Do I REALLY need solar?

[WheelEstate USA]

Bob D...You will benefit from MPPT for sure. You might want to consider going with a better unit, such as Midnight Kid. True, a bit more costly, but worth the extra.
I am currently saving to upgrade, as I have seen what they will do for other users.
Tho I highly recommend Renogy panels, their controllers are easily beaten by many of the other brands.

 

[akrvbob]

Bob D...You will benefit from MPPT for sure. You might want to consider going with a better unit, such as Midnight Kid. True, a bit more costly, but worth the extra.

One way a better controller can pay for itself is by being able to charge your battery in exactly the way it wants/needs to be charged (thanks Sternwake for teaching us all that!!)

If the extra customization doubles the life of an expensive battery, it was money well spent!
Bob

 

[jimindenver]

I'd like to know when anyone had a panel fail under normal circumstances other than Renogy flex panels. In five years of doing solar, RV forums, solar forums and such, I have never seen a post saying a panel failed outside of the flex panels. I am sure it happens but it is rare.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I have seen one panel with a flimsy frame that had a cracked glass. 
I'd guess it is a rare problem, as that is the only one I know of. I still believe its less of a chance with a quality frame.
I also like that Renogy is now coating the back of their panels with an elastomeric type material which can only help make them more suited for mobile use.

 

[Gypsy Jane]

I have seen some very flimsy, and broken, frames. Favorably impressed with Renogy's, in comparison.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[Canine]

Me and Vic returned home one spring and had 3 panels scattered across the yard and garden.Didn't bother them at all.They are more secured now.The reason I want to buy a cheaper mppt controller is because I'm not sold on the advantage of mppt.Since I can't find any un biased tests I'm going to do my own.Curiosity mostly,since I already have plenty of power.

 

[Fivealive]

Well if your driving every day you might be able to get by with just a 2nd battery charging from the alternater. You can start with that and add the panels and charge controller later on.