Alternates to harbor freight solar crap

[Lowdown3]

http://www.solarblvd.com/Solar-Panels-&-Systems-12-Volt-Solar-Panels/c1_269/index.html

Here is a whole slew of lower priced, smaller wattage panels.

I've purchased a couple of the 20 watt panels for some smaller projects around here as well as one of the MX230 panels from them.

The 20 watt panels are WELL MADE, no shaky shaky thin as glass crap like harbor freight. Made the exact same way as larger panels I have that I KNOW hold up.

I've had one of the 20 watt panels on a roof for a year and a half now running a gable fan, never a problem in weather even some hail. I wouldn't throw a tennis ball at the HF crap.

And MUCH CHEAPER than the HF stuff.

No I'm sorry, the crappy little project box "controller" that comes with the HF "kit" adds nothing to the price or value of that "kit", sorry.

http://www.solarblvd.com/Charge-Controllers-PWM-Charge-Controllers-Morningstar-Charge-Controllers/c6_48_100/index.html

Here are some decent controllers for not much cash. I bought one of the Morningstar 6amp controllers and it's a whole heckuva lot better than the HF project box "controller"

Yes I know some like the HF kit, the biggest argument being "it's cheaper", well I'm afraid that argument is dead....

For less than $100. you can get a better quality 45 watt panel and a 6amp Morningstar charge controller.

If a GLOCK was $100. and a Jennings .25 was $179. why the hell would you buy the Jennings?

And finally, yes you can "experiment" with these just as well as you can "experiment" with the HF stuff.

[610Alpha]

http://www.solarblvd.com/Solar-Panel...269/index.html

Here is a whole slew of lower priced, smaller wattage panels.

I've purchased a couple of the 20 watt panels for some smaller projects around here as well as one of the MX230 panels from them.

The 20 watt panels are WELL MADE, no shaky shaky thin as glass crap like harbor freight. Made the exact same way as larger panels I have that I KNOW hold up.

I've had one of the 20 watt panels on a roof for a year and a half now running a gable fan, never a problem in weather even some hail. I wouldn't throw a tennis ball at the HF crap.

And MUCH CHEAPER than the HF stuff.

No I'm sorry, the crappy little project box "controller" that comes with the HF "kit" adds nothing to the price or value of that "kit", sorry.

http://www.solarblvd.com/Charge-Controllers-PWM-Charge-Controllers-Morningstar-Charge-Controllers/c6_48_100/index.html

Here are some decent controllers for not much cash. I bought one of the Morningstar 6amp controllers and it's a whole heckuva lot better than the HF project box "controller"

Yes I know some like the HF kit, the biggest argument being "it's cheaper", well I'm afraid that argument is dead....

For less than $100. you can get a better quality 45 watt panel and a 6amp Morningstar charge controller.

If a GLOCK was $100. and a Jennings .25 was $179. why the hell would you buy the Jennings?

And finally, yes you can "experiment" with these just as well as you can "experiment" with the HF stuff.

Thanks for this info....I am looking into adding an exhaust fan to our shed so I can move the rabbits out there and I don't have electricity ran to the shed.

What type/size of battery would you use/recommend for an exhaust fan?

[Lowdown3]

I'd just skip the batteries and run it via the panel. 4-5 hours of sunlight can change out a lot of air.

If you don't have to add batteries, then don't. It can just complicate things.

[jimmycthemd]

This is great stuff! I've been looking for a small quality unit to do some experimenting with but didn't want to spend the money on Kyocerea or the equivelent (prepping ADD/geekdom kicking in LOL).

[protus]

I've gotta find and post the place that had a two pack of 125 or 150 s for under 500....

[SeldomSeenSlim]

Those Trina panels seem to be a mighty good deal. The place I normally buy gear from has them for $.95/watt. 25 year warranty to 80%. Made in China, but what isn't these days?

http://www.solar-electric.com/trina-solar-multicrystalline-240-watt-tsm-240pa05.html

Even Kyocera panels are getting down to just over $1/watt. Anymore panels are the cheap part.

[610Alpha]

I'd just skip the batteries and run it via the panel. 4-5 hours of sunlight can change out a lot of air.

If you don't have to add batteries, then don't. It can just complicate things.

gotchya!! makes it even easier for me.

[WiseOwl]

Good info. Thanks man!

I will be referring to that site and asking you some questions once we get settled and start working on our solar stuff.

[protus]

heres one i found..thru diy solar on the two 145's.

these any good??

http://www.amazon.com/145w-Polycrystalline-Solar-Panel-Pack/dp/B007VPQP5Q%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAIHDMTZTYQQK665BA%26tag%3Ddiysolar03-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB007VPQP5Q

[protus]

thx for the original link...its got my head going now..lol


i gotta figure out usage now dang it lol.

some of their off grid packages arent to bad..till you add in battery cost etc lmao

[justanothergunnut]

Thanks Lowdown.. I want to build a little portable solar generator.. a pair of those 45w panels and the 6a controller looks like a great deal..

[Irish-Tech]

Why in the world is a grid tie system so much more expensive than an off grid?

[Lowdown3]

Why in the world is a grid tie system so much more expensive than an off grid?

What are you referencing there?

I'm afraid mine is all off grid, so I can't tell what other equipment would be needed.

What always bothered me with grid tie was giving the utilities an easement, better to stick your power pole outside your gate and avoid their ability to come on your property 24/7 any time they wish.

[SeldomSeenSlim]

Why in the world is a grid tie system so much more expensive than an off grid?

If you're talking about their kit systems the grid tie kits include everything in the main price. The off-grid systems require adding on mounts, wire, batteries, enclosures, meters, etc. on top of the "what's included" price. The grid tie also looks to be using better components. For instance the off grid I looked at uses a TR series inverter (modified sine 120vac) whereas the grid-tie are using the GT series which are pure sine 240v. There's probably about a $2,000 difference between the two models.

[Irish-Tech]

If you're talking about their kit systems the grid tie kits include everything in the main price. The off-grid systems require adding on mounts, wire, batteries, enclosures, meters, etc. on top of the "what's included" price. The grid tie also looks to be using better components. For instance the off grid I looked at uses a TR series inverter (modified sine 120vac) whereas the grid-tie are using the GT series which are pure sine 240v. There's probably about a $2,000 difference between the two models.

That makes sense, I just didn't understand the difference.