Why wouldn't you buy this 45watt Solar System for $149???

[Rbertalotto]

I'm a bit of a newby "things solar"...But for $150....Isn't this a good deal even if it is 'disposable"

http://www.harborfreight.com/solar-panel-kit-45-watt-68751.html

What would it cost to duplicate this system with "good" stuff?




Description
Solar panel kits are a great way to generate plenty of clean, quiet energy, using solar energy from the sun to run TVs, lights, computers, even recharge 12 volt DC batteries. Setting up Chicago Electric solar panel kits is easy. The solar panel kit comes with three 15 watt solar panels - simply connect the solar panels to your own 12 volt DC storage battery, and then use at least a 300 watt power inverter (sold separately) to power your 120 volt AC appliances anywhere.

Three 15 watt solar panels produce clean, quiet energy
Lightweight, weatherproof construction
Amorphous silicon solar cells for maximum output in both bright and cloudy conditions
Voltage regulator has easy-to-read LED display, 12V cigarette lighter socket, 5V USB, 3-6-9V DC outlets and two 12V sockets for the included Light Kit
Includes mounting hardware, 12V Light Kit, battery terminal clamps and universal DC power adapter

Requires 12 volt storage battery and 300 watt power inverter (sold separately).
Specifications
Name Solar Panel Kit, 45 Watt
SKU 68751
Brand THUNDERBOLT MAGNUM SOLAR
Application TVs, Lights, Computers, And Recharging 12v Batteries
Number of Panels 3
Wattage (watts) 45
Product Height 36-21/50 in.
Product Length 12-21/50 in.
Product Width 3/4 in.
Accessories Included Mounting hardware, 12v light kit, battery terminal clamps and universal DC power adapter
Warranty 90 Day

[j_p_f_]

I have used the older harbor freight system for several years now and it works just fine for what I need.
it keeps my battery fully charged even with some SMALL use of the lights, water pump and fridge on gas when parked at the house.
however, it is not going to keep you charged if you use the higher electric use appliances like the furnace TV/DVD player for hours.

[Almot]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
I wanna 9 X 12 rug thingee I can unroll, get forty amps and then bungee it to the top of the rig. Oh wait. That arrives next year 🙂

Does it fly?

[SteveAE]

Rbertalotto,

Most tow vehicles have a isolator so the truck alternator doesn't sense the voltage of the camper batteries and reduce its output which would limit the charge to your truck battery. So no problem.
Meanwhile, your solar panel will be nicely charging your camper battery(s) while you roll down the road....which is a good thing.

Steve

[MEXICOWANDERER]

I wanna 9 X 12 rug thingee I can unroll, get forty amps and then bungee it to the top of the rig. Oh wait. That arrives next year 🙂

[HiTech]

It's actually a good thing.

Jim

[Almot]

I don't see a problem with truck alternator and solar controller working simultaneously. And yes, there is an easy way to resolve this problem (which is not a problem). Install a cut-off switch between the panel and controller - it's useful to have for when you work on the circuits.

Also, wait until tomorrow. I don't hear most experts usually participating in such threads. In Canada the 4th of July holiday is on the 1st of July which is today. Tomorrow there will be more responses.

[Rbertalotto]

I'll ask this question here since we are on a solar roll.

My truck has a simple wire to the camper battery from the main battery with a heavy duty relay so the camper is only seeing power from the truck when the truck is running.

If I mount solar panels to the roof and tie them into the camper battery, the truck battery and alternator will be seeing "back feed" from the solar panels while driving down the road with the panels on the roof of the camper.

Is this a bad thing?

Iss there an easy way to resolve this issue if its a problem?

[Rbertalotto]

Here is a YouTube video on these Harbor Freight 45w panels...Amusing..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81gMLa5nliQ

All it proves is a 12V battery and an inverter will power a fan or a drill....after a few minutes you'll need to run the solar panel for hours to bring the battery back up............

[Almot]

Rbertalotto wrote:

http://www.solarblvd.com/p2748/12-Volt-120-Watt-Solar-Panel-Kit-with-FREE-SHIPPING/product_info.html

Is this a reputable company to buy from?

Yes, Solar Blvd is a reputable place. Like I said, I have no idea if Phocos controller is any good. It looks odd for a 20A unit. You will still have to cut your own brackets for roof mounting.

As noted, you need enough batteries to ride out bad weather days until sun shines again. With your goal of 30 Ah consumed daily (which is doable without laptop but may be difficult with it), you need battery bank at least 180 Ah total.

[hershey]

Not a solar fan nor do I know that much about it. But even with my limited working knowledge, I think you can find a lot better, larger units in the same price range.
Now if price paid is a gauge of how efficient similar rated units are then you probably need to spend a bit more money to get acceptable results.
Also: you need adequate battery power to make any solar installation satisfactory.

[JiminDenver]

I based my cost on solarblvd.com having lager panels for $150 plus shipping, a eco-worthy 20a MPPT controller for $100 shipped and the cords for $32 shipped. With you living in Ma. you might find a better deal on the shipping. (it was $60 to Denver when I checked)

Honestly 230w is a lot for a low power user. A 120 watt set up would probably suit you fine and not be as hard to manage. I don't have a issue lifting the 50 lb panel up on the truck but there will come a day......Hopefully be then I have it mounted on the roof.

[SteveAE]

Rbertalotto wrote:

Steve, does your 300watt flat system supply what you need based on your post above?

Rbertalotto,
Yes, the 300 watts is more than enough for our needs.
We do have four 6 volt golf cart batteries which tide us over when in the shade (or rain/snow) as well as allow us to use the microwave almost every day.
If I was to do it over again, I would do the same. But if I was only summer camping, then 200 watts of solar would be enough. Of course, for AC or portable heater use, you will need an appropriately sized generator....or shore power.

Have fun and welcome to the "solar club",
Steve

[red31]

for comparison, oops it is in Australia!!

120W FOLDING SOLAR PANEL MONOCRYSTALLINE COMPLETE SET

[Rbertalotto]

Thanks for the links...This looks like maybe the best bang for the buck

120w system for $288 free shipping

http://www.solarblvd.com/p2748/12-Volt-120-Watt-Solar-Panel-Kit-with-FREE-SHIPPING/product_info.html

Is this a reputable company to buy from?

This package includes FREE SHIPPING to anywhere in the USA!

Solar Cynergy 120 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline
Solar Panel Kit.

1 pcs: 120 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel
1 pcs: Phocos CML-20, 20 Amp 12V PWM Charge Controller
1 pcs: Phocos CMM Volts/Amp Display For Charge Controller
1 pcs: 40 FT 10 Gauge AWG PV Solar Cable w/ MC4 Connectors
1 pcs: Z Bracket (4 Pack)


(EDIT: Same company, Solar Blvd, has it on Ebay for $264 with free shipping!!)