Author Topic: Different charge controllers w/ HF 45 watt panels (Read 5339 times)

VisualMonster · « **on:** October 03, 2007, 03:51:19 AM »

I just bought my 4th set of HF panels, and noticed that they're now shipping with a MUCH nicer charge controller. Build quality seems better, it has a voltage display reading, 12v car socket, and 5v USB charging slot. I think that annoying low voltage beep is gone (I was down to 11.7v without an annoying beep). At first I thought the controller was broken because my 12v CF light that was plugged in wouldn't turn on. Turns out, the controller stops power to it's accessories when battery gets too low.

I'm not using it as a charge controller since I've already got a 30amp one, so I can't comment on it's charge abilities, but I'm guessing it's better than before.

Just thought I'd post this since several others have a few of these panels. Was a nice bonus for me since I never used the controllers before.

DamonHD · « **Reply #1 on:** October 03, 2007, 02:35:28 AM »

HF?

Presumably not 'High Frequency'? Is it a US-only brand?

Rgds

Damon

AbyssUnderground · « **Reply #2 on:** October 03, 2007, 05:56:42 AM »

HF is Harbor Freight I believe. They do 45w solar kits for around $150 (less if you have a voucher). They're nice starter kits with thin films in them but their controllers are very very bad quality.

disaray1 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2007, 06:09:31 AM »

Check this out Damon-

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90599

Maybe you can buy online?

David

DamonHD · « **Reply #4 on:** October 03, 2007, 06:26:33 AM »

Hi,

Thanks for that.

Shipping the the UK would probably be horrible, even given the vast markups in current EU prices relative the US prices.

But good to see what it is in any case.

Rgds

Damon

ghurd · « **Reply #5 on:** October 03, 2007, 06:33:57 AM »

Any idea what it consumes just sitting there?

G-

wooferhound · « **Reply #6 on:** October 03, 2007, 10:53:53 AM »

I hooked up my Harbor Freight system last week. My battery was full when I connected the Old Style controller up to it. It was beeping showing that the battery was full. it started getting really hot and 30 minutes later the beeping started fading out, eventually it was silent. It is being replaced with one of ghurds Dump controllers.

RP · « **Reply #7 on:** October 03, 2007, 05:48:14 PM »

The dollar is down right now. Might be worth checking into the cost...

VisualMonster · « **Reply #8 on:** October 03, 2007, 07:59:31 PM »

Not sure, but you don't have to leave the display on all the time. There is a metal flip switch just for the display and a 2nd switch for the accessories. Both are visible in the picture above...

ghurd · « **Reply #9 on:** October 04, 2007, 07:29:53 AM »

Sure looks better than the last few versions!

Nice touches, the LVD and meter with switch.

The blue box is the charge controller? Thats some skinny wire for 12A.

G-

peter nap · « **Reply #10 on:** October 04, 2007, 10:00:56 AM »

I just got back from HF. They had 5 kits left but all had the old controllers. I brought this to their attention and they priced them at 179.00 each. Bought all 5.

Now I have to buy another battery or two.

VisualMonster · « **Reply #11 on:** October 04, 2007, 09:29:08 PM »

Cool, good deal! How many of these panels do you have total now? Also wondering how much battery you have?

VisualMonster · « **Reply #12 on:** October 04, 2007, 09:35:30 PM »

Yeah, I've been meaning to replace that. I'm using cable I got from the HF panels temporarily, but it is way too thin. The wire feeding into the controller is 14gauge, I'll be replacing the thin stuff with that soon.

Think 14 gauge is too thin also?

ghurd · « **Reply #13 on:** October 05, 2007, 06:27:34 AM »

Yes, #14 is still to thin.

Depends on the distance it runs, but #14 with 12A is only good for about 5 feet.

Probably want to go to #10 for every wire carrying 12A. PVs to controller, and controller to battery.

Guessing... Run the wire from each panel as far as it will reach, then combine and connect them to #10. Run the #10 to the controller.

If the total #10 run is more than about 20', might have to move up to #8 or double up on #10.

It will make a big difference. Might be why the 90W system only made 3.25A?

A wire loss chart,

http://www.windsun.com/Hardware/Wire_Table.htm

Bruce S · « **Reply #14 on:** October 05, 2007, 07:30:59 AM »

Good to know. I'll be trying the same.

One thing we found out from NTL was that some of the older panels will stop producing once they get hot. I think he found 3 out of 4 were bad.

NTL you out there? chime in here.

Look to try and wiggle the connector on the back of them, I did the same once he found bads ones.

Good idea about letting them know those were the "older types" .

Cheers

Bruce S

nothing to lose · « **Reply #15 on:** October 05, 2007, 07:33:14 AM »

I wish I had one of those controllers or a couple. I have 5 of the old style. I use them for a power box for the lights and lower volt stuff.

I wonder if that USB 5V will charge an IPOD?

That LED display would be handy for my type use also, I am forever checking with a meter to see what my volts are running and it's a pain to mess with. I did wire a $3 Digital meter direct to one controller, 9V output runs the meter when turned on but not

lighted is hard to read half the time in the shadows where the box is at.

I looked at the HF link for these kits again, although they did not update the picture, it still shows the old controller, they did update the online manual with the new controller.

According to the manual the controller will shut off power from the panels when the batteries reach 14.5V. to prevent damage to battery.

Also it says the power outputs will shut down at 11V to prevent over discharge.

Still only a 4amp fuse for output overload protection, would have been nice if they made them a bit heavier unit like 10amps. Just because the panel kits only charge 4amps or less don't mean we don't want to use more from the batteries at one time.

nothing to lose · « **Reply #16 on:** October 05, 2007, 07:51:45 AM »

Hi Bruce, I'm here LOL.

Just happened by at same time.

I had 1 panel that would produce great when cold, but when it heated in the sun it went totally dead. Just that one like that. So I could sit it in the noon sun cold and it worked well but in an hour or so it was hot and dead.

I had some others that were producing too low also, far less than the better ones. I think like 2 4 5 watts or such and the better ones doing around 11watts?

I exchanged 2 full kits because of 1 dead panel and 3 very low ones, the other 2 panels I returned were border line I think. Those extra 2 were putting out maybe 7-8watts while the best 6 panels put out about 11watts or more. All panels in same setup side by side and checked all day several days.

The new ones I got in exchange where all fine. I check them at times and all seem to still be working ok.

Bruce S · « **Reply #17 on:** October 05, 2007, 10:09:20 AM »

Hey , Glad to see you're back online. How are the replacement panels doing? any degrading after usage?

Bruce S

peter nap · « **Reply #18 on:** October 05, 2007, 01:45:39 PM »

I had 6 of the kits before I got these. I haven't checked these yet but didn't have any problems with the others. Even though it takes up a lot of wall space, they are a good deal for low output panels.

I have way too much battery for just the panels and have a small homemade wind ginny hooked to the system. I do have to crank up the gas fired generator and top them up if I have a bad week (This is a weekend place.

Hopefully I'll have the hydro unit finished soon.

nothing to lose · « **Reply #19 on:** October 08, 2007, 02:32:45 AM »

All the panels seem to be working fine.

I am boxed in with trees, not good for wind or solar. Looked at my panels the other day and now that the sun is shifting lower in the sky my panels are getting in the shade more, have to move them when I get the chance. I set them out for the summer sun and missed the trees most the day then.

MVIDSMITH · « **Reply #20 on:** January 17, 2008, 06:39:19 AM »

I bought two sets for $70each at Name Brand Deals. I too, use the controller for the lights not a charge controller.

People return them to harbor freight because of the bad controller and then they get sent to this outlet place near me. I think they have a set for $100 right now and I'd almost guarentee it has a bad older style controller but the price is right and ebay always has 5 and 10 amp controllers for reasonable prices. I've got six nice 75 watt panels now so I don't need the HF anymore. So to condense, check the outlet stores and you might find a deal.

Mark

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Author Topic: Different charge controllers w/ HF 45 watt panels (Read 5339 times)