Does Go Power GP-PSK-130 130w portable folding solar kit water-proof and can you use it outdoor? It is not weatherproof or waterproof. It is for who don’t want to permanently mount solar to a rooftop or want to supplement a roof top system. It comes with adjustable folding legs to offer maximize solar exposure and for compact easy storage. Get more in Go Power GP-PSK-130 130w portable folding solar kit with 10 AMP solar controller review.
Other Go Power Solar Kits
- 570 Watts Solar Extreme
- 380 Watts Solar Elite
- 190 Watts Weekender ISW
- 190 Watts Overlander
- 100 Watts Retreat
- Eco 80 Watts Solar Charging Kit
Package content
This kit includes the 130-watts of foldable aluminum framed solar panels (2x 75-watts each), a 10-AMP PWM SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER, carrying case, and an array of connection options.
Good for
Ideal for those who don’t want to permanently mount solar to a rooftop or want to supplement a roof top system, keeping your batteries charged over a long weekend.
Key feature
- The Go Power! 130 watt 19.7 volt solar panel is versatile, compact, and lightweight.
- Designed to provide uninterrupted power quickly and conveniently.
- Perfect for maintaining your RV battery while on the road, or trickle charging batteries of cars, ATVs, or boats.
- Maintenance-free and no installation or mounting required.
- Takes minutes to set up – just unfold and connect the battery clamps.
- 25-Year limited solar panel output power warranty.
Specs & comparison – Go Power GP-PSK-130 130w portable folding solar kit with 10 AMP solar controller
Go Power GP-PSK-130 130w portable folding solar kit with 10 AMP solar controller review
Build & design
The charging process starts with the solar panel, which unfolds and uses adjustable legs for support. When solar energy interacts with the silicon cells in the panel, it generates a flow of DC electrical current that charges your RV’s batteries. Each of the monocrystalline cells is made from a single crystal of silicon, so the electrons that create the current have more space to move, making this panel more efficient than one with polycrystalline cells. And in optimal sunlight conditions, the panel produces 130 watts per hour.
Output capacity
This handy 130-watt portable kit brings over 11A of charging current to any campsite, boat, off-road vehicle.
Cells & frame
The silicon cells are set between a cushioned backing material and tempered solar glass to withstand the elements. The glass has low-iron content to provide exceptional transparency, which ensures maximum sunlight collection. Finally, the panel is framed with anodized marine-grade aluminum to resist rust and corrosion.
Use
The Go Power portable solar system provides an easy way to charge your RV batteries with clean, renewable power. Using the 130-watt foldable solar panel, this system collects solar energy to create DC power that passes through a solar charge controller into your RV batteries. The kit includes several adapters to suit your charging application. Also, it comes in a heavy-duty, nylon carrying case for convenient transport and storage.
Charging
The backlit, digital display acts as an information center for your solar panel output. It shows the charging current, battery voltage, and battery state of charge. It also allows you to input your battery type and choose a charging profile. Additionally, a built-in USB port on the front of the controller provides a convenient outlet to charge your cell phone or tablet.
Charging Modes
- Absorption: This mode provides controlled voltage to ensure a full charge. Once the battery reaches between 80% to 90% capacity, the absorption state will kick in and start charging at a regulated voltage. In each charging profile, this mode is set to last for 30 minutes after the bulk charge is completed.
- Bulk: This mode charges at the full rated load for a quicker recharge time. As the name suggests, this is where the bulk of the charging happens. It typically charges the battery to at least 80% capacity.
- Equalization: On flooded/wet cell batteries, this mode activates to prevent stratification and sulfate buildup during extended float cycles. These two issues can damage a battery by causing the accumulation of acid at the bottom of the battery and hardened sulfate crystals on the battery plates. This mode is especially helpful when your battery is going unused during storage.
- Float: Once the battery reaches full charge, this mode maintains a lower voltage to compensate for self-discharge. This reduces battery stress and minimizes gassing and water loss.
Alternate of Go Power GP-PSK-130 130w portable folding solar kit with 10 AMP solar controller
Renogy 400W Solar Starter Kit With 40A MPPT Charge Controller
- Volts: 12
- Watts: 400
- The High Points: Comes equipped with a Rover MPPT charge controller.
- The Not-So Good: No battery bank included.
The majority of reviewers claim that the system is easy to install independently. However, they warn that the kit doesn’t come with installation instructions, so it’s important to do research beforehand. If you have any questions, Renogy’s support team is available to provide advice.
As one of the leading solar energy brands on the market, Renogy offers superior equipment at a competitive price. From efficient panels to reliable charge controllers, the popular brand always impresses. The trend continues with their 400W Starter Kit that comes equipped with a name-brand 40A Rover MPPT charge controller and four 100W solar panels.
The kit includes all the essentials, minus the battery bank, which is easy enough to purchase separately. And if you would like to expand your energy potential in the future, you can purchase additional Renogy panels to connect to the system. The MPPT charge controller can handle up to 800W (24V) of power.
Several buyers have used their kits to power vans or trailers with great success. The 400W rating is ideal for small consumption use while still providing location independence. The lightweight design and easy installation is also a key selling point for travelers looking to power their rigs.
There have been a few complaints to Amazon because the MPPT charge controller was not included in the package. Some question whether or not there are quality checks conducted in the warehouse before the units are shipped. However, this issue was quickly resolved for the reviewer after sending in a support ticket.
Features & Considerations
Renogy’s solar panels use monocrystalline solar cells, which have the highest efficiency rating. This type of solar cell is also lighter, making it easier to install. The entire kit, including bolts, panels and a charge controller weighs in at a reasonable 90 pounds. Each panel is 39.7 inches by 26.7 inches by 1.4 inches.
The kit will need to be supplemented with a solar battery bank. A 300AH gel battery is enough to meet most homeowners’ needs. Alternatively, you can also use golf cart batteries, boat batteries or any other type of power bank to charge your devices.
The kit also includes mounting Z brackets, a 20ft 10AWG MC4 adapter kit, and 8ft 10AWG tray cables. The kit can be installed on any off-grid system, including RVs, trailers, boats and cabins.
The Rover MPPT charge controller is another quality addition. The Rover model is a top-tier piece of equipment in its own right. Overall, MPPT controllers are more efficient than PWM controllers, which is why we chose the Renogy MPPT kit over the cheaper PWM kit as our best overall.
For more specialized kits, like waterproof marine systems, Renogy offers a variety of other options at various price points. However, their 400W starter kit is the best overall option for general use.
