I know, I know, these are misleading propaganda and all that. However...
Why is everyone so completely down on this entire class of products? I sure would love to be able to get some advice from this bunch besides "don't get one" because there are several ways in which they appeal to me, and there seems to be a tremendous difference from one to the other. It's hard to know what to look for. But when they get brought up it seems the only answer is "don't."
The main draw for me is size/weight. It seems to me a good solar generator (I will use that term despite its possible inaccuracy because that's what they're called in the marketplace) can replace multiple other things I am carrying. I have what is known as a small gas generator, mainly to have power when there's no sun, or to charge my bus battery if it becomes necessary. It weighs 45 lbs., and occupies a 2 foot long space. This isn't really small, and its 18 inch height makes the weight seem like more because, at 5 feet tall, picking it up is a real endeavor. It is also WICKED loud, despite being advertised as quiet. By contrast, the Kodiak is about 20 lbs. and very much smaller. It can accomplish the same things as the gas generator, that is, I can use it to power things if there's no sun (can be charged from a wall socket) and I can charge my truck battery with it. It is actually easier to use for this second purpose, as I can carry it to the front of the bus so easily. It can also be expanded by connecting additional batteries to it. Downside, it takes longer to charge from the wall than a gas generator takes to fill with gas. Upside, I don't have to fill it with gas. In addition, I have 2 batteries that weigh about 50 lbs. and also occupy a chunk of space, plus an inverter. . I also like the simplicity of one device that functions as battery and inverter.
Of course, the Kodiak is WAAAAY out of my price range. It's also more than I need. I've seen some cheap little ones that actually seem OK, but they can receive power from only one panel, which can't be higher than 120. I have 2 panels, with a total of 300w. Goal Zero has the right size, but it is also too expensive.
So here is my question: is anyone out there using a little marvel of a solar generator they got for a reasonable price that functions well and can handle input from multiple panels? I'm talking under $500? Currently I've determined that a diy build is the only road open unless I can afford the Kodiak (which I can't). But I wonder whether there is anything else to look at.
Why is everyone so completely down on this entire class of products? I sure would love to be able to get some advice from this bunch besides "don't get one" because there are several ways in which they appeal to me, and there seems to be a tremendous difference from one to the other. It's hard to know what to look for. But when they get brought up it seems the only answer is "don't."
The main draw for me is size/weight. It seems to me a good solar generator (I will use that term despite its possible inaccuracy because that's what they're called in the marketplace) can replace multiple other things I am carrying. I have what is known as a small gas generator, mainly to have power when there's no sun, or to charge my bus battery if it becomes necessary. It weighs 45 lbs., and occupies a 2 foot long space. This isn't really small, and its 18 inch height makes the weight seem like more because, at 5 feet tall, picking it up is a real endeavor. It is also WICKED loud, despite being advertised as quiet. By contrast, the Kodiak is about 20 lbs. and very much smaller. It can accomplish the same things as the gas generator, that is, I can use it to power things if there's no sun (can be charged from a wall socket) and I can charge my truck battery with it. It is actually easier to use for this second purpose, as I can carry it to the front of the bus so easily. It can also be expanded by connecting additional batteries to it. Downside, it takes longer to charge from the wall than a gas generator takes to fill with gas. Upside, I don't have to fill it with gas. In addition, I have 2 batteries that weigh about 50 lbs. and also occupy a chunk of space, plus an inverter. . I also like the simplicity of one device that functions as battery and inverter.
Of course, the Kodiak is WAAAAY out of my price range. It's also more than I need. I've seen some cheap little ones that actually seem OK, but they can receive power from only one panel, which can't be higher than 120. I have 2 panels, with a total of 300w. Goal Zero has the right size, but it is also too expensive.
So here is my question: is anyone out there using a little marvel of a solar generator they got for a reasonable price that functions well and can handle input from multiple panels? I'm talking under $500? Currently I've determined that a diy build is the only road open unless I can afford the Kodiak (which I can't). But I wonder whether there is anything else to look at.
