TomG2 wrote:
Some people don't enjoy searching the Internet for the minutiae and exotica of a subject. The HF and other kits don't require learning about the advantages of mppt over pwm or the why of monocrystalline panels for those who could care less. For a low price they can get a system that works and is easy to set up and understand. Not the best. Even the hobbyist/experts on here have trouble designing the perfect system for a member that wants to gain a couple of days camping out of their two batteries.
Tom, that IS a lame excuse, period.
Lets compare things a bit.
HF 100W solar kit $189
Consists of qty of 4 25W panels (each panel is 40" x 13 5/8" or 40" x 54" all panels side by side), 2 cheap 12V LED lights, 10A non adjustable controller, a "4 in one" adapter cable with special nonstandard nonweather proof connectors.
WindyNation 100W panel kit $158 (from link am1958 gave)
WindyNation 100W panel kit, consist of ONE 40"x 26" 100W panel plus 30A adjustable controller and 40 ft of cable using industry standard MC4 weather proof connectors.
To me, the Windynation kit is not only $30 LESS than the HF, it is also much less "complicated" because it is only ONE 100W PANEL.
The HF has FOUR 25W panels and they REQUIRE the use of a SPECIAL "combiner" which does not use industry standard connectors so you are locked into that cable and adding to the cable becomes complicated by locating more of those connectors or cutting off the connectors and making your own wiring harness.
The Windynation kit the single panel is 40" x 26", the HF kit all of the panels set side by side will be 54" across or TWICE the size of the Windynation panel..
The HF kit you get a 10A non adjustable controller, you cannot add more panels without replacing their controller or buying another "kit".
The Windy nation kit gives you a 30A adjustable controller (has user controllable setpoints) which allows more flexibility AND you can simply ADD several more 100W panels without the need to replace the controller.
At one time HF DID sell a 45W kit at a KILLER price, but now days not so much of a deal nor is it any less complicated than the Windynation kit.
I see no "advantage" to buying a more expensive HF kit..
There are plenty of better "kits" which are at better pricing AND quality per $/Watt..
