So I have a 3 yr old harbour freight panel kit.
The solar controller that came with the kit recently gave out. So I bought a Renogy 40a MPPT solar controller and I love it.
Renogy 40A 12V/24V Auto MPPT Solar Charge Controller with LCD Backlit Display w/ Temp Sensor Fit for Gel Sealed Flooded and Lithium Battery, Rover Elite https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083BFYJJG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_K86CS62YVRX7DJDQ8FB1
Rewind to 3 yrs ago I was brand new at solar, had no clue about it so so I bought this kit, hooked it up, and went along my way without the bothering to check specs, if it was working as it was supposed to, alli knew is it worked and that's all that mattered so I didn't bother checking anything. Rooky mistake.
Fast forward to today and I've learned a lot, especially in the past week, things like ah, amps from the panel, voltage and testing all of them etc...
That being said, with the new control box I have been keeping a very very close eye on things, and to my surprise I was sorely disappointed in the results.
I have a harbour freight 35ah agm deep cycle battery I'm using. I am not getting topped off at all to 13.1/13.2, my incoming at most is 3.0amps and that's in the hottest part of the day around 1-3, after that it starts going down drastically in amps. We are talking by 5pm, still plenty of light out I'm getting more like max of 1.5, and it gets worse down to .08amps incoming ?.
I seem to float at 12.8/12.7 but today I noticed it at 12.4 now. Not good to run clip fans on at night, even if they are only drawing .08 amps, a bit uncomfortable at running the battery down at this point.
So that given, I have everything I need except for panels.
I am looking at a dual set 100watt x2
Renogy brand at home Depot.
So any thoughts on these panels?
The solar controller that came with the kit recently gave out. So I bought a Renogy 40a MPPT solar controller and I love it.
Renogy 40A 12V/24V Auto MPPT Solar Charge Controller with LCD Backlit Display w/ Temp Sensor Fit for Gel Sealed Flooded and Lithium Battery, Rover Elite https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083BFYJJG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_K86CS62YVRX7DJDQ8FB1
Rewind to 3 yrs ago I was brand new at solar, had no clue about it so so I bought this kit, hooked it up, and went along my way without the bothering to check specs, if it was working as it was supposed to, alli knew is it worked and that's all that mattered so I didn't bother checking anything. Rooky mistake.
Fast forward to today and I've learned a lot, especially in the past week, things like ah, amps from the panel, voltage and testing all of them etc...
That being said, with the new control box I have been keeping a very very close eye on things, and to my surprise I was sorely disappointed in the results.
I have a harbour freight 35ah agm deep cycle battery I'm using. I am not getting topped off at all to 13.1/13.2, my incoming at most is 3.0amps and that's in the hottest part of the day around 1-3, after that it starts going down drastically in amps. We are talking by 5pm, still plenty of light out I'm getting more like max of 1.5, and it gets worse down to .08amps incoming ?.
I seem to float at 12.8/12.7 but today I noticed it at 12.4 now. Not good to run clip fans on at night, even if they are only drawing .08 amps, a bit uncomfortable at running the battery down at this point.
So that given, I have everything I need except for panels.
I am looking at a dual set 100watt x2
Renogy brand at home Depot.
Renogy 2Pcs 100-Watt 12-Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel with High-Efficiency Module for RV Battery Boat Caravan Solar System RNG-100D-SSx2-US - The Home Depot
High in power, compact in size, this Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel is the perfect option for any off-grid application. Ideal for RVs, motorhomes, cabins, marine areas, home backup
www.homedepot.com
So any thoughts on these panels?
Last edited: