The Solar Panels That Could

When it came time to add together solar to my rig I begin researching and pricing out what I felt would be affordable and almost of all effective. My solar was going on my truck camper and I really didn't want the panels to just sit in that location when not in use and get piled up with snowfall.

I then begin to look at many of the suitcase styles but really didn't find anything I felt would final and subsequently reading reviews I establish many had issues. So where could I find a quality panel and even so portable. In my enquiry I stumbled across the Harbor Freight 100 Watts Solar Kit.

At the time I was looking to purchase this kit was on sale for $149.00 and and then I idea to myself if it fails I don't have much into it and information technology was a lost I was willing to take. The 100 watt solar kit, Harbor Freight item #63585. was only the ticket to fit my need.
Please Note: The manual, posted online as a PDF, fails to describe a few useful details which we'll cover hither.

Every product picture showed the four panels lined up in a row. But in fact the four panels are capable of standing separately every bit each panel is in their own frame and has their own folding stand. Bolting them together is optional. If the panels are to exist deployed and stowed ofttimes, leaving them carve up might make sense as the panels are much easier to handle individually.

The package content lists wires but non their length. Each panel has a 3 meter long wire permanently attached. This wire terminates in a connector common to Harbor Freight solar products but its exact type specification is an automotive connector known every bit SAE. It is definitely non the MC4 connector common in rooftop solar installations. While this connector follows the pattern of SAE J928 and J1239, it is not explicitly covered past either specification.

The four panels connect into a iv-to-one module. The four wire side are one-half a meter long, and the unified side has a 3 meter long wire towards the controller. A terminal half-meter long adapter has the SAE HF solar automotive connector on i end and a barrel connector on the other. (~5.5mm OD, ~1.5mm ID, 12mm length) The barrel connector fits into a corresponding jack on the controller.

HF 63585 100W power adapter

Adding information technology all up: Each of the panels tin be up to 3.5 meters from the central four-to-ane hub, and that hub can be up to iii.v meters from the controller. The package includes a 1 meter cable to connect controller to battery.

The kit included two LED light bulbs, each of which have a 5 meter long wire. Curiously, the long wire ends in a standard calorie-free bulb socket. Only instead of the 120V Air-conditioning household voltage we would look from such a socket, information technology carries the battery DC voltage. This is a decidedly nonstandard and confusing manner to practise things.

HF 63585 100W LED bulbs

The simple 10 Amp accuse controller covers the basics, guarding against battery overcharging and over-discharging at adjustable voltage thresholds. The manual claims there is over-electric current protection also, just there appears to be no mode to adjust the current limit, either for charging or for discharging.

10 Amp Charge controller protects your battery from overcharge or discharge

Final Thoughts

I found this kit to exist quite simple to put together and connect. It does a bully job at keeping my batteries charged (Even in low light). For those of y'all but starting out this kit deserves a good look at. It comes with everything you lot need except an inverter and battery. I would similar to add together that I installed an SAE wall mount on the outside of my camper which makes pluging and unpluging a cakewalk when packing up camp. This plug tin be establish on Amazon here.

Harbor Freight 100 Watt Solar Kit

$199.00

Harbor Freight 100 Watt Solar Kit

Pros

  • Baggy silicon solar cells for maximum output in both bright and cloudy conditions.
  • Lightweight, atmospheric condition resistant construction - easy to set up and maintain.
  • Blocking diode prevents panels from discharging your battery at dark.
  • Charge controller protects your battery from overcharge or discharge.
  • USB port for charging smartphones and tablets.

Cons

  • Accuse Controller non the best.