The Harbor Freight picture shows a "box" with the solar panels. Is this a charge controller, or just a multi voltage tap? They don't specifically mention a charge controller, which would be essential to maintaining a battery without damaging it.
Also, does anyone have any experience with the Northern Tool solar panels? They look pretty good, although more expensive than the Harbor Freight ones.
Jim & JoAnne
2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab
2004 Starcraft 11RT (Replaced by)
2011 Eclipse Milan 18CK Travel Trailer
I occasionally Boondock and currently use a set of 3 solar panels (different sizes and from various manufacturers (combined watts slightly over 30w). Regarding the Harbor Freight kit, as far as cost /watt this sounds like a heck of a deal which makes me wonder why this is considerably cheaper than most of the other solar panels out there. For example, I paid almost the same amount ($169.00) for a kit made by ICP which was a single panel at 15 watts and included a 7 amp controller. Can anyone comment on how the harbor freight kit compares to others? For example, does the stand come with it? How durable is it, is the frame sturdy enough to keep the glass from breaking under normal conditions? Will the glass hold up under adverse weather conditions.(small hail for example), Performance in partial shade, etc.
I am looking to add to my current array and adding 45 watts for $200.00 sounds too good to be true.
What if "the hokey pokey" is REALLY what it's all about?
hikerdude wrote: I occasionally Boondock and currently use a set of 3 solar panels (different sizes and from various manufacturers (combined watts slightly over 30w). Regarding the Harbor Freight kit, as far as cost /watt this sounds like a heck of a deal which makes me wonder why this is considerably cheaper than most of the other solar panels out there. For example, I paid almost the same amount ($169.00) for a kit made by ICP which was a single panel at 15 watts and included a 7 amp controller. Can anyone comment on how the harbor freight kit compares to others? For example, does the stand come with it? How durable is it, is the frame sturdy enough to keep the glass from breaking under normal conditions? Will the glass hold up under adverse weather conditions.(small hail for example), Performance in partial shade, etc.
I am looking to add to my current array and adding 45 watts for $200.00 sounds too good to be true.
Just the way that you see it in the picture is the way it comes in the box. It has the stand, 2 lights, control box, cables to attach to the battery.
Carl
If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of
payments on your RV.
Not sure, but our HF here does not carry the larger 45 watt set up. I think this set up is a cataloge or internet only item.
DW, DD, DS, our poochies Jaques and Maxwell, as often as possible.
2003 Chevy Astro (Snoochie Hauler)
The Snoochie House (1974 Starcraft StarMaster 6)
Favorite place to Camp: Grand Teton National Park
If we could live there, we would! Snoochie House
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