Opinion: 120 watt Zamp portable solar panel

[fast_suv]

SO i have the opportunity to get a display model 120 watt Zamp portable solar panel kit for around ~300.00.

Is that a good deal?

I'm just now getting into solar panels and working out my power needs in the new camper (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/129260-Rough-out-products-Expedition-pop-up

Here is a link to the solar system:
https://rvsolarstore.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=49


I plan on having 1 12v deep cell battery to run the water pump, led interior lights (x4), exterior LED lights (x2), maybe a fan and a 1000w inverter when necessary. I will most likely run a few 12v acc. plugs (cig liter) for DV phone charging and what not.


Interior LEDs x4:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/dome-recessed-puck-led-lights/led-round-dome-light-led-fixture-3w/1544/3514/#/tab/Specifications

Exterior LED x2:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/daytime-running-lights/25-square-12-watt-led-mini-auxiliary-work-light/1671/

I am open to LED light and Battery suggestions.....

I'm still learning on what i need but the solar kit seemed like a good deal....

 

[Hilldweller]

That's a very good price.
Fans and 1000w inverters might be a bit much for one battery though....

 

[fast_suv]

That's a very good price.
Fans and 1000w inverters might be a bit much for one battery though....

Yeah I will eventually get two batteries in there but the second battery will come after a few other items... the lights and pump for water are the top priority right now. A backup generator may be in the future as well.


I think i may pick up the kit and worse case maybe someone on here may want to buy it from me for the ~300.00 i get it for.

 

[unseenone]

If you are planning on running a fridge, as well as other stuff, I think you'll find you might want to double that solar capacity if you have space for the panels. For the money, I would seriously consider the Kyocera 140 panel, which is also a bit reinforced for these purposes. You can also get a couple of different roof mounting options or ground stands as well. For the money, you can get two of these outstanding panels. Kyocera KD140GX-LFBS 140 watt Solar Panel.

The Kyocera is made in the Japan, Mexico and USA per ARRA

I also recommend Morningstar for the controller, also a respected brand made in the USA.

 

[Hilldweller]

Yeah I will eventually get two batteries in there but the second battery will come after a few other items... the lights and pump for water are the top priority right now. A backup generator may be in the future as well.


I think i may pick up the kit and worse case maybe someone on here may want to buy it from me for the ~300.00 i get it for.

I've got a Honda EU1000 gennie that I'll let you have cheap...
I used it about 5 times. Was just too much to carry around in a Jeep. Then I got a Power Wagon and had 40 amps of recharge available at the rear connector.
And now I have solar...

 

[dwh]

That's a very good price.
Fans and 1000w inverters might be a bit much for one battery though....

Depends on the fan. I've got a couple of the El Cheapo $15 oscillating fans from the local auto parts chain store. One is a two speed that can really put out some air on high, the other is slower and a single speed, but only draws 10w. I use the faster one (or both) during the day if needed, but the 10w puppy is usually enough for nighttime and at 0.8a, it's no worry to run it all the time.

 

[Hilldweller]

Depends on the fan. I've got a couple of the El Cheapo $15 oscillating fans from the local auto parts chain store. One is a two speed that can really put out some air on high, the other is slower and a single speed, but only draws 10w. I use the faster one (or both) during the day if needed, but the 10w puppy is usually enough for nighttime and at 0.8a, it's no worry to run it all the time.

The Fantastic Fan on my Little Guy trailer sucks juice like Dean Martin at a Superbowl party.

I pinged them to find out how much power:

Bill,
Thank you for contacting Fan-Tastic Vent. Our motors are rated at 36 watts: high draws 3 amps; medium draws 2.29 amps; low draws 1.86 amps.

 

[slamunion]

I run 160 zamp solar stuff and love it. You need to sit down and calculate your average amperage used throughout the day to get a better idea. Technically your battery storage is gonna be the most important. I'm running a 2000 watt inverter with ac/dc power outlets and 4 led lights. Led draw next to nothing if just interior led then your looking at probably 2 amps an hr max for 4 of them. I also added a 10 amp genius charger incase I'm don't have sunlight for several days I can still plug in and charger. 120 watt may be enough but all depends on your usage and battery bank size. I'd run a at least 200 ahs worth of battery. Lithium are the way to go but expensive.

 

[fast_suv]

I run 160 zamp solar stuff and love it. You need to sit down and calculate your average amperage used throughout the day to get a better idea. Technically your battery storage is gonna be the most important. I'm running a 2000 watt inverter with ac/dc power outlets and 4 led lights. Led draw next to nothing if just interior led then your looking at probably 2 amps an hr max for 4 of them. I also added a 10 amp genius charger incase I'm don't have sunlight for several days I can still plug in and charger. 120 watt may be enough but all depends on your usage and battery bank size. I'd run a at least 200 ahs worth of battery. Lithium are the way to go but expensive.

Thanks,
I picked up the 120 kit, mainly because it was too good of a deal to pass up.
I think to start off I am going to just grab a yellow top (or like) battery with around 75ah just to run the water pump and maybe a DC outlet for a quick phone charge here and there.

I am going to rewire the trailer to a 7 pin so my jeep can charge while towing it and try to pick up a small Generator next week( thanks

Hilldweller View Post

) for now.
Once i have that all done i'll start saving for batteries for longer amp hour storage.

Pics of the setup:

 

[slamunion]

Ya for the price not a bad deal. Although that isn't the newest generate zamp portable, the only differance is the legs and controller. Pretty much works the same good pickup. You'll be fine with what you got and for just running a water pump on occansion. I know people who run 120 or 160 for there RVs so you'll be fine for now.