Reaching my Goalz

[GypsyDogs]

so.. remember the little goal zero I found?

well, I decided it would be awesome accessory power in Nelson for camping/whatever-
Our local solar mega-dudes (Grape Solar) are having a scratch/dent sale..  ok.
Picked up a Nice little 50w panel -portable and manageable- for about $35
Then went to the local RV Solar place and got a set of mc4 cutoffs.. (they hardwire..) out of their scrap bin. (free)

With some 12ga dual wire (made for landscaping low-v applications), some AndersonPP connectors, my spiffy wiring tool, and a little staring and lip chewing.. I made this work.

Portable solar- on a budget!
   
I can run my little extension out the window to the panel.. or whatever.
As you can see, in the pic.. not full sun, by any means.  Overcast/Haze/cardboard conditions.. and pulling 7 watts...
that'll do  
   
and I plan to hit it with a bit of dielectric grease on the connections.. of course

------------------------------------
and- for your amusement.. I made a dumb.

when I was putting it all together.. I TOTALLY FORGOT that those connections were, essentially reversed.. being the bits cut off the panel side.. so + was - and so on.. 

 took me a second to figure out why.. when I had a good circuit.. it wouldn't power up.. 
 ... 
 *facepalm*  
 *swap Andersons*  
move along, nothing to see here...     

[GotSmart]

We now have someone who can make solar power from cardboard. 

I am in awe. 

Nice useage of cast off material.

[Mr.LooRead]

Now you need to make a multi angle adjustable bracket(s).

One 8' zinc plated steel 1.5" perforated angle cut into 6 parts machine screws washers nuts hitch pins

Harbor frt no longer has the cheap brackets in stock but there are some for sale on ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/STEEL-ADJUSTABL...1477099620

[GypsyDogs]

   or a couple bicycle kick stands....

[GypsyDogs]

ooooo for long road trips...
https://www.rei.com/product/494016/yakim...s-set-of-4

[GypsyDogs]

killin' it in the sun.. btw.
   

with weather being rated at Partly Doggy..  (somebody was getting a drink and their butt was shading part of the panel..)
   

Full sun.. got peaks of upwards to 40 watts..!

[MN C Van]

Then went to the local RV Solar place and got a set of mc4 cutoffs.. (they hardwire..) out of their scrap bin. (free)

A W E S O M E

The Goal Zero thingy is just a portable battery?

[GotSmart]

Then went to the local RV Solar place and got a set of mc4 cutoffs.. (they hardwire..) out of their scrap bin. (free)

A W E S O M E

The Goal Zero thingy is just a portable battery?

It also has different power outlets 

Expand the picture.

[MN C Van]

I saw the outlets, just didn't get the general concept of the device

[GypsyDogs]

And pure sine inverter
And built in charge controller.
And it just takes the U1 STD agm battery...