Has anyone looked into the 4 panel kit of solar panels & controller, Costco is offering for $320

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11298029&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US&s=1

Looks like it would be an inexpensive power solution for some RVers while boondocking.

Or maybe an entry level system to see if solar is right for you.

I realize there may be a need to put the panels in a more substantial frame setup for on the roof mounting and the controller probably is worthless.

I'm interested to use these to keep the 4 deep cycle batteries charged and run small appliances off of the 2000W inverter I already have in the 5'er after quiet hours when I can't run the generator.

I'm looking for opinions from our seasoned solar users.

I just want to know if you think these may be worth investing $320 and take a chance they may satisfy our occaisional needs (1 to 2 times per year).

Well, lets see....

The panel is only 60 watts so it will trickle charge a STORED battery bank, but do little for a bank in use.

The controller is useless.

The inverter is of no value to someone who has one already.

The wires are too small and too short.

You would be FAR better off evaluating your needs carefully, deciding if you want or need solar, and then phasing in a proper system over time.

I've probably installed over 100 panels. I've taken OFF several of these little systems. I would not waste my money unless all you want is a trickle charge on your bank.

Jack...Sherri and I are wanting to boondock at casinos and on the BLM from time to time. We have a generator and are prepped for solar. All we would need the generator for is to run the computers...coffee pot...and a few things in the morning before we head out to hike or gamble. Do you see a need to add the solar?? I know it is costly even though we are pre-wired for it. What is your thoughts on this. Speedy

Speedy, it depends on how long you want to do all that. The longer you want to stay, the more likely it is that you will end up with solar. It also depends on your battery bank size, and how much power you use a day. It is difficult to totally restore a battery bank with just a genset. It runs too long and is too inefficient after the bulk charge - that is when solar really does a good job. What I would do first is an energy audit to see how much power you use when boondocking the way you want to. I would then consider building out the battery bank to service those needs at a 25-35% drawdown, and add a battery monitor so you know where you stand on usage. Live with it like that for awhile and then see if you need more "help".

Jack,

Thanks for the feedback.  

This goes in the "too good to be true" file.

It's unfortunate that companies feel the need to put out mediocre products and make them sound like it's a "do all, end all type of solution"

It's the old caveat emptor rule....

One of the advantages of the RV-Dreams community we have a great knowledge base to draw from.

Guess I'll go gas up the generators and do some more polluting.....

If you have in ground panels, where the headers are clear on both ends, you connect the two panels headers together, run water in at one end, and take water out at the other end. That is even more parallel, since the water doesn't go down the panel and then come back, it only goes one way.