Any experience with SainSonic MPPT TRACER 3215RN

[ontheroadagain]

Does anyone here have any experience with this controller. They also have a 20amp version.<br>The price seems good. I definaley want mppt because I my panel puts out 29.9volts and I am using a 12v battery bank.<br><h1 class="parseasinTitle "><span id="btAsinTitle">SainSonic MPPT TRACER 3215RN Solar Charge Controller 30A 12V 24V</span></h1><a href="http://www.amazon.com/SainSonic-TRA...p/B008KWPGAE/ref=pd_sbs_auto_3#productDetails" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br>http://www.amazon.com/SainSonic-TRA...p/B008KWPGAE/ref=pd_sbs_auto_3#productDetails</a>

 

[bee]

I found the manual for it.<br><br><a href="http://solar-wholesaler.com/30a-12v-24v-ep-tracer-3215rn-ep-mppt-solar-charge-controller-p-4322.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://solar-wholesaler.com/30a-12v-24v-ep-tracer-3215rn-ep-mppt-solar-charge-controller-p-4322.html</a><br><br><a href="http://www.pvsolarchina.com/30a-tracer-3215rn-ep-tracer-mppt-solar-controller.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.pvsolarchina.com/30a-tracer-3215rn-ep-tracer-mppt-solar-controller.html<br><br></a>For the price it looks quite good. I didn't read the whole thing but it looks like it has pretty decent control over voltage settings. &nbsp;Compared to a morningstar the big thing it lacks is a remote temperature probe which allows for more efficient charging if the unit is set up properly. &nbsp;I believe the morningstar is supposed to be a bit more efficient in general as well, but costs twice as much...

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;I have a PWM charge controller I picked up a few months ago, and it handles up to 30v from a panel going into a 12v battery bank, and up to 55v solar going into a 24v bank.. don't necessarily need an MPPT charger. ..Willy.

 

[ontheroadagain]

I read that the mppt will convert the extra volts into current (amps).<br>So instead of 8.7 amps I would get 15-17 amps. Mine panel is 29.9v and 8.7 amps I believe.<br>So if I use a pwm controller on my 12v battery, I would only get 8.7 amps max. <br>Supposedly the mppt controller could give me up to 17.4 amps into the 12v battery.

 

[ontheroadagain]

Bee thanks for the info and links. I'm a but leery of made in china but I guess most things are now a days.

 

[highdesertranger]

yes ontheroadagain sad but true.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[greybeard23]

Before I knew to much about solar, I bought a tracer 2210RN MPPT controller.&nbsp; After studying much more about solar and getting all my parts together, I was going to get one of the name brand controllers that everyone speaks of.&nbsp; Then I decided to just try what I had and if it works then I will keep it till it fails.<br><br>So, I am running a 245 watt panel, putting out about 34 volts and 7.8 amps at around 70 degrees, and it is working fine.&nbsp; I did install a tri-metric battery monitor, but did not worry that the controller doesn't have an external connection for a temp monitor, but does have an internal one, since I am running AGM batteries and the controller is right near the batteries.&nbsp; Also drilled holes in the board for mounting the controller and installed a little computer fan behind it to help cool the controller.&nbsp; It runs off the Aux. connection on the controller.<br><br>So, these Tracer controllers may not be a top brand controller, but so far I am quite happy with it.<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="/post/<a" class="bbc_img"><img rel="lightbox" src="http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q523/greybeard23/solar.jpg" class="bbc_img"> class="bbc_img"&gt;

 

[highdesertranger]

on the road, &nbsp;I think your estimate of doubling your amp output is too optimistic in real life you&nbsp;will see about 10% gain.&nbsp; highdesertranger