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5/25/2010 1:43:51 PM EDT
[#1]
 



Pussification : the state in which a society becomes less and less tough. The originator is the famous comedian George Carlin.

"We are undergoing a pussification of our entire society."
5/25/2010 8:14:29 PM EDT
[Last Edit: wshbrngr][Edited] [#2]
Originally Posted By hanau:

Well said.
Whether you think you can or you think you can't . . . . You're right!
5/26/2010 9:31:17 AM EDT
[#3]
OK I'm a total newb to this solar kit but from what I've read will be perfect for my little camp.
In a cabin structure, do I have to wire the cabin with romex to hang my 2 light fixtures and say an outlet for a small tv or little fridge?
Again excuse my stupidity. I would also think that the wires from the panel have to go thru the structure somewhere and the panel set should be fairly close to the cabin.
Mark
. ._|\____________________,,_
../ `--||||||||-------------------------] |
./_==o ____________________|
...),---.(_(__) /
..// (\) ),----".'
.//___///
/`--- PROUD MEMBER OF RANSTADS MILITIA
5/26/2010 11:10:21 AM EDT
[#4]
mag162,

You will find that you need a lot more solar power then this to run a couple lights as well as a small frig or TV.  I started looking at this well over a year ago and my thoughs are that these modest solar setups are really ideal if you build a 12volt system that uses the power.  For example, you can buy 12v lights, 12v radio, 12v Fan, and similar devices and you do not lose as much energy as compared to converting your power to 120v AC current.

We had a baby just over a year ago so I have no funds to play with solar for now but I would love to buy one of these modest kits and use it to maintain ny deep cycle batteries in a crisis.  Just need to get my finances opened up again before I can spend on this and prices keep dropping so I am not in a rush to play quite yet.
www.Quarterbore.net
My guns are not worth your life, but freedom and liberty are worth mine
5/26/2010 11:16:57 AM EDT
[#5]
Originally Posted By Quarterbore:
mag162,

You will find that you need a lot more solar power then this to run a couple lights as well as a small frig or TV.  I started looking at this well over a year ago and my thoughs are that these modest solar setups are really ideal if you build a 12volt system that uses the power.  For example, you can buy 12v lights, 12v radio, 12v Fan, and similar devices and you do not lose as much energy as compared to converting your power to 120v AC current.

We had a baby just over a year ago so I have no funds to play with solar for now but I would love to buy one of these modest kits and use it to maintain ny deep cycle batteries in a crisis.  Just need to get my finances opened up again before I can spend on this and prices keep dropping so I am not in a rush to play quite yet.


pretty much.

mine is used to more or less maintian a deep cycle battery if/when power goes out long term, which does happen here. yes i can do it off the genny as well but it also can come in handy camping and such. it is also just a fun fairly cheap weekend project to play around with. My batt box has already come in handy when we lost power for several hours sunday.
The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in
defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more
important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is
supplemental.
5/26/2010 12:01:07 PM EDT
[#6]
Well I want to power a couple of those shitty little 12 bulbs basically. I want to be able to go to camp and hit a switch and have lights in the cabin basically, and maybe a light outside also. My questions is do I use romex wire to wire the lightsa inside or a different type of wire all together?
. ._|\____________________,,_
../ `--||||||||-------------------------] |
./_==o ____________________|
...),---.(_(__) /
..// (\) ),----".'
.//___///
/`--- PROUD MEMBER OF RANSTADS MILITIA
5/26/2010 12:13:19 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Quarterbore][Edited] [#7]
Honestly, it has been a while since I studied this but my long term plan is to setup part of my basement for power loss.  The basement as it would remain cooler in summer and warmer in winter then upper parts of the house.  For lighting, look at some of the 12v LED rope light as they use relatively modest amounts of power and it is not that expensive.  In addition, it would not be difficult to pull the rope light down and use it at a BOL/camp, you can customize how much rope light you have hooked together for more light or to conserve power.

As for DC wiring, I had read that standard wire will work fine but note that you wire DC power a bit diferently and you need to make darn sure you do not run AC and DC wires to the same boxes or breaker to make darn sure you don't have an oops.

Again, my view of solar is a bit limited as I couldn't make the numbers work for larger items.  I have a big generator for running the house essentials and before I invest to heavy in solar my next big investment is a Honda eu2000i to then be followed by solar.  Solar looks like fun and I see it's application but I think you need a much bigger system (and $$$ investment) to really power a lot of stuff.  

These kits do look darn attractive as a learning tool however!  I need to dig up the articles I had saved back when I was going to do this... upto the surprise, I'm pregnant life change!

www.Quarterbore.net
My guns are not worth your life, but freedom and liberty are worth mine
5/26/2010 4:55:05 PM EDT
[#8]
Originally Posted By mag162:
Well I want to power a couple of those shitty little 12 bulbs basically. I want to be able to go to camp and hit a switch and have lights in the cabin basically, and maybe a light outside also. My questions is do I use romex wire to wire the lightsa inside or a different type of wire all together?


yes romex will work fine.

Cooper is cooper, only difference is gauge and terminals used to connect and insulation properties. Be sure you label and double check the polarity of the lines before connecting.
5/26/2010 5:46:53 PM EDT
[#9]



Originally Posted By Quarterbore:




Snip



These kits do look darn attractive as a learning tool however!  I need to dig up the articles I had saved back when I was going to do this... upto the surprise, I'm pregnant life change!





This is where this kit shines

And that is all most harbor freight stuff is good for.



 
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5/31/2010 11:23:21 PM EDT
[#10]
Well after over 4 days of camping this weekend, I was impressed with how mine performed. I unhooked my charger on my genny and only used the solar. I may drop to 11'ish at morning time, after running a 12 volt fan all night,and lights and TV up until I went to sleep, but always had over 13 volts by dark again. I was never lacking on power for anything all weekend.
It is what it is....
6/1/2010 9:28:02 AM EDT
[#11]
Originally Posted By Festus_Hagen:
Well after over 4 days of camping this weekend, I was impressed with how mine performed. I unhooked my charger on my genny and only used the solar. I may drop to 11'ish at morning time, after running a 12 volt fan all night,and lights and TV up until I went to sleep, but always had over 13 volts by dark again. I was never lacking on power for anything all weekend.


Doesn't dropping the voltage in a deep cycle that much damage the battery?
6/1/2010 10:28:35 AM EDT
[#12]
Originally Posted By t3rror:
Originally Posted By Festus_Hagen:
Well after over 4 days of camping this weekend, I was impressed with how mine performed. I unhooked my charger on my genny and only used the solar. I may drop to 11'ish at morning time, after running a 12 volt fan all night,and lights and TV up until I went to sleep, but always had over 13 volts by dark again. I was never lacking on power for anything all weekend.


Doesn't dropping the voltage in a deep cycle that much damage the battery?


11 volts isn't really dropping it alot. I don't think it hurts 'em, that's what they are designed for.
It is what it is....
6/1/2010 10:29:45 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Festus_Hagen][Edited] [#13]
DT
It is what it is....
6/1/2010 11:35:37 AM EDT
[#14]
I have been watching this thread and I know the coupon expires in 2-weeks so I am really getting the itch to go ahead and buy one of these kits and perhaps I need to buy one sooner then later in case I decide I want two!

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayPage.do?pageFile=magurl5.html

I am curious if it would be possible to screw into the alluminum frame on these to build your own rack or just how do these mount to the stand they come with?  

How do the electrical connectors attach to the panels?  I assume the panels get wired in series but would it be a PITA to build a portable system that might require taking the three panels off what ever stand you built?  How robust are the panels given I see at least one person has mounted them on the roof of a trailer and I am considering the same thing with my 6x12 utility trailer.

Just really not sure this is something I need to spend the money on right now.  Darn finances are too tight and I might need to sell a couple guns to cover a tax bill as is.
www.Quarterbore.net
My guns are not worth your life, but freedom and liberty are worth mine
6/1/2010 12:14:40 PM EDT
[#15]
Originally Posted By Quarterbore:
I have been watching this thread and I know the coupon expires in 2-weeks so I am really getting the itch to go ahead and buy one of these kits and perhaps I need to buy one sooner then later in case I decide I want two!


Don't worry, there's ALWAYS another coupon/sale

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayPage.do?pageFile=magurl5.html

I am curious if it would be possible to screw into the alluminum frame on these to build your own rack or just how do these mount to the stand they come with?  

The mount SUCKS. IT's light gauge metal and the panels mount w/screwhead/keyhole type slide to fit together setup... rinky-dink. I'm planning on making a C shape frame to enclose the edges of the panels and put a rubber shock isolation layer between the C and the panels (they'll slide in/out).

How do the electrical connectors attach to the panels? Built in
I assume the panels get wired in series but would it be a PITA to build a portable system that might require taking the three panels off what ever stand you built?  You can attach the panel leads in series or parallel dependant on your system voltage
How robust are the panels given I see at least one person has mounted them on the roof of a trailer and I am considering the same thing with my 6x12 utility trailer. Treat them like glass. That's what they are

Just really not sure this is something I need to spend the money on right now.  Darn finances are too tight and I might need to sell a couple guns to cover a tax bill as is. IMHO unless you feel the "need" for these at this point in your life, you're not missing out by spending the $ on something you NEED to spend it on now and waiting 6mos/year.



6/1/2010 12:53:53 PM EDT
[#16]
Thanks, you saved me from myself
www.Quarterbore.net
My guns are not worth your life, but freedom and liberty are worth mine
6/1/2010 1:44:34 PM EDT
[#17]
Originally Posted By FlatlinesUp:
Originally Posted By Quarterbore:
I have been watching this thread and I know the coupon expires in 2-weeks so I am really getting the itch to go ahead and buy one of these kits and perhaps I need to buy one sooner then later in case I decide I want two!


Don't worry, there's ALWAYS another coupon/sale

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayPage.do?pageFile=magurl5.html

I am curious if it would be possible to screw into the alluminum frame on these to build your own rack or just how do these mount to the stand they come with?  

The mount SUCKS. IT's light gauge metal and the panels mount w/screwhead/keyhole type slide to fit together setup... rinky-dink. I'm planning on making a C shape frame to enclose the edges of the panels and put a rubber shock isolation layer between the C and the panels (they'll slide in/out).

How do the electrical connectors attach to the panels? Built in
I assume the panels get wired in series but would it be a PITA to build a portable system that might require taking the three panels off what ever stand you built?  You can attach the panel leads in series or parallel dependant on your system voltage
How robust are the panels given I see at least one person has mounted them on the roof of a trailer and I am considering the same thing with my 6x12 utility trailer. Treat them like glass. That's what they are

Just really not sure this is something I need to spend the money on right now.  Darn finances are too tight and I might need to sell a couple guns to cover a tax bill as is. IMHO unless you feel the "need" for these at this point in your life, you're not missing out by spending the $ on something you NEED to spend it on now and waiting 6mos/year.





this. unless your in a place where a genny just isn't an option it's nice fun experiment that can have some nice application. I would say the battery box and inverter was a better "investment" but this is a peace of mind option for me.
The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in
defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more
important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is
supplemental.
6/1/2010 5:40:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Blackoperations][Edited] [#18]
Originally Posted By Quarterbore:
I have been watching this thread and I know the coupon expires in 2-weeks so I am really getting the itch to go ahead and buy one of these kits and perhaps I need to buy one sooner then later in case I decide I want two!

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayPage.do?pageFile=magurl5.html

I am curious if it would be possible to screw into the alluminum frame on these to build your own rack or just how do these mount to the stand they come with?  

How do the electrical connectors attach to the panels?  I assume the panels get wired in series but would it be a PITA to build a portable system that might require taking the three panels off what ever stand you built?  How robust are the panels given I see at least one person has mounted them on the roof of a trailer and I am considering the same thing with my 6x12 utility trailer.

Just really not sure this is something I need to spend the money on right now.  Darn finances are too tight and I might need to sell a couple guns to cover a tax bill as is.


These things are always on sale.

I posted the pic of the roof mounted "custom" solar tracker on my camper. As to the durability, you need to treat it like glass...cause that's what it is. However, they have been on the roof  for about 18 months with no problems. I have taken it camping with nuts falling on them, oranges, grapefruit, an no damage so far. I mounted them behind the a/c to try to protect them from debris flying on the highway. For some reason birds love to shit all over it, so cleaning becomes an issue.

If you mount them on the roof, and intend to go down the road with them, then you need to build a customer frame. Also it is a good idea to lay them flat. This is the reason why I built the mount, so that it can "track" (manually) the sun, and change the angle from flat to 45 degrees.


Here is another pic from a different angle.





here's the original again for comparison

6/1/2010 11:13:04 PM EDT
[#19]


Used the coupon and picked up a kit today.  Will be at least a few days before I can open it up and play with it.





Looking to use this to learn a bit about small solar.  Will also use it in a system to provide power for recharging batteries and devices, and possibly powering small items during power outages.  Will be getting a deep-cycle battery and an inverter.





Lots of info in the thread - thanks to everyone posting here!






 
6/2/2010 12:50:27 PM EDT
[#20]
I got a Harbor freight sales paper today and the panels are $169.99



I looked online for the sales flier with the panel listed for 169 but can not find one.

If anyone wants i can scan it in later and post it.



If you need to order online add to cart and use coupon code 41117946

http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html



in store coupon









Pussification : the state in which a society becomes less and less tough. The originator is the famous comedian George Carlin.

"We are undergoing a pussification of our entire society."
6/3/2010 1:31:39 AM EDT
[#21]
All good information and some sources of solar power I did not previously know about.  I am basing my energy needs around a portable, man packable folding solar panel (from Maxa-Vision), expensive but good at 62W and use it to power both car batteries and a rechargeable version of the military BB-5590 battery. I can run a power converter from the car battery and an Energizer AA - AAA battery charger for all large supply of re-chargeable batteries used in flashlights, radios, lanterns, etc.  
I have pictures and an article posted here:  
http://get-urban-survival-skills.blogspot.com/2010/03/urban-survival-equipment-portable-solar.html
I know it's an expensive setup at around $1,200 counting a couple of the CR-2590 re-chargeable versions of the BB-5590, but it'll fit into a bag which will attach, via Molle straps, to my Bug Out bag if need be.  

I also have several solar powered motion detecting lights mounted in a quick release fashion using wing nuts on my house so if I have enough time, say 10 minutes, I could take all these down and pack into my BOV.  May come in handy at my first, planned safe location.

Also another good site to visit would be:  http://www.solarpowerharness.com
which also has good information on small, size manageable (therefore re-locatable) wind turbine kits.  

regards,
UrbanMan
6/13/2010 9:37:01 AM EDT
[#22]
bump
6/16/2010 3:07:41 PM EDT
[#23]
This is a very timely thread.

I bought a kit this week and I am planning to get it put together this week or weekend.  Lots of info here.

Thanks for taking the time to write it up.
6/16/2010 7:41:20 PM EDT
[#24]
so my wife is kinda digging the batt box i built. she is an AVID card maker and scrapbooker and i get an email with this link today...

http://www.cricutmachine.com/product_info.php?products_id=357

it's a battery/solar kit marketed to scrap bookers so they can run their die cut machines when the power goes out.  

With the GoBe™ portable battery pack, paper crafters can take their Cricut® machine wherever they go-without worrying about energy or outlet needs. It's perfect for scrapbooking and paper crafting get- togethers due to its compact size and portability. The GoBe™ portable battery pack is convenient and easy to use and is sure to be a hit for serious and social scrapbookers.

GoBe™ solar briefcase: Designed specifically to give the GoBe battery pack user the flexibility to charge the portable charging station with clean, abundant sun power. The solar briefcase can extend the battery pack life by up to 20%.  

$159.99


so for you guys wives we now have them scrap book our escapeds during the zombie apocalypse.
The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in
defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more
important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is
supplemental.
6/16/2010 8:00:55 PM EDT
[#25]
oh jeezy peezy I think have seen it all now...
Originally Posted By rangermonroe:
and Obama might turn out to be a good President, and skittles might fly out of my ass and turn into unicorn seeds. All are equally likely.
6/20/2010 4:21:04 PM EDT
[#26]
Originally Posted By Wayward_Texan:
oh jeezy peezy I think have seen it all now...


me too...

then i saw you actually posted.... jeezy peezy
The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in
defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more
important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is
supplemental.
6/20/2010 5:25:50 PM EDT
[#27]
Originally Posted By The_Beer_Slayer:
Originally Posted By Wayward_Texan:
oh jeezy peezy I think have seen it all now...


me too...

then i saw you actually posted.... jeezy peezy


gotta be polite around the ladies
Originally Posted By rangermonroe:
and Obama might turn out to be a good President, and skittles might fly out of my ass and turn into unicorn seeds. All are equally likely.
6/21/2010 12:17:39 PM EDT
[#28]
Originally Posted By The_Beer_Slayer:
so my wife is kinda digging the batt box i built. she is an AVID card maker and scrapbooker and i get an email with this link today...

http://www.cricutmachine.com/product_info.php?products_id=357

it's a battery/solar kit marketed to scrap bookers so they can run their die cut machines when the power goes out.  

With the GoBe™ portable battery pack, paper crafters can take their Cricut® machine wherever they go-without worrying about energy or outlet needs. It's perfect for scrapbooking and paper crafting get- togethers due to its compact size and portability. The GoBe™ portable battery pack is convenient and easy to use and is sure to be a hit for serious and social scrapbookers.

GoBe™ solar briefcase: Designed specifically to give the GoBe battery pack user the flexibility to charge the portable charging station with clean, abundant sun power. The solar briefcase can extend the battery pack life by up to 20%.  

$159.99


so for you guys wives we now have them scrap book our escapeds during the zombie apocalypse.


I actually have a couple of these. Emergency Essentials sells them at a discount... But beware, some of the battery packs are no good (probably sitting in a warehouse with dead charge for long periods); I had to send one back that died after one use. The Solar panels (briefcase type) are pretty nice and work, but the batteries will only power small devices (I think 80 watts or less). They are good fore charging phones, iPods, batteries, using small fans, etc. For what they are they work well, and are vehicle- (though not really man-) portable.
6/21/2010 3:10:12 PM EDT
[#29]
Originally Posted By hanau:
I got a Harbor freight sales paper today and the panels are $169.99

I looked online for the sales flier with the panel listed for 169 but can not find one.
If anyone wants i can scan it in later and post it.

If you need to order online add to cart and use coupon code 41117946
http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html

in store coupon

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html/SingleMagLanders/americanprofile/images/20_c.jpg





Order placed.                
"Do not call attention to yourself and invite the man into your life" Bama-Shooter

Semper Fidelis 1970-1974
6/21/2010 11:28:39 PM EDT
[#30]
OK, let me see again if I understand how this system will work.  Let's say I want to run my (small) chest freezer on this.  It draws 5 amps, I assume that's when running.

So will the controller allow you to draw current, and charge at the same time?  i.e. during the day, when the freezer is cycling, its drawing some power from the solar panels output, and the batteries are continuing to charge?  At night, I'm drawing from the batteries and not replacing any charge.  But the next day., the panels will charge the batteries while powering th freezer, right?  Or does the controller only allow charging when not drawing power?
6/22/2010 7:42:04 AM EDT
[Last Edit: wshbrngr][Edited] [#31]
Originally Posted By DaveSpud:
OK, let me see again if I understand how this system will work.  Let's say I want to run my (small) chest freezer on this.  It draws 5 amps, I assume that's when running.

So will the controller allow you to draw current, and charge at the same time?  i.e. during the day, when the freezer is cycling, its drawing some power from the solar panels output, and the batteries are continuing to charge?  At night, I'm drawing from the batteries and not replacing any charge.  But the next day., the panels will charge the batteries while powering th freezer, right?  Or does the controller only allow charging when not drawing power?


The controller charges even while drawing power from the battery(s).
There is a low power cutoff that will shut down the output power if the battery voltage gets too low, but the unit will still charge the batteries.

However, if your freezer draws 5 amps @ 110vac, you are drawing 550 watts which is way more than you are replacing.




Whether you think you can or you think you can't . . . . You're right! - Stewie Griffin
6/22/2010 9:07:15 AM EDT
[#32]
Originally Posted By wshbrngr:
Originally Posted By DaveSpud:
OK, let me see again if I understand how this system will work.  Let's say I want to run my (small) chest freezer on this.  It draws 5 amps, I assume that's when running.

So will the controller allow you to draw current, and charge at the same time?  i.e. during the day, when the freezer is cycling, its drawing some power from the solar panels output, and the batteries are continuing to charge?  At night, I'm drawing from the batteries and not replacing any charge.  But the next day., the panels will charge the batteries while powering th freezer, right?  Or does the controller only allow charging when not drawing power?


The controller charges even while drawing power from the battery(s).
There is a low power cutoff that will shut down the output power if the battery voltage gets too low, but the unit will still charge the batteries.

However, if your freezer draws 5 amps @ 110vac, you are drawing 550 watts which is way more than you are replacing.



and with a typical 125ah battery you will be lucky to get 2-3 hours runtime. to run things like freezers your going to need a LOT more panels and batteries.

these types of systems are best at low.moderate draw things. for example my entertainment center draws just over an amp with everything including the xbox and wii and 32" lcd tv running <per my meter> on tests i easily got 6 hours out of my 125ah battery before i just switched back over.

my upright freezer ran around 45min before the voltage was too low to cycle the compressor on. granted i was only using an 800wt inverter and it was on the weak side for something like that.
The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in
defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more
important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is
supplemental.
6/22/2010 1:57:48 PM EDT
[#33]
However, if your freezer draws 5 amps @ 110vac, you are drawing 550 watts which is way more than you are replacing.
and with a typical 125ah battery you will be lucky to get 2-3 hours runtime. to run things like freezers your going to need a LOT more panels and batteries.
Ahh, but the (small) freezer doesn't draw 5 amps continually.  Only when it cycles, which is maybe 10% to 30% of the time.  So in an hour, its not drawing 5 amp hours, its only drawing half to 1.5 amp hours, right?  So I'm drawing 550 watts, but only for 10 minutes over an hour.  Hmmm. At 30% cycle time, that still means an average of 165 watts over an hour, is that still more than the panels are replacing?  The panels are rated at 45 watts, is that over an hour?

I guess I still don't understand the calculations.
6/22/2010 2:45:00 PM EDT
[Last Edit: wshbrngr][Edited] [#34]
Originally Posted By DaveSpud:
However, if your freezer draws 5 amps @ 110vac, you are drawing 550 watts which is way more than you are replacing.
and with a typical 125ah battery you will be lucky to get 2-3 hours runtime. to run things like freezers your going to need a LOT more panels and batteries.
Ahh, but the (small) freezer doesn't draw 5 amps continually.  Only when it cycles, which is maybe 10% to 30% of the time.  So in an hour, its not drawing 5 amp hours, its only drawing half to 1.5 amp hours, right?  So I'm drawing 550 watts, but only for 10 minutes over an hour.  Hmmm. At 30% cycle time, that still means an average of 165 watts over an hour, is that still more than the panels are replacing?  The panels are rated at 45 watts, is that over an hour?

I guess I still don't understand the calculations.


I have looked into the calculations, over the calculations and even under and I still do not fully understand them.

From what I have read here, that 5 amp freezer will:
1. Require an 1100+ watt inverter to provide enough power to start it.
2. If you do not use a pure sine wave inverter, the compressor will run hot and possibly be damaged over time.
3. Inverters are not 100% efficient, so the amount of power you use will be more than the simple calculations provide.

The unit is rated 45watt peak output (I believe this is per/hr), but the output varies depending on the time of year, weather conditions and your location.




Whether you think you can or you think you can't . . . . You're right! - Stewie Griffin
6/28/2010 4:30:19 PM EDT
[#35]
SOCIALISM, COMMUNISM AND FACISM ONLY WORK WHEN THE BOOT HEEL OF THE LEADERSHIP CLASS IS ON THE NECK OF THE WORKING CLASS, PICKING ITS POCKETS FOR THE LEISURE CLASS
fighting communists since 1969
7/1/2010 6:52:59 PM EDT
[#36]
FYI it's on sale again for the 4th for $159.99:



http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html?utm_source=prospects&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2610B
"Hollowpoint like a mothafucka..." - Tupac
NRA Life, XD enthusiast, EBR connoisseur
7/1/2010 7:15:07 PM EDT
[#37]
Got mine. Something new to play with.




"Do not call attention to yourself and invite the man into your life" Bama-Shooter

Semper Fidelis 1970-1974
7/2/2010 1:46:12 AM EDT
[#38]
Anyone have a handy formula for calculating charge time with these?  I'm having a turd of a time finding one.

I'd just like to know how long it would take to charge a 105ah RV battery from 50% to full.

I'm just making this up the best I can.  

45w@12v=3.75amps

50% of a 105ah battery=52.5ah

52.5ah/3.75amps=14 hours

Is this correct?....well, I know it's not perfect, but am I at least close?
7/5/2010 7:46:41 PM EDT
[#39]
Originally Posted By a_number_1:
Anyone have a handy formula for calculating charge time with these?  I'm having a turd of a time finding one.

I'd just like to know how long it would take to charge a 105ah RV battery from 50% to full.

I'm just making this up the best I can.  

45w@12v=3.75amps

50% of a 105ah battery=52.5ah

52.5ah/3.75amps=14 hours

Is this correct?....well, I know it's not perfect, but am I at least close?

Yea, depending on the sunlight it gets, I'd say your pretty close. I have had no issues with mine recharging my RV battery and I use the hell out of it. Every night it's GTG again.

It is what it is....
7/6/2010 5:56:42 AM EDT
[#40]
Originally Posted By DaveSpud:
However, if your freezer draws 5 amps @ 110vac, you are drawing 550 watts which is way more than you are replacing.
and with a typical 125ah battery you will be lucky to get 2-3 hours runtime. to run things like freezers your going to need a LOT more panels and batteries.
Ahh, but the (small) freezer doesn't draw 5 amps continually.  Only when it cycles, which is maybe 10% to 30% of the time.  So in an hour, its not drawing 5 amp hours, its only drawing half to 1.5 amp hours, right?  So I'm drawing 550 watts, but only for 10 minutes over an hour.  Hmmm. At 30% cycle time, that still means an average of 165 watts over an hour, is that still more than the panels are replacing?  The panels are rated at 45 watts, is that over an hour?

I guess I still don't understand the calculations.


the bigger issue is that every inverter has loss. to maintian i high output your going to need more than 5amps. Getting the inital draw that kicks the compressor over is what kills the batteries quickly. the panels are charging the battery NOT powering the devices. They put our 45watts at around 1.5-2amps. even with the panels at max output your draining the battery faster than the panels can charge it with something like a freezer.

as i said above my test on a fresh 125ah battery ran about 45 min before the output of the battery was to low to cycle the compressor. IIRC most freezers pull upwards of 15amps on starting the compressor. thats why they require a 30amp circuit in most places. <i may be wrong on that it's been years since i looked into that stuff>

keep in mind deep cycle batteries are more about long run time low amp draw. Starting batteries are designed for high amp low run time draw.
The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in
defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more
important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is
supplemental.
7/15/2010 4:51:47 PM EDT
[#41]
bump....for updates
7/15/2010 9:35:20 PM EDT
[#42]
by the way they have a 750wt inverter on sale for 39.99. picked one up today for the truck.
The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in
defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more
important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is
supplemental.
7/16/2010 8:51:12 PM EDT
[#43]
Originally Posted By The_Beer_Slayer:
by the way they have a 750wt inverter on sale for 39.99. picked one up today for the truck.


Is it a name brand or a China-mart special?  I need an inverter.
7/17/2010 7:46:56 AM EDT
[#44]
Originally Posted By ljh824:
Originally Posted By The_Beer_Slayer:
by the way they have a 750wt inverter on sale for 39.99. picked one up today for the truck.


Is it a name brand or a China-mart special?  I need an inverter.


dude.... it's harbor freight.

i picked one up. voltage is as clean and stable as my other 3 name brand made in china inverters.
The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in
defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more
important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is
supplemental.
7/17/2010 3:50:07 PM EDT
[#45]
Originally Posted By The_Beer_Slayer:
Originally Posted By ljh824:
Originally Posted By The_Beer_Slayer:
by the way they have a 750wt inverter on sale for 39.99. picked one up today for the truck.


Is it a name brand or a China-mart special?  I need an inverter.


dude.... it's harbor freight.

i picked one up. voltage is as clean and stable as my other 3 name brand made in china inverters.



That could go either way.
7/17/2010 4:27:59 PM EDT
[#46]



This setup is $249.99 at the Harbor Freight in Tampa as of this morning.....     Are the ARFCOM purchases making HF rethink their pricing on these?  

7/17/2010 5:44:09 PM EDT
[#47]
Originally Posted By 9mmCarbine:



This setup is $249.99 at the Harbor Freight in Tampa as of this morning.....     Are the ARFCOM purchases making HF rethink their pricing on these?  


jUST WAIT IT GOES ON SALE LIKE ONCE A MONTH OR ATLEAST EVERY OTHER MONTH!
7/18/2010 8:18:05 AM EDT
[#48]
Last sunday's paper here in east tn had it on sale, 159 I think but I forget.  First time I had seen it listed for sale at that price here but I admit to not looking at it that hard since I don't get over that way that often.



I think you just have to wait for your area to get some in.
DK-Prof quote
Please do not engage in personal attacks, even if they are correct.
7/21/2010 11:57:54 AM EDT
[#49]
I have 3 of these kits, 2 came with the old style controller.



They are a decent deal when on sale.
This post is solely the opinion of capnrob97 and does not reflect the views of ar15.com
7/21/2010 2:38:41 PM EDT
[#50]
My kit has been sitting on the kitchen floor annoying my wife for awhile now. Has anyone found a good source for DC lighting? Not trying to high jack just curious.
Germans know these things...
Cars, guns and beer.
And every 50 years or so they can be expected to invade your country.
Probably caused by a combination of cars, guns and beer. Sooner or later somebody is gonna call 'road trip' - Steyr Aug

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