Harbor Freight Still the Best? 100 Watt Show down Harbor Freight VS Renogy

Рет қаралды 146,483

Жыл бұрын

You asked for it, so here it is. One year later does the renogy panel out last the HF. See here and let me know your thoughts #harborfreight #renogy #solar
Items In Video…..
EcoFlow power station: amzn.to/42Z5TAW
Test Meter amzn.to/3XnPMf7
Load Tester amzn.to/3NlwSRx
Renogy 100 Watt solar panel: amzn.to/3NpgmzS
Other High Quality 100 watt solar panel: amzn.to/3PmqWud
MC4 Connector Kit: amzn.to/42T2V0T
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TopTes Gas Detector PEN!!: www.amazon.com/dp/B0B62LBZPC?
Trailer and vehicle accessories
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Lithium SOK Batteries Solar and more!! currentconnected.com/?ref=JW
Level your trailer FAST & EASY!!!!
Level mate pro: amzn.to/3S2xf5c
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BEST FIRE PIT!! Outland Propane fire pit!! : amzn.to/3rKIkwZ
Generator tent amzn.to/3ddd3ds
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Пікірлер: 185

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

@winterwolf2012 9 ай бұрын

Bought 2 harbor freight ... years ago & still have them. They did a great job helping my family get thru a hurricane with the loss of power.

@buscampers Жыл бұрын

Last weekend I went camping for the first time since mounting two 100w HF panels on my bus roof. They did excellent. I was running 2 max air fans and a 12v chest fridge and during the day my 200ah batteries stayed topped off. I woke up the next morning and I only used about 8% of the battery capacity. Usually I was in the 20% range of depletion in similar situations before adding the panels.

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Like you I hear a lot of positive on these. They just happen to be a great small panel with legs if you need it!

@A2ZREY 5 ай бұрын

What fridge?

@DragonPilot 6 ай бұрын

Great video! One thing the Renogy has over HF is they sell complete kits. A Renogy kit includes charge controller, extension cords…plug and play outta the box. I think currently their 200w kit is $230. I’d prolly spend more than that if I went with HF, buying ala carte. Whatever works. 😊

@RamblinBobReviews Жыл бұрын

GREAT VIDEO JOHNNYSWEEKENDS !!!!! We do like Renogy products, but in this case, with these harbor freight panels...... These are the BEST "cheapy" panel we have ever bought. For a few HUGE reasons.... 1. You can walk or drive a few miles and buy a panel right now. and have it home it 10-15 minutes (ZERO WAITING OR SHIPPING) 2. You can buy the extended warranty if you want and have exchange/return the panels whenever you want with no questions asked. 3. We pulled 122.5 watts the very first tests (on video) on a cold day with these panels (still pulling as high as 105 watts one year later) (we own 6 of them now) 4. No more busted/shattered solar panels showing up at your door because the companies boxed it like crap, Or the knucklehead delivery person threw it up on your your porch or driveway. (Just uploaded some knucklehead throwing a bluetti battery pack onto the porch this morning) 5. They always go on sale every month (with coupon) for $89.99 to $99.99 EDIT: Johnnysweekend also reminded us about another AWESOME feature that these panels have built into them..... 6. Built in legs set to 45 degrees for EXTREMELY easy portable setup or building a foldable briefcase !!!!! If Harbor Freight / Thunderbolt would only start watching youtube (videos like these) and start making 200, 300, 400, 500 watt panels with the same quality, They would destroy every company out there for quick, cheap, temp solar panels. We really do believe that. Ramblin Bob

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Good break down Bob. I agree for a quick panel most can grab same day and be up and running. They are great for the solar panel suitcase build because legs are already there. Boom 200 watt suitcase. Yea if you need a 100 watt panel these are hard to beat.

@RamblinBobReviews Жыл бұрын

@@johnnysweekends We also built a quick briefcase 200w foldable solar panel (almost forgot we did that) when we bought our first 2. And forgot all about those built in legs, (AWESOME ADDITION TO THESE PANELS) I will go and edit my comment up there to add that because that was a FANTASTIC feature with these :)

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Agree the legs is just a added bonus for more versatility 👍🏼

@justintempus7406 10 ай бұрын

I can't vouch for the HF brand specifically, but my renogy panels are still outputting like new after 6 years in Fairbanks AK. My cheaper panels got hairline cracks and discoloration on the panels after 2 winters with lows down to -40. Their output was rapidly dwindling. Just some info for my fellow cold climate folks.

@charlessullenbarger4899 10 ай бұрын

Yeah I've got 8,100 watt Renogy panel's on my roof for 5 years now,still look new and still generating 21 volts constant on a sunny day,even on an overcast day they still produce 16 volts and 18 amps,they have peaked out at 58 amps on a sunny day.very satisfied with the dependability.

@idk8964 4 ай бұрын

@@charlessullenbarger4899 harbor freight panels are more expensive than renogy at a whopping $120 per 100 watt panel. Were these the ones that cracked or some cheaper amazon ones?

@FloryJohann Ай бұрын

I got my Renogy over 6 years and they are still.putting out and there is nothing wrong. After 3 years of operation I tested the output and it was the same as it was first when I installed it.

@makodaniel4885 10 ай бұрын

The harbor freight panels are slightly oversized for 100 watt panels to give them an edge. most 100w panels are around 18"x40"=750, harbor freight is 36.5"x27"=985.5. Size matters.

@eksine 9 ай бұрын

You mean area square footage matters

@joebonomono5078 8 ай бұрын

That's significant

@chrisp308 Жыл бұрын

I couldn't cross verify my readings but I was getting stupid good numbers from the harbor freight panels I got so far I am extremely happy with mine.

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

I haven’t really heard anyone not satisfied with this panel. If its not performing it’s probably a dud.

@BuddyandMax Жыл бұрын

@@johnnysweekends I've seen my harbor freight panel go as high as 109 watts !

@karlsoffroad8609 Жыл бұрын

I have 21 of these, and love them! I try to buy when the super coupon is available, but I bought the first 6 at full price.

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

People love these things. And they perform great !

@karlsoffroad8609 10 ай бұрын

@@johnnysweekends,I have 36 now! Slowly building up my system.

@johnnysweekends 10 ай бұрын

@karlsoffroad8609 wow !! You are going big 😀👍🏼

@eksine 9 ай бұрын

@@karlsoffroad8609how old are they and how are they holding up any wear and tear on them? Also if you're going for for the best deals there's sites that sell used solar panels that still have a lot of life left and they're really cheap. I think most of them are from power companies but offloaded to third-party sites

@FloryJohann Ай бұрын

How old are the oldest panels

@forcom5 Жыл бұрын

Funny thing having watched the first one recently! Thanks for the follow-up!

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Awesome thanks for stopping by 😀👍🏼

@user-qd2zy5vk7o 11 ай бұрын

Good to see your Harbor Freight panel is still working!!

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

Yea and I have beaten both of them up.

@stanants8566 3 ай бұрын

The Voltage is the important reading with a load test reading. Since your loading to a wattage. the formula is P (watts)=E (volts)*I (amps) so as the voltage goes down the amps go up to make the same Watts. In a load test what you are looking for is the voltage to stay above your usabe voltage level as you increase the load (more watts of draw). (40 year Electronics tech) Your test was great and exactly what I was looking for, a long term reliability test. repeat it again in 24 ;)

@johnnysweekends 3 ай бұрын

👍🏼😀

@RepublicofDebauchery Жыл бұрын

Great video man, you are upping the game. I love to see it. Hope to see you at Vid Summit this year.

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Thank you, appreciate it. And I plan to be there 👍🏼😀

@jdtexas2048 5 ай бұрын

I have tested HF panels against Eco-Worthy and Northern Tool - HF always produced more watts

@johnnysweekends 5 ай бұрын

I have 3 of them still and they still perform well.

@FloryJohann Ай бұрын

Anything is better than the Ecoworthy panel. I ordered a ecoworthy just so I can test the output against the Renogy and the HQST and the ecoworthy was not even near the rated output and it was way smaller. I gave the ecoworyhy panel away.

@johnnysweekends Ай бұрын

@FloryJohann most eco worthy stuff seems like garbage lol.

@karhumt Жыл бұрын

These are great comparisons. Out of curiosity: Have you tested how the panels handle partial shading? I.e. covering a part with a piece of fabric and see what happens. Apparently the way the individual cells are bussed together can make a difference in that regard.

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Great idea …👍🏼

@DrTofutybeast Жыл бұрын

Good question

@livinMicro 5 ай бұрын

the voltage needed for the MPPT needed the panel to be above 16v regadless of amps. This is why the harbor freight panel stayed afloat longer. If you had a charger that could do MPPT all the way down to 15v they would both have shown acceptable numbers within variance for 100w panels. the charger and MPPT circuit needing to be at 16v is kinda silly when a lead acid battery is 13.6 on float and 12.9 when full... there are chargers that work in different voltages and they vary from make and model...

@nyplantings2420 5 ай бұрын

Good job buddy really like the vid. Thanks

@johnnysweekends 5 ай бұрын

Thanks 👍🏼👊🏼😀

@HandySolution Жыл бұрын

I have 3 HF panels to a 1500 Jackery and I’m getting 95w per panel! I have them mounted on top of my van. HF is killing it on the 100w panels! Big power out of a small panel. They need to make a 200w panel

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Would be cool to see. These do perform well. 👍🏼

@markchidester6239 8 ай бұрын

Wouldn't they be twice as big and cost twice as much? If you have a roof full and damage happens to one, it would cost half to replace.

@neoskater420 5 ай бұрын

@@markchidester6239yes but some need 400w to charge efficiently for solar generators especially the ones over 2000. 2 200w panels is what I need for my setup. Looking at jackery 3000pro for my needs and will be needing a solar panel. I have a power station but it was a cheap amazon brand called Topshak 2200 things was a beast but it is now discharging fast even with a cooler fridge had it for 2 years now got its use but need a better brand to keep up and faster charge times in the jackery compared to 10hours to charge on ac and get this 14 hours on solar so yea an upgrade is needed. So I am torn between getting a solar generator or a dirt bike to save gas driving to work???? Hmm 🤔

@montanaplease 8 ай бұрын

I am new to solar but want to make sure I buy good solar panels. Warranties and customer support Especially mean a lot to me and of course performance. What’s considered the gold standard these days and what brand is just barely below that brand ? I really want to do everything right the first time

@Jasonoid Жыл бұрын

Interesting test these panels using battery load testers. There are so many ways to pull a max load from a panel, thanks for showing us another way! I wonder why the load tester would shutoff once going over the max power. Shouldn't it just hold the previous max load, it's not like the panel is stopping the power output?

@plkracer Жыл бұрын

These testers increase the current draw to match the desired load, you can watch the actual wattage in red below the volts and amps. As the amperage increases near max power, the voltage drops rapidly, thus the wattage drops, so it continues to increase the current draw, down to near zero volts. MPPT charge controllers sense this rapid voltage drop, and let up on the current draw to match the peak output.

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Exactly it’s like a manual mppt controller, finding max draw before the cut off. Although these load testers will just drop off. So Imagine a manual mppt and you set it for max and well, that’s what you get..👍🏼😀

@WizzRacing Жыл бұрын

The charge controller is what protects the system.. It's designed to keep voltage stable.. If it didn't you would get rapid voltage drop and high amperage.. Which could melt or damage the wiring. As the wire is sized to the panel.. Why you should always fuse the panels to the wire size or less...And make sure you hookup the battery to the charge controller before you turn on the solar panel..

@dansw0rkshop 10 ай бұрын

I'm guessing the charge controller tests the panel to see where its drop off voltage is, and acts accordingly, which is why the manual test so closely matched the actual charge wattages.

@johnnysweekends 10 ай бұрын

@dansw0rkshop exactly like a manual solar charge controller 👍🏼

@wam7484 2 ай бұрын

A few months later now. Harbor Freight costs $120 and Renogy costs $78. That means HF is 58% more expensive while providing 10% more power. If buying with a HF coupon the break-even is $86 should they ever get that low.

@johnnysweekends 2 ай бұрын

If you get the Hf with the super coupon it’s a good buy, especially if you are looking for something with built in kickstands. But under its normal price it’s definitely not a great deal. But a good performing panel for sure.

@The0Advent 10 ай бұрын

at the time of writing this. the renogy panel is cheaper at $97 vs 120. also the harbor freight panel has more surface area. 985.5 sqr inches vs 873.62. so i think we can see where the "extra power" is coming from. i couldnt find anything on the effiencency of the HF panel but the renogy one is 22%

@johnnysweekends 10 ай бұрын

Efficiency is about the same at 22 or 23% and the harbor freight panel does go on sale for $89 with a coupon sometimes

@yisdisaissue 6 ай бұрын

Hf panels must have vastly improved. My HF panels gave out after 3 years while my renos are still running after two moves

@johnnysweekends 6 ай бұрын

Did you buy the older non mono panels. Those original ones were junk

@mdunbar04 Жыл бұрын

Wow nice test. 👍👍👍

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Thank you 😀👍🏼

@amyd6182 Жыл бұрын

Completely new to solar and electric specs and safety- If I wanted to use HF 100 w panel to run 14" radiator exhaust fan for outside horses and thwarting flies, what wiring gauge, type of wiring, max length of wiring, what connectors and would it need a fuse? In high fire area and no electricity near the horses. In the desert but do get random tstorm and big winds. Where are you located to help me understand the 1 yr environment there vs where I am? TIA! Wish I had local person to be my Solar Mentor.❤

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

That’s allot of info that can’t be answered just in one question. All depends on set up and more, distance and such. Plus you need a controller that will handle the amount of solar you want to feed.

@borisperovic5336 6 ай бұрын

HF sources panels from various manufacturers .. not all are quality. i think u got lucky with this panel. get another indentical panel it being a couple years later its probably from a different manufacturer I bet itll have different performance readouts and different construction details

@johnnysweekends 6 ай бұрын

I agree they don’t make them and source them bullet me know what you think of this ..👍🏼 Harbor Freight Solar Quality Control Problems - What You Need to Know kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qraBqKqXkpqrdYE.html

@pullbackbaby Жыл бұрын

I have 8 hf and 4 ren160s in one flat cluster. I have 600ah bank sealed lead. All that and 3 controllers can barely keep up with a single 5k btu on a sunny day in late june @ high noon 😢. Still very impressed. Want AC? Buy 40 imo. How are those new waterproof black panels holding up?

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

These are doing really well. I’m surprised your setup isn’t doing a little better I wonder if the batteries are worn or if something isn’t performing as it should

@netwrench6570 11 ай бұрын

Bird is the word and bird has chosen. Though now I might consider H.F. electronics again. I bought a solar security light and a voltmeter, and were such poor quality they didn't last, so I decided to be selective about the tools, but never buy electronics. Sub because you followed up.

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

👍🏼😀👊🏼

@curve5746 10 ай бұрын

Harbor freight is hit and miss.

@michaelmawhinney5218 8 ай бұрын

I’m still going to get the renogy because I believe the consistency and service will be better. Renogy guarantees output up to 25 years not sure about HF. Also HF can change suppliers at any time w no knowledge to consumer. Lastly, renogy is cheaper at the moment.

@johnnysweekends 8 ай бұрын

Yea they have dropped a decent amount

@kansasadventure1831 10 ай бұрын

80 is kinda hot for solar pannels. The Canadian solar panels I have are labeled with a much cooler opporating temp. When I contacted Canadian Solar about how poorly the pannels opporated (under 83 percent) they said 78f was way too hot and I'm getting above what they would rate the pannels for in 78f weather. What a joke. My renogy and other 100 watt pannels I have in an array produce more than their rated numbers many times a year, which is super cool and useful.

@johnnysweekends 10 ай бұрын

80 May be hot for a test if using standard test conditions but they are all tested at 77f degrees. And in real world conditions Solar panels can reach temps of 140 or more. They all have a temp correction. When a panel is colder it will put out more power, when hotter then power. Just like any appliance if it’s cool out it will use less power then when it’s hot out.

@michaeltichonuk2176 11 ай бұрын

Am I missing something here? I want amps for storage, the batteries are all 12 v but capacity is rates by amps, the mass electricity is the energy, volts just push and wattage is a means to measure amps more accurately...?? So wouldn't I want a higher amp producing panel? I have a pair HF, no complaints, and bought a pair of Renogy to go with the rest of the Renogy system installed, dc-dc controller, hybrid gel batteries. It'll be interesting to see if I can detect a performance difference. Viewed the first video back when but when I saw 2 - 100 watt panels for 135 I jumped on them.

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

Your mppt solar controller with convert those volts and push the correct amount of amps needed for your batteries 👍🏼

@pocketchange1951 11 ай бұрын

👍👌❤️🇨🇦, thanks for the update

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

Your welcome …😀👍🏼

@narutobroken Жыл бұрын

Harbor freight is way better. I get 10-20 more watts than the Renogy

@chrisp308 Жыл бұрын

I have had great results from these panels as well

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Im still surprised at how well they are doing. But like most say I think its under rated slightly. Like a 105 panel

@CaceresHoracio Жыл бұрын

it stops because voltaje is going down to 16v?

@afdgxzghzgfhgfzhazghzdfhxf 3 ай бұрын

What is the area and weight of the two?

@EPortillo5000 7 күн бұрын

Not an expert at all so consider or discard my comment. The HF is bigger, a larger area so is no surprise to me that performs better against the renogy. Actually HF panels gives you more than the 100w that they are rated, maybe we need more data to know what percentage of the max watts that the panel can produce make them shut off.

@microbiologycory10 Жыл бұрын

I have a John Deere Gator EV 48V with 45”x45” bed that I’d like to fill with solar panels. It looks like due to dimensions I could fit two Renogy panels vs. only one Harbor Freight…this would make more sense, right? Would I only need 1 “boost” controller that could handle 12 amps?

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

You need one controller at least. Maybe look into one 250 larger panel like a 275 or 300.

@microbiologycory10 Жыл бұрын

@@johnnysweekendsMy space limitation of 45x45” prohibits anything over 150-200 depending on length.

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Ahh got ya

@sejac1232 6 ай бұрын

I went to Harbor Freights site and what they show for solar panels is THUNDERBOLT SOLAR 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel with a J-Plug connector and not the MC4. Is this the same solar panel that you used for your test or is this a newer one?

@dmatz1999 3 ай бұрын

In the very first video he made with these panels, he had switched the SAE connections to MC4.

@Texacate 10 ай бұрын

How many square inches are those two panels? Just eyeballing it, the HF panel seems to have more area.

@johnnysweekends 10 ай бұрын

Yes the HF has more surface area. And really is more of a 105 panel. But its based on advertised unit and price.

@michaelbosshart5397 Ай бұрын

What controller do you like for charging 2 flooded batteries on my RV?

@johnnysweekends Ай бұрын

If you want basic and tried and true this entry level charger from renogy still is impressive. It’s an older style technology using PWM but still kills it in price and longevity for something that just works. amzn.to/3V0K56a

@kevkev5935 11 ай бұрын

This was great. These are the HF Thunderbolt 100 watt monos, right?

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

Yes!! 👍🏼

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

And thank you 😀👍🏼

@keithdarwin5786 4 ай бұрын

So the 30% larger HF panel gives 15% more power output.

@J0HN_3_16 9 ай бұрын

Harbor Freight has various companies making the same item manufactured in different factories. As a result, quality varies tremendously.

@johnnysweekends 9 ай бұрын

Out of the 8 panels I have tested all have performed much like this one in the video providing better than expected results. One was slightly lower by about 5 watts. I even have a video where I tested 4 or 5 of them.

@johnnysweekends 9 ай бұрын

Harbor Freight Solar Quality Control Problems - What You Need to Know kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qraBqKqXkpqrdYE.html

@theheathkitshop2424 Жыл бұрын

do you have a link to the solar isolation meter you used?

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Are you meaning these ? amzn.to/3rGa6wm

@theheathkitshop2424 Жыл бұрын

@@johnnysweekends no… the meter you used to determine the amount of solar from the sun. Placed on top of the solar panel.

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Ahh that would be this one. It’s not bad there are better and worse. amzn.to/3Kbw2pF

@sunshine3914 Жыл бұрын

What do you recommend washing them with?

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Honestly you can use most anything. A light detergent or car wash soap. Glass cleaner. Just give them a good rinse and a Terry cloth and that’s it. Most homes never gets washed except when it rains for home solar systems 👍🏼

@dianegray7760 9 ай бұрын

I rent so can't have solar on my roof. I have a good idea on how to stack these along a sunny fence in my backyard. How many would it take to power an entire home? Duke Energy here in Florida is killing me.

@johnnysweekends 9 ай бұрын

That’s a loaded question and not enough info.

@dianegray7760 9 ай бұрын

Didn't mean to present a loaded question.... Just so wanting to get out of the tyranny of Duke Energy.... 3/2 1500ft. Super sunny back yard most of the time.... I believe I could put together a 3 tier scaffold. Was just hoping for a bit of guidance as to how many panels I would need to purchase, that's all. 😁

@johnnysweekends 9 ай бұрын

@dianegray7760 best way to know is to do a energy audit this will give a better idea

@ray32825 9 ай бұрын

@@dianegray7760 Apart from solar, tint your windows, use solar screens, reflective blinds, and install an attic fan - you will be surprised at how much you will save on your power bill.

@briannewhouser154 11 ай бұрын

What about in less than ideal conditions? A lot of times the conditions are less than perfect. Thank you for doing these tests.

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

Even when the clouds came and went and hazy days, the HF just does better. It also has more surface area

@briannewhouser154 11 ай бұрын

@@johnnysweekends thank you, keep up the great videos.

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

You’re welcome and thank you 😀👍🏼

@BlondieSL 11 ай бұрын

Honestly, I'm quite surprised that HF panel is better. I always figure that products at HF are sub-standard to brand names. Clearly, not always.

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

Remember harbor freight doesn’t make the items they just have certain suppliers.

@BlondieSL 11 ай бұрын

@@johnnysweekends Yes, that's actually my point. I know much of the stuff is made in China and not necessarily of the best quality. But some stuff, does seem fine.

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

Yes some of the items are actually not bad and will do the job. Maybe not as good as other more name brand items but will still do it. I had one of the compressors from years ago a 2 gallon. My first compressor ever and ran it all the time even when over. 110f out side and it would slow down but it still ran. Had it for years and abused it. Never did oil or anything. One day I purposely tried to kill it so I could then get a new faster model…it’s slowed a lot but wouldn’t die no matter what. Couldn’t believe it. So I sold it for $5 bucks lol I bet it still works.

@jeffstewart3978 3 ай бұрын

At 8:17 it shows you were running both cooling fans under the Harbor Freight panel. Seems unfair for a precise comparison if a cooler panel operates better and more efficient at a lower temperature.

@relikvija 8 ай бұрын

It's not fair, HB was closer to the Sun...

@johnnysweekends 8 ай бұрын

lol that’s awesome!

@johndoe-eg7le 11 ай бұрын

HF aka Thunderbolt is still the king!

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

Crazy right !

@johndoe-eg7le 11 ай бұрын

@@johnnysweekends I have 8 of these and put out lots of watts!

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

I have one I bet up on purpose. Been drop flat several times. I drag it around. Just seeing what it will do. But the numbers haven’t changed 😂

@gamersplaygroundliquidm3th526 11 ай бұрын

if its lower voltage same watts u would have more amperage and more heat

@MagentaRV 9 ай бұрын

Would love to see the data entered into a spreadsheet (from both tests, this year and last) and compare the curves to see how much degradation there is in the first year.

@johnnysweekends 9 ай бұрын

I thought about doing that, but the conditions would have to be almost identical or the conditions could skew results. Weather,angle of panel, temp, haze in the ski. I guess if I bought a brand new set and compared on those to the old set, then that data could be used

@jsauerii Жыл бұрын

Not at all for its price. $129.99 for 100W. I am using HQST and JJN 9BB 100W solar panels which are exactly the same panels as each other except for the JJN has a black frame and HQST silver. JJN is $68,99 each and HQST $73.99 so you can buy nearly 2 of either of those for 1 Harbor Freight panel. Yes they have legs but they have the basic non weather proof SAE connectors and non UV wire. You cannot find out most of the specs to tune and maximize a system for the HF panels. The HQST 5B are a little cheaper as are other 5B panels. I actually got some specs from them and they are very limited, they cannot seem to come up with most of the specs. The specs they did have were: (So they have no idea what they are) Voltage 18.0 Open-Circuit Voltage 23.98v Short Circuit Current. 6.0A

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Most times you can grab the Hf for 89.99 And all you need is the voltage and amps to build the system. Not that you would string this to 500 or 1000v anyway. This is for the basic small systems that need small panels. If you need a bigger system buy larger watt panels. Way cheaper in the long run and less install time

@es1951 Жыл бұрын

@@johnnysweekends ok where can i get the HF panel for $89? it currently is $15 off at $109

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Just wait for the super saver coupons. They are out like once a month or heck it seems every other weekend

@dyslectische Жыл бұрын

So i have 3x100watts but its really 3x80watts correct ? Well the mppt have the max of 260watt in put so i'm fine with it Total means i have 240watt on that mppt controller. Good balance

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Your wattage could depend on a lot of factors. Angle of panels, time of year, clarity of the ski and more. But yea most solar panels give about 85% to 90% of output

@dyslectische Жыл бұрын

@@johnnysweekends a lot are test in the dessert so that it works thare. And thare you sunlight is stronger. So its how the solar panels are test or what rating it have . You can look for Germany/ eu test . Test name is . Photon test

@davidpotter9462 11 ай бұрын

I've got 1600 watts of panels on a controller that maxes at 1040 watts.

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

Again a lot of factors contribute to your max wattage.

@davidpotter9462 11 ай бұрын

@@johnnysweekends here in Oklahoma the Saharan dust, and Canadian smoke are affecting output.

@JoshsGadgetsandMore Жыл бұрын

The bird picked his winner 💩

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

lol right 😂👍🏼

@alfredo8431 Жыл бұрын

Is the Renogy for $80 a good deal?

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

Sure, renogy still makes good stuff but the HF just happens to be a nice panel for the price

@dthorne4602 11 ай бұрын

Now you can get renogy 9bb for $80 or less, so its a much better deal than this 5bb HF one.

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

The price is decent but 9bb doesn’t mean anything. But the HF can be had for $89 with a coupon. And will still put it more power more than likely. But I’m sure the renogy 9bb is decent.

@dthorne4602 11 ай бұрын

@@johnnysweekends actually 9bb does mean a lot. I'm not sure where you got your idea about that. Good luck to you.

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

I have tested 9bb and 10bb they help over all. But when compared to other panels like 200 99bb bougerv against renogy 200 watt. The 9bb didn’t help. 10bb EcoFlow verses HF still didn’t do it.

@FaithwalkerTodd 5 ай бұрын

I never see any of the Solar KZfaqrs Choosing harbor freight Solar Panels.

@johnnysweekends 5 ай бұрын

There are many who like this 100 watt panel who have reviewed it. Others review larger panels as well just like I have. Some don’t review it because they didn’t get paid to review it. I bought both of these with my own money. I also buy several items with my own money. Some are paid most are not.

@FaithwalkerTodd 5 ай бұрын

@@johnnysweekends I'm not talking about the reviews. I'm talking about the use. What are they using personally, that's what I want to know.

@johnnysweekends 5 ай бұрын

@FaithwalkerTodd ahh, several Have replied using on sheds, like 2-300 watts for a small mancave or tool shed and they power up a couple lights and charge all of the power tools and other items. Some put a couple on vans or RVs… or on the ground for when rving. Or in the yard and more to charge up small back up batteries and more. They have legs already on them and when using a super coupon they are $89…and still perform very well. I was surprised they have held up so good. And I trash them on purpose just to see.

@FaithwalkerTodd 5 ай бұрын

@@johnnysweekends I guess I just haven’t seen it. I watch a ton of RVers on KZfaq and of the channels I watch none of them use Harbor freight for their solar panels.

@johnnysweekends 5 ай бұрын

@FaithwalkerTodd I have seen one small little rv with HF panels but like I tell most people is go with the largest panels you can fit and the most you can get. So 200s or 250s or anything in between are more popular as it’s less to install. There are a few KZfaqrs who did a whole garage and more using nothing but 100 watt HF panels. But again it’s all in the build you are doing and what works for you.

@xFD2x Жыл бұрын

It seems you are ignoring the fact that the Harbor Freight is also at least 10% bigger.

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

It’s mentioned

@picayunebill6614 10 ай бұрын

And it seems you are ignoring that both panels are supposed to put out 100 watts. Regardless of size. To insinuate that the test of two 100 watt solar panels is skewed because one is bigger than the other seems to me to be disingenuous.

@willarddevoe5893 9 ай бұрын

Chubby is easier and cheaper to ship and mount. Tall and skinny is unnecessary .

@torentmonkey 11 ай бұрын

How are these pannels so expensive. I got 100w pannels for 40$ and it does put out what it says etc.

@bluedistortions 11 ай бұрын

Where? That's cheap!

@lauradoyle1111 10 ай бұрын

Yep. I wanna know too!

@tomdodds8091 Жыл бұрын

Lower voltage will always require higher amperage to produce equal wattage. That's the formula. AxV=W Pretty sure it was an incorrect impression, but you sounded mildly impressed that the Renogy was putting out higher amperage. Don't want viewers to get the wrong impression.

@robroy289 Жыл бұрын

Why don't you call out the specific brand from Harbor Freight? They could switch the brand and we could end up buying something different than what you tested. Not everything sold by HF is an HF brand.

@johnnysweekends Жыл бұрын

That’s the problem is I cant find the HF thunderbolt equal. I have looked and when it comes to generators like the 3500 predator that’s easy but i cant find this equal….wish I could 🤷🏼‍♂️

@dus10dnd 10 ай бұрын

This isn't a great test. You need to run the tests with many of each panel. Every single panel is going to have variation. There is going to be a degree of QA tolerance that will allow for different voltages and amperage.

@johnnysweekends 10 ай бұрын

This is true, now would it mean anything if I tested 8 harbor freight panel and all have tested better then several others. No granted I only tested two renogy 100 watt. And Hf still put out more. Again you have to consider the sq inches. But advertised as a 100 watt

@pilot3016 11 ай бұрын

Black surface panels are more efficient "Mono Crystal". Bluish surface panels are "Poly Crystal" and less efficient. Why does everyone keep this a secret. Yes, one is more expensive, but REALLY? Over how many years?

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

They are both mono, nothing in this video is about cell type? Strictly two popular brands rated at 100 watts and around the same price. Well used to be but prices change. But correct older poly cells were blue.

@johnstark4723 9 ай бұрын

And bifacial are even better if mounted so they get reflection on the back of the panel. Also, half cut mono is better in shaded areas as they still allow current flow through shaded areas of the panel. So there are tons of variables to consider with solar panels and inverters.

@FloryJohann Ай бұрын

Haborfreight usually got cheap quality stuff that does not last, so I do not trust them I can get Renogy panels for cheap and HQST panels for about $75 per 100 watt panel which both the panels look like that theyvare made atvthe same manufacturing plant , even the rating is exactly the same.

@2pid 11 ай бұрын

OK so??? Renorgy takes longer to charge?? Is that it? I just bought a renorgy bundle from KZfaq video.....then maker of video did another with mppt controller. Well I bought mppt controller 10 more amp now I'm scared to buy battery from what original video showed. Ummm??? HELP ME MAKE THE RIGHT BUY....IM NOT RICH, I DONT HAVE FREE BATTERIES...DIG?

@johnnysweekends 11 ай бұрын

What are you trying to accomplish ? That’s the biggest thing. I don’t know what your building so this could go many directions

@curve5746 10 ай бұрын

Google redodo they sell the cheapest and best batteries for the money

@johnstark4723 9 ай бұрын

There are many variables to consider. To help it would require a lot of information. What are you trying to power? What's your end goal? Where are you? Do you have clear view of the sky and sun year round? And a whole host of other things to consider.