Solar vs. Harbor Freight

[Philkaty]

let us know what happens

[nmdcporter]

I used the Harbor Freight solar panel system for 2 years before getting our new FR. I picked up a suitcase solar panel and gave my father-inlaw our HF unit. It is on its fourth season with no problems (it was the one before the 100W system).

I personally like the freedom to move the panels. My buddy has one on the top of his rig that works great as long as we are not in thick woods. It takes me 5 minutes to set up my panel from the suitcase because I cable it to something. When we camp he is sometimes blocked out from the sun, I can move mine in seconds to catch the little light between trees.

I see advantages to both systems and they both seem to work well. For $150 you can't go wrong and a great way to get into solar and away from generators. I'm not a fan of generators, as long as I can make coffee on my portable stove, life is good. :-D

[Paulie1138]

I mounted mine to the roof, with an added connection into the system should I decide to add a movable panel in the future. So far, has worked great for me. Went permanent after my next-door neighbor had his stolen. Once in Oregon(200 watt H.F.) the other, just a few weeks ago while in California(300w Renology). He has me finding the bits to do his as I have done mine.

[Underthedog]

I hard mounted 1 Renology solar panel to our Roo 21SS at the beginning of the summer.
Since I already had a Trimetric battery monitor I went with their charge controller also, they talk better to each other. Wiring, mounting, fusing, and such I sourced from Renology since they were giving a discount for first time purchase.


My job gives me access to superior power knowledge resources, but I am still in the experimental stage. One day I will remember to post pics . . .