Harbor Freight Solar Panel kit

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
What are the advantages of MC-4 cables? I've never used them but I know using standard terminations in an older design panel was not a piece-of-cake. Are the MC-4 cables correct for both single and few panel connections as well as larger arrays? Thank you.

Standardized connectors for easy install without crimping or soldering. Weatherproof, don't need a junction box. Though I treated mine with dielectric grease anyway.

I don't see why MC4 would not be good for larger arrays as well.

SidecarFlip wrote:
I'm so glad I asked for input... I got that and more....

Ignore the "more", - happens from time to time.

What matters is that those portable amorphous kits don't lend themselves well to permanent roof installs.

Tom M: That looks interesting. Thanks for the positive post.

Here's a 100 watt portable that only weighs 5.2 lbs.

https://www.amazon.com/Dokio-Monocrystalline-foldable-Inverter-Controller/dp/B0748FYFSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516394576&sr=8-1&keywords=portable%2Bsolar%2Bcharger%2B200%2Bwatt&th=1

I'm so glad I asked for input... I got that and more....

Gdetrailer wrote:

Yeah, I realize Common Sense has been dead for many years, but I keep trying to bring him back to life..

Hope you locate some common sense..

Anyone who has to repeat how smart they are a dozen or more times is usually not nearly as smart as you think YOU are.

If YOU can't make your point about efficiency, price, and practicality without insulting the other person, YOU must not have much pride in what you are saying. Let it go. I have an opinion. We all have opinions. This is a forum, not a dictatorship. Let the OP decide how to spend his or her hard earned money.

Different Tack

What are the advantages of MC-4 cables? I've never used them but I know using standard terminations in an older design panel was not a piece-of-cake. Are the MC-4 cables correct for both single and few panel connections as well as larger arrays? Thank you.

TomG2 wrote:

Gdetrailer wrote:

So you would rather spend MORE, get LESS all because of the MC4 connectors..
That is plain stupid.

What is "stupid" is for some self-proclaimed expert to call what other people think "stupid". Takes a real sharp fellow to call names. Like a third grader.

I do not own Harbor Freight Solar equipment. But when you leave out the cost of cables and connectors, you are being a liar by omission. I never said they were a bargain. I did say that they were plug and play and will have a new person making electricity in less than an hour. Ordering from three or four suppliers, matching components, and making the connection to a battery bank can take a lot longer and who do you return the package to when it does not all work together? I am a hobbyist and don't mind the engineering involved. I am not "stupid" but people who call other people "stupid" just might be.

Not a "self claimed expert", however, I DO use a lot of "common sense" which does seem to be lacking with the notion that paying more for an inferior product is the "better way".

Common sense would state that getting BETTER parts UP FRONT is a BETTER WAY.

Common sense would state that cutting off said offending connector is a BETTER WAY.

Common sense would state that buying BETTER CABLES AT LOWER COST at your local hardware store IS a BETTER WAY.

Common sense would state buying your own LONGER cables LOCALLY is a BETTER WAY.

Common sense would state that not having to interconnect FOUR smaller panels IS A BETTER WAY.

Common sense would state that buying a BETTER controller that has ROOM TO GROW when you decide to add on more solar IS A BETTER WAY.

The HF kit is for those who do not know better, they ARE TOYS, EXPENSIVE TOYS.

If you are going to drop $190 on a "toy" (four 25W panels) why not UPGRADE said toy and start with a BETTER TOY (ONE 150W panel).

Common sense would state why pay TWICE, once for the cheap toy (HF panels) and then the SECOND TIME for BETTER PANELS.

Most folks who "dabbled" with small solar panels end up eventually buying more, larger panels and the money spent on the smaller higher cost panels is wasted.

Yeah, I realize Common Sense has been dead for many years, but I keep trying to bring him back to life..

Hope you locate some common sense..

SidecarFlip wrote:
The cost per watt is bargain basement.

More to the point:

Can they be roof mounted in an RV installation?
Are the durable, and weatherproof?
Do they have suitable mount tabs to secure them to the roof?
Do they degrade appreciably in output over time?

If this is the one in the link, - it's a portable unit, to put on the ground next to your RV. They are not meant for installing on the roof. I think panels are covered with clear plastic.

It is cheaper than portable Renogy suitcase - and lighter, being plastic-covered. I would expect it to be less durable than traditional rigid glass-covered panels.

In $ per watt, portable kits are overpriced, compared to buying separately rigid panels and controller - and included controllers are usually low quality. Also, 100W is very little, it won't get you far.

ya return it to home depot (90days), have it all delivered there free and buy some of their 12g landscape wire. The HF pvc frame alone takes too long to assemble for me! If you want to add some sort to ring terminals or such ya buy them also. Get a jumper cable while there and use 1/2 to go from controller to batt if ya like for portability!

Oh the good ole days, you open the box on the back and attach your wire, ya can still do that or whack off the MC4 and splice.

But that is after having a HF type (northern tool) 15w panel/controller/plug/play delivered to your door for $112 (2005) and determine the plastic frame and less than desirable output.