Tektrum MPPT 15A 12V/24V Solar Panel Charge Controller - 30% Power Boost

We bought it and tested it through the mppt cycle, don't work and the voltage output was too high (auto detect did not work) and damaged our 12v-based equipments. Bad physical design as well.

I purchased the 15 Amp Tektrum controller as pzrt of my initial set-up for my Lance Camper. The unit is compact and the set-up was very easy. Emphasis in the instructions to connect the battery first. Otherwise damage to the controller can occur. Maybe an issue with low review rating? The description clearly states the the primary charge is PMW and the final charge is MPPT When installed the constant red light means bulk PMW charge and a blinking red light indicates MPPT charge. My voltage at full charge is 13.8 volts. In my opinion is not overcharged at all. I am no expert on electronics but the controller charges my batteries very quickly and efficiently. Overall I am very happy with this product, ease of use and cost. I wouly highly reccomend this product for a "stand alone" inexpensive system. It also leaves room for expansion to my 90W panel.

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I bought this because it was MPPT, and none of my others were so I paid more expecting better performance I was hoping for 20-30% better.

I have built 5 separate solar applications over the past couple of years at home, my boat and my cabin, so while Im not a qualified expert, i've been playing with solar for a while and I am not a novice.

I hooked this MPPT controller up to a watt-meter to get a read on watts, amps, battery condition etc while this controller was in use. I then swapped the controller out with 3 cheaper ones (not MPPT)to compare performance. I also tried with 2 batteries to ensure the MPPT controller wasnt just tapering down for a full battery.

What I found was unexpected and disappointing. Using a 15W panel in good sun, I was getting 9W through to the battery on all 3 of my cheaper controllers, but this MPPT controller would only put through about 6W about 30% LESS.

Not being an expert on MPPT, please let me know if somehow this makes sense. But it would seem this controller is less efficient than normal. I cant reconcile my experience of 30% less output, to manufacturer's claims that MPPT controllers give 30% better output???

Also, the controller makes a fast "ticking" noise as it charges which is a bit annoying if there is not much background noise to hide it. My other controllers are silent.

Unless Im missing something here, I seem to get better output from my $10 controller than this one which was six times the cost.

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