safety Information

⚠️ Warning: Shock Hazard

Test between all terminals and ground before touching. Power or accessory terminals are NOT electrically isolated from DC input and may be energized with hazardous solar voltage.

The ProStar Gen3 controller must be installed by a qualified technician in accordance with the electrical regulations of the country of installation.

This unit is not provided with a GFDI device. This charge controller must be used with an external GFDI device as required by the Article 690 of the National Electrical Code for the installation location.

IMPORTANT: READ the ProStar Gen 3 Installation Manual for safety and regulatory information, instructions on configuration and operation, and warranty information.

For warranty registration, visit: https://www.morningstarcorp.com/product-registration/

A metered version of the ProStar is shown in some illustrations.

Scan the QR code to go directly to the ProStar Gen3 Installation Manual and warranty information online.

In the box

ProStar Charge Controller
Self-Tapping Mounting Screws (x4)
Menu Map (2 pages)

Optional Accessories

Remote Meter (RM-1)
PV Ground Fault Protection (GFPD-150V)
Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS)
Ethernet MeterBus Converter (EMC-1)
USB Communications Adapter (UMC-1)
PC MeterBus Adapter (MSC)

Tools Required

#2 Philips Screwdriver ?
3/16" (5 mm) & 3/32" (2.5 mm) Flathead Screwdriver ?

Contact Information

Technical Support: https://support.morningstarcorp.com

Phone: 1-215-321-4457

Installation and Wiring

Caution: Equipment Damage

Do not expose the ProStar CC to weather. Locate in a dry, protected area to prevent equipment damage. Ensure minimum clearance requirements are followed for adequate ventilation and to prevent overheating.

Mounting:

Ensure the unit is mounted in the orientation shown, with the heat sink fins vertical.

Clearance Requirements Diagram Description: The diagram shows the ProStar unit with minimum clearance dimensions marked: 2 inches (approx. 5 cm) on the sides and top, and 6 inches (approx. 15 cm) on the bottom.

Terminal Cover Removal:

Push tabs outward to release the terminal cover.
Pull the terminal cover forward to remove it.
Tighten the 4 self-tapping screws just enough to hold the ProStar in place. Do NOT over tighten.

Photovoltaic (PV) Array: See the Morningstar PV String Calculator at: http://string-calculator.morningstarcorp.com/

Wiring Diagram and Connections

The ProStar Gen3 charge controller connects to the solar array, battery bank, and DC load. The diagram illustrates the following connections:

PV Array: Connect positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the PV array to the SOLAR terminals on the ProStar. A Solar Disconnect with PV GFP (Ground Fault Protection) is recommended per NEC 690.
Battery Bank: Connect positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the battery bank to the BATTERY terminals on the ProStar. A Battery Disconnect is required. The positive battery connection should include a fuse or breaker sized for the wire ampacity. The maximum distance from the battery (+) terminal to the disconnect should be 6 inches (15 cm).
DC Load: Connect positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the DC load to the LOAD terminals on the ProStar. A DC Load Disconnect is recommended.
Voltage Sense: Connect positive (+) and negative (-) voltage sense conductors from the battery terminals to the SENSE terminals on the ProStar for accurate voltage readings.
Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS): Connect the RTS conductor to the RTS terminal on the ProStar for temperature compensation.

DIP Switch Block: Located on the unit, used for configuration (refer to Battery Type Selection section). The diagram shows an enlarged view of the DIP switch block with 8 switches.

LED Indicators: The unit has LEDs for Charging Status/Error and Battery Status/Faults. Refer to the ProStar Gen3 Installation Manual for details.

Important Wiring Notes:

Wiring illustrations are examples; actual wiring may vary.
Always read the ProStar Gen3 Installation, Operations, and Maintenance Manual for mandatory safety requirements.
All configuration must comply with local and national electric codes. Consult your local electric authority for compliance.
This illustration represents a typical off-grid installation. For use with an inverter, refer to the inverter's installation manual.

Wiring and Torque Requirements

Component	Wire Size	Tool Required	Torque (Max)
Power Terminals	2.5 - 16 mm² / #14 - 6 AWG	3/16" (5 mm) Flathead Screwdriver ?	35 in-lbs. (3.9 Nm)
Battery Voltage Sense	0.25 - 1.0 mm² / #24 - 16 AWG (included)	3/32" (2.5 mm) Flathead Screwdriver ?	5 in-lbs. (0.56 Nm)
Remote Temperature Sensor	0.25 - 1.0 mm² / #24 - 16 AWG (included)	3/32" (2.5 mm) Flathead Screwdriver ?	5 in-lbs. (0.56 Nm)
Mounting Screws	--	#2 Philips Screwdriver ?	5 in-lbs. (0.56 Nm)

Power Up and Down Sequence

Power Up Sequence:

Connect Battery/Battery Bank.
Connect Solar.

Power Down Sequence:

Disconnect Solar.
Disconnect Battery/Battery Bank.

Grounding

Primary Ground Electrode Conductor (System Ground):

IMPORTANT: Ensure there is only 1 DC Negative-to-Ground Bond in the entire system.

Certifications

The ProStar controller is CE, REACH, and TÜV Rheinland compliant.

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