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
JiminDenver wrote:
I could better the price by a bit with this kit from windy nation with free shipping.
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Yes. Same solar wattage and better amps limit of the controller.
But... With any kit, there is always the same "but" - does it have the components that you want? If you prefer fewer panels, i.e. better 2 than 3, and better 1 than 2 - then this is a wrong kit. If you prefer being able to see what you controller is doing, and to tune everything up like setpoints, voltage drop and temp comp - then this is a wrong kit again.
OTH, if the goal is just to get some solar charging at the lowest cost possible - then this might be the ticket, but like SMK said you should count only the components that you will sure use. MC4 wire will be cut in half which makes it 20ft double lead, and in any but very small trailers you total run from the roof to controller will exceed 25ft. Brackets and screws included you will likely put in a scrap bucket. Controller - don't know, seems to be one of zillion no-name PWMs.
20A MPPT is adequate for 300W for most users. 20A PWM is not.
About the cost again. SMK is right that the cost of separate components will likely be higher than the kit. It might be worth it though. A good fully adjustable 20A MPPT with remote temp sensor and 300W array will cost ~700, plus $60-80 for wires (which you will likely have to buy separately anyway).
