Harbor Freight Briefcase Solar Panel

[paul65k]

I was searching online for a portable solar panel kit that my family and I could use to charge some of our basic electronics (think Cell phones, GPS, flashlight batteries) when we go camping. I found the Harbor Freight Briefcase Solar Panel and the price seemed right. I was wondering if I actually needed a charge controller or if I could just plug in a USB adapter in the female cigarette adapter and use that to charge some of my portable battery packs. I would use the battery packs to charge my devices. Any concerns with this setup? I am not very familiar with solar power...or any kind of electrical power for that matter. Is their another set up or kit that people know of that may be both economical and applicable to my scenario?Here is the link to the item:http://www.harborfreight.com/13-watt...ger-68750.html

Quick Question??................Did you even read the freakin' reviews about this item on the HF website???Here is the VERY FIRST review posted on the website;

Comments about THUNDERBOLT MAGNUM SOLAR 13 Watt Briefcase Solar Charger:This item requires a "charger controller" It would be better to show one and indicate that it's not included, but required & that it's sold separately. That would be more helpful that showing a drill (that's not included).Maybe even offer a packaged deal with an appropriate sized controller and a solar panel kit

[SunEagle]

I was searching online for a portable solar panel kit that my family and I could use to charge some of our basic electronics (think Cell phones, GPS, flashlight batteries) when we go camping. I found the Harbor Freight Briefcase Solar Panel and the price seemed right. I was wondering if I actually needed a charge controller or if I could just plug in a USB adapter in the female cigarette adapter and use that to charge some of my portable battery packs. I would use the battery packs to charge my devices. Any concerns with this setup? I am not very familiar with solar power...or any kind of electrical power for that matter. Is their another set up or kit that people know of that may be both economical and applicable to my scenario?

Here is the link to the item:

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-watt...ger-68750.html

I am not sure that 13watt solar panel will provide much of any type of charging for your electronics. There are larger wattage portable "briefcase" solar panels that come with charge controllers so you would still need a battery and inverter for AC loads.

I put this system together for about $550. It has an 80watt panel, 65Ah battery, 200watt inverter, a HF hand cart and battery box. It can provide about 200 watt hours a day.

[peterb77]

I was searching online for a portable solar panel kit that my family and I could use to charge some of our basic electronics (think Cell phones, GPS, flashlight batteries) when we go camping. I found the Harbor Freight Briefcase Solar Panel and the price seemed right. I was wondering if I actually needed a charge controller or if I could just plug in a USB adapter in the female cigarette adapter and use that to charge some of my portable battery packs. I would use the battery packs to charge my devices. Any concerns with this setup? I am not very familiar with solar power...or any kind of electrical power for that matter. Is their another set up or kit that people know of that may be both economical and applicable to my scenario?

Here is the link to the item:

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-watt-briefcase-solar-charger-68750.html