In that case, you need to attach the included cables from the inverter to your battery terminals. Note that the USB port is only 5 volts, okay for cell phones, Kindles and tablets such as an iPad but not for devices or electronics that require higher voltage.
The battery is not waterproof so you will need to keep it covered and protected from the elements. The Quick Start guide is well laid out and intuitive with accurate, easy to understand diagrams. Plus, all of the manuals are available online so that they will always be handy, even if you lose the originals. The first thing I tested was my crock pot. If the grid was down and I wanted to eat but I did not want to build a fire, a working crock-pot would be a godsend.
It uses just a modest amount of steady power and can be used for soups, stews and even for baking quick breads.
I ran the crock-pot for quite some time with no problems. My next test was more challenging — a hair straightening iron. If my hair iron worked, then I not only would look good, but I would be able to re-seal the Mylar bags I opened to get to my stored food items.
Again, no problem. From there I moved to lighting and to my alkaline battery charger. Again, everything worked perfectly and I was pleased. Using the Harbor Freight solar system was almost to easy — definitely a set it and forget it operation although the directions indicate you should not leave a charging battery unattended.
I am not done testing yet. The way these things work is that more batteries equals more amp hours equals more current. Or, in plain English, more battery juice means you can run more stuff for a longer period of time. We plan to add some marine deep cycle batteries and a large watt inverter to the basic set up so we can run more stuff.
But for the basics and for now, this system works just fine. But do not let the price dissuade you. For lighting, small appliances and laptops, this system works great. It would be even better with a larger battery. It is my understanding that folks have tied two or three of these systems together for even more power.
As good as that sounds, it is beyond our technical capability at this moment but we are learning and just might get to that point. Do not wire multiple panels in series. If you need to connect two or more solar panels together, this work must be done by a qualified electrician unless they are connected through a regulator. This solar panel kit is not designed for tie-in to a grid.
Only a licensed electrician and a licensed building contractor can safely design and implement a grid tie-in system. Any grid tie-in system must meet all applicable building and electrical codes, and must meet standards established by the area power company. Improper grid tie-in can result in electrocution, fire, and other serious personal injury and property damage. An incorrectly installed grid tie-in system can cause feedback voltage, resulting in electrocution of electrical utility workers.
Do not stand on or otherwise apply pressure to panel. Handle solar panel with care, edges may be sharp. Do not focus light on panel. Install components with enough space to allow proper cooling. Refer to Section of the National Electrical Code for an additional multiplying factor of percent 80 percent derating which may apply. Panel must be connected using. UL listed outdoor rated wire of the correct thickness gauge for the amperage rating and length see warning number 9 also.
Follow the guidelines in the chart below:. Install and use according to applicable National Electrical Code. This panel is not rated for use as fire-resistant roofing. If installing on a roof, install only over a fire resistant roof covering rated for the application.
Verify that installation surface has no hidden utility lines before drilling or driving screws. Install only according to these instructions. Improper installation can create hazards. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles and heavy-duty work gloves during installation.
Do not wear jewelry or metal watches when working near solar panels, wiring or batteries. Handle panel with care. Glass may break or a sharp edge may be exposed during movement. Keep installation area clean and well lit. Install out of reach of children. Keep bystanders out of the area during installation. Do not install when tired or when under the influence of drugs or medication.
Use in 12 VDC systems only. Wear splash-resistant ANSIapproved safety goggles and electrically insulated gloves while working near batteries. Use an appropriate charge controller whenever connected to battery. Before service, maintenance, or cleaning:. You should be able to use a larger battery for one of these solar panel kits, but "how large" I don't know. This is because the real limitation is the total amount the solar panels can charge your battery between uses and how much energy you use between charges.
But even if you pull more from your battery than you charge, a larger battery might still be to your advantage. For example, you could leave home with a fully charged marine battery and bump the charge every day with the solar panels, extending you usage a couple of days.
You are absolutely correct for a permanent install, but the HF kit is portable and would be great for camping or as temporary lighting and as a cell phone charge station during a power outage.
Thanks for the review. I just bought a Lifetime plastic shed and this harbor Frieght solar kit would be perfect for my needs. Excellent write up on this Tom!
Looking forward to trying it out. Reply 6 years ago. Reply 6 years ago on Introduction. I subscribe to them and get emails with the latest sales and coupons. If you bought one of the "extra" panels from harbor freight to go along with this kit, how would it hook up? Can you simply add panels to this controller? Or, would I even need to? Would I only need to add panels if I had more batteries to charge? Reply 7 years ago on Introduction. The adapter cable is setup to take only three solar panels but you can use one if these to add more.
But you have to be careful - the controller is rated for 3 Amps which is in theory what the three panels are rated at. You can replace the thermal fuse with a higher rated one and add another diode if you know how to solder. There does not appear to be a low battery voltage disconnect.
I find this to be a real issue with this system. Any idea on the prices on individual panels? The controller has an internal low voltage battery disconnect built-in and I mentioned this in step 7 of the instructable. It's cheaper to buy the kit I bought if you want three panels.
I looked at the schematic on a computer instead of a phone - I see the battery disconnect is via Q6, disconnecting the ground to the battery. Thanks for the instructable! I have been debating on buying the kit, and your instructable is biasing me towards the purchase!
I'm curious about storability and portability of this kit, how heavy would you say it is? I don't know if they have charge controllers. The three panels attached to the frame probably weigh 45 - 50 pounds. I don't have an issue with the weight but you might depending on what you can carry. If weight is an issue then you can disassemble the solar panels from the frame and put them up separately, it will just take longer to set back up. Even a modern cell phone will take more than 5 watts of power to charge.
By Tom Hargrave www. More by the author:. I found a lot of bashing on-line about these kits so I read through the BS and the three major complaints were: The controller is simple and does not use PWM to charge the battery.
It's only 45 watts. Wiring is simple - it's all "plug and play". The battery charge cable attaches the same way. The two florescent light cords are pretty long too - 16 feet per my measuring tape. Once I had charged the battery for about an hour I tried the lights. They seem to work well. So, what do you need to run a "typical" freezer in an emergency? Did you make this project?
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