Searching for appropriate Solar Charger

How do you take em apart?

ottor, I never used either kit. They don't tell anything about controller in either one. Could be easily same 20A in both. Cost $15-20 on Ebay. For a "very portable", both kits look good, in terms of panels. A pair of 2*50W or 2*80W you can take apart for storage if you have to. This would increase set-up time but you can, if you have to.

NinerBikes wrote:
Solar Blvd, 120 watt portable solar panel kit... $190
Google it.
Yes, I bought one, yes, it works as intended. Put a piece of rug or old carpet strip underneath it every time, so you don't scratch things up in the rocks aiming it 2 or 3 times a day for peak efficiency.

Great tip and purchase source.

I wish I had bought the kit vs piecing parts.

Thanks Almot .. about ready to pull the trigger on This One Would your opinion extend to the 160 Watt kit also ??

Thanks,

rick

ottor wrote:
Now I'm looking for a "Very Portable" 100Wt Solar Charging system .. I've read many forum posts where folks talk about their inexpensive units, but all I've been able to find online are either too expensive (I'd like under $200), or the reviews are crappy by existing customers. I've tried EBay, Amazon, and Google - Can anyone that currently has a minimum 100Wt 'portable' charging system that they really like, for under $200 steer me to their source??

Many people writing those reviews don't know what they are talking about. (Because if they did, they would buy separate parts instead).

The kit that you are going to order from Solar Blvd, with "built-in" controller, had a recent negative review on the controller. That little POS simply didn't work and was trying to boil the batteries. Every few months somebody posts a negative feedback on those kits, and it's usually a controller. The panel itself is more difficult to screw up for el-cheapo manufacturer. It's better to get a better controller from the beginning. But better will cost more. So you'll have to keep an eye on the voltage because it can't be trusted.

I don't think there are many people who "really like" 100W portable. It's a very small system, the benefits don't outweigh the trouble of handling. It's good for extending your stay a little, sans generator, slowing down the battery drain. A minimalist would be able to live off that as long as the weather is sunny, but it has to be a minimalist and it has to be sunny all days. And it's good for completing the charging silently in the afternoon after an hour or two on the generator in the morning - important for getting 100% SOC if your stay is long, but not important if it's just a weekend and yo are going home next day.

Sloop Smitten wrote:
Solarblvd 120W - 12V Folding Solar Panel

really appreciate that!! - Will order it... appears to be exactly what I've been looking for..

Thanks again..

Seems to me both Eco-worthy and Windynation had 100w kits for around $200 or less with shipping, Then again prices have changed so fast I can't keep up.

NinerBikes wrote:
Solar Blvd, 120 watt portable solar panel kit... $190
Google it.
Yes, I bought one, yes, it works as intended. Put a piece of rug or old carpet strip underneath it every time, so you don't scratch things up in the rocks aiming it 2 or 3 times a day for peak efficiency.

Exactly what I was looking for - Is this a unit that attaches to the batteries, or is there some 'installation' involved ? (BTW, I've looked at that source, and can only find what you described having a retail price of $449 on sale for $288 - I've EMailed them for their response..)

Appreciate your help!