First foray into solar energy

[grandpacamper]

My son who also likes camping (32' TT) sent an email last week about Harbor Freight's starter solar set.  Reading the reviews & specs, I figured that it would be a workable solution to 'trickle' charge my van battery if needed, charge my cell or laptop.  I know 40 watts is not a full blown set but will serve my needs when I camp at my off grid Idaho mountain top retreat.   He purchased one yesterday, notified me this morning.  Has anybody had any experience with them?  All review comments seemed positive.

 

[GotSmart]

Any other brand other than Harber Freight.

 

[grandpacamper]

Any other brand other than Harber Freight.

Granted most of the items are 'junk'.  But, as a minimalist, frugal van dweller, cost is a big, big item with me.  I don't need to be tethered 24/7 to my electronics (I'm a dyed in the wool Linux user & have never owned anything with the Apple logo on it).  It will be mostly used in an emergency.  At $149 (a reviewer comment pointed out that the connectors & converter were somewhat suspect but the panels were quality).  If it works at the property then I'll probably get another for my van to mount on my roof rack.

 

[SternWake]

For less than 140$ you can get 100 watts and a controller that take up less room.

https://www.amazon.com/HQST-Watt-Po...41&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=100+watt+solar&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Controller-R...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PBHZFCQW9PYKQ5E2QN5Y

You will find no love for the HF panels on this forum, and for good reason.

 

[gapper2]

I would not go with Harbor Freight on the Solar or for that matter anything that runs on electricity.  Earlier today I had a heat gun fail.  I've also had an electric grinder and drill fail.  Mechanical seems ok for the money but I would stay away from elec items.

gapper2

 

[grandpacamper]

For less than 140$ you can get 100 watts and a controller that take up less room.

https://www.amazon.com/HQST-Watt-Po...41&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=100+watt+solar&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Controller-R...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PBHZFCQW9PYKQ5E2QN5Y

You will find no love for the HF panels on this forum, and for good reason.

Got to quit listening to my son's obsession with HF, believe me I've argued with him before about the quality, thanks for the info.  I will probably consider what links you pointed out for my van,  again thanks

 

[Wabbit]

I have owned that HF solar kit. I paid $129 plus tax. We used it for 2 camping seasons, 6 months each time. It was cheap quality, and I had to resolder one of the panels. However, it worked great for us and after we decided to upgrade, I gave it along with the battery we used to a couple in need.

You can get a better deal on solar power if you have a few more bucks to spend. But if you don't have the money...Also, I would not recommend this on top of a vehicle. It is to cheaply made to handle that.

My advice, save up the money and go a different route. If you can't, then treat this kit with kid gloves. If you ever had a high maintenance relationship, that's what its like dealing with the HF kit...

 

[Zizzer_Zazzer_Zuz]

Love what you have.

Your expectations are reasonable.

Go ahead and add a 40ah AGM battery and buy a battery Tender. A small high quality pure sine wave inverter that you can use both off the battery or in the running car. Presto, you have a complete solar generator with multiple charging options.

Upgrade the charge controller and combine the two units, yours and your sons, and you have a half decent system. By that point you will have patched some of the wiring and maybe added better cables and fuses.

I'll let other harp on the cons.