worth $66?

System

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200263174_200263174

System2

Re: worth $66?

Hi,

I'm no expert in north American prices but it sounds cheap to me. They seem to be anamorphic panels and they do perform better under clouds then monocrystalline panels (I got both and in the sun, you get way more amps per square meter on the monos, but with clouds its a different story). If you put 10 together (they are bigger per watt then monos) you get 150 watts for $660 and thats with free shipping! Also, 24V open circuit seems quite good, I get 21V on my Solarfabrik German made super panels.

Chris

System2

Re: worth $66?

There is a place to get a small 45w setup with controller for $200. The panels are what's worth the $$ but anyone needing 3 amps for trickle charging can find them useful. Definetly not top of the line but good as entry level.http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90599

niel

Re: worth $66?

as far as the cost per watt goes it's ok at $4.40/w, but the main thing is will it suit what you need it for?

System2

Re: worth $66?

shawndecker1 wrote:

There is a place to get a small 45w setup with controller for $200. The panels are what's worth the $$ but anyone needing 3 amps for trickle charging can find them useful. Definetly not top of the line but good as entry level.http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90599

http://www.billt.com/harborfreight.htm
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/emails/27/RetailB/images/coup_top.jpg

I've used the 20% off coupon in combinationwith the $199 price, to get 45W for $160. That's about $3.55/watt (rated).

FWIW, I consider the lights that come with it to be a bonus. The "controller" is serously lacking.

System2

Re: worth $66?

The local Harborfreight in my area doesn't carry the solar kit, so the coupon doesn't work for me. I can only get it online. Controller crappy? Agreed. Still though... :-)

System2

Re: worth $66?

As of a few minutes ago, you can order the solar kit from HF for $179

To go harborfreight.com then click "order from printed catalog" on the left. A pop-up window will appear. Enter the following:
90599-4RPH

I have no idea how long this will work, but if you're interested, I hope it helps.

arcandspark

Re: worth $66?

Purchased two for $66.00 each plus a 7 year no questions asked replacement policy for additional $10... They work great for the cost. I am using one panel to keep a 12 volt  battery charged that will power a hinden security wireless video transmitter system with a one mile range. Thanks for the heads up.
arcandspark

System2

Re: worth $66?

Good luck with Harbor Freight merchandise!

I've had such bad results from their low quality junk that I now toss out their catalogues without looking at them.