Opinion on solar panel kit wanted
I received a notice of this solar panel kit. It seemed like a good deal here in the northeast. 300 watts for $500 including S&H. All opinions welcome.
Forum Discussion
Don't know where BFL got his 130 in that formula, but 19A total Isc is really too close to the rated 20A PWM limit. For 300W array I would go for 25A controller.
The price - to me this kit has only one useful item: 2*150w panel. Possibly, 2*MC4 Y-connectors, they are expensive but you only need them if you run a parallel without a roof junction box. Everything else is either wrong item or wrong quantity. 40ft #10 wire is too short for on-rig installations, this is mere 20ft one way run. Z-brackets are a cr-p. Controller is too weak for this setup. And yes, there was a negative feedback on Phocos 30 - which in itself doesn't mean much, but the brand is not popular in RV.
The price - to me this kit has only one useful item: 2*150w panel. Possibly, 2*MC4 Y-connectors, they are expensive but you only need them if you run a parallel without a roof junction box. Everything else is either wrong item or wrong quantity. 40ft #10 wire is too short for on-rig installations, this is mere 20ft one way run. Z-brackets are a cr-p. Controller is too weak for this setup. And yes, there was a negative feedback on Phocos 30 - which in itself doesn't mean much, but the brand is not popular in RV.
