Author |
Message |
Van-Goat Samba Member
Joined: June 17, 2009 Posts: 21 Location: PNW
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:23 am Post subject: 45 Watt Solar Charging system from Harbor Freight |
|
|
I'm considering picking up the kit that Harbor Freight has for my 86 Weekender. It is the 45 Watt, it has 3 - 15 watt solar panels comes with an LED charge indicator, plus a few extras. Their Item Number is 90599 Regular price is listed as $229, with an email coupon it is $169.99 until July 17. Seems like a great deal, does anybody have this system, if so how does it perform? The reviews on their site seem good, only 1 person bagging on the regulator with several 4 and 5 out of 5 star ratings.
As a side note, if anyone would like the coupon pm me with your email and I'll forward it to you. $60 off is a pretty good deal if this setup works well! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
SWbySWesty Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010 Posts: 327 Location: Adventureville, CA
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:45 am Post subject: |
|
|
Do a quick search for solar and you'll see that there seems to be a consensus that you want 80+ watts in a system and that the HF package is quite large for the power output. I'm debating pulling the trigger on a UL-Solar package. _________________ 1986 Westy - Billie Jean
A Westy with a Jeep heart (Pura Vida)
www.theadventurebrigade.blogspot.com - Latest update: Johnson Valley - Nov 22, 2011 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
oreana123 Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2008 Posts: 223 Location: Boise
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:47 am Post subject: |
|
|
Most importantly the materials sold in that store are crap! You've been told so no whining later |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Van-Goat Samba Member
Joined: June 17, 2009 Posts: 21 Location: PNW
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:58 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks to both of you for the input! I don't have a whole bunch of experience with their goods. So it is over-sized for the power it can provide, doesn't provide enough power, and is basically crap. In light of this information I will not be purchasing one, thanks again gentleman! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
stclair411 Samba Member
Joined: July 12, 2009 Posts: 222 Location: working on it
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 9:16 am Post subject: |
|
|
SWbySWesty wrote: |
Do a quick search for solar and you'll see that there seems to be a consensus that you want 80+ watts in a system and that the HF package is quite large for the power output. I'm debating pulling the trigger on a UL-Solar package. |
This one? Any good?
http://www.ul-solar.com/RV_Solar_Power_Kit_85_Watt_12_Volt_p/stp085p-rv.htm _________________ 1987 Syncro Westy "June" |
|
Back to top |
|
|
themervino Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2008 Posts: 87 Location: Bryson City NC
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 9:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
I picked up a Kyocera 135 watt panel for around $350. You can find a 10 amp charge controller for cheap. Don't cut yourself short on the amps coming in ,you will regret it later on. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
SWbySWesty Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010 Posts: 327 Location: Adventureville, CA
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 10:03 am Post subject: |
|
|
Yea, that's the one. Or the 125w one. Last time I visited the store, the 85w kit was $318. Now it's $279. Not a bad price drop!
I can't find many reviews about the company's panels is why I haven't pulled the trigger yet. _________________ 1986 Westy - Billie Jean
A Westy with a Jeep heart (Pura Vida)
www.theadventurebrigade.blogspot.com - Latest update: Johnson Valley - Nov 22, 2011 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Bruce Wayne Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2007 Posts: 1210
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 10:44 am Post subject: |
|
|
I have a 15watt HF panel. I do not have a fridge,heater or any other power hungry items. just the house lights and stereo. so far (2 years) it has been great. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
ShootingFish Samba Member
Joined: July 25, 2010 Posts: 330 Location: Portland, OR
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 10:54 am Post subject: |
|
|
Does anyone have the dimensions of the front luggage rack? I am currently in another state far away from my westy.... And the UL Solar 85W sounds perfect! _________________ SF
Props aren't just for boats....
'88 2WD ALH-TDI Westy
'90 Syncro 16 Doka |
|
Back to top |
|
|
madspaniard Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 3795 Location: Alameda, CA
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 11:00 am Post subject: |
|
|
about 48" x 19"
Regarding this comment above.."Don't cut yourself short on the amps coming in ,you will regret it later on" depends on your needs, each case is different. Look at your present and future power needs and size your solar panel system accordingly, with some extra room just in case. _________________ 1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
|
Back to top |
|
|
ShootingFish Samba Member
Joined: July 25, 2010 Posts: 330 Location: Portland, OR
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 11:04 am Post subject: |
|
|
I like the idea of a bigger panel... and given those dimensions, I guess that bigger is going to better as I am going to be rack mounted either way. _________________ SF
Props aren't just for boats....
'88 2WD ALH-TDI Westy
'90 Syncro 16 Doka |
|
Back to top |
|
|
subter Samba Member
Joined: June 26, 2011 Posts: 146
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 5:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I've got two 18 watt panels at home connected to 3 deep cycle batteries. I can pretty much charge small electronics, batteries, etc. If I wanted to I could run low power lights a small fan or radio but that's about it. And it takes a while to charge them back up after heavy use. If you're going through the trouble to install on a van I'd go with at least 80 watts. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
cvbill Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2007 Posts: 208 Location: Carmel Valley, CA
|
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 7:44 am Post subject: |
|
|
I've had the HF 45 watt system on my van for about 3 years now. Very happy with it. It feeds a 55 amp Optima batt under the driver's seat and runs an Engel model 45 reefer and assorted lights. The charge controller is great with a led readout, usb port(5v(?)), 12v cigarette plug,3v,5v,9v,+two more 12v plugs.
i've listened to many P&M about HF; but without their pricing I would never had considered getting into metal work. Mig welder, lathe, vertical mill, metal bender, shear, former.
My latest gig was to build an aux gas tank (under sliding door) out of 20 gauge steel, POR tank sealer. Hols about 7-8 gal. Total outlay-$65 Happy (long range) Camper Bill L |
|
Back to top |
|
|
subter Samba Member
Joined: June 26, 2011 Posts: 146
|
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
I've eyed that set for a couple years now. I get that coupon and it's very tempting. It's the cheapest I've found for that wattage. Although it is a bit on the large size. Do you have it mounted on the top of your van or do you set it up when you arrive at camp? Either way it really does depend on what you want to run off it and for how long. Other factors like placement, amount of sunlight, ambient temp of the batteries and keeping it clean will affect performance. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
crazyvwvanman Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008 Posts: 9923 Location: Orbiting San Diego
|
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
I just got a coupon for $150 yesterday, for that low grade solar setup. It is simply too large for the power it makes and not that well priced even at $150. The HF 45 uses more than 9 square feet of roof space for what other 45 Watt panels do in less than 4 square feet. Look around a little. Like here.
http://cgi.ebay.com/SOLAR-PANEL-45-WATT-45W-12-VOL...1e65227864
Or here.
http://cgi.ebay.com/SOLAR-PANEL-60-WATT-60W-12-VOL...415b913e18
http://cgi.ebay.com/SOLAR-PANEL-85-WATT-85W-12-VOL...415b8a25c3
Mark
subter wrote: |
I've eyed that set for a couple years now. I get that coupon and it's very tempting. It's the cheapest I've found for that wattage. Although it is a bit on the large size. Do you have it mounted on the top of your van or do you set it up when you arrive at camp? Either way it really does depend on what you want to run off it and for how long. Other factors like placement, amount of sunlight, ambient temp of the batteries and keeping it clean will affect performance. |
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
tencentlife Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2006 Posts: 10078 Location: Abiquiu, NM, USA
|
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 11:05 am Post subject: |
|
|
They are large in area for the wattage because they are amorphous silicon panels. This technology costs the least to manufacture but has the lowest efficiency (as in power/area). They also typically experience about 10-15% output loss in the first few months in use, but the published ratings usually account for this.
All PV is of generally high quality, no matter which technology is employed it simply can't be done on the cheap, so you do get what you pay for. But the three methods in use, monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous, are progressively less expensive per watt but also progressively less efficient. Where space is an issue, such as in use on top of a van, I think it's worthwhile paying more per watt to get mono- or polycrystalline units. Myself, I will only buy the best, monocrystalline PV. My entire house and workshop runs on it.
And that HF amorphous tri-lam is moderately priced per watt at the sale price, but by shopping around a bit you could do just as well with a monocrystalline panel that would be much smaller in area.
Quote: |
you'll see that there seems to be a consensus that you want 80+ watts in a system |
Really? I didn't realise everyone has the same load profile.
Quote: |
Don't cut yourself short on the amps coming in ,you will regret it later on. |
What I would regret is buying and lugging around more expensive PV power than I need.
Quote: |
Look at your present and future power needs and size your solar panel system accordingly, with some extra room just in case. |
Ahh, at last, a rare voice of reason. _________________ Shop for unique Vanagon accessories at the Vanistan shop:
https://intrepidoverland.com/vanistan/
Please don't PM here, I will not reply.
Experience is kryptonite to doctrine. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
SWbySWesty Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2010 Posts: 327 Location: Adventureville, CA
|
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 11:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
[quote]Really? I didn't realise everyone has the same load profile.
Quote: |
Ahh, at last, a rare voice of reason. |
I think sizing a little over requirements fits into these two comments. If a fridge is pulling 40-60amps, then factoring in radio and light usage, laptop (photo editing at night or a movie) then you might want to double it. Wouldn't this also allow for faster charging of the system?
Naturally, the best bang for the buck is to add another battery. _________________ 1986 Westy - Billie Jean
A Westy with a Jeep heart (Pura Vida)
www.theadventurebrigade.blogspot.com - Latest update: Johnson Valley - Nov 22, 2011 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
subter Samba Member
Joined: June 26, 2011 Posts: 146
|
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 12:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Yeah, I think everyone is just sharing their experiences with solar which helps someone getting into it make some initial decisions. There are so many factors involved to suit the setup to the person. Extra battery storage is a good idea, especially if you go for periods of time not using solar only. Then you have more reserve to deplete, as long as you can wait the extra time it'll take to charge the batteries in between usage. But the down side is your batteries will spend more time at lower voltages which isn't the best but I've got 3 larger deep cycle batteries running off of two 18watt panels and have never had any issues. I never deplete them below 12 volts though. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
jackbombay Samba Member
Joined: October 19, 2007 Posts: 2723 Location: Eastern Idaho
|
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 12:23 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Without an electric fridge I think that 45 watts is enough for most people, in the middle of summer with many hours of daylight I think 45 is enough even with a fridge. But without doing load calculations none of this is anything to base a purchase on. _________________
Gas struts to pop your top easily!
Pop Top strut kits now available for late Bay window Westies
Samba ad here.
DIY artificial rain gutters (ARGs) |
|
Back to top |
|
|
gatorjos Samba Member
Joined: April 19, 2003 Posts: 406 Location: San Francisco
|
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 12:52 pm Post subject: |
|
|
it seemed to be about half as efficient wrt to area as a Sharp panel from Home depot. 33mW/in^2 vs 61 for the Sharp Home Depot one...
doesn't seem like a bad deal for $/Watt though... _________________ 1977 Westfalia Weekender Berlin "The Kitebus" aka " Colonel Mustard"
Previous romances:
1972 Ghia cabriolet (full body-off restoration -- stolen after five years of ownership)
2004 Passat 1.8T (manual)
http://21stcenturyhobo.com |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|