Author Topic: Solar Power for my trailer  (Read 45832 times)

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Offline donpearsall

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Re: Solar Power for my trailer
« Reply #15 on: June 14, 2015, 10:41:44 PM »
I am just following up on this project. Four years later the solar panels, solar controller, AC/DC converter, and even the battery are still working 100%. The battery always has  a charge. I did make the mistake of leaving the lights on for several weeks while I was gone and the battery was very low, but not drained. Once I turned the lights off, the battery has had 12.5v all the time.

I see that four years later the Harbor Freight solar kit is still the same price - about $150 with the 20% off coupon you can get anywhere.

Don


550 hp 2003 Suzuki Hayabusa Land Speed Racer

Offline BasementBorn

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Re: Solar Power for my trailer
« Reply #16 on: June 30, 2015, 05:22:12 PM »
I have seen those kits before and thought about trying one out. I picked up one of the small battery tender ones from harbor freight to hook to my battery on the bike when needed on the salt just to try it out. The thing I was wondering about on yours is how does it do over the winter in WA? I park my trailer outside in the winter and the dang thing is always green come spring. Any issues as far as that is concerned?
Gabe Gorton
Gorton Racing 1060 650APS-BG
Team Banana 1361 F/CPRO

Offline donpearsall

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Re: Solar Power for my trailer
« Reply #17 on: June 30, 2015, 05:31:08 PM »
No issues at all with keeping the battery charged during winter. But I hardly use the battery power except for turning the lights on and off. Every once in a while I turn on the DC/AC converter to see if that works. It has no problem powering tools like saws, grinders, work lights.

Don
550 hp 2003 Suzuki Hayabusa Land Speed Racer

Offline Sumner

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Re: Solar Power for my trailer
« Reply #18 on: August 14, 2015, 02:57:17 PM »
Nice job on the install Don.  :cheers: :cheers:

Of note is that now there are much better places to buy panels and controllers than Harbor Freight.  For Instance I've bought all my panels for both boats, 560 watts on one and 480 watts on the other from Solar Blvd....

https://www.solarblvd.com/index.php?cPath=1_25_42

and you could get a 40 watt panel from them for $58  ....

https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_25_40&products_id=1401

 and a PWM controller for $50....

https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_48_100&products_id=191

The controller above could work with up to a little over 175 watts if you wanted more. 

You could get the controller and a 100 watt panel for less than the HF 45 watt system.

Other reputable sellers have pricing similar to Solar Blvd. 

Sumner