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I don't have a lot of experience with solar panels (yet) but I know enough about volts, amps and wires to run this one through some quick tests. Part of the problem I'm having right now is that I'm in Wisconsin and it's wintertime. I attempted one test with an Ohmite power resistor load and a Fluke meter and sunlight filtering through my windows in the afternoon. That try was a complete bust. Lesson #1: If the entire panel isn't illuminated, forget about getting any usable current.
Before trying the panel again, I obtained a WattsUp meter plus a 10-ohm 50-watt rheostat and made everything connectible with Anderson Powerpoles for quick, reliable connection and disconnection. The WattsUp meter is very handy because there are a couple different ways to put it in-circuit between the panel and rheostat to get continuously-updating DC power measurements on just the one meter.
When I finally had a clear day without utterly freezing weather I laid everything out on the driveway and hooked it up. The rheostat was dialed up to about eight ohms. It was 2:30 in the afternoon in early February so again, the sun was low. With the panel lying flat on the driveway the output was, as you would expect, abysmal (due to lousy angle of incidence). Even the voltage was low (eight volts). Once I tilted the panel up a bit though (and with nothing filtering or blocking light) I got usable current. Directly facing the sun, I was able to get 2.15 amperes at 17.0 volts (37 Watts) without messing with the rheostat. Unfortunately, I didn't have a lot of time or an extra pair of hands to trim the rheostat and find the maximum power point, which I suspect was an ohm or two lower.
I should also mention that the shipping/packing on this item was better than expected and the aluminum frame is pretty typical. To summarize: Physically, it's a good unit. Electrically, I was a little surprised at how I had to dote on it (assuring 100% illumination on the panel and tilting/turning it) to get a couple amperes. Maybe my expectations were a little high in that regard. I'm learning...
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After adding a 50 watt Ramsond panel my array now totals 470 watts. These panels are well constructed and easy to install. Output is very good even under cloudy conditions. Bang for the buck is excellent compared to Harbor Freight 15 watt panels. Plans are to add more Ramsond panels to reach at least 1000 Watts. Overall, these panels are excellent.Best Deals for Ramsond 50 Watt Solar Panel 50w W Monocrystalline Photovoltaic PV
I created a folding panel setup to bring with me camping and used these panels. They came packaged very nicely and in great shape. I tested the units once I received them and they matched the specs on the back of the panels.I then proceeded to combine them with a stainless steel piano hinge and added latches and a handle. Using 20' of 12g wire and Delphi weatherproof connectors I was able to create a 100W portable power setup that I could adjust if I were in a shaded area.
I would buy these panels again and will be recommending them to others.
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I bought one of these panels for my 22' Travel Trailer after talking to someone who had panels on their RV and I was amazed at how well it worked, I added a second panel, two new batteries, and a 1000 watt inverter and can now run most of the day (conservatively) during summertime in full sun without draining the batteries.For trailers 100 watts to 200 watts is enough to get you off the grid, though you'll still need external power or a generator to run AC's, microwaves, or the AC outlets but we run lights, a 22" lcd, dvd player, satelite box, water pump, charge our cell phones, a rechargeable vacuum, and rechargeable led lantern, as well as running two fans at various times throughout the day without draining the batteries. I've had to run my generator only three times over the past two months and have not hooked up to external power at all since I added the second panel.
I'd like to add a third panel but the price has gone up quite a bit over the last few months ($135 to $169) so we're going to wait and see where the price goes.
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