Hobo, is it safe to use these panels to load up my house battery that is connected (via special alternator setup) to my vehicle battery? About to become an RV Lifer (1991 Dolphin) and learned I can't use a Lithium house battery in combination with my car battery since they're connected; so just want to be sure... Thinking the controller takes care of that as long as I don't use lithium as a house battery.
Thanks so much. I’m guessing there is already an isolator because the manual said there is something between the truck battery and the house battery that protects the alternator. Will check to find out if that is an isolator. Too bad those panels won’t arrive till May/June; tho Renogy has a 100+100 watt suitcase I might get instead. Anything I should be aware of with hooking 200 watts to my house battery? Should I put them in series or parallel? I’m think parallel but I only know enough to be dangerous
HOBOTECH thanks for a great review! Can I use this on my Zamora solar ready camper if I put a Anderson plug on it or do I need to bypass the cc on the Sungold. Thank you!
Thanks for the SunGold Solar Demo. I have been wanting to get Solar for my RV. I’m painting and redoing cushions, etc., the process should be finished before the new panels arrive. My order was processed at $199.00 plus tax. Success in the reinstatement of Discount. Now house batteries will be needed as well !!! Thanks again !!! Debbie D.
Hello... I took my 130w SunGold Solar panels carefully out of the box to try today , June 1, 2020. Watched your video again before taking outside. I hook the cables to 3 different batteries and never got the controller to come on. Watched video again to see if I missed anything. I am excited to have the panels and thinking they will be plenty for my Boondocking use. Do you have any suggestions, something I can check ??? You did mention the Controller is not the best, but it didn’t come on with any of the 3 batteries ! I hope you will see my comment soon so I’ll know how to handle the problem. RV redo nearly finished to hit the road. Thank you in advance for the help. P.S. I am happy to give you another communication avenue !!! Debbie D.
A video about charging a goal zero or jackery would be great, with some panel recommendations! I bought an adapter from you about a year ago but haven't gotten solar yet! Thanks Tom! Hello to Odin!
Due to all the smoke in northern California I have not been able to test my folding solar panels. Today it was fairly clear so I am testing them. I found the perfect place, on the roof of my greenhouse. I had to hose all the ash off first and let everything dry. The greenhouse has a shade cover which means I can place the solar generator inside, out of the direct sun. I laid the folding panels flat on the roof in the direct sun with the bottom of the panels resting in the small rain gutter. The light came on on the front of the generator to show that it is charging. Then I come inside and watch this upload halfway though. I then rush outside and secure the top grommets of the panels with rope. Thanks for the warning! (-;
Thanks. Been staring at these options for months. Just ordered this one with your code!! Nice! It will work great, as I can move it to and from different applications. Camper to overland rig to whatever. Update...end May-June delivery date. Obviously non essential gear.
You know I got both 100W harbor freight solar panel kit and the 100W Suaoki foldable portable solar panel and the harbor freight outperformed the suaoki panel considerably on cloudy days and partially shaded. I don't how long they'll last, but I still think they are worthy of one of your reviews.
@@HOBOTECH maybe if you reach out to them they might provide you with the panels. Worst come to worst that 90 days warranty might come handy for my situation.
Good Video Professor & Heidi Looks good, I just got the Renegy 100 watt suitcase. I like the adjustable legs. Looks like the 130 watt, doesn't have tilt adjustments. Like the 100. Camp safe
I recently purchased the what fun 500 watt hour portable power station AC50. This seems to be an almost identical twin to the Bluetti. I am now on the hunt for a 100 or 120 watt solar panel. This video brought up an important point I did not know before, that being that panels with their own solar controller cannot be used with solar generators that have a built-in controller. You discuss bypassing the controller on panels to connect to such solar generators. Once the wires are pulled from the solar controller on the panel, is it just a matter of purchasing the appropriate ended wires to splice into the solar panel and then to the connector plugs for the solar generator?
I see alot of potential in that system. I can envision making a semi-permanent mount for rooftop that allows it to be folde close when not in use or to protect against hail....and with a handful of assorted pigtails, can be adapted to many situations as you showed. I wonder how it would do to just keep a 100w battery with a small fridge/freeze hooked to it... Thanks Hobo.
These are coming with a different controller now, listed as automated, no screen, no usb, etc. The cable also has a split with mc4 connectors in between the controller and the clips.
Great video, I'm getting a Bible 500w power Station, cn505, and am wondering it this panel would be the best deal for me? I will use it for power outages and some camping. Thanks, Michael
NLA on AMZ July 7 20 Seems to happen a lot with this type of equipment, I watch a review, figure out what I want to buy, and it has evaporated off AMZ....
You should test some of the cheaper mppt charger controllers like on Ali Express one I saw someone review that would be useful that charges your Inverter batteries and then charges your starting battery too if you hook it up but the one I am interested in looks either a clone or someone at the factory where victron charge controllers are that say hanfong SMP-20A but that did not help searching I just searched (mppt charge controller) and it was the first one but that maybe because I have looked at them before
Love your videos I'll be in Lake Havasu in a few months. Please do a video on how to hook this up to a power station. I have a RockPal 130 but anyone would be great.
Yes, Prof. Hobo, please do a video on how to hook regular solar panels to a power station. I canceled the Rockpals order, and was going to get Jackery panels (whenever they are back in-stock). Using regular solar panels would be a lot less expensive and may just be the way to go. Thanks for all your informative videos.
@@GerardRosso Yeah, this one looks pretty good, but I'd be inclined to get two of them, and run in parallel with the panel mounted charge controller out of the picture. Right now all I have is a MaxOak 2400 that is topped up from the AC wall adapter. Need some kind of decent panels soon.
So panels with mppt , I need to bypass to charge blue 2400. Disconnect charge controller and connect directly? Can I leave rv system connected to mppt and still bypass panel controller?
Hello Mr. Hobo 🤗, after watching this video I bought this solarpanel. I have a Beaudens 166wh Powerstation. What i have to change on this Solarpanel, so I can charge my Powerstation. thanks in advance, with greets from Germany.
Thanks for your reviews! Even when I don't understand the numbers and words coming from your mouth, I still listen with great interest. I just purchased a Bluetti 2400 (Amazon.ca) and was looking at the available solar panels (always twice the price in Canada as in the US). I found the DOKIO 300W foldable panel (amzn.to/3lStHSl)... have you ever heard of this one? Should I go for it?
So one of these panels wouldn't be able to charge the bluetti EB150 due to it being 12V panel? Would I need to get atleast x2 of these panels running them in parallel to be able to charge the Bluetti EB150?
This has a high enough Voc (open circuit voltage) to charge the Bluetti but it would still be slow. Two in series would be your best bet to recharge it in one day.
This video reminds me of those old 70s movies where someone was watching late night info merciels and eaither was sitting in their chair dead or the apockalips happened so the tell a lie was still running but nobody home! real creepy
You should generally double the solar watts for the amount of amp hours you have, and you base your battery size on your overnight power requirements. That's my rule in practice.
Questions..i really don't get solar at all..but..on these portable panels where does an inverter come into play??..im pretty sure I'm going to get this panel...i will put at least 200 on my roof but still want portable so this will work in that regard..i also will be getting a new solar generator..wanted a jackery 500 but can't really afford it. Esp without promo codes..so I'll prob end up getting a rockpals or suaoki?? What's a good solar generator for about 300 bucks? ..hi Heidi✌thanks Tom.always appreciate your input even if I still don't understand it all..lol..✌❤😊
Inverters have nothing to do with solar panels. They turn battery power into household AC power. I wouldn't recommend a Rockpals. Get a Jackery 240 or Suaoki 200wh from hobotech.tv/amazon/#Power-Generators . If you need regulated 12v power (i.e. for a fridge) get the Jackery. If you want more modern USB charging get the Suaoki. Not sure if the 10% code still works.
You are literally the coolest... I'm getting one asap... Can you chain a battery bank with this or should I just get two I'm trying to run 4 to 6 battle born 100 ah
Amazon is totally screwed up right now. I just ordered something last night that said Prime delivery guaranteed on the 17th and it showed up this afternoon. Not sure what happened to the price though.
Amazon is totally screwed up right now. I just ordered something last night that said Prime delivery guaranteed on the 17th and it showed up this afternoon.
Hey Professor! I enjoy your reviews. I have a challenge/question for you. Is it not possible to create a cycling generator which would be small enough for a nomad? I just wonder if it were not worth the effort to create an exercise bike (very mobile) generator. (K-Tor provides a product, but only produces 20 watts. Ug! WHY?) I have watched conversions of ceiling fans, washing machines, and from scratch, but no one creating it for off grid. What does the professor think? You mention that you do not get many sunny days and it just enforces my thinking that, I would be pedaling (in from the heat/rain) and charging. It would be soooo cool to see the professor do a review on a product, or even create his own DIY version.
I have a folding suitcase that just noticed that the controller will not come on can someone recommend a replacement from amazon also mine has clips for the battery I wanted to buy a jackery and wonder what kind of fix I need to hook up to the jackery I guess if I already had the jackery I might could figure it out but thought I would ask in case I want to order them all together
Thanks for the video. Quick question... can the charge controller be removed from the suitcase and permanently mounted in my camper and just add some quick connect extension cables to it?
I totally didn’t think about that... that sounds like a better idea. I ordered this a couple days ago with your coupon code. Should be here this week. I’ll definitely have to order the controller and probably some extension cables too! Thank you.
Hi Prof'. Please advise, if I only ever use 50% of jackery 500 before I top up to 100%, is each top up equal to 1 cycle or half a cycle or no cycles at all. Great channel, thank you.
It's complicated, but best answer is half a cycle. For longest life, keep the charge between 20%-80% and don't store long term at 100% or in high temperature environments.
So i order it. And yes i tried to charge my solar generators with it. 😂🤣 I'm thinking WTF. Test equipment comes out. Never dawned on me to bypass the SCC. Which BTW is TOTALLY different from the one you show. It must be cheaper than that one! Had no USB and one button like 6 modes and no instructions. Have no idea what it does.
@@HOBOTECH mine has one button. Set. You get numbers 1-9 and the letter A. I thought Auto. But. In all day it didn't bump a battery from 11.57 volts. Bright sun.
I'm sure you'll cover it in the video. But I just purchased one and want to look at purchasing another to charge a Jackery 1000. Will 2 of these connected be able to do so?
If you mean "can a charge controller send power to batteries to charge a water heater element" then yes. You can't safely power a heater directly with a solar panel.
They changed the controller on this fyi (after I ordered one). The one I got today matches what is on amazon now, black with no screen, listed as automated, no usb ports.
That looks like a decent price for reasonable set of panels with a carrying case, etc. You can make your own a bit cheaper, but not much cheaper unless you have pieces already or can watch for deals. Have you done a video on making a set of folding panels? Let's see... 1x $15 to $20 charge controller if you want to hook directly to a battery (not needed to charge a "solar generator"); 2x $70 for 70watt panels (or use 100watt panels at $80-90 per panel, but weight and size starts getting awkward); That's about $160 for the "active" components. Then add maybe $40 to $50 for the rest... You might need some wire and clamps, so cut up a $12 set of amazon basics jumper cables (10ga, 2x12ft, 2x2 clamps); Add $5-6 for some hinges (or use duct tape); About $25 for some PVC pipe and misc screws at a local big orange/blue/red and that should do it. (If you don't need battery clamps, you can get better quality stranded 10ga wire by the foot at the same hardware store.)
@@Sylvan_dB We must be using different math. 20+140+12+6+25=$203 plus a day's time to build it. I'd prefer to buy one for $199 and not waste a day building it and not even have a warranty.
@@HOBOTECH Yeah, you picked mostly the higher cost options. E.g. the charger controller like the one on the SunGoldPower is $11, or you can get a similar Renogy for $20. If you want heavy brass hinges like on your house door they will cost $3/ea ($6/pr) but if you want lighter duty like the other ones they are under $5 per pair. Oh, and the NewPowa 70w panels are $68 so $136 for the pair. That's under $200 for slightly more power at 140 watt. Like I said, you could save a bit. But maybe you don't need the charge controller, you'll end up with extra battery clamps, maybe you'll work with someone else building a set and maybe you'll already have some pieces so can save more. But best of all, by building it yourself you build what suits you best, and you know how to fix it if there is a problem. Different strokes.
I have a question Tom if you already have a pwm system can you supplement with mppt to the same battery. I know this is been discussed but I do not remember. I know when you're using like controllers is not an issue but what if you mix up controllers on One battery. Love the video I love the idea of deploy panels I like shade and they like sun
Ooops! One more question for the professor. Why do nomads not create their own water with an air-to-water device. I have looked them up and they can make gallons per day and use about 250watts/110v. Just devote some solar panels to running this machine, and you have unlimited water. I know that space is the final frontier for some nomads, but saving all the water runs, ahem! I bet the professor could DIY this device too.
They really don't work that well. Especially in the western desert states. 250w running 24/7 is more than an air conditioner for a few glasses of water. Plus they are large and expensive. My friend Pat has one on his channel.
Thanks for the video! I noticed at the end you mentioned this panel might be a slow charge for the Jackery 1000. Three weeks after purchasing the Explorer, I still don't see any sign that the Jackery 100 W panels are gonna become available again. So, what would be your best suggestion for a plan B solar panel?
The Jackery panels will be available next week as mentioned in my recent post. You can, however, use just about any folding panel on hobotech.tv/amazon/#Solar-Kits
I have watched a lot of your videos. Thank you for the info first of all. A question that comes to mind is wind turbine power. Using it with solar(especially for the cloudy times) Using it to charge one of the power stations(like the jackey) and if it could be used to charge one at the same time that solar is charging one?
Mr HOBO, I am new to this channel. I realize your speaking a specialized hybrid offshoot of Geekaneesies. Any change you can recommend an Rosetta Stone?
SUNGOLDPOWER 130w Suitcase Kit bit.ly/3rpU5Wq use code HOBOTECH10 at checkout!
Hobo, is it safe to use these panels to load up my house battery that is connected (via special alternator setup) to my vehicle battery? About to become an RV Lifer (1991 Dolphin) and learned I can't use a Lithium house battery in combination with my car battery since they're connected; so just want to be sure... Thinking the controller takes care of that as long as I don't use lithium as a house battery.
@@margiecallahan3009 Should work. You should really consider installing an isolator so you don't accidentally kill your starter battery.
Thanks so much. I’m guessing there is already an isolator because the manual said there is something between the truck battery and the house battery that protects the alternator. Will check to find out if that is an isolator. Too bad those panels won’t arrive till May/June; tho Renogy has a 100+100 watt suitcase I might get instead. Anything I should be aware of with hooking 200 watts to my house battery? Should I put them in series or parallel? I’m think parallel but I only know enough to be dangerous
@@margiecallahan3009 Series is the way to go as long as the controller can handle the voltage.
HOBOTECH thanks for a great review! Can I use this on my Zamora solar ready camper if I put a Anderson plug on it or do I need to bypass the cc on the Sungold. Thank you!
Thanks for the SunGold Solar Demo.
I have been wanting to get Solar for my RV. I’m painting and redoing cushions, etc., the process should be finished before the new panels arrive. My order was processed at $199.00 plus tax. Success in the reinstatement of Discount. Now house batteries will be needed as well !!!
Thanks again !!!
Debbie D.
Hello... I took my 130w SunGold Solar panels carefully out of the box to try today , June 1, 2020.
Watched your video again before taking outside. I hook the cables to 3 different batteries and never got the controller to come on. Watched video again to see if I missed anything.
I am excited to have the panels and thinking they will be plenty for my Boondocking use.
Do you have any suggestions, something I can check ???
You did mention the Controller is not the best, but it didn’t come on with any of the 3 batteries !
I hope you will see my comment soon so I’ll know how to handle the problem.
RV redo nearly finished to hit the road.
Thank you in advance for the help.
P.S. I am happy to give you another communication avenue !!!
Debbie D.
I used the same panel for 3 months (jan-Apr 202) all over Arizona and Nevada boondocking and it worked great
A video about charging a goal zero or jackery would be great, with some panel recommendations! I bought an adapter from you about a year ago but haven't gotten solar yet! Thanks Tom! Hello to Odin!
Due to all the smoke in northern California I have not been able to test my folding solar panels. Today it was fairly clear so I am testing them. I found the perfect place, on the roof of my greenhouse. I had to hose all the ash off first and let everything dry. The greenhouse has a shade cover which means I can place the solar generator inside, out of the direct sun. I laid the folding panels flat on the roof in the direct sun with the bottom of the panels resting in the small rain gutter. The light came on on the front of the generator to show that it is charging. Then I come inside and watch this upload halfway though. I then rush outside and secure the top grommets of the panels with rope. Thanks for the warning! (-;
Mine arrived. Looks nice and clean. very well packed. Will have to test it out when the sun comes back.
THE man for solar knowledge !!
Thanks. Been staring at these options for months. Just ordered this one with your code!! Nice! It will work great, as I can move it to and from different applications. Camper to overland rig to whatever. Update...end May-June delivery date. Obviously non essential gear.
I always enjoy and learn so much from your tech reviews! Thanks for sharing!
Ordered one today, $208 is a decent price. Thanks Hobotech
Got our panel Friday!!!! Haven't opened it yet...no sun so no hurry.
You know I got both 100W harbor freight solar panel kit and the 100W Suaoki foldable portable solar panel and the harbor freight outperformed the suaoki panel considerably on cloudy days and partially shaded. I don't how long they'll last, but I still think they are worthy of one of your reviews.
I know someone that bought 2 sets of the HF panels and they both broke within a week. I won't spend my money on those.
@@HOBOTECH maybe if you reach out to them they might provide you with the panels. Worst come to worst that 90 days warranty might come handy for my situation.
Looking forward to the video on how to use with the jackery. Since the jackery solar power is not available.
Thanks!! Purchasing. Would love to see the video on connecting it to a Jackery. I'll be purchasing the 1000 in the next few months.
same here wondered if I should buy 2 500/s than the one larger one
Liking this set up. Much better then say a flex panel. Price wise not that much more. Swap that controller with a $30.00 MPPT and your in.
Renogy suitcase arrived DOA last year for my Lycan. Glass everywhere, UPS can be brutal 🤭
Good Video Professor & Heidi
Looks good, I just got the Renegy 100 watt suitcase.
I like the adjustable legs.
Looks like the 130 watt, doesn't have tilt adjustments.
Like the 100.
Camp safe
Looking forward to a video about hooking these up to a Jackery or similar power station...
Thanks for the new code and I just ordered mine!! Thanks for a great review Tom, stay safe!
I recently purchased the what fun 500 watt hour portable power station AC50. This seems to be an almost identical twin to the Bluetti. I am now on the hunt for a 100 or 120 watt solar panel. This video brought up an important point I did not know before, that being that panels with their own solar controller cannot be used with solar generators that have a built-in controller. You discuss bypassing the controller on panels to connect to such solar generators. Once the wires are pulled from the solar controller on the panel, is it just a matter of purchasing the appropriate ended wires to splice into the solar panel and then to the connector plugs for the solar generator?
Thanks for this video. I've been looking for a waterproof solar panel to charge my Jackery 500.
Great video. Yes, life happens. Thanks for the review.
Best solar panel professor on the internet!
Stay safe. ❤😷❤
I see alot of potential in that system.
I can envision making a semi-permanent mount for rooftop that allows it to be folde close when not in use or to protect against hail....and with a handful of assorted pigtails, can be adapted to many situations as you showed.
I wonder how it would do to just keep a 100w battery with a small fridge/freeze hooked to it...
Thanks Hobo.
For the price and capacity, I see the potential to power my travel trailer 12-volt fridge and LED lights so I ordered one tonight.
Good stuff man!...I learn very useful things with your videos..thanks man! I really appreciate it!😊
These are coming with a different controller now, listed as automated, no screen, no usb, etc. The cable also has a split with mc4 connectors in between the controller and the clips.
Went to go buy these through your links but they’re no longer available... What would be the best new equivalent to these as of 12/2020?
Will the controller work for 12v LiFePO4 batteries?
Tom, you are my "Solar Generator Hero" !!! Let me know if you ever plan a road trip to Orlando, I would like to show you all my solar preps.
Can I bypass that controller and put this in series with a Jackery SolorSaga 100 W to get to 24V? Thanks.
Good Bonus! I can use that on the boat instead of shore power. Sweet
Great video, I'm getting a Bible 500w power Station, cn505, and am wondering it this panel would be the best deal for me? I will use it for power outages and some camping.
Thanks, Michael
NLA on AMZ July 7 20 Seems to happen a lot with this type of equipment, I watch a review, figure out what I want to buy, and it has evaporated off AMZ....
Do the USB ports take amperage away from the charging of the battery?
You should test some of the cheaper mppt charger controllers like on Ali Express one I saw someone review that would be useful that charges your Inverter batteries and then charges your starting battery too if you hook it up but the one I am interested in looks either a clone or someone at the factory where victron charge controllers are that say hanfong SMP-20A but that did not help searching I just searched (mppt charge controller) and it was the first one but that maybe because I have looked at them before
Very informative product review ⚖️
Good review . Those panels hold up well .
that controller box with exposed connectors did not appear waterproof. the legs and frame appear to be 2020 alu T profiles
Love your videos I'll be in Lake Havasu in a few months. Please do a video on how to hook this up to a power station. I have a RockPal 130 but anyone would be great.
Yes, Prof. Hobo, please do a video on how to hook regular solar panels to a power station. I canceled the Rockpals order, and was going to get Jackery panels (whenever they are back in-stock). Using regular solar panels would be a lot less expensive and may just be the way to go. Thanks for all your informative videos.
@@dieselnine1022 I have the Rockpal 80W panel it works pretty good but I'd love to get this one so I can connect them both up.
@@GerardRosso Yeah, this one looks pretty good, but I'd be inclined to get two of them, and run in parallel with the panel mounted charge controller out of the picture. Right now all I have is a MaxOak 2400 that is topped up from the AC wall adapter. Need some kind of decent panels soon.
Big fan here! Thanks for the information and vid!!!
So panels with mppt , I need to bypass to charge blue 2400. Disconnect charge controller and connect directly? Can I leave rv system connected to mppt and still bypass panel controller?
Hello Mr. Hobo 🤗,
after watching this video I bought this solarpanel. I have a Beaudens 166wh Powerstation. What i have to change on this Solarpanel, so I can charge my Powerstation.
thanks in advance, with greets from Germany.
How many would I need for the bluetti AC200P.
Would it be possible to see these panels charging a few of the leading solar batteries that you have featured?
Can you use this to charge a 1500 watt bluetti?
Impressive... Nice job and thanks...
Thanks for your reviews! Even when I don't understand the numbers and words coming from your mouth, I still listen with great interest. I just purchased a Bluetti 2400 (Amazon.ca) and was looking at the available solar panels (always twice the price in Canada as in the US). I found the DOKIO 300W foldable panel (amzn.to/3lStHSl)... have you ever heard of this one? Should I go for it?
Confused tho as to why they would have the panels on the outside when closed? I see lots of scrapes n scratches happening..do they all do this?
It comes with a heavy duty soft side carry bag. Scratches don’t diminish solar performance.
They do this to protect the inside of the panels, electronics, and hide the legs. It comes with a case so it won't get damaged.
@@HOBOTECH ok..thanks..makes sense now..
So one of these panels wouldn't be able to charge the bluetti EB150 due to it being 12V panel? Would I need to get atleast x2 of these panels running them in parallel to be able to charge the Bluetti EB150?
This has a high enough Voc (open circuit voltage) to charge the Bluetti but it would still be slow. Two in series would be your best bet to recharge it in one day.
@@HOBOTECH awesome thanks!
Could this be mounted to the top of a camper shell on pickup truck? And left while traveling???
I suppose, but that would defeat the purpose of a folding suitcase kit.
@@HOBOTECH I understand that but when you live in a pickup truck. Every inch is needed. And it could save "set up " time.
Hey Buddy! Great vid ! You & Miss H. be safe! (Michael/Jazz Man)
How can I connect the Renogy 100w suitcase I currently have with this solar suitcase? Thanks
You can literally hook both of them to the same battery using the included clamps.
Could you put a parts list together for connecting it to a Jackery 240 etc?
Covered in the "how to charge any solar generator" video.
I bought this unit after watching your review. The cords are a little short. Can I get a recommendation for extension wires?
hobotech.tv/amazon
Hah hah at 5:37, flux capacitor! Go to the O'reilly auto home page and search for part number 121G. You're welcome.
Please congress take You tube away from google. 5 commercials? Geesh. Thanks Professor Hobo another good one.
Ever since they implemented the new "extra ads" policy last month many are complaining.
This video reminds me of those old 70s movies where someone was watching late night info merciels and eaither was sitting in their chair dead or the apockalips happened so the tell a lie was still running but nobody home! real creepy
I have a TT, so what do you think would be the correct battery size for a 200 watt renogy solar system? I only need 2 batteries for now, . Thanks
You should generally double the solar watts for the amount of amp hours you have, and you base your battery size on your overnight power requirements. That's my rule in practice.
Questions..i really don't get solar at all..but..on these portable panels where does an inverter come into play??..im pretty sure I'm going to get this panel...i will put at least 200 on my roof but still want portable so this will work in that regard..i also will be getting a new solar generator..wanted a jackery 500 but can't really afford it. Esp without promo codes..so I'll prob end up getting a rockpals or suaoki?? What's a good solar generator for about 300 bucks? ..hi Heidi✌thanks Tom.always appreciate your input even if I still don't understand it all..lol..✌❤😊
Inverters have nothing to do with solar panels. They turn battery power into household AC power. I wouldn't recommend a Rockpals. Get a Jackery 240 or Suaoki 200wh from hobotech.tv/amazon/#Power-Generators . If you need regulated 12v power (i.e. for a fridge) get the Jackery. If you want more modern USB charging get the Suaoki. Not sure if the 10% code still works.
Thank Tom you save my bucks.
Anyway you can do a review on the nature generator 1800? I can't seem to find any good reviews on it and I'm a huge fan of your test and research.
You are literally the coolest... I'm getting one asap... Can you chain a battery bank with this or should I just get two I'm trying to run 4 to 6 battle born 100 ah
It will take 3 of these panels 8 hours to charge 4 Battleborn from 50%. I say two in parallel would be minimum.
@@HOBOTECH I was thinking 2 or 4 of renogy on the rv roof and one or 2 of these to move around if the shade gets weird... Parallel I think
Will this suitcase solar panel work on charging a bluetti 150 solar gen.
I cover that in a later video, "How to charge with any solar panel".
Price Thursday $235, price Friday $255, promo code works. Delivery delay but still a deal. I ordered one.
Amazon is totally screwed up right now. I just ordered something last night that said Prime delivery guaranteed on the 17th and it showed up this afternoon.
Not sure what happened to the price though.
@@mikescallon4069 Yep. Just set it to 14.6v.
Delivery by Amazon is quoting June 8 - July 2! While I may be interested, not interested in the wait.
Amazon is totally screwed up right now. I just ordered something last night that said Prime delivery guaranteed on the 17th and it showed up this afternoon.
Hey Professor! I enjoy your reviews. I have a challenge/question for you. Is it not possible to create a cycling generator which would be small enough for a nomad? I just wonder if it were not worth the effort to create an exercise bike (very mobile) generator. (K-Tor provides a product, but only produces 20 watts. Ug! WHY?)
I have watched conversions of ceiling fans, washing machines, and from scratch, but no one creating it for off grid. What does the professor think? You mention that you do not get many sunny days and it just enforces my thinking that, I would be pedaling (in from the heat/rain) and charging. It would be soooo cool to see the professor do a review on a product, or even create his own DIY version.
Well, seeing both of us have electric bikes that goes to show how much we actually like to pedal!
Very nice Prof.
Hi. Could we run 3 of these in series to power our Bluetti 1500? Thanks!
Yes, if you bypass the controllers.
HOBOTECH thanks for all your help. It has been invaluable. Cheers!
Thanks Professor Hobo...
Hello. Great review. Could I add more panels to this setup to make more watts. Can’t beat that price. Thanks and stay safe
You bet!
I have a folding suitcase that just noticed that the controller will not come on can someone recommend a replacement from amazon also mine has clips for the battery I wanted to buy a jackery and wonder what kind of fix I need to hook up to the jackery I guess if I already had the jackery I might could figure it out but thought I would ask in case I want to order them all together
should have watched the whole video before I asked but did anyway ?
Thanks for the video. Quick question... can the charge controller be removed from the suitcase and permanently mounted in my camper and just add some quick connect extension cables to it?
Sure but why not spend the $20 and get Renogy? hobotech.tv/amazon/#Solar-Install
HOBOTECH oh buy an aftermarket charge controller?
I totally didn’t think about that... that sounds like a better idea. I ordered this a couple days ago with your coupon code. Should be here this week. I’ll definitely have to order the controller and probably some extension cables too! Thank you.
HOBOTECH I’m looking at a 20 amp MPPT from Renogy. I’ve got a pop up camper and I’ll have 2 12V sealed batteries wired in. Thanks for your help!
Hi Prof'.
Please advise, if I only ever use 50% of jackery 500 before I top up to 100%, is each top up equal to 1 cycle or half a cycle or no cycles at all. Great channel, thank you.
It's complicated, but best answer is half a cycle. For longest life, keep the charge between 20%-80% and don't store long term at 100% or in high temperature environments.
when you hook up to the house batteries and you have two batteries how do you hook it up. you only showed one
Hook to any one battery and they will all charge -- assuming a 12v system with batteries in parallel.
So i order it. And yes i tried to charge my solar generators with it. 😂🤣 I'm thinking WTF. Test equipment comes out. Never dawned on me to bypass the SCC. Which BTW is TOTALLY different from the one you show. It must be cheaper than that one! Had no USB and one button like 6 modes and no instructions. Have no idea what it does.
They sent me the new revised model with this controller I'll do a review on.
@@HOBOTECH mine has one button. Set. You get numbers 1-9 and the letter A. I thought Auto. But. In all day it didn't bump a battery from 11.57 volts. Bright sun.
@@HOBOTECH i have the one shown with the usbs. I was seriously thinking just upgrade.
I'm sure you'll cover it in the video. But I just purchased one and want to look at purchasing another to charge a Jackery 1000. Will 2 of these connected be able to do so?
Yes, in parallel only though.
Can a cheap charge controller send power to a water heater element after it has fully charged batteries?
If you mean "can a charge controller send power to batteries to charge a water heater element" then yes. You can't safely power a heater directly with a solar panel.
What gauge wire are you using for that extension cable? I need to run about 10 to 20 feet.
It's 12-14 AWG. If you want to run 20 feet use 10 AWG.
Made for me.
Can you plug in USB and charge directly, like a phone or other USB device?
Sure.
They changed the controller on this fyi (after I ordered one). The one I got today matches what is on amazon now, black with no screen, listed as automated, no usb ports.
Can this be used to charge an AC200? If so, time to full capacity? Thanks!
If you bypass the controller. wh / watts= hrs
Mine didn't come with this controller..... WTF
Lol "grody " wow I had a flashback when you said that word...
Same.
That looks like a decent price for reasonable set of panels with a carrying case, etc. You can make your own a bit cheaper, but not much cheaper unless you have pieces already or can watch for deals.
Have you done a video on making a set of folding panels?
Let's see...
1x $15 to $20 charge controller if you want to hook directly to a battery (not needed to charge a "solar generator");
2x $70 for 70watt panels (or use 100watt panels at $80-90 per panel, but weight and size starts getting awkward);
That's about $160 for the "active" components. Then add maybe $40 to $50 for the rest...
You might need some wire and clamps, so cut up a $12 set of amazon basics jumper cables (10ga, 2x12ft, 2x2 clamps);
Add $5-6 for some hinges (or use duct tape);
About $25 for some PVC pipe and misc screws at a local big orange/blue/red and that should do it.
(If you don't need battery clamps, you can get better quality stranded 10ga wire by the foot at the same hardware store.)
As this is $199 it costs more to make it yourself.
@@HOBOTECH Not the way I just costed it out above.
@@Sylvan_dB We must be using different math. 20+140+12+6+25=$203 plus a day's time to build it. I'd prefer to buy one for $199 and not waste a day building it and not even have a warranty.
@@HOBOTECH Yeah, you picked mostly the higher cost options. E.g. the charger controller like the one on the SunGoldPower is $11, or you can get a similar Renogy for $20. If you want heavy brass hinges like on your house door they will cost $3/ea ($6/pr) but if you want lighter duty like the other ones they are under $5 per pair. Oh, and the NewPowa 70w panels are $68 so $136 for the pair. That's under $200 for slightly more power at 140 watt. Like I said, you could save a bit.
But maybe you don't need the charge controller, you'll end up with extra battery clamps, maybe you'll work with someone else building a set and maybe you'll already have some pieces so can save more. But best of all, by building it yourself you build what suits you best, and you know how to fix it if there is a problem.
Different strokes.
Great review! Sounds like an awesome panel to have. Pass this on, Heidi is cute!
I have a question Tom if you already have a pwm system can you supplement with mppt to the same battery. I know this is been discussed but I do not remember. I know when you're using like controllers is not an issue but what if you mix up controllers on One battery. Love the video I love the idea of deploy panels I like shade and they like sun
Yes, you can use any controllers you like on a battery. They won't conflict.
Ooops! One more question for the professor. Why do nomads not create their own water with an air-to-water device. I have looked them up and they can make gallons per day and use about 250watts/110v. Just devote some solar panels to running this machine, and you have unlimited water. I know that space is the final frontier for some nomads, but saving all the water runs, ahem!
I bet the professor could DIY this device too.
They really don't work that well. Especially in the western desert states. 250w running 24/7 is more than an air conditioner for a few glasses of water. Plus they are large and expensive. My friend Pat has one on his channel.
is it possible these tools could last a lifetime?
No longer available... Im sad
Thanks for the video! I noticed at the end you mentioned this panel might be a slow charge for the Jackery 1000. Three weeks after purchasing the Explorer, I still don't see any sign that the Jackery 100 W panels are gonna become available again. So, what would be your best suggestion for a plan B solar panel?
The Jackery panels will be available next week as mentioned in my recent post. You can, however, use just about any folding panel on hobotech.tv/amazon/#Solar-Kits
Love yer stuff!! And yer cat!!
I have watched a lot of your videos. Thank you for the info first of all. A question that comes to mind is wind turbine power. Using it with solar(especially for the cloudy times) Using it to charge one of the power stations(like the jackey) and if it could be used to charge one at the same time that solar is charging one?
Wind power only works above 50 feet. I used to have a turbine on my RV and it did squat but, sure.
Bummer
I got all excited and clicked the Amazon link..... as of June 1, 2020 anyway the product is not available and not known when it will be.....
Trying to buy one ! Thanks, just what the Doctor HOBOTECH ordered, ehh. LATERGATOR ordered ! Code not working 😢 .
Try new promo code RT63P6C7
Is it possible to replace the charge controller?
Yep!
Can this be mounted on roof panel?
Probably not wise to mount it on top of another solar panel.
Mr HOBO, I am new to this channel. I realize your speaking a specialized hybrid offshoot of Geekaneesies. Any change you can recommend an Rosetta Stone?
Hopefully they will update the code soon.
Try new promo code RT63P6C7
I liked your video, but...the kitty!!! Crying laughing! Seriously, good info!
must be a good project...amazon has jacked the price to $395