Harbor Freight 45Watt Solar kit - Review (Page 1 of 6)
Posted: 2/6/2010 2:38:05 PM EDT
[Last Edit: wshbrngr][Edited]
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I will preface this with a disclaimer. When it comes to solar, I am a noob (except for solar lights which I have around my property.)
So, please give me a break. Also let it be known that I am a cheap bastard. I have been looking at solar panels for a while, but to get a decent wattage system really becomes expensive, but someone pointed me in the direction of a harbor freight coupon which made me take the plunge. OK, so I bought one of 45watt solar kits from Harbor Freight. With an online coupon it was $159.99 + tax. My objective is to set up a charge center to use when the power is out to be able to charge my rechargeable stuff. What I had to begin with is a 12v deep cycle marine battery that I charge with an a/c battery charger. I have had it a couple of years and it works fine. The Harbor Freight kit consists of: 3 X 15watt solar panels a metal bracket mount for the panels a charge controller 2 X 12v florescent lights w/connectors funky multi-charge adapter cable Everything is made in China (of course) The kit comes boxed: 
This is a work area I have behind my mancave. Bottom left of the workbench is a shelf which has a 12v deep cycle battery on it. The solar panels come individually packaged: 
Nothing in the kit was broken. The panels and stand snap together: 
a bit flimsy. The wires from the back of the panels are about 10ft long Charge controller, 12v lights, adapter cord: 
Connection of the solar panels to the controller on the right - output to the battery terminals on the left: 
Front of the Charger/controller: 
LIKES: I got 3 15w solar panels for $170.00 w/tax. the usb plug is convenient the 12v florescent lights (will use them in a different fixture. (They are standard 110v type screw-in base) Everything worked right out of the box. DISLIKES: The solar stand is flimsy, it does not bolt together, the panels basically hold everything together. (I can see in a high wind this thing blowing away/down) I don't like the goofy adapter cord for the other voltages. I plan to ditch the charge controller and replace it with a solar battery minder. I plan to make my own bracket to mount the panels on the roof of my mancave. I went back and picked up another kit, so once completed I will have 90watts of solar power. |
Whether you think you can or you think you can't . . . . You're right!
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Originally Posted By caduckgunner:
Please let us know how it functions. So far, everything is functioning as it should. It''s 4:20pm here, the sun is heading down and the charger is still outputting 13.5v. (listed as the nominal output). Scratch this, that is the output from the battery 
I thought that was the charge going into the battery. |
Whether you think you can or you think you can't . . . . You're right!
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Originally Posted By Paul:
You need a current meter to read the current running from the panels into the load. Volts x Amps = Watts Yeah, I figured that out after it got dark and the charger/controller still read 13.5v. The instructions are not very comprehensive. 
Tomorrow in the sun I will check the voltage coming off the panels and the voltage it sends to the battery. |
Whether you think you can or you think you can't . . . . You're right!
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Originally Posted By ljh824:
Noob here also when it comes to Solar. This looks like a great "starter" kit. Question though. No inverter? How would you transfer power from your deep cycle to items needing power? Sucks. Seems the kit is out of stock currently. looks like you could use one of the car inverters (the one's with the cigarette llighter socket) |
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I have the same ones, use them on my camper. I made a custom solar tracker with some left over satellite dish mounts. Overall, they are great for the money, the charge controller is complete crap. I have them hooked up to golf cart batteries in series, with a 1500watt inverter.
heres a pic 
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Originally Posted By ljh824:
Noob here also when it comes to Solar. This looks like a great "starter" kit. Question though. No inverter? How would you transfer power from your deep cycle to items needing power? Sucks. Seems the kit is out of stock currently. No, you have to supply your own inverter and battery. I already have a couple of small (car plug) inverters. I do like the two florescent lights that come in the kit. I am planning to use them in my work area. IU bought a couple of light fixtures to mount them. If you have a Harbor Freight near you, you need to go to the store to use the coupon, its not good online. Originally Posted By Blackoperations:
I have the same ones, use them on my camper. I made a custom solar tracker with some left over satellite dish mounts. Overall, they are great for the money, the charge controller is complete crap. I have them hooked up to golf cart batteries in series, with a 1500watt inverter. I am beginning to agree about the controller (remember I am a noob to solar) . It does work, however, I am already not liking the way it works. For instance: You have to switch it on while charging, and the LED readout uses power, so if you leave it on overnight, it draws juice from the battery. Of course, the instructions say not to leave the battery unattended while charging 
I plan to replace this with a BatteryMinder solar charging unit when I buy new, good batteries. I also intend to use two 6v golf cart battery's. Right now I am using an old deep cycle marine battery that I already had on hand. Today (a few minutes ago) I finished the roof mount and installed the second set of panels, so now I have 6-15 watt panels. Very little sun today, same expected for tomorrow.  damn global warming.
My roof mount (not finished yet): 
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Whether you think you can or you think you can't . . . . You're right!
| A "like minded friend" had a set of these for the last few years. He used to visit his place on weekends and would have to run a generator for an hour or so when he left ot get the battery bank back up to top before he left on Sunday, but that became a thing of the past with these panels. The panels were enough by themselves to do the job. Initially, they were just a cheap backup as he had heard Michigan was bad for solar and didn't think they would amount to much. Well, that may be true if you are buying enough panel to power a house like you live on the grid, but for watching TV and running a vaccum and lights a little here and there, 45 watts got it done for a day or two's useage a week. He was impressed enough to go out and buy more (better) panels. Time will tell if it will be enough for all week long usage. |
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Originally Posted By wshbrngr:
Originally Posted By ljh824:
Noob here also when it comes to Solar. This looks like a great "starter" kit. Question though. No inverter? How would you transfer power from your deep cycle to items needing power? Sucks. Seems the kit is out of stock currently. No, you have to supply your own inverter and battery. I already have a couple of small (car plug) inverters. I do like the two florescent lights that come in the kit. I am planning to use them in my work area. IU bought a couple of light fixtures to mount them. If you have a Harbor Freight near you, you need to go to the store to use the coupon, its not good online. Originally Posted By Blackoperations:
I have the same ones, use them on my camper. I made a custom solar tracker with some left over satellite dish mounts. Overall, they are great for the money, the charge controller is complete crap. I have them hooked up to golf cart batteries in series, with a 1500 I am beginning to agree about the controller (remember I am a noob to solar) . It does work, however, I am already not liking the way it works. For instance: You have to switch it on while charging, and the LED readout uses power, so if you leave it on overnight, it draws juice from the battery. Of course, the instructions say not to leave the battery unattended while charging
I plan to replace this with a BatteryMinder solar charging unit when I buy new, good batteries. I also intend to use two 6v golf cart battery's. Right now I am using an old deep cycle marine battery that I already had on hand. Today (a few minutes ago) I finished the roof mount and installed the second set of panels, so now I have 6-15 watt panels. Very little sun today, same expected for tomorrow. damn global warming.
My roof mount (not finished yet): http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/847/solarmount.jpg your setup is tits man! any report on that Menards brand? |
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Guys, you might be better off dollar wise to buy name brand panels in larger sizes at about the retailers charge for earlier technology in a larger surface area.
A Sharp 80 watt panel is about 12 to 14% efficient, in a 22" by 48" frame. Cost was about $360 last fall. We picked up some Sharp 224 watt units in the mid––$500 range in October IIRC. We use both the 80s and 224s and are pleased so far. Been using the 80's since about 2006 when the first ones were a lot more expensive at about $550, prices had fallen significantly by last fall. Ask for a discount at the places you order from and shop aggressively. Maybe combine your purchasing power with others. Here's a copy paste from Affordable Solar, don't let the word affordable fool you... 
Kyocera KD210GX-LPU 210w Solar Panel 4085 $ 582.00 Kyocera KD185GX-LPU 185w Solar Panel 4083 $ 512.00 Kyocera KD180GX-LP 180w Solar Panel 3129 $ 450.00 One Left Kyocera KD135SX-UPU 135w Solar Panel 4082 $ 403.00 Kyocera KC130TM 130w Solar Panel 310 $ 525.00 Limited Stock Kyocera KC85T 85w Solar Panel 1810 $ 429.00 Kyocera KC65T 65w Solar Panel 1811 $ 339.00 Kyocera KC50T 50w Solar Panel 1580 $ 279.00 |
| That sucking sound you hear is coming from my wallet as I start making my list of items to purchase this spring. This thread has been extremely helpful. |
"God created man, Sam Colt made them all equal"
My post count is low because I read the FAQ's and know how to search!!!
My post count is low because I read the FAQ's and know how to search!!!
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Originally Posted By gentj491:
That sucking sound you hear is coming from my wallet as I start making my list of items to purchase this spring. This thread has been extremely helpful. EXPY37 makes a good point about newer/better panels. I have been looking at panels for like 4yrs now and keep hearing rumours of falling prices, but not really seen any yet. I am a cheap bastard and as a starter kit @ $159.99 for 45watts, it was enough to get me to move off the fence. I would never have bought this kit for $249.00. |
Whether you think you can or you think you can't . . . . You're right!
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Originally Posted By wshbrngr:
Originally Posted By gentj491:
That sucking sound you hear is coming from my wallet as I start making my list of items to purchase this spring. This thread has been extremely helpful. EXPY37 makes a good point about newer/better panels. I have been looking at panels for like 4yrs now and keep hearing rumours of falling prices, but not really seen any yet. I am a cheap bastard and as a starter kit @ $159.99 for 45watts, it was enough to get me to move off the fence. I would never have bought this kit for $249.00. It's very important to get started! I sometimes have to throw money at something so I can learn the ropes. Like solar, or long distance WLAN bridging. Once I get started and learn, I expand by spending money efficiently. |
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Originally Posted By EXPY37:
Guys, you might be better off dollar wise to buy name brand panels in larger sizes at about the retailers charge for earlier technology in a larger surface area. A Sharp 80 watt panel is about 12 to 14% efficient, in a 22" by 48" frame. Cost was about $360 last fall. We picked up some Sharp 224 watt units in the mid––$500 range in October IIRC. We use both the 80s and 224s and are pleased so far. Been using the 80's since about 2006 when the first ones were a lot more expensive at about $550, prices had fallen significantly by last fall. Ask for a discount at the places you order from and shop aggressively. Maybe combine your purchasing power with others. Here's a copy paste from Affordable Solar, don't let the word affordable fool you...
Kyocera KD210GX-LPU 210w Solar Panel 4085 $ 582.00 Kyocera KD185GX-LPU 185w Solar Panel 4083 $ 512.00 Kyocera KD180GX-LP 180w Solar Panel 3129 $ 450.00 One Left Kyocera KD135SX-UPU 135w Solar Panel 4082 $ 403.00 Kyocera KC130TM 130w Solar Panel 310 $ 525.00 Limited Stock Kyocera KC85T 85w Solar Panel 1810 $ 429.00 Kyocera KC65T 65w Solar Panel 1811 $ 339.00 Kyocera KC50T 50w Solar Panel 1580 $ 279.00 I am going to play devils advocate here.
If your goal is to continue to upgrade your system, for more usage, then you are better off getting the Crystalline Solar Panels as cost per watt and square foot are lower. Just think a 225 watt system with the Harbor Freight 15 watt Amorphous Solar Panels would require 15 panels, just think of the roof space that takes up. On the other hand, If your intentions are to keep with a small system (under 100 watts) these Harbor Freight 15 watt Amorphous Solar Panels are the way to go, with the sale price of $159 they are hard to beat. Plus they allow you to expand over time, versus dropping a bunch of cash for one big panel. How about, two is one, one is none.....if your big panel breaks, your screwed. My system works great, as noted in my above post they are on a solar tracker and connected to interstate U2200UTL golf cart batteries (in series). They have been up there about a year, and have been through four long camping trips so far. |
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Originally Posted By EXPY37:
Guys, you might be better off dollar wise to buy name brand panels in larger sizes at about the retailers charge for earlier technology in a larger surface area. A Sharp 80 watt panel is about 12 to 14% efficient, in a 22" by 48" frame. Cost was about $360 last fall. We picked up some Sharp 224 watt units in the mid––$500 range in October IIRC. We use both the 80s and 224s and are pleased so far. Been using the 80's since about 2006 when the first ones were a lot more expensive at about $550, prices had fallen significantly by last fall. Ask for a discount at the places you order from and shop aggressively. Maybe combine your purchasing power with others. Here's a copy paste from Affordable Solar, don't let the word affordable fool you...
Kyocera KD210GX-LPU 210w Solar Panel 4085 $ 582.00 Kyocera KD185GX-LPU 185w Solar Panel 4083 $ 512.00 Kyocera KD180GX-LP 180w Solar Panel 3129 $ 450.00 One Left Kyocera KD135SX-UPU 135w Solar Panel 4082 $ 403.00 Kyocera KC130TM 130w Solar Panel 310 $ 525.00 Limited Stock Kyocera KC85T 85w Solar Panel 1810 $ 429.00 Kyocera KC65T 65w Solar Panel 1811 $ 339.00 Kyocera KC50T 50w Solar Panel 1580 $ 279.00 Ebay is the only place to buy solar panels from what I have seen. Once in a while you find a good price elsewhere, but to find consistent deals on a watt/dollar basis Feebay has it dicked. |
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Originally Posted By Blackoperations:
Originally Posted By EXPY37:
Guys, you might be better off dollar wise to buy name brand panels in larger sizes at about the retailers charge for earlier technology in a larger surface area. A Sharp 80 watt panel is about 12 to 14% efficient, in a 22" by 48" frame. Cost was about $360 last fall. We picked up some Sharp 224 watt units in the mid––$500 range in October IIRC. We use both the 80s and 224s and are pleased so far. Been using the 80's since about 2006 when the first ones were a lot more expensive at about $550, prices had fallen significantly by last fall. Ask for a discount at the places you order from and shop aggressively. Maybe combine your purchasing power with others. Here's a copy paste from Affordable Solar, don't let the word affordable fool you...
Kyocera KD210GX-LPU 210w Solar Panel 4085 $ 582.00 Kyocera KD185GX-LPU 185w Solar Panel 4083 $ 512.00 Kyocera KD180GX-LP 180w Solar Panel 3129 $ 450.00 One Left Kyocera KD135SX-UPU 135w Solar Panel 4082 $ 403.00 Kyocera KC130TM 130w Solar Panel 310 $ 525.00 Limited Stock Kyocera KC85T 85w Solar Panel 1810 $ 429.00 Kyocera KC65T 65w Solar Panel 1811 $ 339.00 Kyocera KC50T 50w Solar Panel 1580 $ 279.00 I am going to play devils advocate here.
If your goal is to continue to upgrade your system, for more usage, then you are better off getting the Crystalline Solar Panels as cost per watt and square foot are lower. Just think a 225 watt system with the Harbor Freight 15 watt Amorphous Solar Panels would require 15 panels, just think of the roof space that takes up. On the other hand, If your intentions are to keep with a small system (under 100 watts) these Harbor Freight 15 watt Amorphous Solar Panels are the way to go, with the sale price of $159 they are hard to beat. Plus they allow you to expand over time, versus dropping a bunch of cash for one big panel. How about, two is one, one is none.....if your big panel breaks, your screwed. My system works great, as noted in my above post they are on a solar tracker and connected to interstate U2200UTL golf cart batteries (in series). They have been up there about a year, and have been through four long camping trips so far. I tend to agree with you. I really did not mean this thread to become a debate of the best solar panels, cause these ain't it. 
I wanted to give other solar noob's that may be sitting on the fence (as I have been for 4yrs) an idea of what you get for what I still think is a decent price for 45watts. I am not planning to expand this system any further. I will replace the sucky charge controller, but that is about it. (I have learned a lot about charge controllers with this kit) I am using this system to play around with and create a solar charging system which will let me charge cell phones, rechargeable batteries, cordless tools, etc during a prolonged power outage when I would rather not use a generator. It also supplies lights for my workbench area. The 12v 5watt florescents are nice since I mounted them in a pull chain fixture. I have a cabin w/o electricity which I plan to make totally solar powered. However, to do this will require a substantial $$$$ investment, and like I said from the beginning, I am a solar noob and a cheap bastard. I figure with this kit, if I mis-wire something (which I already did ), drop a panel, short out a panel, screw up the controller, etc. I am not out much.
So far, all I have done is pop a fuse on my inverter. I am using an inverter I bought for my car a long time ago and it has a 12v lighter plug, I mis-wired the 12v outlet that I installed on my battery. (Apparently pos to pos, neg to neg is the best way to go)
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Whether you think you can or you think you can't . . . . You're right!
| I've been talking about getting started with solar and wind turbines for three years. His thread and the sale price caused me to jump in. I'm going to set mine up primarily to charge a couple of deep cycles and batteries for electronics and led lighting. Thanks for the post! |
| Any recent tips on this one? I think I'm heading down to the local Harbor Frieght to pick one up today (if they have them in stock). Like th OP said, I'm going to use this to charge various batteries, run LED lights, etc. I'm not intending to run my whole house with this. I'm also going to use this as a learning experience, to eventually upgrade to a larger system, but that will be years down the road. Well, at least before December 2012. |
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Thanks for the kick. You have officially pushed me off the fence and now I need to hit the ground running.
I am not looking to power my house, YET!!! That will come soon enough. I too wanted a simple setup I could mess with and not worry about screwing up a $1,0000.00 worth of panels. "I am using this system to play around with and create a solar charging system which will let me charge cell phones, rechargeable batteries, cordless tools, etc during a prolonged power outage" That is what I am after. I use a lot of rechargeable batteries so I am looking to recharge them. I was looking at a couple small panels, battery, inverter and a charge controller. Now I have a start. I would also like you to know you have caused me to spend some of my hard earned money on this instead of the new S&W 22A pistol or the upper for my AR. SO much to play with, so little time and money. Dru. |
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Originally Posted By ljh824:
Originally Posted By mj1angier:
The latest HF flyer had these systems listed for $169. The online coupon the OP posted is good until the 23rd of March I believe. Unfortunately it ran out 03/01 
Nevermind, they changed it, cause the one I used says valid 01/18/10 - 03/01/10 - the online coupon link now says valid 02/10/10 - 03/24/10
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Whether you think you can or you think you can't . . . . You're right!
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Originally Posted By wshbrngr:
Originally Posted By ljh824:
Originally Posted By mj1angier:
The latest HF flyer had these systems listed for $169. The online coupon the OP posted is good until the 23rd of March I believe. Unfortunately it ran out 03/01
Nevermind, they changed it, cause the one I used says valid 01/18/10 - 03/01/10 - the online coupon link now says valid 02/10/10 - 03/24/10 Yeah those 20% off HF coupons always seem to be available. A lot of magazines will have them too. Think Populat Mechanics, Woodworking and the like. |
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Originally Posted By Beken:
Originally Posted By wshbrngr:
Originally Posted By ljh824:
Originally Posted By mj1angier:
The latest HF flyer had these systems listed for $169. The online coupon the OP posted is good until the 23rd of March I believe. Unfortunately it ran out 03/01
Nevermind, they changed it, cause the one I used says valid 01/18/10 - 03/01/10 - the online coupon link now says valid 02/10/10 - 03/24/10 Yeah those 20% off HF coupons always seem to be available. A lot of magazines will have them too. Think Populat Mechanics, Woodworking and the like. $249.99 solar kit for $159.99 is a bit mnore than 20% off.
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Whether you think you can or you think you can't . . . . You're right!
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Glad I ran across this thread. :)
I just got this Solar Panel setup a month or so back, and I use it at my weekend camper on the river. I just have one 12 v deep cycle marine battery, but I've only been runnin the 12 volt lights (This is a 1970 model, the bulbs look just like 120 household bulbs) and the blower on my furnace, but so far I've never been without power at night. With the battery minder I just leave it alone and it regulates everything. I know it's not alot of amps, but it seems to always top off the battery everyday. I get around 13.6 volts from the panel, and it gives that really up till dark. I would like to add more panels and maybe another battery. I do have a genny with a charger on it also, but have never used it to charge the battery yet. This is in my interest. 
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It is what it is....
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Originally Posted By wshbrngr:
Originally Posted By Beken:
Originally Posted By wshbrngr:
Originally Posted By ljh824:
Originally Posted By mj1angier:
The latest HF flyer had these systems listed for $169. The online coupon the OP posted is good until the 23rd of March I believe. Unfortunately it ran out 03/01
Nevermind, they changed it, cause the one I used says valid 01/18/10 - 03/01/10 - the online coupon link now says valid 02/10/10 - 03/24/10 Yeah those 20% off HF coupons always seem to be available. A lot of magazines will have them too. Think Populat Mechanics, Woodworking and the like. $249.99 solar kit for $159.99 is a bit mnore than 20% off.
249.99 is the online list price. I always see them at the store for 199.00, then you apply the 20% |
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Originally Posted By wshbrngr:
Originally Posted By gentj491:
That sucking sound you hear is coming from my wallet as I start making my list of items to purchase this spring. This thread has been extremely helpful. EXPY37 makes a good point about newer/better panels. I have been looking at panels for like 4yrs now and keep hearing rumours of falling prices, but not really seen any yet. I am a cheap bastard and as a starter kit @ $159.99 for 45watts, it was enough to get me to move off the fence. I would never have bought this kit for $249.00. I was just thinking the same thing as I watched a Green Power Science video on youtube. The guy says he paid $40 for this panel hes using in his demonstration 2 years ago and that you can get the same panel for $17 now. Its a 6 watt Amorphous cell panel. The ones I found were $59.99 !!!! Just Solar prices in general seem to be no cheaper infact it seems prices have gone up some. Maybe its just me. |
I didn't do it.
You can't prove it.
The sheep are lieing!
You can't prove it.
The sheep are lieing!
| Well I hit the Raleigh Harbour Freight this morning. they had a stack of the solar kits posted at $199. I whipped out the coupon from the OP link for $159. The girl checking me out ask if I wanted the 2 year extended warrenty. I said not thanks. She said how about she sells the panels for $119 and adds the warrentty for $34. Sounds like a winner to me!! I also had the 20% off on another $20 item and a coupon for a free LED flashlight. Made me a very happy shopper. |
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Originally Posted By mj1angier:
Well I hit the Raleigh Harbour Freight this morning. they had a stack of the solar kits posted at $199. I whipped out the coupon from the OP link for $159. The girl checking me out ask if I wanted the 2 year extended warrenty. I said not thanks. She said how about she sells the panels for $119 and adds the warrentty for $34. Sounds like a winner to me!! I also had the 20% off on another $20 item and a coupon for a free LED flashlight. Made me a very happy shopper. you just beat the system friend 
Looking to pick up 1 or 2 of this kits before the sale ends. May just open them to make sure their intact and then store them for future use. |
Open up the box this am to try it out:
they are well boxed and protected in the outer box: 
These are the light that come with it: 
They are light weight but feel well built. The frame that holds them is strong if bolted down, but shakey on its own: 
My inverter, the charge controller, and deep cell battries it will charge. The inverter needs an up grade to pure sine wave: 
Putting out the power even on a cloudy, drizzly day: 
Boarder guard on duty: 
Overall very happy with cost, function and quality of build for the price. As th OP said its a good way to get into solar on the cheap. |
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Originally Posted By mj1angier:
Open up the box this am to try it out: http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/mj1angier/IMG_0665.jpg they are well boxed and protected in the outer box: http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/mj1angier/IMG_0663.jpg These are the light that come with it: http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/mj1angier/IMG_0664.jpg They are light weight but feel well built. The frame that holds them is strong if bolted down, but shakey on its own: http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/mj1angier/IMG_0668.jpg My inverter, the charge controller, and deep cell battries it will charge. The inverter needs an up grade to pure sine wave: http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/mj1angier/IMG_0667.jpg Putting out the power even on a cloudy, drizzly day: http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/mj1angier/IMG_0666.jpg Boarder guard on duty: http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/mj1angier/IMG_0671.jpg Overall very happy with cost, function and quality of build for the price. As th OP said its a good way to get into solar on the cheap. I wish there was a "thanks" button on these posts. Thanks for posting the pics. I've heard both positive and negative reviews about this kit but overall, it seems like a great entry level kit to get "smart" on solar. My coupons expires on the 23rd so I'm planning on going this weekend to get mine. |
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Originally Posted By wshbrngr:
Originally Posted By mj1angier:
Putting out the power even on a cloudy, drizzly day: Just remember, that is showing the output from the battery, not the panels.
Well heck, if I read that white paper that came with it, I might have known that. Well its going to cloudy all week, so I will get out there with the meter and get a real reading. |