Harbor Freight Solar Panels and WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW before you buy them

Yep, Harbor Freight sells solar panels, and they are super popular, but today I wanted to put them to the test and let you know...not only how they worked out performance wise, but how to use them with other solar panels and solar generators such as Anker, Bluetti and Ecoflow
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[@adamb89]

Independently-moving legs were probably intentional since it allows you to compensate for uneven terrain.

[@rickwashek478]

Seen videos of those whobarfreight solar panel in past. You my friend are the first one who explains everything about them and how to connect them.

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

A couple quick DIY options to increase solar panel output from existing panels. Option 1: Take a second to look up the optimum angle for the panel to the sun, it's based off your latitude. Now remove the legs and replace them with telescoping legs marked with both winter and summer elevation on the legs. You should see a bit of improved output from the solar panels and it's an easy fix. 1a: You can also make a summer leg, and a winter leg, if you want to switch them as needed. Solstice and Equinox are a good reminder to switch them. 1b: Instead of marking the legs, you can put a bubble level on the frame with a summer and winter elevation marking. Option 2: Make sure your solar panels are waterproof before you do this. Also do not do this with panels that are hot, as they may crack. Set your solar panel in a pool of cool liquid. Cooler panels produce up to 20% more power for the same amount of light on the panels, depending on their temperature. Also always take a second to waterproof your adapter / connectors for all your panels. Add some electrical grease to the connectors as well when you do this, corrosion will cause a lot of issues and lost power over time if you do not. This will cost only a few cents per connection, and may save you hours looking for a bad connection. Simply apply the ELECTRICAL grease, connect the connectors, then heat shrink the connectors together with shrink tubing to keep them from coming apart over time and seal them against most moisture at the same time.

[@alals6794]

Great tips.....thanks.

[@noreenebostick9593]

This video taught me a lot about how to hook up solar panels for my small power station. I purchased my power outages to keep cellphones, iPad, tablets, laptops and internet charged and running,

[@ToolReviewZone]

Awesomeness

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

I had to build a small setup like this to maintain power for medical equipment. It works, and it's not ridiculously expensive.

[@buscampers]

I'm a fan of these panels, especially for $89/ea on sale. I have two 100w panels on my bus roof since May and they've done a great job so far.

[@MR-backup]

' $89/ea on sale. " - you got a dolorian time machine bud? haven't seen those numbers since 2020.

[@buscampers]

@@MR-backup Me neither until the Memorial Day sale which is why I jumped on them lol. Best I've seen since has been $99

[@Bamabrute85]

​@MR-backup They were $89 last weekend during their labor day sale.

[@rrb4kids1]

Got mine last year (2023) for $89 on the sale.

[@wallychambe1587]

Was On sale through through Sunday march 10th for $89!😲

[@jimmtech]

A couple weeks ago I went to my local Harbor Freight to check out solar options and no one in the store including the manager had a clue. The store manager actually discouraged me from buying any solar products. Perhaps you could do training for Harbor Freight on how to sell their own products.

[@ToolReviewZone]

Very strange they said and did that. Seems a lot of people are buying and liking these

[@Chriscovelli1]

My friend. No companies in America pay people enough to care and they certainly don’t pay enough to hire someone with actual experience. Hell, the WHOLE COUNTRY is like this. EVERY JOB! Get use to it. You have no choice I’m afraid 😧

[@kingmasterlord]

never trust the word of a manager they are always a corporate mouthpiece, and corporations are your enemy whether you reciprocate that attitude or not.

[@luvyatubers]

​@@Chriscovelli1True

[@luvyatubers]

Same reason I haven't purchased any. Idk what I'm doing. If they are running an a/c while away from home. And the power runs out. Will it break the a/c? I run it for my pets so they don't get baked

[@mrcryptozoic817]

People shouldn't be afraid to learn about solar panels. There are only 2 wires, red (pos) and black (neg). And maybe a ground to the frames. Just don't mix them up. Don't think "electricity" and drop everything to run screaming into a cave. The only thing I did differently when I installed mine 10 years ago, is I put a toggle switch (DC power, of course) on the main positive lead between the panel and the load. That meant I could simply shut off current to work on the downstream devices. More info: see "everyday solar".

[@scottscheaffer5380]

I have 4 of these panels. 1 of them got hit by a falling branch and shattered the top plastic. It never stopped bringing in power. I use Renogy controller and invertor. I also have 3 100ah Renogy gels and 2 Duracell Agms as my battery bank. ( I know I shouldn't mix brands, but I did it anyway). And I am completely satisfied with their output. Even during Michigan winters.. I only had to fire up the generator about every 2-3 days for about 4 hours to top everything off. I tried to keep them at 60% or above.

[@MakeitZUPER]

The HF panels aren't the most efficient or powerful but they're a great way for people to teach themselves about what they can and can't do as a beginner without spending a huge amount of money. These are poly/multi crystalline panels and don't last as long as the mono panels but they're a lot more affordable. A good way to compare the types is that these poly cell panels are like OSB boards, and the mono cells are like hardwood planks. Mono cells are what go on satellites because they perform much better and last much longer. There are all sorts of charge controllers and batteries available as well as wiring sizes to figure out as people grow their system and choosing badly can cause electrical fires or damaged equipment. ALWAYS use wire that can carry more amps than you're making and the longer the distance, the thicker the wire will need to be also. The charge controller should be the best you can afford too. Cheaper models will be a problem for digitally controlled devices. Beware of 99% of the wires on Amazon since they are mostly copper coated aluminum. That type of wire breaks easily (cell phone charger wires) and doesn't conduct electricity as well, so it needs to be thicker just to do the same job as copper. Just stay away from the crappy aluminum stuff.

[@ToolReviewZone]

They are actually Monocrystalline

[@MakeitZUPER]

@@ToolReviewZone That's impressive. Actual circular cells?

[@jeffnorbert1871]

​@@ToolReviewZoneimmediately what came to my mind also. I own one of them that I bought a couple years ago and it's monocrystaline. Thought what, did they change them? Pretty sure they are still the same and they are probably the best "value" around for most people depending on how they intend to use it.

[@johnnysparkleface3096]

Hmm. I'm clueless. OSB? Charge Controller? Amps? I am serious. I understand NONE of this. Where can I turn to learn all this stuff, where no prior knowledge is assumed?

[@MakeitZUPER]

@@johnnysparkleface3096 The only cure is education, experience and wisdom.

[@mannyvega5032]

Great review! I bought the HB 100w panels on sale when they were advertised for $99. I bought 4 of them and if you think about it getting 4 of them is literally like buy 4 get 1 free because if you save $100 on 4 you an get an extra 1 for free. They normally run $125 and even at that price it would be worth it. That being said i got the parallel adapter and literally plug and play into my Ecoflow Delta 2. With a short cord i can get about 260 watts in full sun but with a 50 ft cord it drops to 230 which is still impressive considering i use my EF at night . When i go to work i plug it back in and recharge with " free" energy during the day. Get these panels!

[@acuratltypes6694]

I bought 2 of these myself for camping last year. Changed them over to MC4s real quick. They are wired in series to a 30a Epever mppt charge controller charging a 100ah Power Queen battery. In dead heat of summer about 165w to 180w. Colder weather best i saw was 220w through the shunt. Not bad for a pack up and go camping set.

[@spuriouseffect]

There something wrong in your system. Each of my panels put out 100 watts. Either your wiring or your charge controller is limiting your wattage.

[@bennorthrup9806]

A few DIY project folk said they bought USED full size (200-400w) panels for as little as $50. Most new purchase folks said they were around $250. Amazing how much of the cost of a system is the hook up. Use these small ones to keep your batteries charged- don't try and run your house rectifying to AC.

[@Divergentpath]

I buy my panels from santan solar in phoenix az. Prices are from 35 to 50 dollars each. Bought over 50 panels so far (I'm a bit of a solar junkie) and not one bad panel.

[@jaadow77]

I got one of these to use with my 1000w Jackery - 100W is the max input to it, and this works just fine. The Jackery sits under it in the shade!

[@TooooManyHobbies]

I’d like to do this. Do you have an inverter between the panels and the Jackery?

[@rookm13]

@@TooooManyHobbies the jackery has an inverter built in 100w max input on a 1000wh bank is atrocious "A: The maximum input wattage of Explorer 1000 is 126W(12~30V,7.5~8.33A ). As for recharging time, it depends on which panel you are using and weather conditions, for example, the Explorer 1000 can be quickly recharged within 8 hours by connecting two SolarSaga 100W solar panels together with an adapter cable. If connecting only one single panel, the approximate recharging time is 17 hours. Recharging time may varies from different location, temperature, weather etc, the actual time may be different."

[@black84z28camaro]

I have 3 hf panels running 4 100 ah batteries on my offroad camper and doing perfectly fine

[@zubaidasmith4551]

You know what? Your the best so far at explaining all this. THANK YOU! I am alone and on a budget and want to convert my home into solar myself. I think I can do it now with your help.:)

[@HillbillioesInOuterSpace-101]

It's going to take more than what he's showing to run your home.

[@independenttntn3276]

​@@HillbillioesInOuterSpace-101 I was thinking they exact same thing. Like about 75 more 100W panels not to mention inverter, batteries, shunt, fusing, charge controller etc.

[@shaunforcier]

About 4 years ago " after watching a KZbin video by John Daniel" I bought the harbor freight 100 watt thunder bolt solar kit that came with the 4 25 watt solar panels,the charge controller and the 2 12 volt lights benn using it since and have not had a single problem with it the main reason I love that system is the solar panels is they are the amorphous solar panels and will still send a great charge to the batteries are these new panels amorphous panels as well

[@kenc9162]

I’ll take a guess on the SAE, was more common in RV and car applications once upon a time, maybe still is. Seeing more MC4 now. Good advice on the adapter, but remember to watch polarity carefully and don’t just rely on wire color or +/- symbols on the connectors.

[@ToolReviewZone]

Agreed brother. These actually won't work if you hook them up wrong 👊👊👊

[@mos8541]

yeahbut Reversing the polarity is a time honored method to defeat the enemy in most/all sci fi startrekwars type shows, which though not really live, are accurate

[@stevencorrea8032]

A lot of people are dcac some people are ACDC

[@tonymarinotm19]

BROTHER BROTHER, BROTHER, BROTHER !!!! By the way, this gentleman is not my brother well actually we're all brothers . Actually, this is a message for this man who produced this video. Sir I am so glad that I watched your video and this is why you get straight to the point you're not kissing anybody's butt but you're not disrespecting anybody neither and truthfully this is the type of video a lot of us love straight to the point and I'm sure if you have any big sponsors they love it too. If they don't, I do!💯👍🏻👊🏻🙏🏻

[@rodx5571]

I have a couple Harbor freight panels, I dont like the SAE connectors on them. I found the nearly same panels on Amazon for 70$ each with MC4 CONNECTORS which makes it much easier to use. The HFT panels rated at 100w will do the typical 60w actual usable output, Even with an MPPT controller in full sun. Not bad panels, they have been working as expected for 2 years. So i actually have 3 types of panels, on 3 individual charge controllers (all 3 are Renogy 40a MPPT charge controllers on a Renogy LAN i can monitor on my phone) Works great, multiple controllers either produces great, and you can service parts of the system without losing all power. NOTE i live off grid.

[@fatguyonagrom9515]

I've got a couple of those myself, excellent panels but you forgot to mention that little plug that goes between the SAE Connector and the Converting Connector so there wont be reversed polarity causing them not to work on the majority of battery banks. Crimping MC4 connectors on them is definately the way to go.

[@MR-backup]

I left the SAE on and just made my own MC4 adapters to extend my reach so that I could be able to use the warranty in case the panels crapped out on me. Never ended up needing to use the warranty, so I guess going forward IF I get more of these panels I'll just cut out the SAE terminals and crimp on the MC4 or Anderson terminals ( I have the tools).

[@kennethwood2089]

Great point! Keep that receipt and warranty! @@MR-backup

[@markwitkop7022]

Actually, Harbor Freight sells their panel with the connector you show, but, they also available with Mc4 connectors. They are just down the page a little. FYI:

[@chamberlin1000]

I bought 21 of those and hooked them 140 VDC by three rows so the voltage is 140 and the wattage is 700W per row about 2100 watts. Got My whole ropom hooked up to a 48 VDC Lifepo4 System and powers my whole room and entertainment system

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

I'm off grid. I got 6 panels and 10 of their batteries. I depend on it and it hasn't let me down yet. The batteries were 75 apiece here

[@wallychambe1587]

One issue a lot of people overlook is the size of the wire coming off them it looks like 14 gauge, that small wire can cause current drop, I beefed mine up to 8 Gage, I stayed with the sae because I couldn't find the MC4 in 8 gauge!😁😁

[@MR-backup]

" that small wire can cause current drop, " - that may be true, I would do all the tests at different conditions to prove or disprove it, but I have other big fish to fry. One economic issue is that other time these mono panels will wear out, requiring replacement (~5years?). So uping the wire gauge size is only a good investment if you can swap over to future new panels.

[@wallychambe1587]

Found MC4 in 8 gauge but no MC4 8gauge tools for putting together, Wow!😲😲

[@stephenm8100]

Most campers and RVs have SAE connections already installed. And most people buying these kits (myself included) are buying them for a camper. So that is probably why the SAE connections.

[@markspinner7220]

Good stuff. I’m gonna DIY a tv wall mount up in my Jeep roof rack and add this panel to it. TV mount can extend and change angles rt there on my roof.

[@olbluetundra881]

I wouldn't knock on the hf panels. I've got a renogy and the hf 100 watt and after 2 years of use. They are still neck and neck on wattage. I use them for the camper batteries wile sitting. While using the lights in the camper just on the solar panel i have noticed the hf actually seems to hold a better voltage than the renogy though. The voltage on the renogy got down to 11.8 while the hf on the same lights held 12.3 volts. I even went back and cleaned both panels and retested. Almost identical result. I think as time goes

[@seeking70]

Good review and explanation. I use HF for a lot of my "disposable tool needs," but unless it's a significant sale, Amazon has numerous options for less expensive panels ($87 for a Renogy today, and it's not the least expensive). Look around before you buy.

[@kennethwood2089]

Bruh! Ya said a mouthful to this 80 y/o Buckeye lookin' for ENERGY INDEPENDENCE here in Ohio! Well-done review! Thanky. Carry on. You're short, sweet, to da point! HOO-AAHH!

[@sloanNYC]

I just don't get the price. For the same cost you can get Renogy bifacial 115w panels that are smaller and have MC4 connectors...On sale, maybe, but even then it isn't clear how many bus bars are used and how well these do in partial shade (half cut cells?). A lot of newer panels have all of those features for the same $ or cheaper...

[@haywardkong1213]

Yeah waiting for the Renogy 115w panels to go on sale so I can get 2x of them and turn them into a suit case for traveling.... I like to test out the bifacials......

[@AtwoodThreads]

I love these panels. I have one hard mounted to our adventure rig. In the shade under a carport it was pulling in power. Thanks for the vid, take care

[@FJRyder]

I own 1 Thunderbolt 100watt panel, but i don't think I'll buy any more. You can get used residential \ commercial panels at around $0.50 \ watt. Most of them already come with MC4 connectors.

[@fabioforni5722]

I'm running 3 of those panels and the 100 watt kit and am getting great performance I'm running a 40amp mppt charge controller charging to 95amp hour Agm batteries.

[@dragon7689]

These panels are great but change the connecting wires to a larger diameter and you will see a little more power out of them. Im in texas and see them peak at about 105-110w per panel.

[@mylord214argueta3]

What diameter wire did you use to have them peak at those higher numbers?

[@Jason4Star]

Great video. I have three of these panels still sitting in the box. I intend to put them on an enclosed trailer, but I am looking to see what charge controller I should get and connecting wires, etc. Your humor is funny. Be well.

[@tidebounce9149]

Sunny Side Up!! I'm slowly getting up to speed on solar panels. Appreciate the video on how to leverage the versatility of these panels. Thanks Clint.

[@wallychambe1587]

They have some Diodes in the little panel in the back, they could be fried in an EMP. Ordered some extra ones and keeping them in my EMP can!😲😲

[@karenpennington5073]

I think this is terrific! Thank you,I’m going to Harbor soon.

[@sluggodna]

I love harbor freight. I wish I would have known about portable power stations before i got solar? . I was running 160w in panels. Four batteries. Rv mini fridge. Mini wash/ spin dryer. Hair dryer bag to dry. I still had to use the main house for water. Toolshed.

[@handyscapersllc]

3:46 they go independently for uneven ground. If you connect them together then you have to be on level ground

[@livingthelava]

Thank god someone has switched to the Anderson connection.

[@kenclarkii2261]

Great video man!! Very informative and entertaining!!

[@ToolReviewZone]

Thanks Ken, appreciate that brother 👊

[@Da_GrandiMan]

Great Vid, Hooray for, Hoo-Bar Freight ! I wanna make, retractable (pop up n lock down), solar awnings for my home. Can wait to see your choices, for portable, solar power stations / generators with auto charge shutoff. To store n distribute to devices on a "Pure Sine Wave" basis.

[@baneverything5580]

I like the legs on them. I prefer 200w panels but there are some nice deals on the 100w packs and they`re easier to move if used for a small power station or 12v DC device.

[@user-cv2ew7lz1z]

I have them solar panels and I love mine they work awesome for me !

[@barnowl6807]

Everyone should be aware that $1.00 per watt is expensive. If you search around on line you can find SINGLE panels that provide 400 Watt for about 38 cents per watt. The trade off is a larger panel, and it doesn't have floppy legs. however, it probably has about the same area as 4 of the HF panels. I too have a couple of the HF 100 Watt panels that I use to keep the batteries charged on my vehicles and yard equipment.

[@johnregan8796]

Please link that panel below I’d love to get a couple

[@barnowl6807]

@@johnregan8796 Many times there are "orphan" panels that will sell in less than a pallet number that are cheap. These deals come and go. That's why I said search around. The place I bought mine no longer sells panels.

[@MR-backup]

@@barnowl6807 The problem is 1) no warranty on these cheap panels IF they don't work, or output less power due to lack of quality control 2) they are are usually sold by these gold rush companies, i.e. they pop up online, sell, then close their account and create another account to avoid bad reviews or return claims. In other words, if you got a brick an mortar store (HF) you can go back and get any defect issues remedied (which in my case, never needed to happen), but in the one place that you likely will get defect issues (ONLINE) you will likely NOT get any remedy.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I can never seem to find these bigger/cheaper/better panels - but often read of people who do. Maybe they're only in areas where big solar projects exist.

[@ToolReviewZone]

Yeah, me either. Just like he replied, you have to wait for a full moon after Jupiter and Mars align and the tide must be 30 feet high during a summer solstice. Then and only then will you find this dudes deal on solar panels 🤣🤣🤣

[@petersimms4982]

Hallelujah, a vid I can understand 😊

[@altha-rf1et]

we are getting a modular home set up on our land now, we got our well put down today, I want it to be able to run on solar panel as well as electricity, When Micheal hit the Florida area people were without water, we just had a bunch of tornadoes came through last month just 10 miles from us caused a lot of damage in Marinna, wife and I are disable some power and water is a must so wondering if this will work on a well pump, plan on making rain water collection system for another back up

[@salsepulveda494]

MC4 Connectors are very hard to work with if you need to intend to take down the panels on a regular basis.

[@GoneFishinOutdoors]

Great video, very informative. I’m actually looking into getting into solar on my tiny camper. Thinking of making it off grid

[@theMekanik]

You literally put the legs down, Plug it in and point it towards the Sun ☀️ 🤣🤣🤣

[@Pryo1127]

i have 4 panels of what is in the video, plus the 100 watt solar kit from HF.

[@TheShegur63]

We’ve had our harbor freight panels for several years

[@sixstringstruggle6508]

I buy at least one of these every time they are on sale. I have seen them as cheap as $84

[@timerickson7056]

If the boots are rubber dip them in gas and slip then on the boot will fuse onto the steel

[@dipstick5869]

Bought to HF panels last year for $99 ea. and bought 2 more yesterday that were on sale for $89 ea.. Added my $10 coupon and they cost $84 ea. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!😂👍

[@ricksmith7631]

i saw a few at these at my store and was wondering about them. a buck a watt is a good deal but i was worried about their performance and ability, you solved that in 7 minutes. im wanting them for my camper van conversion. now the big question, series or parallel, series for voltage or parallel for current - im on the fence, what are you doing with yours? im thinking maybe i need a few of these, adapters i can find and going from sa to mc isnt a problem. thanks for the video

[@PsychNurse.]

Question ❓ Can these panels be set-up to run a mini split air-conditioning heater? Building a Small A-frame.

[@stephensclavos4485]

Put a small shop light next to one to test it , got 12 volts, did not check amps , watts , bought a bunch of extra stuff , using marine batteries, but they have to b wired correctly or else ud b welding! Lol 😅using heavy gauge wires , breaker s , hydraulic crimping tools , charging controller s etc , probably can have at least 8000 watts , using the batteries, bought extra I ll switch them out after they get “ low “ and charge them with house or panel power , the deep cycle batts should take many “ charging s “ but 800 amps on each u have to b careful, short heavy wires and connections etc done properly

[@carlosgarza7878]

I wish you would talk about how you turn these Solar panels on. I bought a small one and you could put on your Dashboard and charge your battery. But it is not putting out any power. I even tried to exchange it out. And the next one did the same thing too. In the manual talks about an a on and off switch that I couldn't find. So I bought a larger one solar panel. It says the same thing in the manual. I just can't find the on and off switch. Can you talk about that in another video? Thank you. Have a good day.

[@dennismindrup3672]

The legs being independent, might be good on uneven ground

[@thomwolf123]

Thanks for the info, I might go tomorrow and buy some.

[@kitchnerlesley]

They move independently because finding a perfect section of ground is impossible

[@tomdillan]

I use the Harbor Freight solar panels with my Jackery and I get 95-98 watts.

[@kylewest100]

If it were me I’d just get some big heat shrink and put that over the connectors once connected.

[@kingmasterlord]

garden light solar panels are $1 per square inch, which is fine for small projects but anything on the scale of this panel or larger you're better off paying retail.

[@TheMaximumMinimalist]

SAE connectors are much easier for using panels in a portable fashion. I cut off all my mc4 and sliced in sae.

[@Da_GrandiMan]

Ur the best, ordering some, From Azz-Mor-on, today ! Btw- a couple of Aliens came by asking about U n their missing Probes ? 😮😅😂

[@dvig3261]

Anderson connectors. They are one standard for dc power plugs.

[@RockyMtnGobblers]

I bought one of the Harbor freight 100 watt solar panels I used it to power up my three hundred and one hundred watt power Stations. I have a brain injury and forgot my solar panel was on the roof of my vehicle four times it flew off four times shattered, the third time and still was charging my power stations.

[@thesurvivalist.]

A1 solar store sells 405 watt solar panel for 179 dollars, if you buy a minimum of 10!

[@davescorneroftheworld1147]

Three problems with Harbor Freight 100 watt panels. 1. About 1/3 more expensive that what you can get on-line 2. When you get solar panels on line they come directly to your home, you do NOT have to drive anywhere. That saves time and fuel!! 3. ALMOST every 100 watt panel you buy will already have MC4 connectors already on them. Harbor Freight 100 watt panels? NOT A GOOD DEAL.

[@jonjacobjingleheimerschmid3798]

The bad part is if they arrive broken and then you gotta drive the damn thing to the ups store to return them... I've had good luck with renolgy due to they do a good job with padding ( they even have some made with their logo on it!)

[@btorr2945]

I found the SAE connectors were junk. I warrantied the first one. Employee was actual surprised I wanted another. Upon finding out the second panels connector was the same? Well needing MC4 connectors anyway; I just removed the whole cable assembly and installed one of my failed bue**itti cable assembly on it. As for performance? I consistently get great performance, well over the 100 watt specs during my winter stays in New Mexico. The only good thing I can say about the Bluetti’s are they have great customer service(at least for me, other customers have said different) My 200 watt panels worked great(got about 207 watts a couple times) but didn’t last. Got my warrantied one in less than a week and no matter how much i babied that one. It still failed after 30-40 uses. After a wind storm damaging my one rigid HF panel, I went for the folding HF panels and just went to the exchanging cable/connector assemblies and found they perform great also. If you are not getting good performance? Minimum replace the connector. I replaced the cable assemblies. Also use a good MPPT controller.

[@mrsparex]

I have 3 of them unopened. Planning on 1 more

[@rwooley4494]

Good video, good information and delivery is awesome. I love Harbor Freight, wife doesn't.

[@GeovanniAbarca]

So what exactly comes with the solar panel kits? Or what else is needed besides the panels??

[@TheFiReLoRd777]

You could easily get these fitted to a ground mount system :)

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Thanks for posting this educational video, I subscribed, thumbs up.

[@ToolReviewZone]

Appreciate you Ron....welcome to the channel brother 👊

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

@@ToolReviewZone . thank you much

[@jamesdemuro5923]

Great video 👍Are these panel mono or poly and what are the specs to be used with ecoflow river pro with 25 volt and 12 amp input .Thank you

[@Billie-solarproduct]

Cool. I am a fan of solar product, and I have off grid solar inverters and portable solar panels, and they make a good job!!

[@danielkingshott2659]

SAE connectors make these a drop in for ZAMP panels.

[@tracymeskel2839]

The main thing that the HF panels don’t have. A charge controller. All panels need a charge controller, before it goes to the battery. Otherwise you will ruin your battery. Unless you are just powering power generators. They have internal charge controllers. But if you are just charging a battery in an RV. You need the charge controller, or you will overcharge your batteries.

[@johnnysparkleface3096]

I didn't know that. So are you saying I should buy a charge controller, or is one included with the panel? Once power is put into the battery, how does it get from that into a phone or tablet or laptop? Some other device must be needed, I'm guessing. Thanks. (No, I am not kidding, I am THAT stupid when it comes to this stuff.)

[@jonjacobjingleheimerschmid3798]

@@johnnysparkleface3096 that's what the charge controller does! I've actually have a charge controller that you can plug you phone into wether or not it's wired to a storage battery! If you need an electric device to run ,(ideally 12volt off battery) If you need 110 volts, then it will need to go from battery,to a converter...then to your device...

[@ms.jessadventures]

Hi Aunt Tracy funny to see you here in the comments. HF does sell an ok battery charge controller but they don't come with these panels. I have the kit packet best panels I've ever had. I just up graded to 5 of these 100 watt panels and a more batteries for my battery bank. I have 4 controllers (2) for backup, I get the cheap ones on Amazon work great but don't last longer than 2 yrs. I noticed. Very excited about my new panels hopefully can run my 6000 BTU A/C. Hope you guys are having fun, haven't had an update on where you guys are with your rig. Happy Trails. 🛣️

[@FOSTERSHOMEFORADVENTURES]

Questions: how to hook up to my Jackery which connector I would need Are the panels waterproof? Want to install them on my subaru roof rack for overlanding.

[@adrianturner9991]

Thanks, very helpful.

[@jebbish]

Sir, you talk the way I think I’m not sure how concerned I am about that yet. This is some great information. Thanks

[@PARTner91]

What are people using for a charge controller with these HF panels?

[@matthewknight5641]

Best to just get from a warehouse in about any big city or the san tan solar people. They by fqr have the best deals

[@KensToys74]

Great video, thanks for posting!

[@RJFP67]

Renogy solar panels 100W cost $79.00 delivered.

[@rontuengel5849]

Ok the three panels if you put them in a Triangel and then put a light in the middle of them you have power 24/7 365 ! Just add a light!

[@Janzer_]

No idea went these are popular as they're not any much cheaper than other stuff I've seen, except... that you can probably buy them in town vs having them shipped. Literally no other reason i see why people would bother buying as they're not that cheap and still need an adapter or work to change from sae.

[@KIEFFNERCLAN]

Would you compare the HF monocrystaline with the amorphous panels? In full sun and then during cloudy moments?

[@alals6794]

GREAT video but those Harbor Freight solar panels are overpriced.... $119 for a mere 100W but you can find 550Watt bifacial panels here for $150 to $250, depending where you buy them. By here I mean metro Los Angeles, California, USA local stores or warehouses. Actually you can buy the $250 online and they will ship free.

[@craftymulligar]

Dont worry you could use an inverter generator on those overcast days.

[@bennyhill3642]

Thanks alot. I was lookn at HF 2day, and it got me thinking, i need $ lol

[@irepairofpc31familykartrac51]

I bought 200 watt set of panels and charge controller and all hardware for 109$ from Amazon delivered to my door. Much cheaper than horrible freight.

[@williamlangley2044]

How do you protect them from strong winds?

[@kevinpoole4323]

Brilliant Gentleman Leader Outstanding

[@user-nj9uh3ju6v]

if my health holds out I plan on setting up a mini sysem. I have three generators. a big one 6500 hundred watts a two thousand watt one and a sine wave inverter generator,

[@Skavatar789]

i'm just learning about these, so the panels plug into the "generator" and then from the "generator" plugs into a house outlet? planning on doing this for Houston heat and humidity to supplement the electricity used for the A/C