Score! Solar Panel on CL

jkjenn

I scored a minor coup this week when I scored a Goal Zero Escape 30 panel (no longer made) on CL for about 1/4 of the going rate. You can still find them on eBay and from some retailers, but for a lot more money. There are bigger panels an d you can get other brands cheaper, but the GZ quality is, in my view, significantly higher than others and generally lighter weight. Altogether, I am up to 120. It was cranking out 13.9-14.07 this afternoon in full soon. Not to shabby for one of the cloudiest cities in the world!

I really like the Escape briefcase design with the built in legs. If I could find a couple more deals like that, I would snag them.

jkjenn

Patti said:

Awesome! We haven't pursued solar yet but it's on our list. Even though the T@Bs are Zamp-ready, that doesn't limit us to have to use Zampf

No, not at all. I have90 watts running through the Zamp connector and 30 amps through alligator clips. The GZ Guardian controller is a max 90 watt input, or I would run them all through the Zamp. As a matter of fact, I may install a second Zamp so that I can just plug in. The Zamp connector on the T@b just takes a standard 2 pin SAE connector.

I have been collecting the GZ panels dirt cheap or else I might have gone with Renogy. Even if I switch over to Renogy, I will probably hang on to these for smaller stuff or mount to the rack of my Jeep.

Nomad

Wow - that's a lot of stuff to set out for 120w - I'll stick with my single suitcase Zamp120 even though it may have cost me more ;-)

jkjenn

PXLated said:

Wow - that's a lot of stuff to set out for 120w - I'll stick with my single suitcase Zamp120 even though it may have cost me more ;-)

It takes less than a minute. I will eventually get a more compact, bigger solution, but will stick with my bargain set-up until I decide what I want to do.

Nomad

It is amazing how you can get a pretty good charge even if it's overcast - as long as it isn't black skys. I've even gotten a trickle at night with a full moon.

jkjenn

Yeah, even the watt trickle charger always surprises me.

gooselady

If the controversy concerning the Zamp is just the price, then it might be helpful to know that one can purchase from the LG site using the LG dealer discount, if their dealer offers it.  120w Zamp suitcase for $450, delivered to my door, $300 for the 80w suitcase.  I opted for the 120w only because I didn't know my needs.  I probably could have gotten by with the 80w, as I am not a high user of electric.  I am more than pleased with the performance and the simplicity of the Zamp.  

jkjenn

I doubt LG will allow others to purchase at the dealer discount rate. Your dealer gave you a special deal.

gooselady

Well, you may be right, but now they know to ask.  

Nomad

Jenn - I'm betting it's up to the dealer, not LG. My dealer made me a package deal that included a whole bunch of stuff (including solar) for roughly the price I see people buying just the T@B.

jkjenn

PXLated said:

Jenn - I'm betting it's up to the dealer, not LG. My dealer made me a package deal that included a whole bunch of stuff (including solar) for roughly the price I see people buying just the T@B.

That's what I meant. Poor wording.

Nomad

Ahhhh.
I basically told my dealer what all I wanted - basically I wanted everything and to be able to roll off their lot prepared to do serious camping and boondocking. This forum was instrumental in helping me make that list. Down to a hitch lock. Dealers not only buy wholesale from LG, they have camping catalogs containing everything you'd ever dream of. The only thing they couldn't get at wholesale was my Honda generator.

kybob

That's good to know gooselady, I got my T@B from the same dealer a few weeks ago. I got a killer deal on the T@B.

gooselady

Good for you, kybob.  Were you able to improve the internet price?  I also went through the dealer to purchase the cover, at around $350.  I might order the visor in the future, to provide shade on the off-side of the T@B.

c0boy

For affordable and high quality solar panels check out Renogy panels.  When I bought my Goal Zero Yeti 400 I found the Renogy to be larger than putting three Goal Zero panels together and also slightly larger (90 vs. 100).  The one I have is a suitcase folder.  

jkjenn

c0boy said:

For affordable and high quality solar panels check out Renogy panels.  When I bought my Goal Zero Yeti 400 I found the Renogy to be larger than putting three Goal Zero panels together and also slightly larger (90 vs. 100).  The one I have is a suitcase folder.  

I have had both and like them both. The GZ panels are very lightweight. The hard-sided Renogy panels are not. I had 200W watts of Renogy hard sided panels and they were big and heavy. I picked up a 50w Renogy to strap to my TV roof rack for extra help charging while driving. That being said, Renogy is a lot cheaper.

ronin718

The Renogy's are probably cheaper because you're not paying for the portability of the GZ panels.  Just my two cents...

Brinyac

Two, 30-watt GZ panels for sale in North Bay Area. $130 for one or $250 for both.  Good deal, jkjenn?

jkjenn

OK deal, not great. I paid $50 for my 30 watt. Of course, we don't get a lot of sun out this way.