Anyone use this solar power kit?

[SDDiver5]

Here's my plan and a little back story.

I work pretty far from my home and I am tired of sitting in traffic. So, I thought to myself, Hey why not sleep in your truck a few nights a week since you have a shell and save on gas/time/patience? Ah jeez you're so smart!

So, I am finishing up the redesign of my sleeping platform to be more accommodating as a mini palace. I initially thought I would just go there to sleep but then decided I wanted to have some power to it. I work way too much so I wont be in there often so all I'll need is a few LED lights, a fan, laptop/phone charging area and maybe one or two other things I decide I need further down the line.

After my research on here I decided to look for some kits that are avail to make it a little easier and not as time consuming. After a few google searches I found myself on amazon and found this:

https://www.amazon.com/WindyNation-...ar+Cable+++MC4+Connectors+++Mounting+Brackets

Anyone ever used this? All I need is power for a few hours a day. My truck sits in a garage during the day (where I plan on sleeping at night) but there are plenty of spots available outside of the parking garage to charge the batt during the day.

Thats all I can think of right now... Let me know what you guys think!

 

[jonyjoe101]

100 watts should be good for your limited use. The laptop will probably be the power hog. They can use 6+ amps of power. If you instead use a netbook, you can use that all night long without draining your battery, its what I use.

100 watts will give you about 5 amps of charge power when the sun is overhead. The kit uses a pwm controller which is all you need for the 100 watt panel. The price of 196 dollars isnt bad for what you get, especially if you dont want to build your own.

I myself started with a 120 watt panel and 75 ah agm battery and was running everything you have plus also had a 12 volt fridge in the van.

I recommend you get some rv putty tape if you drill holes on your roof. Its all I been using on the roof of my van for the past 3 years, and I have the solar panel, and many vents/holes I cut onto the roof, never had any water leak inside the van when it rains.

I would recommend at least a 100 ah battery, that way any excess power produce is stored for when you have cloudy days. Even with the 120 watt panel I produce more power than I use and it would get wasted because the 75 ah battery was full.

 

[SDDiver5]

Awesome input, thank you! Exactly what I was looking for.

Still debating if I want to go this route....but I think I will.

 

[El Solis]

I've been running this system for a few years without complaint. I did upgrade the controller mine came with but the new controllers seem better (at least on paper). Slightly more expensive but gives the option of portability and you can park in the shade. I made a 25 foot extension with 12awg wire and haven't noticed a drop in volts/amps.
Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Suitcase https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HR8YNK6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QbILxb73Y543K

 

[ChadHahn]

I too have the Renogy suitcase. I have only used it a few times but it works great.

Chad

 

[SDDiver5]

Thanks for the input guys appreciate it.

 

[hyperboarder]

To those that use the Renogy, are you still just putting it out when you make camp? I have that as well, love it aside from the non-waterproof controller. Makes me hesitant to leave it out at night.

 

[SDDiver5]

I've done some more researching on it and the Renogy seems to be a favorite. I am considering getting it.

Luckily I don't have to worry about weather! Ever.

 

[Semi-Hex]

To those that use the Renogy, are you still just putting it out when you make camp? I have that as well, love it aside from the non-waterproof controller. Makes me hesitant to leave it out at night.

I took the controller off and moved it inside with my battery. A little more efficient too!

 

[Semi-Hex]

the dreaded double post.

 

[pugslyyy]

Here's my plan and a little back story.

I work pretty far from my home and I am tired of sitting in traffic. So, I thought to myself, Hey why not sleep in your truck a few nights a week since you have a shell and save on gas/time/patience? Ah jeez you're so smart!

So, I am finishing up the redesign of my sleeping platform to be more accommodating as a mini palace. I initially thought I would just go there to sleep but then decided I wanted to have some power to it. I work way too much so I wont be in there often so all I'll need is a few LED lights, a fan, laptop/phone charging area and maybe one or two other things I decide I need further down the line.

After my research on here I decided to look for some kits that are avail to make it a little easier and not as time consuming. After a few google searches I found myself on amazon and found this:

https://www.amazon.com/WindyNation-...ar+Cable+++MC4+Connectors+++Mounting+Brackets

Anyone ever used this? All I need is power for a few hours a day. My truck sits in a garage during the day (where I plan on sleeping at night) but there are plenty of spots available outside of the parking garage to charge the batt during the day.

Thats all I can think of right now... Let me know what you guys think!

Seems like a far simpler power solution would be a portable battery pack that you charge at work each day. That way you can keep your vehicle cool and under cover during the day (and save some bucks as well)

 

[ChadHahn]

The controller is under the panel so unless there's driving rain, I wouldn't think it'd get too wet.

Chad

 

[FlyHiawatha]

I bought the Renogy 100w suitcase with controller to use on my 5 week trip to Colorado. It arrived without operating instructions. Fine, I'll just get them online (they aren't on the website). Anyway, the controller never would work and, being in the wilds of the National Forest, I had no way to get support. Did I get screwed on this purchase?

 

[AndrewP]

No, it's a nice unit, and the suitcase protects it well. I, too, found the included charge controller confusing.

I upgraded the charge controller to a Morningstar SunSaver 10. It works great.

 

[onemanarmy]

so....would it be recommended to buy the Renogy panels and controller separate?