Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Harbor Freight Solar Panels
| Harbor Freight Solar Panels [message #322264] |
Thu, 17 August 2017 18:10  |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
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Good afternoon!
Our HF is having a sale this weekend and they are offering their 100w solar panel system for $146 (hopefully they will take a coupon on it as well.)
Does anyone have any experience with this system?
I'd like to power my greenhouse as well as add a solar system to the GMC but am a bit wary about whether or not these panels will be robust enough.
Bob
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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| Re: [GMCnet] Harbor Freight Solar Panels [message #322279 is a reply to message #322264] |
Thu, 17 August 2017 22:06  |
Ethan James
Messages: 32
Registered: October 2016
Location: Roanoke, VA
Karma: 1
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I've seen people review these on Youtube, it looks like it's really 4x25w
panels. If you're thinking of mounting it on the roof you'd need a lot of
space, you can get 100w panels that are the similar size to just 1 of the
25w pannels. You can find 100w panels on amazon for $100, you can probably
find an inexpensive charge controller too. It might be good for the
greenhouse, but I don't think it would be that great for the GMC.
--
Ethan James
1976 Glenbrook 26'
Roanoke, VA
On Thu, Aug 17, 2017 at 7:11 PM Robert Peesel wrote:
> Good afternoon!
> Our HF is having a sale this weekend and they are offering their 100w
> solar panel system for $146 (hopefully they will take a coupon on it as
> well.)
>
> Does anyone have any experience with this system?
>
> I'd like to power my greenhouse as well as add a solar system to the GMC
> but am a bit wary about whether or not these panels will be robust enough.
>
> Bob
>
>
> --
> Robert Peesel
>
> 1976 Royale 26'
>
> Side Dry Bath
>
> Conifer, Colorado
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Harbor Freight Solar Panels [message #322281 is a reply to message #322279] |
Thu, 17 August 2017 22:56 |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
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Thanks Ethan,
That is kind of what I expected. For the Greenhouse the panels can act as a shade on the roof, so the four panels would be just fine.
Bob
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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| Re: [GMCnet] Harbor Freight Solar Panels [message #322282 is a reply to message #322279] |
Thu, 17 August 2017 23:40 |
johnd01
Messages: 354
Registered: July 2017
Location: Sacrameot
Karma: -1
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I got my SolarWorld SW345 XL panels for 80 cents a watt last year and the
prices are coming down. SolarWorld is a name bard with a 20-year
warenty and not the cheapest panel out there. Be careful with what looks
like a good price.
I saw a youtube video today that said they were buying 25-watt panels for
$7 each.
On Thu, Aug 17, 2017 at 8:06 PM, Ethan James wrote:
> I've seen people review these on Youtube, it looks like it's really 4x25w
> panels. If you're thinking of mounting it on the roof you'd need a lot of
> space, you can get 100w panels that are the similar size to just 1 of the
> 25w pannels. You can find 100w panels on amazon for $100, you can probably
> find an inexpensive charge controller too. It might be good for the
> greenhouse, but I don't think it would be that great for the GMC.
>
> --
> Ethan James
> 1976 Glenbrook 26'
> Roanoke, VA
>
> On Thu, Aug 17, 2017 at 7:11 PM Robert Peesel wrote:
>
>> Good afternoon!
>> Our HF is having a sale this weekend and they are offering their 100w
>> solar panel system for $146 (hopefully they will take a coupon on it as
>> well.)
>>
>> Does anyone have any experience with this system?
>>
>> I'd like to power my greenhouse as well as add a solar system to the GMC
>> but am a bit wary about whether or not these panels will be robust
> enough.
>>
>> Bob
>>
>>
>> --
>> Robert Peesel
>>
>> 1976 Royale 26'
>>
>> Side Dry Bath
>>
>> Conifer, Colorado
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
*John Phillips*
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Johnd01
John Phillips
Avion A2600 TZE064V101164
Rancho Cordova, CA (Sacramento)
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| Re: [GMCnet] Harbor Freight Solar Panels [message #322287 is a reply to message #322279] |
Fri, 18 August 2017 00:24 |
richshoop
Messages: 190
Registered: April 2017
Karma: 0
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The best bet I have found on solar panels is Advanced Power (707) 485-0588. very close to lowest price/watt for panels, matched charge controllers, 25 or so years of experience. Also has all the bits and pieces to make things work.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ethan James"
To: "gmclist"
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2017 8:06:24 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Harbor Freight Solar Panels
I've seen people review these on Youtube, it looks like it's really 4x25w
panels. If you're thinking of mounting it on the roof you'd need a lot of
space, you can get 100w panels that are the similar size to just 1 of the
25w pannels. You can find 100w panels on amazon for $100, you can probably
find an inexpensive charge controller too. It might be good for the
greenhouse, but I don't think it would be that great for the GMC.
--
Ethan James
1976 Glenbrook 26'
Roanoke, VA
On Thu, Aug 17, 2017 at 7:11 PM Robert Peesel wrote:
> Good afternoon!
> Our HF is having a sale this weekend and they are offering their 100w
> solar panel system for $146 (hopefully they will take a coupon on it as
> well.)
>
> Does anyone have any experience with this system?
>
> I'd like to power my greenhouse as well as add a solar system to the GMC
> but am a bit wary about whether or not these panels will be robust enough.
>
> Bob
>
>
> --
> Robert Peesel
>
> 1976 Royale 26'
>
> Side Dry Bath
>
> Conifer, Colorado
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: [GMCnet] Harbor Freight Solar Panels [message #322289 is a reply to message #322288] |
Fri, 18 August 2017 07:51 |
Justin Brady
Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN
Karma: 11
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Senior Member |
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I'm a big advocate of harbor freight. If you know what you're looking for they offer some great tools and prices.
Their solar panels are however not worth looking at.
They are selling many year outdated parts for prices higher than stuff from this solar era.
I have 2 flexible 100w panels (~150 each) mounted to each side of the fan up front and find it more than sufficient for our couch.
Justin Brady
http://www.thegmcrv.com/
1976 Palm Beach 455
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| Re: [GMCnet] Harbor Freight Solar Panels [message #322301 is a reply to message #322288] |
Fri, 18 August 2017 09:20 |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
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Kelly,
That is an interesting package. How/where did you run your cables to the battery? Does it charge ALL of your batteries at the same time (house, engine, generator)?
Bob
kstockwell wrote on Fri, 18 August 2017 05:33I have a Renogy 100W that works great. With the small amount of power our coaches use (no electronics) I've found the one panel keeps me off grid with batteries charged for over a week.
What I want is a flexible panel, and I want to mount it to the storage pod. The Renogy lives in the pod and I set it up each time. It's too heavy to mount to the pod without reinforcement.
So, I guess I'd advocate going a little more in $$ and get something super easy to attach to the roof. Also, look for monocrystaline, they give you more watts for your area
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013E07FNM/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_13?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A18M12GR6V2Z8F
what I have now, I had to buy additional 20' cables. Very high reviews, mine is 2 years old and even kept my new SOB charged up with only 1/2 a day of light for over a week (once I removed the LP solenoid valve that was a 1amp draw all the time)
For $153 this is a great deal and well tested.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B8L6EFA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
kelly
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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| Re: [GMCnet] Harbor Freight Solar Panels [message #322309 is a reply to message #322288] |
Fri, 18 August 2017 12:06 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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kstockwell wrote on Fri, 18 August 2017 04:33 I want to mount it to the storage pod. The Renogy lives in the pod and I set it up each time. It's too heavy to mount to the pod without reinforcement.
kelly
Kelly,
Look through my album below. It shows how I reinforced my pod to carry the weight of a 140 watt Keyocera panel:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6227-solar-battery-charging.html
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Harbor Freight Solar Panels [message #322310 is a reply to message #322301] |
Fri, 18 August 2017 12:16 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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I have not permanently mounted the controller or the wires (or the panel). I have the controller I setup in the batter compartment (just sitting there) and I run wires when I pull the panel out of the rooftop storage. It only charges the house batteries, not the chassis
Eventually I'd like a permanent mount, and hidden wires. My camping is usually off grid for 4-7 days at music festivals; so I either determine I need the panel and set it up the first day or not.
if/when I get the flexible panel and permanently mount it to the storage box then I'll likely run permanent wires.
Two POs ago there was a permanent setup; I haven't figured out where the wires went; but I know where the panels were.
this Renogy is a good package for sure
kelly
thorndike wrote on Fri, 18 August 2017 10:20Kelly,
That is an interesting package. How/where did you run your cables to the battery? Does it charge ALL of your batteries at the same time (house, engine, generator)?
Bob
kstockwell wrote on Fri, 18 August 2017 05:33I have a Renogy 100W that works great. With the small amount of power our coaches use (no electronics) I've found the one panel keeps me off grid with batteries charged for over a week.
What I want is a flexible panel, and I want to mount it to the storage pod. The Renogy lives in the pod and I set it up each time. It's too heavy to mount to the pod without reinforcement.
So, I guess I'd advocate going a little more in $$ and get something super easy to attach to the roof. Also, look for monocrystaline, they give you more watts for your area
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013E07FNM/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_13?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A18M12GR6V2Z8F
what I have now, I had to buy additional 20' cables. Very high reviews, mine is 2 years old and even kept my new SOB charged up with only 1/2 a day of light for over a week (once I removed the LP solenoid valve that was a 1amp draw all the time)
For $153 this is a great deal and well tested.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B8L6EFA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
kelly
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
[Updated on: Fri, 18 August 2017 12:16] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Harbor Freight Solar Panels [message #322311 is a reply to message #322309] |
Fri, 18 August 2017 12:18 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Hi Carl, I did look at your file and how to reinforce it, awesome job. Honestly I'd rather go lighter, spend anther $200 (sell my panel) and go light weight. I totally agree it can be done and done well.
kelly
Carl S. wrote on Fri, 18 August 2017 13:06kstockwell wrote on Fri, 18 August 2017 04:33 I want to mount it to the storage pod. The Renogy lives in the pod and I set it up each time. It's too heavy to mount to the pod without reinforcement.
kelly
Kelly,
Look through my album below. It shows how I reinforced my pod to carry the weight of a 140 watt Keyocera panel:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6227-solar-battery-charging.html
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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| Re: [GMCnet] Harbor Freight Solar Panels [message #322313 is a reply to message #322311] |
Fri, 18 August 2017 13:15 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Even if you go with lighter flexible panels, you'll probably need to do some reinforcing. Those pods are REALLY flimsy.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Harbor Freight Solar Panels [message #322321 is a reply to message #322313] |
Fri, 18 August 2017 17:12 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Carl,
You're probably right, I wonder what I can get away with, maybe mount a piece of plexiglass under the panel? I don't know how flimsy the flexible panels are. I was also considering a 50watt and mounting it on top of the AC shroud.
I'm not sure that would be enough power.
Reinforcing it probably makes it easier to open/close too
You did a great job on your pod!
kelly
Carl S. wrote on Fri, 18 August 2017 14:15Even if you go with lighter flexible panels, you'll probably need to do some reinforcing. Those pods are REALLY flimsy.
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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| Re: [GMCnet] Harbor Freight Solar Panels [message #322322 is a reply to message #322321] |
Fri, 18 August 2017 17:39 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Kelly,
My system could charge the two GC-2 batteries to full charge (when they are relatively fresh) from about 80% to 100% in 5 - 6 hours, even before I added the second 55 watt panel. This is in the desert sun in the Southwest.
We are pretty conservative with our power use and only use the lights we need (LEDs) at night, sometimes the TV/DVD combo, and computers off of our 750 watt H.F. inverter. The fridge is a 3-way, so it barely uses any 12 volt power. I doubt that a 50 watt panel will do the trick for you unless you are REALLY stingy with the power use. We sometimes run the pump, as needed, and sometimes even the furnace, but only to take the chill off first thing in the morning.
Last Summer, we dry camped at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for five nights in a mostly shaded spot, and although we used the Onan a few times, briefly, to heat water, we never went below about 78% on the batteries as measured by the Trimetric meter.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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