Anyone tried this solar panel from Harbor Freight?

[Tim K]

http://m.harborfreight.com/45-watt-s...8751-8527.html

I'm wanting a small panel to power an inverter that will be used to charge flashlight batteries, handheld radios, etc.

Is this thing junk?

[thedave1164]

I just saw a 55w setup includes invertor at Sams club

[stodg73]

45 watts will not run an inverter, unless it is smaller that 45 watts. If the equipment to be charged is 12 volt compatible, cell phone charger, etc., then yes it should work.

[Irving]

For the same price you can get a 100w Renology panel off Amazon. I'd link but I'm posting mobile.

[clodhopper]

I put that on the roof of my RV 2 or 3 years ago to keep the batteries tended. It was the cheapest method to do it at the time. Much better options now. BUT.... it works fine for my application. Batteries stay up regardless how long it sits parked and the 12v power availability over 24 hrs was extended. Dunno how much as I never cared enough to run a test.

[Irving]

Here is the one I was talking about. http://www.amazon.com/RENOGY-Monocry...gy+solar+panel

It looks like the Harbor Freight is a bit of a kit, but I'm not sure if what they are calling a voltage regulator is the same thing as the charge controller, but probably. Most of the stuff I've been reading says that while a 10A charge controller will work, it leaves you limited ability to upgrade. For what you're doing, 10A may be okay (I'm not sure and I recommend you check on that).

Here is the Renology "kit" that comes with the charge controller. http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-100W-Mo...gy+solar+panel

The advantage to the Harbor freight is that it sounds like the charge controller comes with multiple charge ports built-in, which would be closer to plug and play if you don't want to jump in with both feet to build a system.

[gnihcraes]

ok for the money. Check the reviews.

Voltage regulator will be ok for charging 12v stuff. I doubt you'll get much AC power out of the inverter - maybe enough to run a wall wart to charge a cell phone.

[Tim K]

That Renology unit looks much better. I used to design batteries and charging systems for air and space craft, so that end of the project is simple for me. I have zero experience with the solar panels themselves, though.

[Irving]

One thing youshould know is that most solar charge controllers are positive common, and always make sure to connect the.charger to the batteries First, as connecting them to the panels first can fry them, for whatever reason. This means disconnecting them from the panels before the batteries as well. I've not built anything before but I run into that info over and over when I'm researching. Post up a thread when you're done!

[Singlestack]

+1 on the Renogy stuff. A couple of months ago I bought their 200W premium kit to keep my ham radio stuff up. 2 100W panels, MPPT charge controller, and 2 6V 225 AH batteries (Trojan T-105RE). I was very impressed with the Renogy build quality and customer service.