Goal Zero Solar Kits

[katelyn]

As I'm prepping for full timing in April, I came across this company.&nbsp; <br><br>http://www.goalzero.com/shop.html?gclid=CMv5rJ3s-bQCFY9DMgod03QAsw<br><br>Since I don't plan on needing a lot of power, mostly to charge phone, laptop, dvd player, maybe a portable tv, thought this might be the way to go instead of buying a gas generator.....and the kits are a lot cheaper than a Honda/Yamaha generator too. &nbsp; Any thoughts? Thanks<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[rvwandering]

&nbsp;They're expensive for what you get. One of these kits could be useful if you were mountain climbing and setting up a base camp or camping occasionally and wanted a potable source of solar power but you'll do much better buying some solar panels and mounting them on your roof - more power for less money even after you buy batteries, an inverter and a controller.

 

[DarthMuerte]

Wouldn't you have to worry about roof mounted panels getting damaged by hail or debris from dump trucks and the like?

 

[peacetara]

I've only had my panel up there for a few months, but there are LOTS of us out here with panels on our roofs, nobody have ever said anything about that.&nbsp; I don't think it would be a big problem, for 1 it's WAY up there (on my van up around 8').&nbsp; On others maybe 6' or so.&nbsp; But the other thing is, the panels are built for going on top of houses, and being outside in the weather 24/7.&nbsp; Also, most any panel you buy will come with a 25 year warranty standard.&nbsp; (some have 20 some have 30 year warranties).&nbsp; So even if something happened to it, it would be covered under warranty.<br><br>With Love,<br>Tara

 

[rvwandering]

&nbsp;We have a couple of panels on our RV that have been in use for about 15 years. No problems with damage. They're built pretty tough.

 

[DarthMuerte]

Ok, thanks. Are the harbor freight panels any good?

 

[rvwandering]

&nbsp;I haven't investigated the harbor freight panels myself but what I've heard makes me believe that you can get better quality ones for close to the same price maybe even cheaper. Harbor freight panels have flimsy frames. I'm not sure if you can mount them to the roof of a vehicle.<br>Plus they only have a 90 day warranty which is kind of a worry. Maybe somebody else that knows more about them can chime in. If they don't try starting another post.

 

[wrcsixeight]

The harbor freight panels are OK, but you can get 45 watts for less money and a smaller physical footprint elsewhere.<br><br>Solar panel warranties do not apply to physical damage from hail or tree branches or highway debris, only to water intrusion, soldering defects or similar, and that after 20 years they will still output 80% of their rated power.&nbsp;<br><br>To the OP, your listed electrical draws are bound to increase. &nbsp;If you go solar, double or triple the estimated amount of watts, for cloudy weather, shading, hot temperatures.<br><br>Cheaper to do it once than do it over again later when more is needed/desired.&nbsp;<br><br><br>

 

[akrvbob]

There are two people here at the RTR that started with Goal Zero kits and both replaced them real solar panels because they just weren't enough power. I think it is very likely the same thing will happen to you. <br><br>I did&nbsp; a blog post on the Harbor Freight kit last month. You can find it on my blog at cheaprvlivingblog.com. In the long run you are better off with a good solar power system.<br>Bob

 

[papas34]

This has been recommended here before, but by who I do not remember<br><br>http://www.amsolar.com/home/amr/multilist_59/pre_configured_systems.html<br><br>Nice thing about solar is they tend to be modular meaning you can add to them as you need and can afford.

 

[wrcsixeight]

You can certainly add to solar, if your charge controller and wiring can handle it and the new panel is within 10% of the VMP of the existing panel.<br><br>Still better to use identical panels.

 

[Les H]

I have a full set of HF panels on my roof. No problems so far, and for $149 for panels, controller and all wiring, not a bad deal at all. It works well, and if you get the extended warrenty, you can WALK IN to any HF in the country and get a replacement. Someone on here has 3 sets that he has powered his house trailer mobile home with for several years.

 Posted Yesterday at 08:45 PM
 #6
 
_________________________________________
Ok, thanks. Are the harbor freight panels any good?

 

[lesliemorris85]

Just look at it from a long term perspective. As pointed out in a previous post, your electricity needs will go up over time so what you need to factor in are budget, durability, and footprint. Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of HF over other solar types so that you’ll get a clearer view of where it stands.

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;I find, in general, that the cheap amorphous solar panels (kits or singles) are vastly overpriced for what you're getting. Over here in BC, there's a guy on the island (cyclonegreenpower) that's selling 50W polycrystalline panels for $54 (taxes incl) and a 10 A charge controller for $29. That's a bit more wattage than your general amorphous 'kit', at a lower price, and having a smaller physical footprint (and lighter). 'Course, he's got much larger panels and stuff, but that gives you an idea. ..Willy.

 

[rokguy]

Hi everyone,<BR>I have been using solar technology for years and found the best panels are quality armorphous like Canon Unisolar simply because all solar panels power are rated at 25 deg C. Most polycrytallines' power drops off over that temp where as good armorphous rate higher.<BR>&nbsp;My panels, Ive used for going on 15-20 years now and are still producing the same rated power. They are also shade tolerant because of their bypass diodes built in.<BR>If its a quality panel no matter what brand you should be able to find its rated tech power curve info on the web and compare its real rated power.<BR>cheers Geoff

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;I have a 64w Unisolar and luv the thing.. but try to get them up here in BC (Canada).. good luck! I to find this one (used) and, truth be told, I can get 4 times the watts, for the same price, were I to buy polycrystalline instead of amorphous solar. It would have to get awfully damned hot to make up for that disparity, and the polycrystalline panel is 1/2 the size for the same wattage. I also have the exhaust of my solar vent discharging onto the underside of my polycrystalline panel, which would keep it significantly cooler in the summer.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;Given all that, this will be the first year that I will be using anything but amorphous, which I've had for abt 10 yrs now. Gonna see how it all pans out this summer. ..Willy.