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
Most panels are on the West, but there should be local suppliers. Heck, even in obscure Canada people find local suppliers.
Sort you needs and priorities out. I wouldn't be able to relax knowing that my batteries are being charged or floating at voltages ~0.5V off the optimal, for example, because this is how some particular controller is made. Or that they are not 99% full in the evening because 10-15% of power is lost in a thin wire @20 amps. With multiple small panels, unless you always camp in the open, you have to wire them parallel to avoid shading losses, which in turn requires a better cable than #10, at these amps.
Sort you needs and priorities out. I wouldn't be able to relax knowing that my batteries are being charged or floating at voltages ~0.5V off the optimal, for example, because this is how some particular controller is made. Or that they are not 99% full in the evening because 10-15% of power is lost in a thin wire @20 amps. With multiple small panels, unless you always camp in the open, you have to wire them parallel to avoid shading losses, which in turn requires a better cable than #10, at these amps.
