Thoughts on this solar charger?

Just wanted to let everyone know that the kit worked fantastic. It came the day before we left so I didn't have time to make a permanent installation of the controller and wiring before we left, but I made a temporary setup when we were setup at our first campsite. The charger kept my 105 amp hour deep cycle battery charged just fine, even on some cloudy days. My wife and I ran the lights, water pump, 2 laptop computers whenever wanted, and ran the furnace one morning on our 2 week trip. I really like the charger that came with this kit, it has a lighted display that shows the current battery level in %, shows when the charger is chargeing and the amps of the charge. Also has a load hookup of up to 1.2 amps with a amp meter on the load also.

Hi,

This kit may be a better buy? 200 watts including shipping

That kit should serve you well. The biggest issue is the panel to controller wire included is just 40' so the distance needs to be under 20'. Might be short unless your connection is very direct. Consider adding another 40' if needed... see if it can ship free with the kit.

Thanks again everyone, I decided to go with this kit,

Solar Kit

It was a bit more than I was wanting to spend at the moment but I figured after what I've learned anything less wouldn't be worth the trouble. I'll report back how it works.

Thanks everyone, shows how much I know. Glad I asked.

Save your money Joshua. JMO

http://www.menards.com/main/electrical/alternative-energy/solar/18-watt-solar-charger-kit-with-7-amp-charge-controller/p-1509038-c-7916.htm

18 watts for $100 is expensive per watt and will not do more than maintain one or two fully charged and disconnected batteries.

Honestly I think you are far better off with 100 watts minimum to make the effort.

80 watts $104
Better controller $42

OK that is a few $$ more but it will actually do something while camping.

DM Solar 85 cents per watt (316w) Need larger controller too.

Get something that works or just pass for now. Maybe a second battery for now.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

It is outrageously expensive. Panels are running under $1.00 per watt.

Do you have a recommendation? I liked that it came with a charge controller.

Thanks.

Hi,

It is outrageously expensive. Panels are running under $1.00 per watt.

Its not much more than a trickle charger, probably won't give you much extended capacity at all. The best 18 watts can do is maximum 1.5 amps under ideal conditions.