OutBack FLEXmax FM60 Charge Controller

The FLEXmax family of charge controllers is the popular maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controllers from OutBack Power Systems. The innovative FLEXmax MPPT software algorithm is both continuous and active, increasing your photovoltaic array power yield up to 30% compared to non-MPPT controllers.

With active cooling and intelligent thermal management, both the FM 60 and the FM80 FLEXmax charge controllers can operate at their full maximum current rating, 60 amps or 80 amps respectively, in ambient temperatures as high as 104°F (40°C). Both controllers can be used with battery systems from 12 to 60 VDC with PV open-circuit voltage as high as 150 VDC. The controller’s set points are fully adjustable to allow use with virtually any battery type, chemistry and charging profile. The OutBack FLEXmax controllers allow you to use a higher output voltage PV array with a lower voltage battery – such as charging a 12 or 24VDC battery with a 48VDC PV array. This reduces wire size and power loss from the PV array to the battery/inverter location and can maximize the performance of your PV system.

The FM 60 can be used with PV arrays up to 750 watts when charging a 12-volt battery, 1,500 watts when charging at 24 volts, and 3,000 watts when charging at 48 volts.

The FM 80 can be used with PV arrays up to 1,000 watts when charging a 12-volt battery; 2,000 watts when charging at 24 volts; and 4,000 watts when charging at 48 volts.

Both controllers come standard with a display of PV system performance that is easy to use and understand. The 4-line, 80-character backlit LCD display is also used for programming and monitoring the system’s operation. They can be connected to the OutBack MATE series of system controllers and displays to allow monitoring of up to eight controllers from locations up to 300 feet away. The MATE also includes an opto-isolated RS-232 port for connection to a PC for data logging and system monitoring.