Cheap MPPT charge cntrollers

[Ex- Member]

Just want to check this out. Most my LED's came from China and have been perfectly ok.

 

So how do MPPT charge controllers compare. Can anyone recommend cheap ones they've bought and are actually using without any issues. Either from China or anywhere else.

 

Edited January 17, 2014 by Julynian

[Phil Ambrose]

I bought one which worked fine for 6 weeks then decided to send 21 volts into my battery bank, Cost of sending it back was stupid so just swallowed it and learnt a lesson. But hey I did get a pair of MC4 conecters for 1p plus 99p postage

 

Phil

[Ex- Member]

I bought one which worked fine for 6 weeks then decided to send 21 volts into my battery bank, Cost of sending it back was stupid so just swallowed it and learnt a lesson. But hey I did get a pair of MC4 conecters for 1p plus 99p postage

 

Phil

 

Cheers Phil, don't know the model No. do you. I'm trying to avoid any dodgy stuff

 

There's so many out there now, some just seem too cheap as well.

[Phil Ambrose]

 

Cheers Phil, don't know the model No. do you. I'm trying to avoid any dodgy stuff

 

There's so many out there now, some just seem too cheap as well.

Hmm, I'll try and find something if I can, if I do will let you know.

Phil

[Rebotco]

About 18 mths ago I bought the Tracer 10 amp MPPT direct from China which cost under £20 inc. postage.

It has been absolutely fine and still available now (Bimbles web site).

[Ex- Member]

About 18 mths ago I bought the Tracer 10 amp MPPT direct from China which cost under £20 inc. postage.

It has been absolutely fine and still available now (Bimbles web site).

 

I was just browsing bimble LOL, I'll take a look Rob cheers.

[Detling]

I've had a tracer 20 running well for 8 months now no problems.

[station tug]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MPPT-30-Amp-Solar-Power-Charge-Controller-12V-24V-/261327257764?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd85180a4

 

iv been using one of these for over two years now with 6 x 80w panels and it works well....i disconected it at the start of the month and run the panels direct into my battery bank......i run 16 x 6v traction cells

Edited January 18, 2014 by station tug

[DaveP]

I bought a 40A Tracer + meter from HK on ebay. No problems in delivery, installation and operation; using it with a paid of 250w panels.

[GoodGurl]

Bimble solar for me, we bought 2 last year and at a good price, had to replace the 2 we had from china as they blew up.

[KJT]

Another vote for the Tracer. We have a 10amp and a 30amp and are very pleased with them. Both have worked reliably since installed a couple of years ago.

 

Ken

[Ex- Member]

Thanks people, the tracer seems the safer bet

[Timleech]

Wellsee is one to avoid, apparently not genuine MPPT.

I think it's also sold under other names, so google it to see what it looks like.

 

Tim

[KJT]

Thanks people, the tracer seems the safer bet

If you're going to go for the Tracer, I think it's worth spending an extra few quid and get the optional remote display.

 

Ken

[peterboat]

I had a charge controller from China that started smoking badly luckily I was in the boat and managed to sort it but I am now very very wary of anything made in China. If I hadnt been there what would have happened?

 

Peter

[Ex- Member]

I'm going to stick with the Bimble Solar units. I hadn't realised they were in Sherborne either, just a few miles away from my business in Dorset so I can collect stuff easily and no postage. I'll try to pick up one of those 165w panels bargain price under £100 next week, I'm planning a new swivel tilt solar panel set up, much simpler and cheaper than my current set up.

 

I won't need it through the summer, but might store it away for some extra power next winter.

 

Lynn said no more solar so I only bought an Outback 60 I new I should have got the 80 LOL So if i do fit it I'll need another charge controller.

[matty40s]

I have fitted many Tracer units across the whole range 10a- 45a and had no complaints or issues from any customers. I have also used them myself for 3 years now.