Harbor Freight 45w Solar for $139
I don't do much dry camping, but I'd given some thought about experimenting with solar just for the heck of it. Is this HF kit (on sale today for $139) a good, basic, entry level kit? The HF reviews...
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How do you waste money getting feet wet ?
Buying too small a controller ?
It don't matter if its a $12 controller.
Too small a panels ? Won't happen if you start w/ 100 watters.
I started w/ 1 panel and a 10 amp $8 controller, worked great, cept 5 amps dint cut it.
Then I got another panel, and a 15 amp $8 controller worked great, till I got tired of manhandling the portable setup. So mounted them on the roof, and added 1 more panel, and a 20 amp $8 controller.(actually bought 2, 1 for spare)
I have yet to really try it out down south soon.
I had fun doing it all, and din't waste any money. Sold 1 controller for 20 bucks, and using the other on a 50 watt portable batt charger.
But of course there are those that laugh at my 300 watt 15 amp $400 system, because they always claim get more watts out of their system than anyone else !! But that only because theirs cost thrice what mine did. They have to justify the cost somehow.
Buying too small a controller ?
It don't matter if its a $12 controller.
Too small a panels ? Won't happen if you start w/ 100 watters.
I started w/ 1 panel and a 10 amp $8 controller, worked great, cept 5 amps dint cut it.
Then I got another panel, and a 15 amp $8 controller worked great, till I got tired of manhandling the portable setup. So mounted them on the roof, and added 1 more panel, and a 20 amp $8 controller.(actually bought 2, 1 for spare)
I have yet to really try it out down south soon.
I had fun doing it all, and din't waste any money. Sold 1 controller for 20 bucks, and using the other on a 50 watt portable batt charger.
But of course there are those that laugh at my 300 watt 15 amp $400 system, because they always claim get more watts out of their system than anyone else !! But that only because theirs cost thrice what mine did. They have to justify the cost somehow.
