45 Watt Solar Panel Kit - $199

[Ray,IN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midniteoyl Dont the HF ones come with controllers? At $150 on sale, it makes it a great buy..

Yes it does include a 45W controller. When you read the reviews on than HF link they are not all positive. This kit comes with a 90 day limited warranty

[Midniteoyl]

Ahh.. the total output of the panels is 1.5 amps (3 x .5), or 21.75w @ 14.5v, so that '45w kit' is actually 22w w/ a 45w controller... wonder how much another set of 3 panels is?

[jimbo16720]

You want the highest amperage you can get for better charging. Plus the fact that the panels are warranted for 20 yrs for power output instead of the cheap ones from Harbor Freight. They also have different types of controllers which will charge faster than others. MPPT being the top of the line controller type which uses extra voltage to charge faster.

[Shadowcatche]

Read the Solar That Really Works
No matter how you look at it the HF set up is not cost effective.

[jimbo16720]

It would only be good enough to keep your batteries charged if they were sitting for a long period of time.
Just a maintainence charge.

[double-r]

I bought a solar panel set at Costco. It comes with three panels and set up is easy. I use it to charge my engine batteries on my 2007 Diplomat and it does the job. It comes with regulator so the batteries don't over charge. Costco carries good quality items, not so much with Harbor Freight. They still have them in stock.

[dynaride99]

I have been working on a design that will use a portable stand to hold solar panels and allow me to position the panels in the sun even if the RV is under shade. So I have been doing a lot of research on panels and other needed parts. I have concluded that there are no real deals with solar equipment. What I mean is this, you get what you pay for and there are trade offs with everything. The main thing is that if you throw a system together from cheap kits you will be unhappy with the results and dismiss solar power as a viable energy source. I would recommend that you get the best quality equipment you can afford even if the power rating is lower than you need. You will end up with a quality system and can expand the system as money is available. If not you will have a pile of stuff in your garage collecting dust and be out of money that could be used for other good quality equipment.

[leadman]

I have 2 of the HF solar kits on the roof of my MH. The set on the rear of the coach can be raised and turned to catch the sun. The front set is fixed. Both kits can with a controller that has charging ports for other devices that use 5vUSB, 6v, 9v, and 12v. There are 2 12v flourescent lights that have impact resistant covers on them that also plug into the controller. Each kit had three 15W panels in it.
I just spent a week boondocking for the first time with both sets on the coach. I have LED lights in the coach and this really made a big difference in power usage. At night we had 2 lights on, small tv on, and ran the furnace while we slept. we used the hot water and pump as needed, The fridge was on propane but still needed 12v for controls.
The 2 sets of panels were enough to charge the batteries up during the day. In the morning the batteries would be around 12.3v, late afternoon they would be around 12.8v. If we wanted to heat food in the microwave I would start the generator and then shut it off.
I'll see if I can find some old pictures to post. I did make aluminum frames to mount the panels.
I think the HF kits are a good way to break into solar for those that do not have a huge power demand when boondocking. The kits have frameing that is easily assembled if you just want to set the unit on the ground by your rig.

[jimbo16720]

A site called Wholesale Solar Has good deals on systems for Rv's. They include panel, controller, and wiring and have different size kits. They also have the quality stuff in there kits. The panels are 20-25 yr panels.