Intersolar Europe, Munich, Germany/June 13, 2023

With 30 years of experience in industry-leading solar electronics for off-grid applications, Morningstar Corporation is now shipping two of its most innovative products. The new GenStar MPPT essentially re-invents and re-imagines the solar DC system controller, while the new SureSine line of off-grid industrial inverters meets the need of installers and system designers for a “Morningstar of inverters” to match the quality and engineering for which Morningstar charge controllers are renowned.

The recently introduced GenStar DC Solar DC System Controller and SureSine pure sine-wave inverters are in full production, and available through Morningstar’s world-wide distribution network. As the industry’s first fully-integrated Solar DC System Controller, GenStar MPPT represents the flagship of Morningstar’s new Integrated Series, while the new SureSine inverter series enables solar professionals to design systems that are “all Morningstar,” with no weak links in the component chain.

The new GenStar MPPT line consists of three models, ranging from 60-100 Amps at 200 Volt input. Morningstar’s product management director and upcoming CEO Bill Mellema outlined the development effort behind it. “We started with an all new design incorporating “lithium DNA” and most requested key communication, control and power conversion features. That included the ability to oversize PV arrays to meet today’s need for larger systems, and provides integrated load control—30 Amp capability, unique for controllers in this class. GenStar has all essential communications, connectivity and network integration features on-board, without the need for wiring on adapters or outside equipment—it’s all built-in.”

Jim McGrath, Morningstar’s Director of Sales, further explained GenStar’s design innovation. “We built-in the capability of being easily upgraded and expanded with new features and technologies, through our revolutionary ReadyRail architecture and ReadyBlock expansion line. That’s done through our unique ReadyRail architecture and ReadyBlocks, which simply snap-in to deliver any additional features and capabilities needed. They include a ReadyShunt for battery metering and monitoring, a ReadyRelay for signaling and advanced load control, and a ReadyBMS for communications and closed-loop operation with lithium batteries. With this innovative architecture, system designers need never worry about obsolescence or making the wrong decision with their initial investment. GenStar can grow as system needs evolve.”

Morningstar’s new SureSine off-grid inverter line is designed and built for the most mission-critical installations in industrial applications, including telecom, oil & gas, security, rural electrical electrification and more. The line consists of six primary models from 150-2,500W with 120 or 230V output and 12, 24 or 48V DC input options.

Russell Borum, Morningstar’s Senior Sales Engineer for Europe and Africa, provided SureSine’s background. “We started with industrial-grade build quality as a given, designing the SureSines around premium toroidal transformers for improved sinewave stability. We also made sure to include two hallmark Morningstar engineering features: fanless design and high efficiency. Next we added full communications capabilities, including USB, Ethernet, EIA-485, CANBUS, and Bluetooth for wireless communications, and Android and iOS utility apps for set-up and monitoring SureSine inverters with remote devices. Finally, we secured industry-leading NRTL certification as well as meeting all relevant CE and UL requirements.”

The new GenStar MPPT Solar DC System Controller and the new SureSine off-grid inverters are on display in the Morningstar booth # Booth A5.174 at Intersolar Europe, June 14-16, 2023. For more information and complete GenStar MPPT and SureSine information please visit https://www.morningstarcorp.com/products/

Press contact: mcerasuolo@morningstarcorp.com

Click here for the pdf version of this press release.

About Morningstar Corporation
With over 4 million products installed and sold since 1993—in some of the most extreme environments and mission-critical applications in the world—Morningstar Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of solar controllers and inverters. The US-based, privately-owned company is headquartered in Newtown, Pennsylvania, with an engineering research and development center in Maryland, and a global network of dedicated, best-in-class distribution and manufacturing partners. For more information please visit www.morningstarcorp.com.

The post Morningstar Corporation Announces Availability of Its 2 Most Revolutionary Products In 30 Years appeared first on Morningstar Corporation.

April 25, 2023/ Newtown, Pennsylvania

Morningstar Corporation—the leading brand in off-grid solar energy components—announced its first leadership change in three decades with President and CEO Lee Gordon retiring.

Along with celebrating 30 years of solar product leadership, Morningstar is looking forward to its next decade with its founding values, ethics and principles firmly in place as Bill Mellema becomes its next CEO, taking over from the retiring Lee Gordon. Morningstar’s present Director of Product Management, William Mellema, will assume the role of leading the employee-owned innovator in solar electronics. Mr. Gordon will stay active in the company as Chairman of its Board of Directors.

“Having co-founded Morningstar 30 years ago and working to build an exceptionally positive employee culture along with a leading industry brand, selecting my successor was one of the most critical decisions in our company’s history” noted Lee Gordon. “After conducting a search which included both internal and external candidates, I’m very pleased to tell customers, friends, users and other stakeholders that the brand they trust will continue to be in trustworthy hands moving forward, with the unanimous vote of confidence in electing Bill Mellema to take my place.”

Mr. Mellema’s experience includes over 20 years at Morningstar Corporation in several key roles, including directing the company’s engineering and product management teams along with managing customers, supplier and channel partners and other stakeholders, as well as technical support and projects. He holds a BSEE and MBA degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park.

“Having thrived professionally in the company, I fully appreciate Morningstar’s high impact mission and the fact that the products we develop, sell, and support make a difference all over the world” observed Bill Mellema. “Our entrepreneurial culture means each of us has an outsized opportunity to affect the direction of our brand and company—and, as owners of the business ourselves, we have a high level of commitment and camaraderie that you don’t typically see in other organizations. Lee’s contribution to the solar industry is nothing short of legendary, and I’m grateful for having worked closely with him and dedicated to preserving and growing all that he has built.”

William Mellema (left) and Lee Gordon (right)

Continued Lee Gordon, “Bill’s management skill and style, proven over his years of experience directing Morningstar’s Engineering and, more recently, our Product Management teams, were instrumental in choosing him for this role. With Bill, Morningstar is assured of both continuity in leadership as well as a clear path into new, exciting markets and categories along with more decades of progress and growth.”
As part of celebrating its 30 years in the solar industry, Morningstar has just published a Yearbook featuring the brand’s solar milestones, history, and new products, Available on the website here: https://www.morningstarcorp.com/news/morningstars-2023-yearbook-chronicles-30-years-of-success/

The change in leadership takes place on July 1, 2023. For more information contact Morningstar Corporation at info@morningstarcorp.com

Click here for the pdf version of this press release.

The post Morningstar Corporation Announces New Leadership appeared first on Morningstar Corporation.

February 14, 2023: Intersolar North America, Long Beach CA. Following its debut late last year, Morningstar Corporation is now in production of its revolutionary GenStar MPPT fully-integrated solar DC system controller.

The new GenStar line consists of three 200 Volt models ranging from 60 to 100 Amps and joins the illustrious line of Morningstar’s industry-leading solar controllers which includes the SunSaver, ProStar and iconic TriStar models.

Complete product and technical information here: https://www.morningstarcorp.com/products/genstar-mppt/

“As a key player in the evolution of the solar charge controller—something we’ve worked at perfecting over the past three decades—we’d never lightly use the term ‘revolution’ at Morningstar” noted CEO Lee Gordon. “But if any Morningstar product deserves the adjective ‘revolutionary,’ our new GenStar is it. It’s the culmination of everything we’ve learned in solar engineering and design in a single integrated platform, one that doesn’t need to be surrounded by a complex and clumsy ecosystem of add-on accessories to deliver peak functionality. GenStar is ready-to-go into any advanced PV/solar electric system right out of the box. It’s so ahead of the curve that we created a new class of products to describe it: the Morningstar Integrated Series.”

Added Bill Mellema, Morningstar’s Director of Product Development, “up to now integrators, installers and system designers have had to cobble-together a plethora of accessories, modules, and widgets—and create a rats-nest of cables and dongles to add them to a solar controller. We figured ‘if anyone can come up with a better way to integrate control into a system, Morningstar can.’ GenStar is the result—the industry’s first fully-integrated solar DC charging system.”

Continued Mellema, “We started with an all new design incorporating “lithium DNA,” acknowledging the future of energy storage and in keeping with the goal of delivering a truly “future-proofed” product. All the most requested key communication and control features are built-in. We designed-in the ability to oversize PV arrays to meet today’s need for larger systems, and provide integrated load control—30 Amp capability, unique for controllers in this class. GenStar has all essential communications, connectivity and network integration features built-in, without the need for wiring on adapters or outside equipment—it’s all built-in.”

“Along with the most requested features we gave GenStar the capability of being easily upgraded and expanded with new features and technologies, through our revolutionary ReadyRail architecture and ReadyBlock expansion line,” added Mellema. “That’s done through our unique ReadyRail architecture and ReadyBlocks, which simply snap-in to deliver any additional features and capabilities needed. For example, battery metering/monitoring and key measurements are enabled by a ReadyShunt. The ReadyRelay provides signaling and advanced load control, and the ReadyBMS delivers full communications and control with lithium batteries. With this innovative architecture, system designers need never worry about obsolescence or making the wrong decision with their initial investment. GenStar can grow as their needs evolve.”

For pricing and availability information: sales@morningstarcorp.com

Click here for the pdf version of this press release.

About Morningstar Corporation
With over 4 million products installed and sold since 1993—in some of the most extreme environments and mission-critical applications in the world—Morningstar Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of solar controllers and inverters. The US-based, privately-owned company is headquartered in Newtown, Pennsylvania, with an engineering research and development center in Maryland, and a global network of dedicated, best-in-class distribution and manufacturing partners. For more information visit www.morningstarcorp.com.

The post Morningstar ‘Reimagines’ the Solar Controller appeared first on Morningstar Corporation.

February 14, 2023: Intersolar North America, Long Beach, CA. — With nearly 30 years of experience building industry-leading solar controllers behind it, Morningstar Corporation announced its long-anticipated expansion into the rest of the solar electric system chain with a complete line of new off-grid inverters. The SureSine Series takes its place alongside the company’s renowned charge controller portfolio, giving solar installers the ability to keep their systems “all Morningstar” with no weak links in the component chain.

The new SureSine DC-AC inverter line consists of six primary models, from 150W to 2500W, with 120, 127 or 230V output, 50 or 60Hz AC frequency, and 12, 24 or 48V DC input options. That wide range of choices, along with multiple AC terminal options, results in a total of some 70+ SureSine variations capable of providing remote power in mission-critical solar electric systems around the globe.

The new SureSine inverters are in production and shipping. Complete product and technical information here: https://www.morningstarcorp.com/products/suresine/

“At first, it might seem like a crowded field in which to introduce six more off-grid inverters,” noted Morningstar CEO Lee Gordon. “But the difference is that these are ‘the Morningstar of inverters.’ That’s not some slogan we made up— rather, those are exactly the words our customers use when telling us what they need to match the quality of our charge controllers and design even better solar electric systems. With over four million products already sold in over 100 countries, we’re confident that there’s no shortage of applications for Morningstar inverters alongside our controllers.”

Added Jim McGrath, Morningstar Director of Sales, “We went all-in with SureSine, to make the line the opposite of ‘me-too’ thinking. We started with industrial-grade build quality as a given, since so many Morningstar users are in that league. SureSines are built around premium toroidal transformers for improved sinewave stability. We also made sure to include two hallmark Morningstar engineering features: fanless design and high efficiency. Next we added full communications capabilities, including USB, Ethernet, EIA-485, CANBUS, and Bluetooth for wireless communications, and Android and iOS utility apps for set-up and monitoring SureSine inverters with remote devices.”

Continued McGrath, “Finally, we secured industry-leading NRTL certification as well as meeting all relevant CE and UL requirements. After all, our solar controllers are already standard equipment in rural telecom, oil & gas, security, large-scale rural electrification projects, and other applications where failure isn’t an option. We made sure the new SureSines live up to our long-established reputation.”

For pricing and availability information: sales@morningstarcorp.com

Click here for the pdf version of this press release.

Press contact: mcerasuolo@morningstarcorp.com

About Morningstar Corporation:
With over 4 million products installed and sold since 1993—in some of the most extreme environments and mission-critical applications in the world—Morningstar Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of solar controllers and inverters. The US-based, privately-owned company is headquartered in Newtown, Pennsylvania, with an engineering research and development center in Maryland, and a global network of dedicated, best-in-class distribution and manufacturing partners. For more information, visit www.morningstarcorp.com.

The post Leading Solar Controller Brand Expands Into Inverters appeared first on Morningstar Corporation.

Newtown, PA, USA, Sept. 20^th, 2021 – Morningstar Corporation announced today its TriStar^TM solar charge controllers are installed in a group of solar-plus-energy storage systems for major oil companies in locations around the globe. The advanced technology of the TriStar controllers was selected because it delivers the highest level of performance, safety, and reliability for these types of mission-critical solar power systems. As ESG (environmental, social, and governance) becomes a more mainstream concern for CEOs, and carbon emissions mandates grow around the world, oil and gas companies are finding ways to reduce their carbon footprints. The solar power generation systems deliver a dependable and efficient source of power for the remote and often challenging conditions of oil production facilities. The solar-plus-storage systems keep production online while significantly reducing facilities’ carbon emissions.

“As oil production facilities seek to transition to solar power, Morningstar’s long-standing global track record assures companies that we are a partner they can rely on,” commented Lee Gordon, President, and Founder, Morningstar Corporation.

EcoSol Energy installed solar-plus-storage systems on oil fields in Kuwait to power lighting systems that keep the facilities running safely and efficiently. Scotland-based JCE Energy designed, engineered, and tested solar-plus-storage systems that power a range of applications and devices on offshore wellhead platforms from the North Sea to the Java Sea.  Orga BV outfitted wellhead platforms with solar-plus-storage in the Gulf of Thailand focusing on making systems highly reliable and compact to deliver overall cost savings for clients.  Swift Energy completed the installations of solar-plus-storage systems to power remote data gathering on wellheads on the Pemanis project offshore Sarawak in East Malaysia. All systems were installed with Morningstar Corporation controllers either suitable for or certified in Hazardous Area Zone use. Morningstar’s newest solar chargers are Hazardous Location certified in North America (with UL/CSA) and Internationally/Europe (with IECEx/ATEX).

Subject to harsh conditions and hazardous operations, several brands of charge controllers require manual resetting. Sending teams out to remote platforms for manual restart is a dangerous and expensive job. Remco Vonk, General Manager Asia & Pacific, Orga BV commented, “The high efficiency nature of Morningstar products is uniquely suited for our needs. They are compact and perform in the high-temperature conditions experienced when they are incorporated into our explosion-proof control systems installed in certified enclosures. Most importantly, they have proven to be ’fit and forget’. With Morningstar, we know we won’t have to go back for expensive service calls”.

The solar + storage systems deliver power for remote oil production, platform, and facilities operations. The systems reduce the oil and gas facilities’ carbon footprint and long-term energy costs while delivering reliability in power to keep operations online, safe and productive. Learn more about how solar provides power for some of the largest oil companies in the world:  Dependable, Cost-Effective Electrical Power, High Efficiency Solar Based Solutions,  Optimal Efficiency in Tight Spaces, and Full Reliable Charge in Extreme Temperatures.

About Morningstar Corporation

With over 4 million products installed and sold since 1993—in some of the most extreme environments and mission-critical applications in the world—Morningstar Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of solar controllers and inverters.  The US-based, employee-owned company is headquartered in Newtown, Pennsylvania, with an engineering research and development center in Maryland, and a global network of dedicated, best-in-class distribution and manufacturing partners.  For more information visit www.morningstarcorp.com.

The post Morningstar Corporation’s Advanced Solar Technology Helps Oil & Gas Production Facilities Reduce Carbon Emissions appeared first on Morningstar Corporation.

Newtown, PA, USA, July 20th, 2021 – Morningstar Corporation announced today its signature SunSaver and higher-powered ProStar solar charge controller lines have achieved certifications for HazLoc use in North America (with UL/CSA ratings) and Internationally/Europe (with IECEx/ATEX ratings). Morningstar’s new wider range of solar chargers designed for HazLoc use enables the digital oilfield. They bring new opportunities for economical solar electricity solutions equipped with battery storage to power remote off-grid systems with improved safety and reliability.

Solar plus energy storage makes sense in oil and gas applications. Operations are often great distances from any electrical grid, yet require dependable sources of electricity for essential services including injection pumping, monitoring and control, data and communications, security, lighting,  and other “digital oilfield” needs.

Generators can power remote off-grid systems, but they require fuel and frequent maintenance. In contrast, a solar electric system has no moving parts and, outside of storage batteries, requires little maintenance over the system’s comparatively long operational life. “The economics of solar work out to an extremely low operational expense over the life of the system, making it more cost-effective in the long run,” noted Lee Gordon, President and Founder, Morningstar Corporation.

“One of Morningstar’s first products nearly 30 years ago was our SunSaver controller designed for oil & gas customers. We grew up in this industry. Today, with over 4 million products used in over 100 countries, Morningstar Corporation has a proven track record of the highest reliability through the lowest hardware failure rate in the industry.  Our latest generation of HazLoc-rated controllers build on their predecessors’ excellence and take it forward into new applications.”

“Energy storage batteries are one of the most expensive components of a solar system. Your choice of a charge controller is critical in protecting that investment and ensuring optimal battery health,” commented Bill Mellema, Product Director, Morningstar Corporation. “Our controllers are used in the most extreme environments found on Earth. There’s no such thing as ‘overkill’ when it comes to reliability in these areas.”

Out of a field of over 700 brands of charge controllers, Morningstar is unique for earning HazLoc certification on a wide range of models. For months, the company underwent a rigorous audit of its operations, documentation, and quality procedures in the design, control, and production of these solar charge controllers. Passing the audit demonstrates that Morningstar follows rigorous standards and procedures to ensure quality and consistency in its product lines.

Morningstar’s new range of HazLoc controllers makes it possible to enable “digital oilfields” with larger (up to 1,100 Watts), more capable solar electric solutions. Products with the new UL/CSA North America and IECEx/ATEX International/European certifications includes:

– ProStar and ProStar MPPT charge controllers, 8 models

– SunSaver and SunSaver MPPT charge controllers, 8 models

– Morningstar SunKeeper for single-panel systems carries the UL/CSA ratings

About Morningstar Corporation

With over 4 million products installed and sold since 1993—in some of the most extreme environments and mission-critical applications in the world—Morningstar Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of solar controllers and inverters.  The US-based, employee-owned company is headquartered in Newtown, Pennsylvania, with an engineering research and development center in Maryland, and a global network of dedicated, best-in-class distribution and manufacturing partners.  For more information visit mstarmarketing.wpengine.com.

The post Morningstar Corporation Achieves New Hazardous Location (HazLoc) Product Certifications to Solar Power the “Digital Oilfield” appeared first on Morningstar Corporation.

The post Now Available, Morningstar’s New TriStar MPPT™ 600V Charge Controller and Ground Fault Protection Device Products appeared first on Morningstar Corporation.

TriStar MPPT 600V

Morningstar Introduces Two New Product Innovations at Intersolar Europe 2013 – The TriStar MPPT” 600V charge controller and the Ground Fault Protection Device  Read more

The post Morningstar Introduces Two New Product Innovations at Intersolar Europe 2013 appeared first on Morningstar Corporation.

The post Morningstar Launches Campaign Against Counterfeit Manufacturers to Protect Customers Home and Abroad appeared first on Morningstar Corporation.