Thunderbolt Solar Panel Kit 45 Watt

This is the exact same kit you will see at Harbor Freight. I was told by Amazon that it would arrive on April 22nd, and it did. The box was a bit beat up, but the contents inside were in perfect shape. I highly recommend this for those needing a 'starter' kit to get into solar power.

I bought two sets of these 2 years ago. They have been pretty reliable. Although I purchased them at Harbor Freight with the Email coupons for $129. Both panels are connected to the largest marine battery Walmart sells. One controller stopped working today, the other is still working. The controller has a USB port that has never worked on either unit. I didn't return because I didn't need it. I use these to light of my green house and to light up my quail cages to keep them laying during the winter months. Overall they are a great beginner setup. I would recommend sighing up for Harbor Freights email program and get this setup for $129.

The Thunderbolt Solar Panel Kit works exactly as described, this is our first experience with solar panel of any kind, assembly and installation was simply and direction were clear. Item was installed into an outdoor storage shed, it is a beginners kit.

Solid product.

Solar power is an amazing resource. Capturing a tiny drop of the sun's massive nuclear-reactive power (386 billion billion megaWatts) is a fascinating concept.I've been interested in solar power for years, but my interest went into high gear when I became involved in Ham Radio. (Currently, I have my "General Ticket" and I'm working on my "Extra".)Learning how to tap into auxiliary power sources is an important part of being involved in Ham (Amateur) Radio. After all, what good is it to have a Ham Radio if you can't use it when the power goes out?I have a good friend who's been involved in Ham Radio for several years, and he highly recommended this "solar system." This is the very set that my friend had hooked up at his house. In fact, he was so pleased with the first system that he went back and bought a second set. He was most impressed with the "solar controller" which is discussed more below.After several tours of a friend's "Ham Shack," and after receiving several helpful tutorials on this topic from my friend, I was ready to take the plunge.It took about 12 hours to install the whole rig, and my oh my, it was a fun project. And watching those photovoltaic cells turn the sunlight into electricity is every bit as fascinating as I'd thought it would be.If I were queen of the world (and it shouldn't be long now), I'd recommend that every homeowner in America have a set of these on their roof.The controller that came with the solar panels is quite impressive. It has a digital display that's large and easy to read, and shows the remaining voltage in the battery power. The unit is made of aluminum and the knobs are solid and sure.Another nice bonus that came with this set are two of these 12-volt LED lights. They do a good job of illuminating the dark corners of our little shed, where this unit is now installed.Hubby and I spent countless hours figuring out the correct angle for the panels, and it varies, depending on the time of year. There were many factors such as the big old tall trees in our yard. After the "Solar System" was all set up, we were both AMAZED and pleased to see that it started charging immediately. What was so amazing? It was a dark, cold, gloomy overcast day.I highly recommend this unit. The PVC frame is well-made and *fairly* sturdy and it's easy to assemble. Best of all, this system really works. One caveat, you'll need to buy a deep cycle marine battery (about $140) and a good quality inverter (I recommend at least 750 watts). Expect to spend another $60+ for the inverter.

Purchased the same kit at Harbor freight for 169 on sale.Have used it for over a year now and love it. We camp with an RV and even on cloudy weekends it keeps enough charge on the batteries to run the radio almost all weekend along with heat and water. We love it the cord is long enough to get to where ever the sun is. The mount for the panels is kinda cheesy and flimsy but it works and we haven't broken it yet even after bumping the legs into damn near everything. 100 % would buy again.

Just got ours at HF on a super coupon for $129.00! Excellent value for the money. Put the panels together over the weekend out at our permanent camp site. Can't wait to fire it up and see what this baby can do for my trailer marine battery.