I originally gave this product one star because although the product description says that no voltage regulator is required, the documentation that came with the product clearly indicates that one is required. Upon reading my review, Rich, from ITC called me to inform me that the documentation was wrong and that the solar panel did indeed not need a voltage regulator. I am very impressed with the speed with which Rich responded to my review. The panel is very well made and suits my needs perfectly (trickle charging for the deep cycle 12 volt battery on my sailboat. Rich informed me that the solar panel should be installed with a fuse and diode which he graciously provided to me. This panel is well worth the price considering the quality and speed that ITC provides technical support.
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Package contained the accessories descibed but for the price there should be options.
First, If you want to solar charge your battery while operating the boat, the cigarette lighter plug is the way to go.
If you want to trickle charge the battery while your not using the boat, the cigarette plug is a waste of time expecially if you have the battery "kill switch" engaged while not using your boat. If that is the case, the best thing to do for direct connection and quick disconnect of the solar panel wire, is not use the supplied battery post eye-let connectors just go out and buy and attach a set of small alligator clips.
Second, as stated, the rail mounts are not included but the suggested West Marine part # is good for only one standard size "round" rail.
I bought the $25,00 mounts for the solar panel for my pontoon boat and planned to mount it on the "tow bar rail" (which on my Crest pontoon, is the only round rail).Finding that the tow bar rail was larger, I inquired if they (West Marine) had a larger size mount made by the same manufacturer and they did not.
To mount it on the tow bar rail I had to buy a section of PVC pipe that West Marine rail mounts (suggested part#) fit and two stainless steel U-bolts so I could attach/mount PVC pipe to the tow bar rail. With all that said, I spent another $22.00 above the $25.00 cost of the suggested West Marine part #.
If not mounting the solar panel at all, I would still suggest using alligator clips as your panel wire connection to the battery posts.
-------8/10/13 It's been about 1 week since I installed this panel and find that with additions I made as explained above, the solar panel does the job.
To my surprise, in my mail today I received a set of alligator clips that will connect to the battery via cigarette lighter plug from this company along with a very nice letter explaining that they understood the predicament and will make alligator clips available in future packaging. It is very comforting to know that this company ITC Solar is alert to suggestions and I fully trust they will take interest in any purchasers concerns.
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My old solar panel on my motorhome broke and was only a 5 watt. I did a lot of research and found this one and I like how it doesn't have a glass panel and it is flexible a little bit, plus it was the exact size I needed to replace the old one and installation was a snap.
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Easily keeps my battery topped off. Put out 17 when off the battery 12 on, so we know it is charging away. Very sturdy, I do not have to worry about it breaking. One bad thing, it did not come with the cables to attach to he battery, so four stars for making be fiddle with it. Good buy. It also does not seem to have the requlator that it said it did. Still would buy again.
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A friend of mine showed up in his camper last month with a solar panel and controller that he hooked up. So, not to be out done, I researched. And found this one (last one in stock); the reviews were helpful so I took the plunge. It arrived in 2 days after paying the 3-5 days, everything was included so I connected it all up. I went ahead and put the diode in line (I hope that is ok for charging my deep-cycle marine battery I use with my camper -please let me know if I should take it off), at first I put the diode in backwards (doh) but noticed before I was done with the wire. I then tested it, first in my garage and already got 13 V, then in the sunlight. I thought something was wrong because my voltmeter gave me an error. I switched it to a higher range and it was reading 20.5V! I placed it on top of my camper with one side raised up with a 2x4 facing south and continually check it. It is a good deal and I feel we'll worth the price. Floor those reasons, and others, I give it a 5 stars. Thanks for the great product, fast shipping and reasonable price.
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