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The Apollo Solar T80 charge controller takes the powerful features found in quality controls such as Outback, and moves into a new dimension of versatility and value.  The T80 incorporates high-end features like maximun power point tracking, array voltage conversion, battery temperature compensation, and adds a full-featured system monitor based on Bogart Tri-Metric technology.  With a full 80 amps of charging capacity, the T80 can handle arrays of up to 5300 watts @ 60 volt nominal battery voltage.  The T80 comes complete with battery temperature sensor (optional with other controllers), plus a shunt and connecting cables for operation of the deluxe meter/display.  Full digital programming assures easy and precise voltage setpoints, and allows the capability of connection to a PC to expand its control and data-logging capabilities, and there is even an optional wireless remote display.  Two on-board auxilliary relays can control external devices (such as a battery vent fan) up to 1/2 amp current.  Larger devices require a simple external relay.  Apollo has diversion capability, so you can utilize excess solar power for water heating, or control power sources like hydro or wind power.  5-YEAR manufacturer's warranty.


Maximum Power Point Tracking, simply stated, converts higher solar array voltages into increased current (energy flow) into your batteries, compared to a more basic controller without MPPT.  This effect is especially pronounced on cold days when the solar panels produce a higher voltage.  This valuable technology can deliver up to 30% more energy to your batteries on cold winter days when you need it most.  In any weather, it means that you are getting the most from your array.  When you consider the cost of solar panels and the structures needed to mount an array, a MPPT controller is most certainly worth the small additional investment.

Array Voltage Conversion is a technology that gives the charge controller the ability to automatically convert higher array voltages (up to 150 volts DC) to match the voltage of your battery set.  This means that you can wire your array to a higher voltage, which allows the use of smaller, less expensive wire between the array and controller, reducing both cost and conduit size.  It also maximizes the use of MPPT technology, delivering more power per day.  Higher array voltage makes it possible for longer wire runs between array and controller.  Finally, it allows for more versatility in the choice of solar panels for a particular application, often reducing the cost of the array.


Temperature Compensation senses the temperature of your battery set using the included temperature probe and adjusts the voltage set points to ensure that your batteries are receiving the proper charge under varying temperature conditions.  Since batteries require higher voltages to obtain a full charge in cool conditions and lower voltages to avoid excessive gassing and boil-off in hot weather, this is an important function.

The Apollo Solar T80 includes a built-in energy monitor using TriMetric Technology from Bogart Engineering. It tracks power production and consumption and calculates the energy remaining in the battery. State of Charge (SOC) is displayed in Percent Full, Amp-hours and bar graph format. Historical data on energy harvest are stored in the T80 for ninety days.  This sort of monitoring is an essential part of keeping your batteries healthy and your system performing at its full potential.  The usual cost of a Tri-Metric meter kit is about $200, making the Apollo T80 a clear winner for performance and value.
  
Recommended maximum array sizes for the T80:
• 12VDC battery systems—up to 1250 watts of solar panels
• 24VDC battery systems—up to 2500 watts of solar panels
• 36VDC battery systems—up to 3750 watts of solar panels
• 48VDC battery systems—up to 5000 watts of solar panels