120 Watt Solar Panel Kit - $200

aptar wrote: ↑ We have a Tesla power wall and dreams of roof mounted solar but I've given up because I don't want to mess with our aging concrete tile roof. I should just quickly back out of this thread, right, and not consider this option for a second?

These are more portable; you would probably need a substantial system to charge that.
I still want to mount this on my shed for shed power rotflmao.

timestop wrote: ↑ yes, your 6 volt batt's are wired in series to make a 12v battery bank

as above, i would recommend a set of longer cables and use the panel stand to move them into the sun
cheap trick, get the 12/2 extension cords from costco, cut to about 30-40', this is the cheapest 12 gauge wire you will find
with the remaining length simply make a shorter extension cord


here is a decent vid that may help you get some ideas:

Awesome, thanks!

On a side note, I'm surprised a small RV solar kit has created so much discussion!

Kafer wrote: ↑ Awesome, thanks!

On a side note, I'm surprised a small RV solar kit has created so much discussion!

Yeah, I'm surprised at the amount of negativity threads like this create.
Great video. Always wanted to go down the solar rabbit hole.

theflyingsquirrel wrote: ↑ I am wondering which part does not make sense?
Because if it doesn't make any sense, why would you
1. Have a wind turbine
2. Have a 1440Ah battery bank?

So let me get this straight.

Simply because solar needs batteries to give power when you want it, that means "Solar is just a gimmick in Canada"?

You extol wind power, but what about the summer months when wind dies down for weeks at a time and trips to remote areas is way more frequent?

This is a small Costco panel for niche applications, and we're on RFD ffs, where you will literally find thousands of near-useless things for sale. I don't see you whining about all those...

Anyone have a thought on how long this would take to charge up a boat battery and trolling motor battery. Or if it would even work well? We don’t have power at our dock and this might be a good option. Thanks

Ive been waiting like 20 yrs for these to get cheaper.. and its still expensive asf and useles..

I was thinking of getting a solar panel for camping. However I wanted to connect to a solar generator. I dont plan to carry around a 12V battery. Anybody know if this would charge a solar generator?

Also this doesnt appear to be monocrystaline which I believe is the most efficient.

travellerw wrote: ↑ What is a solar generator? I have never heard of anything like that? Are you talking about a power station (like a Jackery or Bluetti)!

As to Poly vs Mono, in a system of this size it makes pretty much ZERO difference. Even in larger systems, the technologies are close enough now that you can go with either. There are advantages and disadvantages to both (e.g one is better in cloudy situation, one is better in hotter climates).

sorry yes by solar generator I mean jackery or bluetti

sks8100 wrote: ↑ I was thinking of getting a solar panel for camping. However I wanted to connect to a solar generator. I dont plan to carry around a 12V battery. Anybody know if this would charge a solar generator?

Also this doesnt appear to be monocrystaline which I believe is the most efficient.

There is probably a battery inside the solar generator already. Check your model.

sks8100 wrote: ↑ I was thinking of getting a solar panel for camping. However I wanted to connect to a solar generator. I dont plan to carry around a 12V battery. Anybody know if this would charge a solar generator?

Also this doesnt appear to be monocrystaline which I believe is the most efficient.

i think what you are referring to as solar generator is actually just a 12v deep cycle encased in a fancy enclosure with an inverter built in

esoxhntr wrote: ↑ i think what you are referring to as solar generator is actually just a 12v deep cycle encased in a fancy enclosure with an inverter built in

yeah I dont own one yet but was looking to buy one. Something like this

https://www.amazon.ca/Jackery-Portable- ... s9dHJ1ZQ==

itemsale2003 wrote: ↑ So why do I need the inverter from Canadian Tire when the panel already includes a 300W inverter

300 watts wont go very far, also quality is important in inverters.

I know its more expensive but how does the Coleman compare to something like this?
https://www.amazon.ca/BLUETTI-Portable- ... 13&sr=8-40

sorry I'm totally new to this but would like to dabble. Researching slowly but appreciate opinions of more seasoned folks here.

The Coleman is a complete unit, in that it includes the solar panel, a charge controller, and a power inverter. Still need a battery, though. You might have guessed from the comments here: 120W isn't really that much, the charge controller is pretty low-end and inefficient, and it's the same story for the inverter. But for a specific and limited use, it might be ok in the right circumstance.

The Bluetti you linked to includes only the panel. The panel is more portable and likely more efficient than the Coleman. It's sold as an accessory for a Bluetti solar generator, which already has a charge controller and inverter built-in. The quality of the latter two will depend on which solar generator you pair the panels with, but all are likely to be of higher quality (and much more expensive) than the Coleman. Of course, the Bluetti doesn't need to be matched with other Bluetti products - you can use your own solar charge controller, battery, inverter, etc.

theflyingsquirrel wrote: ↑ For 1500w with 12v battery, you need to run 125A. What wire you think you need to carry 125A?

Rebar.

This is not really a great deal. The panel is suspect and the charge controller is a complete POS. You can get a renogy 100 watt high quality panel off amazon for $100 and a decent PWM charge controller for 30 that has a display, USB charge ports, Multiple battery support AGM, Lithium etc. The inverter is a 20 buck POS as well but even still you would be at 150 and have way better equipment. If you are going to get multiple panels its worth the dough to buy a decent MPPT charge controller. they start at 100.