solar Panels
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5530
Printed Date: 16 Jun 2025 at 10:39pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: solar Panels
Posted By: john in idaho
Subject: solar Panels
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2014 at 3:54pm
| We will be picking up our new RPOD next week. Does anyone know if the solar panels from Harbor Freight will plug in to the outlet on the POD? If this has already been discussed, sorry….. |
Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2014 at 10:25pm
|
As they come, No. However, if you know how to use a mutimeter and buy a SAE connector, takes 20 seconds to change out the ends. That said, I have never had any experience with anything from HF that I felt was worth the money, time, or trouble.
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Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2014 at 2:11am
|
I think HF has its place. Not every project requires top-of-the-line tools/parts. On solar panels, though, I was a little disappointed with their pricing. A few weeks ago, they had a 45 watt kit for around $150. A good starter setup, I thought. Then I saw several 100 watt kits on Amazon for little if any increase in cost. If you already have the HF panels, just swap the ends. End of discussion. If you're shopping, though, you might want to do a little more checking. Just a thought. ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2014 at 10:50am
| The dealer has a set up for $1000, and I saw an ad for HF for 150. Just wondering if the difference was enough of a difference to make a difference. I will have all winter to check things out. |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2014 at 11:39am
|
For the HF deal, you're getting 45 watt panels for the $150. What is the $1000 getting you? As mentioned above, you can get several 100 watt kits for $150 or a little more. That, to me, takes HF out of the running. ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2014 at 1:19pm
| Yep |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2014 at 8:45pm
I have personally heard of a lot of negative feedback regarding the Harbor Freight solar panels. I purchased a 100 watt Renogy solar panel and a 10 amp Sunforce digital charge controller, and I connected the charge controller to the Zamp charging port at the rear of my 178. It has worked perfectly well, and I'm very satisfied with it. The cost of the panel was $150, the charge controller was $32, and the connecting wire from the controller to the Zamp port was $11. I also purchased a 15 foot 10 gauge extension cord and wired it from my solar panel to the charge controller. This enables me to move the solar panel to either side of the Pod and some distance away to find the sunniest place. If you search my name in this forum, you'll see pictures I posted of how it all looks. I'm proud of it! Depending on where you are, this setup can produce 30-40 amp hours of power, about 75% of which will make it to your battery (about 25% of the power that goes into a lead acid battery is lost due to heat created by charging). This is more than enough to keep the lights going, 'light' TV use, charging our phones from 12 volt outlets I installed inside the Pod, and keeping the refrigerator's electric panel working while the fridge is actually being cooled by propane. This also acts as a home battery backup for me for a lot of the same reasons. If we lose power at home and I want to run some lights or stick something in my Pod's fridge, I don't have to run my generator all the time, which would be very inefficient. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2014 at 9:58pm
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Yes, generally there are three types of solar panels, monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous. The HF set includes amorphous (film) panels. The Renology set includes monocrystaline technology. The big advantage of the Renology set over the HF set is that monocrystaline panels are about half (or even smaller) the size of amorphous panels, respectively. The HF set includes 3ea separate 15 watt panels that are linked. Renology has a 50 watt single panel that is easier to set up, generates more power, and is smaller and lighter than the HF set. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2014 at 10:41pm
Thanks, Cliff. Very useful info. Never occurred to me that there were different technologies involved with different panels. Ahh, so many toys, so much to learn.  ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2014 at 6:01am
Well, the price point for mono and poly have just recently made them potential options for guys like us. That is, for none commercial and DIY applications. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: robapperson
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2015 at 12:35pm
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Check out AM Solar. They are based in Oregon. They sell top of the line kits for do it yourself, or they install. ------------- Rob |