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Harbor Freight 45 watt solar "system" [message #103824]

Fri, 22 October 2010 17:16

idrob

Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho

Karma: 0

Senior Member

I have played with and built a number of Solar Systems for 15 years now and in general recommend using high quality well built parts, such as panels and charge controllers. I also recommend using panels made with crystalline technology rather than amorphous technology, as they are twice as efficient per unit area.

In the past year, Costco, Fry's electronics, and Harbor Freight have all been selling "Solar Systems" consisting of 3 or 4 amorphous panels with a total of around 45 to 50 watts capacity. They may have a charge controller and inverter, you supply the battery. Cost has been in the $250 to $350 range.

The ones I have looked at were generally poorly made, plastic framed and not impressive at all, vs. higher quality systems that are available.

However, recently I was in Harbor Freight and saw that their "45 watt solar system" was running on a coupon sale for $150. I inspected it in the store and was reasonably impressed with the panels, which are well made and framed in aluminum, not plastic. They are the amorphous type, so the output is not very high for the area, but at least they are well made.

The kit comes with 3 panels, a flimsy rack to hold them, a charge controller that regulates the charge to a 12 volt battery (which you must supply) and a set of outlets for power: one cigaret lighter outlet, a USB outlet, a 3 volt, 6 volt and 9 volt outlet, a pair of 12 volt phone plug outlets with a set of 12 volt compact fluorescent lights that can be plugged in to them. It does not have a 120 volt inverter.

I decided to buy one to play with. The panels are quite well made, as noted above. The output is roughly what is specified, not a lot, but something to start with. The little 12 volt compact fluorescent screw base lights are cute. The converter box, with digital voltage readout is reasonably well made. The charge wires to hook up to a 12 volt battery are flimsy and not much.

So, if you want to play with a little solar for not much money, this HF unit is not too bad a place to start. If you had a GMC that sat in storage you could put the panels inside the windshield and use it to keep the batteries charged when not in use.

It is not a great system, but for the money, not too bad. I liked the panel quality. It would make a good little system for a garden shed with no power, the lights included are kind of cute.

This is not a serious system for rooftop mounting on your rig, as the power output is too little. My recommendation for a useful GMC system would be for a 120 + watt panel and good charge controller at the minumum. But if you want to play, it is kinda neat. Just don't expect a huge "free solar" source or to be able to get rid of your Onan. LOL.

Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB