another solar option

[Jebby14]

hopefully I don't get crucified like the last guy asking about a cheap plug and play system. I can get this thing for a song and a dance. anyone have any feedback?

clicky

only looking for a cheap way to add some time to my deep cycle. really only need it to run the fridge controller and water pump

[bdhoun]

SoundGuy wrote:

Jebby14 wrote:
Any tips for mounting permanently should i keep them?

Since you're here in S Ontario as am I you no doubt camp in Ontario provincial parts which for the most part are well treed, meaning lots of campsite shade. JMO but I'd set this panel up to be used as a portable so you can easily move it around your campsite as the sun moves across different parts of your campsite. Mount it on the trailer roof and over the course of a day you're sure to get much more shade that sun.

I installed the NOMA version sold at Canadian Tire and at the non-electric sites at Driftwood PP I was getting 5.5 amps for about 2 hours, rest of the day 0.3-0.5 amps. Not enough to charge the battery so I was running the gennie for about 90 minutes each day charging with a stand alone smart battery charger that was putting out 25 amps at 14.6 volts. I installed the charge controller above the fridge so a short run to the panel, then 20ft of 12 gauge solar panel wire clipped to the battery terminals.

[allen8106]

Just know that it isn't actually made by Coleman. It's made by some third party licencing the Coleman name with no oversight whatsoever by Coleman.

The company I work for does the same thing for HVAC products.

[Jebby14]

Just got it home. Seems like this is the intent. Lets see how it does

[SoundGuy]

Jebby14 wrote:
Any tips for mounting permanently should i keep them?

Since you're here in S Ontario as am I you no doubt camp in Ontario provincial parts which for the most part are well treed, meaning lots of campsite shade. JMO but I'd set this panel up to be used as a portable so you can easily move it around your campsite as the sun moves across different parts of your campsite. Mount it on the trailer roof and over the course of a day you're sure to get much more shade that sun.

[pianotuna]

Jebby14,

Attempt to keep the wire runs as short as is reasonable with oversize wire. That way, as your solar appetite increases, you won't have to be fishing wire a 2nd time.

If it is within the budget use the largest size that will fit the input terminals on the controller.

[Jebby14]

where did yall mount your controllers? Im leaning towards under the master bed in the nose where my water heater, fresh tank and pump are but always open to suggestions. Also thinking above the dinette on the shelf next to the tv (where my sterio is and all the dvd's that the kids never watch.

this is my floor plan

[dave17352]

nothing special about that deal

[colliehauler]

I posted about another option on the (other) solar thread from Light catcher Solar kit for $112. 100 watt solar panel with a controler capable of 800 watts. Panels made in Germany with 25 year warranty accessories 5 year warranty. Thought about ordering one of these kits.

[Jebby14]

Any tips for mounting permanently should i keep them?

[Jebby14]

If they still have tomorrow im gunna give it a shot. Test trip labor day weekend amd if they suck ill return them

[Jebby14]

My dollar is only woth 60 cents
Pay shipping amd duty and its more than double list price

[Lwiddis]

A solar system starts with an energy survey to see what you need...batteries, panels and controller. Or you can just keep guessing.

I'm a WindyNation customer, wandering. Very happy with them.

[wanderingaimles]

My intention was not to bad mouth anybody, but I am curious, is the shipping so bad for Canadians that this isnt a better deal? windy nation

It doesn't have the modified sine inverter, and it does have the larger controller that would allow an additional panel in the future.
So I am curious, why not?

[pianotuna]

Jebby14,

There are cheaper panels. I tend to avoid kits because they include "useless" items.

Costco's return policy is good.