Re: Which Harbor Freight Solor Panel To Buy?

Posted by Derek Broughton on April 22, 2007, 11:32 am

Steve Spence wrote:

I don't know what that particular controller is like, but I have 3 separate
solar systems and it's always nice to have a spare controller for
emergencies. It won't take up much room if you hang on to it.
--
derek

Posted by Duane C. Johnson on April 22, 2007, 1:30 pm

Hi Derek;

> Steve Spence wrote:

> > I have 4 sets of the 45 watt units. Pleased
> > with them. Chuck the included controller in
> > the trash.

> I don't know what that particular controller is
> like, but I have 3 separate solar systems and
> it's always nice to have a spare controller for
> emergencies. It won't take up much room if you
> hang on to it.

The problem is that it isn't really a controller
at all, more like an indicator. And not very good
for that. A voltmeter would be much better.

The controller is you, i.e. you have to watch the
indicator and manually stop the charging.
Essentially worthless.
Worse than worthless if for example the "controller"
forgets to stop charging and smokes an expensive
battery.

Duane

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Posted by Ulysses on April 23, 2007, 4:05 pm

http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=solar+panel

About the lowest I've found recently was $4.50/watt. Should I be buying
panels from Harbor Fright instead of a solar company?

Posted by wmbjk on April 23, 2007, 6:31 pm

On Mon, 23 Apr 2007 13:05:23 -0700, "Ulysses"

$4.20 here for various non UL listed modules
http://www.sunelec.com/Distributors_/Solar_Panels/photowatsolar_panels.html .
Not the greatest vendor though.

Wayne

Posted by Ulysses on April 23, 2007, 8:44 pm

http://www.sunelec.com/Distributors_/Solar_Panels/photowatsolar_panels.html .

Thanks for the link. I guess sometimes it's better to pay a little more
though...

I found a guy locally that, after a cash and pick-up-at-store discount they
came to $4.50/watt but then the guy went on vacation.