TRACER MPPT 3215RN Solar Charge Controller --- Review?

[Shockah]

http://www.amazon.com/TRACER-3215RN-Solar-Charge-Controller/dp/B008KWPGAE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

^^^ Good Reviews on Amazon... but seeking first hand usage reviews here.

I'll be using it on a combo of 260W PV Panel, 230AH FLA Battery, Dusk-to-Dawn 42W Lamp.

http://www.pvsolarchina.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/3215RN-TRACER-MPPT-SOLAR-CONTROLLER-USER-MANUAL.pdf

From what I've read so far, it appears to fit my application well & I like everything about it... except made in China.

Thanks in advance.

[rickeyh]

I've been using the Tracer 4215RN on my shed for over 12 months without any issues. I have 6, 190 watt panels and 170AH of batteries at 24 volts. Just running with some old truck batteries at this stage. System will be used for pumping water from a ground level tank to a header tank eventually.

Occasionally the system shuts itself down for no apparent reason. Simply a matter of switching off the battery and then switching it on again. Probably happened three times in 15 months.

Hope this helps

Rickey

[SunEagle]

I've been using the Tracer 4215RN on my shed for over 12 months without any issues. I have 6, 190 watt panels and 170AH of batteries at 24 volts. Just running with some old truck batteries at this stage. System will be used for pumping water from a ground level tank to a header tank eventually.

Occasionally the system shuts itself down for no apparent reason. Simply a matter of switching off the battery and then switching it on again. Probably happened three times in 15 months.

Hope this helps

Rickey

Have you determined if it is really an MPPT charger based on measured watts in equaling watts out?

[rickeyh]

No I haven't Sun Eagle. Haven't been too fussed. It's cheap and it works.

Rickey

[SunEagle]

No I haven't Sun Eagle. Haven't been too fussed. It's cheap and it works.

Rickey

I understand. Just trying to determine if it is really MPPT or falsely labeled that way like a lot of other cheap junk.

[inetdog]

I understand. Just trying to determine if it is really MPPT or falsely labeled that way like a lot of other cheap junk.

With a listed maximum Voc of 150 volts and the capability to be used with either a 12 or 24 volt system, it has to at least have a somewhat functional DC to DC converter. But I have not found a full spec sheet for it online yet.

Just found it....

http://www.ev-power.eu/docs/pdf/GWL-REG1224-45ME-Tracer-45A-Manual.pdf

They show graphs that indicate 90%+ efficiency with solar input at Vmp=68V going to a 12V nominal battery, so I think that part is real.
High point of the whole manual, IMHO is were they tell you in detail to wire in an inline fuseholder on the battery and load connections, NOT insert any fuses, and then power on the CC and test it.

[rickeyh]

Not sure if this is what you're after http://www.epsolarpv.com/en/index.ph.../158/am_id/136 for the Tracer-3215RN?

Rickey

[inetdog]

Not sure if this is what you're after http://www.epsolarpv.com/en/index.ph.../158/am_id/136 for the Tracer-3215RN?

Rickey

Different model number, but close. I think I found the real thing (see edit in my post), but thanks for your effort.

[SunEagle]

With a listed maximum Voc of 150 volts and the capability to be used with either a 12 or 24 volt system, it has to at least have a somewhat functional DC to DC converter. But I have not found a full spec sheet for it online yet.

Just found it....

http://www.ev-power.eu/docs/pdf/GWL-REG1224-45ME-Tracer-45A-Manual.pdf

They show graphs that indicate 90%+ efficiency with solar input at Vmp=68V going to a 12V nominal battery, so I think that part is real.
High point of the whole manual, IMHO is were they tell you in detail to wire in an inline fuseholder on the battery and load connections, NOT insert any fuses, and then power on the CC and test it.

Well the manual does say power in = power out but again until I know someone has actually measured this it is just advertisement and maybe false claims. The charger is much lower in cost compared to other MPPT type chargers with the same amperage rating. I just was looking for some hands on measurements.

[Shockah]

I've been using the Tracer 4215RN on my shed for over 12 months without any issues. I have 6, 190 watt panels and 170AH of batteries at 24 volts. Just running with some old truck batteries at this stage. System will be used for pumping water from a ground level tank to a header tank eventually.

Occasionally the system shuts itself down for no apparent reason. Simply a matter of switching off the battery and then switching it on again. Probably happened three times in 15 months.

Hope this helps

Rickey

Thanks for all your replies, rickeyh, SunEagle & inetdog ...

I already made my decision when rickeyh said it shut down 3 times in 15 months.
Thank you for your honest review... I had a gut feeling these have gremlins.
I cannot afford a shutdown/restart.

All the questioning of its MPPT capabilities just grinds this CC into the pavement for me.

I gotta step up the budget...
I'm shopping Blue Sky Energy.
I got my eye on this one >>> http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com/prod...i-hv-2512ix-hv

I'd go with a MorningStar if they had a 25-30A model with Night-Light control.