How durable is solar panel? Can it survive a NY state winter (cold and snow) attached to the lakeside wall of a garage that is near the water?
869863
It will be fine if panel is kept vertical facing south. it provides an amazing amount of light for as inexpensive as it is. We use it in our remote goat barn. You might want two for a 20x10 garage
869864
works very well.....perfect lighting for my 10x10ft work shed, very bright!
869865
I don't think the solar panel is an issue. Just spray PAM on the panel to keep the snow from sticking. I have had issues with the switch to turn the light on. Lights say it's charging and has a full charge, but, pull the switch cord and nothing happens. Once winter came, I couldn't get on the roof to remove and return. Good luck.
1681305
It hangs in my unheated, but insulated garage in a north central state. It is used more occasionally than regularly, but has been used in all seasons and operates satisfactorily. No problems with its operation.
971648
I'm taking a big gamble and have boughten 2 of these 60 watt systems to power up a remote cabin in upstate new york.Mostly lighting and a 12 volt water pump.Very conservative use.Lights will only be on where I need them.My questions are:will a cloud covered winter sky still produce a trickle charge from these panels?We can go weeks without a sunny day.I also will have to keep the snow and ice off the panels.Should I set up two completely seperate systems or should I tie both together on one battery bank?Can I also hook a regular battery charger to the batteries in conjunction with the solar chargers? I'm taking a big gamble and have boughten 2 of these 60 watt systems to power up a remote cabin in upstate new york.Mostly lighting and a 12 volt water pump.Very conservative use.Lights will only be on where I need them.My questions are:will a cloud covered winter sky still produce a trickle charge from these panels?We can go weeks without a sunny day.I also will have to keep the snow and ice off the panels.Should I set up two completely seperate systems or should I tie both together on one battery bank?Can I also hook a regular battery charger to the batteries in conjunction with the solar... » Read More I'm taking a big gamble and have boughten 2 of these 60 watt systems to power up a remote cabin in upstate new york.Mostly lighting and a 12 volt water pump.Very conservative use.Lights will only be on where I need them.My questions are:will a cloud covered winter sky still produce a trickle charge from these panels?We can go weeks without a sunny day.I also will have to keep the snow and ice off the panels.Should I set up two completely seperate systems or should I tie both together on one battery bank?Can I also hook a regular battery charger to the batteries in conjunction with the solar chargers? « Show Less
571419
I have left my alumacraft sitting outside in the driveway with no cover on the boat, with the battery box exposed to all the elements and have had no problems. I leave uncovered due to solar panel trickle charger on battery. I have since moved the boat into my garage, still no issues. The box has been hit by it all, rain, sleet, spray, snow, no issues yet.
708024
I have had mine outside for as long as 2 weeks hooked to the panels and it worked great and stayed powered up, also keeping it out of the "elements"under a box that had plenty of circulation.
77452
It all depends upon load, duration of load and temperature. You can add the solar recharger to keep it charged. Just rennet to check it for snow if you are in that climate. Ours (NE OHIO) lasted through winter with charger and running 3 timed cycles daily. 7am - 20 seconds. 2pm - 10 seconds. 5 pm - 20 seconds.
2094354
Yes, ours has been outside for years. It is placed on the side of our garage near an outside outlet and we just leave it plugged in and ready to go. We love it and have never had trouble with it. This is our second one that we have purchased. Now I do want to mention that we live in the Deep South and it seldom freezes here so you might take that into consideration. It is left out year round though and has been there for many years. Jean
1224470
I've had mine about 3 years and the solar panel works great as a power source. As for recharging rechargeable batteries, doesn't SEEM as effective.
359538
I live in Colorado. The lights have been subjected to rain and snow. No problems. Be advised, however, if the solar panel is covered with snow, light can't reach the solar panel so the lights will not go on at night. Keep the solar panel cleared of snow.
1942910
ive had mine outside all summer and it has held up I am leaving out for the winter it is nailed to my deck rail I live in ma. so well see what happens!!!
806057
The panels are waterproof and rated for 100mph winds. Cold winds won't damage the panels or the solar cells. There is a 10 year performance warranty on the panels. Thanks for the question!
1846373
Im in MA. I store my batteries in an unheated garage for several years since ive bought it....no issues thus far. But i agree that they are so small....so if you are worried, just bring them into the house when it gets really cold.
1193803
I live near the water on Bainbridge Island in Washington state, the unit has been in my garage for almost a year and we've had no issues with maintaining temp or any other issue. I did locate as far away from other heat generating appliances just in case. I have a smaller unit that has been in my garage for six years with no issues.
2025551
Good question, but I'm not the one to ask unfortunately. I purchased it in the fall and it been freezing and cold here in the N.E. Based on its construction, which is fairly heavy duty plastic of a honeycomb type nature (its not solid plastic but has cavities between the inner and out layers) I would imagine it would hold up well.
466811
I live a few houses off the lake in NH, and it held up ok for the first year in wind and snow. I have a few rooftop units. I did notice a little tear where it clearly caught a sharp edge...I don't know that any cover would hold to that. I'll duct tape it this year and I'm sure it will be fine.
1305762
Mine has been outside for a year now, next to garage door, no problems and it is exposed to weather.
2210914
Hi,This charge controller is not weather proof, therefor we do not recommend putting it outside.It is better for the controller to be closer to the battery than to the panel.Thanks,RenogyTO