Last updated on April 26th, 2024 at 01:08 pm
Sunforce has been a leader in the manufacture and distribution of both wind and solar powered products, which range from solar panels, wind turbines to components like inverters and charge controllers for consumers who want to harness green energy.
One product - the Sunforce 50048 60 watt solar charging kit is one good DIY solar project to consider.
Nevertheless in line with the aim of Green Energy Helps to review green products in the market, here is an unbiased review for the Sunforce 50048.
Made of ABS plastic
Sunforce 50048 is made of ABS (Acrylonitrile – Butadiene – Styrene) plastic that is a good durable material able to accommodate a wide range of temperatures without warping, possess electrical insulating properties and is resistant to chemicals.
Amorphous solar cells
The Sunforce 50048 60 watt solar charging kit is made up of amorphous solar cells that can work under all daylight environments and even on cloudy days.
Weatherproof
Sunforce 50048 60-watt solar charging kit is weatherproof, with the ability to survive even one-inch hailstones travelling at speed of up to 50 miles per hour.
Ease of installation
Upon purchasing this Sunforce kit, everything required to set up and generate your clean free power of up to 60 Watts/4 Amps is included. Accessories included in the package include:
Maintenance free
This makes the Sunforce 50048 perfect for cabins and mobile campers or function as remote power, back-up power, charger for 12V battery. It also includes a built-in blocking diode that protects against battery discharge during night time.
Performance
Dimensions 14.6 x 11.5 x 3.1 in.
Weight : 2.2 pounds
Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
Total number of pieces 320
Accessories 64 page guide book
Recommended Age Children 8 yrs and above
Amazon
117 customers at Amazon gave it an average rating of 4.1/5.0 stars. 58 out of 117 customers gave it 5.0/5.0 stars.
Lowes
2 customers at Lowes gave it an average rating of 3.5/5.0 stars. 1 out of 2 customers gave it 5.0/5.0 stars.
Home Depot
3 customers at Home Depot gave it an average rating of 3.3/5.0 stars. 1 out of 3 customers gave it 5.0/5.0 stars.
The Pros 🙂
Mentioned pros include the durability of the solar panels, good mounting design, and value for money in terms of dollars/watt and the versatility of the solar panels that can fit into combinations like a 12V x 4A system, or a 30V x 2A or a 60V x 1A configuration taking account into the power inverter and battery collection.
The Sunforce 50048 60 watt solar charging kit had also been mooted to be a great system for customers, who are novices in solar power generation, and also as a small supplemental system for a household.
The Cons 🙁
Durability of the PVC frame that is holding the panels in place had been mentioned to be brittle with sun exposure, customers have recommended a coat of Krylon Fusion Dover White Plastic Satin Spray Paint on the PVC frame to prevent cracking due to prolonged exposure to UV.
Due to its small scale setup and components, the Sunforce 50048 is not suitable for home owners who are planning on expanding the coverage of solar energy generation to power all or most of their electricity.
The solar panels are covered by a five year limited warranty. Sunforce Products Inc warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase.
Power output has a five year warranty period from date of purchase. The Solar Charge Controller is covered by a five year limited warranty. Sunforce Products Inc warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase.
Like in all my reviews, I compared prices for this product on websites that offer it. So far, Amazon has consistently provided the lowest price for Sunforce 50048 60 watt solar charging kit. If you are interested in this product, here is the link by Amazon: Sunforce 50048 Best Deals
(Download the Instruction Manual for Sunforce 50048 here)
(Last Updated 21st October 2012)