Anyone use the Harbor Freight solar panel kits?

Three days out of a pair of 24s is doing no favor to the 24s. Recharge fully every day for maximum battery life. Forget “extending” battery life. Do an energy survey and buy an adequate controller and sufficient panels. “Mickey Mouse” solar systems disappoint.

The HF systems are fairly pricey per watt and come with a "junk" controller.

They are low efficiency panels that may use up most of the room on the roof of an RV.

They are also, "Plug and Play" which is great for the folks wanting an introduction to solar. Obviously, not for the experts among us who know the difference between the various components and have the ability to assemble their own system. One can be charging a battery and lighting some lights within minutes of leaving the store. (Provided the sun is shining).. Have fun, 100 watts will do exactly what you want. (Provided the sun is shining)

(Provided the sun is shining)

In the interest of both science and accuracy the sun never actually stops shining but the plant does, daily, conspire to block it's light from us... ;-)

Here is a great video on reasonably priced solar panels...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYmOKaw8VAk

Instead of just saying junk controler and inefficient solar panels why not give alternatives of good controlers and panels that suit the OP needs. People like me who have done no research on what makes a good solar panel or controler would like to know.

colliehauler wrote:
Instead of just saying junk controler and inefficient solar panels why not give alternatives of good controlers and panels that suit the OP needs. People like me who have done no research on what makes a good solar panel or controler would like to know.

The reason why I posted the video link that I did. Will give one a little education...not everything they need to know as there is alot but it gives some.

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.

He could search the forums. My intent was to save him money.

Here is a link that may help him:

https://freecampsites.net/adding-solar/

I do not own any HF solar equipment. I do own various strippers and crimpers. Some people don't like to strip and crimp. What specifically would they "Search the forums" for? "Cheap introduction to solar"?

Here is a typical quote from the provided link:

"Recharging may take a great deal of time. The reason is the charge acceptance rate. Typically, a flooded battery may accept only about 12.5 amps per 100 amp-hours when it reaches 85% of fully charged. According to Battery University, it may take up to 168 hours to get to 100% state of charge. Clearly that is something to avoid when running a generator, but remember–solar is a “free lunch”!"

This does not intimidate me, but a new person might be scared off.