Harbor Freight Solar Panels and WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW before you buy them
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- 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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Independently-moving legs were probably intentional since it allows you to compensate for uneven terrain.
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.
Very strange they said and did that. Seems a lot of people are buying and liking these
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 😧
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.
@@Chriscovelli1True
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
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...
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......
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.
' $89/ea on sale. "
- you got a dolorian time machine bud? haven't seen those numbers since 2020.
@@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
@MR-backup They were $89 last weekend during their labor day sale.
Got mine last year (2023) for $89 on the sale.
Was On sale through through Sunday march 10th for $89!😲
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".
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.
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.
Agreed brother. These actually won't work if you hook them up wrong 👊👊👊
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
A lot of people are dcac some people are ACDC
You literally put the legs down, Plug it in and point it towards the Sun ☀️ 🤣🤣🤣
They move independently because finding a perfect section of ground is impossible
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.
They are actually Monocrystalline
@@ToolReviewZone That's impressive. Actual circular cells?
@@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.
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?
@@johnnysparkleface3096 The only cure is education, experience and wisdom.
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:
I try not to do China stuff. Sometimes it can be difficult, bit it can be done. Something about supporting a communist country that just doesn’t sit right with me.
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.
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.
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,
Awesomeness
I had to build a small setup like this to maintain power for medical equipment.
It works, and it's not ridiculously expensive.
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.
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.
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).
Great point! Keep that receipt and warranty! @@MR-backup
I wish you would have stated what you were using them for??? Run your computers, lights in your garage, What??
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!
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
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
I don't know why anyone dinks around with HF solar junk. You can buy much cheaper on other recognized brands, and they already have MC4 connectors and beefier wire, to boot.
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 $0.50 \ watt. Most of them already come with MC4 connectors.
Good stuff. I’m gonna DIY a tv wall mount up in my Jeep roof rack and add this panel to it. TV mount can extend and change angles rt there on my roof.
I have a couple Harbor freight panels, I dont like the SAE connectors on them. I found the nearly same panels on Amazon for 70$ 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.
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.:)
It's going to take more than what he's showing to run your home.
@@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.
Hallelujah, a vid I can understand 😊
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
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!
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!
I’d like to do this. Do you have an inverter between the panels and the Jackery?
@@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."
Ty
About 4 years ago " after watching a UA-cam 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
Question ❓ Can these panels be set-up to run a mini split air-conditioning heater? Building a Small A-frame.
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.
I have 3 hf panels running 4 100 ah batteries on my offroad camper and doing perfectly fine
Sorry you lost me at "hubar" freight, you keep repeating that and its all i can hear. have a nice day
MC4 Connectors are very hard to work with if you need to intend to take down the panels on a regular basis.
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.
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.
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.
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!)
Ur the best, ordering some,
From Azz-Mor-on, today !
Btw- a couple of Aliens came by asking about U n their missing Probes ? 😮😅😂
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.
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!😁😁
" 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.
Found MC4 in 8 gauge but no MC4 8gauge tools for putting together, Wow!😲😲
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.
Great tips.....thanks.
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.
What diameter wire did you use to have them peak at those higher numbers?
i have 4 panels of what is in the video, plus the 100 watt solar kit from HF.
If the boots are rubber dip them in gas and slip then on the boot will fuse onto the steel
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!😲😲
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.
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
What are people using for a charge controller with these HF panels?
Thank god someone has switched to the Anderson connection.
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
LOL mad at the Sun... you dont have Sun... come on.. all solar panels work great in My Country
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.
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
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.
I think this is terrific! Thank you,I’m going to Harbor soon.
wait did i hear "Ohio"? becasue I had questions about using them basically dealing with snow and over cast days...
Over cast days, which I'm dealing with now will still give you some power. 3 panels that I have hooked up are giving me 50 wats when the sun goes behind the clouds. That said, direct sunlight is the best
So what exactly comes with the solar panel kits? Or what else is needed besides the panels??
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
Thay had better work seeing that cost $1- $2 per watt...That's not cheap for a solar panel
A1 solar store sells 405 watt solar panel for 179 dollars, if you buy a minimum of 10!
OMG you are hilarious.
Thanks Genevieve 😎👊👊👊
I have EIGHT HF 100-watt and converted them to MC4. The more connections mean more resistance and loss. I can use them as a single stream or split to two 400-watt streams for two separate battery banks ( solar generators). The HF panels out performs my 4 Renogy 100watt Flex panels attached to Inergy Apex/2×Flex batteries (3288 WH total capacity). The other " power cart" is 6.2Kw capacity.
Geeked out on solar after 11 days without power after a hurricane.
If it were me I’d just get some big heat shrink and put that over the connectors once connected.
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!💯👍🏻👊🏻🙏🏻
New to electric stuff. Can I use a 400w inverter and the same battery for this project for more output? Or would I exceed the rated capacity of the combo? Thanks!
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.
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!!😂👍
Would you compare the HF monocrystaline with the amorphous panels? In full sun and then during cloudy moments?
This is overpriced junk. You can buy real panels for less than half the price. Most of the small portable power supplies
have low open circuit voltage limits that force you to use this junk.
Eco Flo , with 150 OCV at least allows a 3 panel string of 60 cell panels.
Lots of better options though,for example,EG4 3K inverter with a 5.12 LFP server rack battery. If you want usb power outlets,or 12 volt power,that is a cheap add on that you can plug in on a power strip.
If you want to run a RV off grid for more than a day you would have to bring a trailer to carry enough Harbor Freight panels.
3:46 they go independently for uneven ground. If you connect them together then you have to be on level ground
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.
Hoobar fretas. Lol
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.
Great video, very informative. I’m actually looking into getting into solar on my tiny camper. Thinking of making it off grid
I have a 290 jackery, it works great, I used it a couple times before I decided to get a solar panel for it so I got a Thunderbolt solar panel, it all plugs in easy pesy, however I found the panels need clear sun, shaded areas are OK it will still work but not to full function, it won't charge fully in shade, and it's not waterproof, so rain is not your friend with the suitcase style panels, but on clear days they work great
I buy at least one of these every time they are on sale. I have seen them as cheap as $84
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.
they don't look weather resistant. I.e. we get baseball sized hail here often.. these look like they'd perform like J,.03 B!,.d3n on a set of stairs in hail.
Why do 12 volt 100 wtt solar panels that clearly state 18 volt 5.56 amps on instructions show 20 volts on my electric meter?
Our harbor freight wants 800 for a 400 watt panel. May as well buy the expensive brands.
I use the Harbor Freight solar panels with my Jackery and I get 95-98 watts.
welp the 300 watt solar panel i got on temu for $30. has been running on very strong and ketp me fed and warm with the the help of an power 2000 watt nverter and a 12v car batt ,, it's still going on now cooking my steew /
I need only hear two words to know NOT to buy it...Harbor Freight!!!
so by my math, it would take about 4 years of them running at or near max everyday to generate enough electricity to break even on the cost of the panels. add in inverters, adapters, cables, and batteries, and i cant understand how this is worth doing unless you live in an area not serviced by any electric provider. i love the idea, but make it make sense financially please.
SAE connectors are much easier for using panels in a portable fashion. I cut off all my mc4 and sliced in sae.
That's an absurd price for generic panels. You can get name brand monos for less than a $1 per watt online.
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.
Wondering if it's worth to switch to solar by buying my self instead of having it installed for free and being charged every month
Why use the MC4 crap? Just because of the splitter?
Not an option for lithium on the charge controller. Does anyone know if there is a way to use them with a lithium battery?
Dude! What the freak?! I'm trying to pay attention but you keep making me laugh. Thanks, man! Hoobar Francis?! F!
🤣😪👊👊
I just subscribed too. How could I not?@@ToolReviewZone
SAE connectors make these a drop in for ZAMP panels.
Thanks for posting this educational video, I subscribed, thumbs up.
Appreciate you Ron....welcome to the channel brother 👊
@@ToolReviewZone . thank you much
Fubar Freight panels are junk.
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.
Please link that panel below I’d love to get a couple
@@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.
@@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.
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.
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 🤣🤣🤣
Ah ‘ol Harbor Fraught! The bums tool store 😂😂
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.
HOBBO FREIGHT, my new toy store
I live in Ohio and in the winter it’s almost like living in a cave 😅
It's truly the worst 🤣🤣👊
The legs being independent, might be good on uneven ground