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Sure you can build a solar charge system that may be able to do everything you want with less costs. But will the packaging be the same size, as portable, frankly as idiot proof and with the same easy of use?
The average consumer doesn't wrench on 25 year old cars for fun. They don't know how to read electrical diagrams and build anything. They go to McDonalds, pay for oil changes and call AAA. They don't bat an eye for the convenience for all that they just pull out their wallets.
I feel that Goal Zero is a good brand, maybe on the small side when it comes to engineering products as one user has pointed out. None the less they are putting out well thought out products which are easily used and are functionally compact.
I am going to just compare panels. The battery pack stuff is a bit more complicated.
But here's an apples to apples comparison.
Goal Zero Boulder 90 panel: GOALZERO
Monocrystalline, daisy chain-able (uses MC-4 connector, which is standard for solar panels)
90 watts @ 18-22 volts. (about 4 - 5 amps).
So, figure in 30% power loss due to latitude and other factors, you get about 62 watts ( 2.8 - 3.4 amps).
Here's an 'off brand' 100 watt solar panel: http://www.amazon.com/ECO-WORTHY-Monocrystalline-Photovoltaic-Battery-Charging/dp/B00V4844F4/ref=sr_1_15?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1448304874&sr=1-15&keywords=100+watt+solar+panel&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_two_browse-bin:6907042011
Monocrystalline, daisy chain-able as it uses MC-4 connectors,
100 watts @ 18-22 volts ( 4.5 - 5.5 amps)
Less 30% power loss. So 70 watts - 3.15 - 3.8 amps.
Goal Zero 90 watt panel: $400 (not in stock)
ECO-Worth 100 watt panel: $135 (shipped)
So there are cheaper options, but outside of price anyone have comments regarding durability and/or performance?
So there are cheaper options, but outside of price anyone have comments regarding durability and/or performance?