Folding/portable solar kits140-200W?

dewey02 wrote:
Unfortunately, most of the suitcases are around 100-120 watts. There are a few that have more watts, but the price really climbs. I've been thinking about 2 100watt Renogy suitcases (without a controller) and then buying the controller separately so I can mount it in the pass-through closer to the batteries. Still, that will end up getting up there in price and probably more expensive than the Ecoworthy 200Watt.

Most suitcases are 100-120W for a good reason. 27 lbs is already heavy, and a suitcase of 2*70 or 2*100 will be both heavy and bulky.

For what you are planning - permanent controller in pass through - buying 2 separate 100W panels and other components as suggested by Westend makes more sense than 2 100W suitcases and separate controller. Much lower cost. Cheaper than Eco200 kit, too. I would keep 2*100W detach-able, joined with pins or something (think sailboat rudder pintles). Makes it easier to carry separately.

I don't see what is so special about Kickass kits, other than - hopefully - better mechanical quality of panels and hinges than Chinese parts from Solar Blvd, Eco etc. Run of the mill panel is strong enough as it is. Controller in Kickass is same basic/featureless unit as others mentioned here, except for being weather-proof. You don't need it to be weather-proof for mounting it in pass-through.

300W Kickass that you've been eying, weighs 50 lbs and has about 3x3 ft folded size - I wouldn't want to lift and carry something like this. There is no free lunch in solar, more watts = bigger and heavier panels. That's why most people mount panels permanently on the roof :)