Are all Panels Created Equal?

I'm planning out a medium-small solar charging system. I've listened to the survival podcast show for a basic idea on material needs, but feel I should put more into a purchase decision. I saw a link to this kit at Harbor Freight and it looks about like what I might start with, but... it's Harbor Freight. The questionable quality is legend, but I also know many aficionados that have found ways to use HF goods as raw materials to customize some amazing items. But but, I also believe that most globalized corporations are built upon a mountain of skeletons that they couldn't fit in their closet and the specter of unknown externalities might haunt me relentlessly.

Are there smaller scale, transparent companies that make and sell quality solar panels? Is it all just a crap shoot of commodity market inputs? Looking at ads from local businesses for solar, they are marketed toward homeowners looking to stylishly supplement their consumer lifestyles, not seeing much for homesteader wanabe hillbillies...

Coydon,

Not all panels are created equal, but please don't take this specifically as a knock against the model listed on Harbor Freight.  Reputation aside, HF sometimes gets things right, but I would suggest doing the homework, especially on the associated hardware, the components most likely to fail.

I have just tinkered a tiny bit into solar and I would check into things like the charge controller, inverter and of course the battery.  The Battery is probably the most mature technology in the kit (and I realize the price is for the panels only) but I would check to see if it is a deep cycle battery, otherwise you won't be able to get the full potential of the battery (and might even damage it on a full discharge).

As for the panels themselves, I can't offer and specific commentary.  They are amorphous crystalline cells which have some advantages, but generally don't convert sunlight to electricity as well as other types (but there are still good reasons for going with this type).  

In the end, it is an intriguing idea and for the price it seems hard to beat.  I do have a little 20 watt solar panel for a small build I completed about a year ago.  I will have to look up the price for you.

Eric

Here is Australia a secondary market has opened up with geeks selling, advising and installing secondhand systems.
You may find that helpful if its occurring near you.
I have about 40 panels spread around my place, and only one is new.

Personally I do not like the thin film panels. They degrade much faster then the silicone based panels. A one hundred watt 12 volt silicone panel should cost you less than 1 dollar a watt. An entry level controller like the one listed less than 40... Walmart had online kits for a while so did Costco.

My very first panels were from Harbor Freight.  Now I know better.  You would have to pay ME to use Harbor Freight.

If it is your first time installing solar systems, you can begin with a 100w solar panel kit. It generally includes the items necessary to complete the installation process. Furthermore, if you wish to add more in the future, all you need is to purchase the solar panel.