The 12v solar panel kit to generate renewable energy

The 12v solar panel kit from Grape Solar is a high-performance 400-watt system. These are four rigid and strong solar modules with an output of 100 watts per module.

You can connect the four 100-Watt polycrystalline solar panels to get an output power of 400 watt.

Use the 400W 12v solar panel kit as a battery charger and many more applications.

They call it the Grape Solar 400W Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit. (Or the GS-400-KIT.)

The solar kit performs very well under low light, shady and cloudy conditions.

The 12 volt solar panels can withstand heavy snowfalls and strong wind loads. This is because of the use of low iron tempered glass. This is for enhanced stiffness and high impact resistance.

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The 12v solar panel kit comes with;

1) Four pieces of Polycrystalline 100 watt solar panels. It can deliver 400 Watt peak output per hour.

2) A 40 Amp Comet PWM charge controller. With this controller, you can add one more panel with extra cables to give an output of 500 watt.

3) An 1800-Watt Grape Solar PurePower Inverter with two outlets and 1 USB port.

Wire for charge-controller-to-battery.

4) Cables;

Wire for charge-controller-to-battery.

MC4 parallel cable sets, 4 inputs and 1 output on each.

A pair of 15-foot MC4-to-MC4 cables.

MC4-to-bare cable pair.

Four 10 amp inline fuses.

5) Also a user’s manual.

Daily output from the 12v solar panel kit

With the four 100 watt solar panels, you get about 2400 Watts of power during peak time. This is for 6 hours of sunshine per day.

This is 100 watt X 4 panels X 6 hours of sunshine = 2400 Watt.

Now you take losses and non-peak performance into consideration (Minus 15%). You can still get a fair 2400 X 85/100 = 2040 Watt per day.

Ignore the 40 watts and you get 2 Kilowatt per day

This is a fair amount of cheap electricity for many years to come.

12V solar panel kit specs

Electrical

Per 100 Watt Module;

Maximum Power: 100Watt.

Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc): 21.9V

Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 18V

Optimum Operating Current (Imp): 5.56A

Short-Circuit Current (Isc): 6.13A

Operating Module Temperature: -40 ºC to +85 ºC

Cell Type: Polycrystalline

Mechanical

Size/Dimensions: 1020mm x 670mm x 35mm (40.16” x 26.37” x 1.38”)

Weight: 8.9 kg (19.66 lbs.)

Warranty

Panels;

Five year limited warranty on materials and workmanship.

Ten year warranty on greater than 90% power output.

Twenty five year warranty on greater than 80% power output.

Charge Controller;

One year limited warranty for defects in workmanship and materials

Application

Powers DC loads like mini fridge;

Fans;

Compatible with deep cycle batteries

Emergency backup systems;

RVs;

Boats;

12 Volt battery charging;

Small pumps;

Small electronic devices and operating LED lights.

Electric fences;

Gates;

Remote cabins;

Disaster preparedness and remote power use.

The junction box

The module comes with an IP 65 rated junction box that is waterproof.

You do not have to worry about rainy and misty weather. The 12v solar panel kit will perform well under these conditions.

It also comes with two blocking diodes to prevent reverse current flow.

Strong Aluminum Frame

The 12 volt solar panel kit comes with a strong anodized aluminum frame.

It is Corrosion-Resistant and weatherproof for trouble-free years of outdoor use.

The manufacturer uses low iron tempered glass with enhanced stiffness and impact resistance.

The low iron tempered glass allows for higher light transmission. Also for higher transparency.

The 40 Amp Comet PWM charge controller

The 400 watt 12v solar panel kit uses a 40A Comet PWM(Pulse Width Modulation) charge controller.

The Comet PWM charge controller allows you to add 1 more panel with extra cables.

The charge controller has a limit of 5 panels, (500 watts).

At least one 12 Volt deep cycle battery is necessary to use this kit. (Battery is not included.)

The solar charge controller protects the battery from overcharging. It turns on and off depending on the status of the battery.

It will also ensure safe operation during surges and overcharge.

MC4 parallel cable sets.

The solar cabling

Use the pair of MC4 parallel cable sets (4 inputs and 1 output on each). This is to connect the four solar panels to the pair of 15-foot MC4-to-MC4 cables.

15-Foot MC4-to-MC4 cables.

Then use the red/black 6” MC4-to-bare cable pair to connect the 15 foot MC4 to MC4 cables to the charge controller. The bare ends of the pair go into the charge controller.

You have to connect the inline fuses to the positive lead of each 100 watt solar panel.

Setting it up is quick and easy.

Inverter for the 400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel kit

The solar kit comes with an 1800-Watt Grape Solar PurePower Inverter with two outlets and a USB port.

Advantages

They manufacture solar modules with high efficiency crystalline solar cells. This ensures years of service.

The 12 volt Solar Panel kit is easy to install and it is maintenance-free.

Two blocking diodes per 100 watt solar panel prevent reverse current flow.

The solar kit is lightweight and portable. It can operate under rugged conditions.

You can configure each kit for future expansion.

The USB connectivity of the solar module kit is a welcome add on.

The kit comes with sturdy packaging and good instructions and diagrams.

Disadvantages

Some people want the wiring to be longer.

It could be a good thing to include the basic mounting brackets in the 12 volt solar panel kit.

To mention

Customer Service from Grape Solar is outstanding; they are responsive, helpful, and knowledgeable.

The components, including the panels, inverter, and charge controller are real quality items.

In Conclusion

The 400 watt 12v solar panel kit comes with a good warranty. It ensures a carefree service for many years to come.

The price is reasonable and this is a solar kit to use at home and on the move.