Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Off Grid Portable Foldable 2pcs 50W Solar Panel Suitcase Built-in Kickstand
Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Suitcase with Protective Casing(Without Charge Controller)
Expandable
Designed for expansion, you can add panels to the the system based on your available space.
| Dimensions: | 62.99 x 50.8 x 7.11 cm; 9.3 Kilograms |
| Model: | RNG-KIT-STCS100D-NC |
| Part: | B00LXG4AXS |
| Manufacture: | Renogy |
Das RENOGY 100W Panel ist zugegeben nicht gerade fr eine Wanderung mit Zelt konzipiert … dafr ist es aufgrund der massiven Fertigung zu schwer.
Wer jedoch ein Solar-Panel fr den stationren (zumindest ber mehrere Wochen) dauernden Einsatz sucht, der ist hier richtig.
Das Panel kann mittels stabiler in der Hhe stabil vernderbarer Scheren-Fen in jedem Winkel ausgerichtet werden.
Das Panel hat bei mir im Testbetrieb bei wolkigem Himmel in den Wolkenlcken um ca. 15 Uhr meine VTOMAN 1500 bereits mit 72 Watt geladen. Da kann man nicht meckern.
Fr die Powerstation passende Adapter mssen jedoch separat gekauft werden.
Achtung !! …. Fr Jackery sind nicht alle Adapter geeignet, da Jackery in Kompatibilitt sehr zickig ist. Passende Adapter sind leider nur auf Amazon USA zu finden.
Ich habe mir zwischenzeitlich noch ein weiteres solches Panel gekauft, da ich an meine VTOMAN somit 2 Panele gleichzeitig anschlieen kann … ich komme auf diese Weise selbst bei nicht optimaler Ausleuchtung und geringer Abschattung auf meinem Balkon um 16 Uhr oft auf bis zu 150 Watt (was beinahe der 230V-Ladung ber den Hausanschlu entspricht)
SOO mu Solar-Panel !!
.
Nachtrag …
Ich hatte zwischenzeitlich meine VTOMAN 1500 wieder nachladen drfen. Bei Sonnenschein um ca. 13 Uhr traute ich meinen Augen nicht … 120 Watt auf dem Display !! … zwar nur ein kurzzeitiger Hchstwert, aber es scheint zu gehen … WOW !!
Meine Jackery 500 bin ich zwischenzeitlich auch mit dem passenden Connector aus USA am laden, nachdem ich jene erst mal komplett entladen musste.
Direkte Sonne um 12 Uhr … 85 Watt in der Spitze auf dem Display … das sind mehr als bei einer Netzstrom-Ladung von 80 Watt !!
Ich bin von diesem Panel mehr als begeistert !!
Es geht also doch noch … super gut und gnstig !!
I like renogy solar panels very much. It get about 80 watts in perfect conditions. This has always been my dependable back up. Wayyyyy more reliable than Jackery panels! But this thing is very heavy. In that, it is awkward and clumsy to set up. I ended up buying their Eflex 120 to replace it. I’m happier with that. And the track around the back of this always seem to fill p with dirt and gravel. Sigh… more work.
I’m sure all solar will end up in that direction.
Das Teil ist robust und kompakt, daher leider auch etwas schwer. Deshalb nicht fr Fahrrad- oder Wanderausflge geeignet, ein Auto oder Wohnmobil muss es schon sein.
Die erste Lieferung hatte einen Defekt, aber innerhalb von ein paar Tagen wurde ein Ersatz geschickt.
Die stabile Konstruktion mit Kantenschutz wird zusammengeklappt in einer Tasche geliefert, welche die Solarplatten bei Transport und Lagerung schtzt. Die Aufstellung ist eher flach als steil einstellbar.
Die Leistung ist sehr gut, ich hatte sogar im Mrz bei strahlender Sonne die 100W Nennleistung erreicht.
Es werden wie beschrieben nur die Solarpanele mit MC4 Stecker geliefert, es wird also noch ein Laderegler (12V) plus Batterie oder eine Powerstation (230V) bentigt.
This is my second purchase so that must say it all. 6 amps on a sunny December day [2022] which at 13.5 volts is approx 80 watts and I’ve go two pairs so 160 watts in winter. Not Bad. Nice to be able to face the sun and tilt to 45 degrees to maximise output. flat on roof is more convenient but not as efficient. Plus with these I can park in the shade and put panels in the sun.
This does the job it was bought for, which is to charge my solar generator in emergencies. It’s made well and although heavy is easy to set up and move. However, even in the direct summer sun (during the UK summer heat wave) it barely generates 60 watts. It’s possible my Jackery is not able to accept more than the 64ish it generates, but without a wattage gauge on the unit, it’s simply impossible to tell.
This is my third Renogy panel – set them up together outside the caravan and have enough power to cook, heat and run the fridge from (not all at the same time) – just need the sun to come out and stay out lol
I bought the Renogy 100w Solar Suitcase Panel (without the Voyager charge controller) to charge my Jackery Explorer 240, after my original Jackery Solarsaga 100w panel developed a fault.
Although portable, this isn’t a lightweight panel like the Jackery Solarsaga 100w panel. This is two metal framed 50w monocrystalline glass panels in a folding suitcase configuration, with high quality cabling/junction boxes connecting them.
The solar suitcase, within it’s semi rigid zip up case, weighs in at 10.7kg (23.6lbs) and so the neither the description on the Amazon or Renogy UK websites are correct.
The panels fold by way of two sturdy metal hinges. There are plastic protectors on each of the corners, to help protect against any accidental knocks or scrapes to the frame. The panels when unfolded, are supported by metal fold out supports locked in place with thumb screws.
Unlike the Jackery Solarsaga 100w panel, this one is IP66 rated, and isn’t going to blow over in the wind. So far I’ve received a maximum of 75watts (in direct sunshine) whilst charging my Jackery Explorer 240, compared with approx. 67watts from the Jackery panel.
As the Renogy panel uses regular MC4 solar connectors, you’ll need a separate MC4 to DC 8mm cable, if you want to connect it to a Jackery Explorer 240, like I did (search for “Solar Connector to DC 8mm” on Amazon). After a bit of research, I ended up with a Gintooyun branded cable (sold by Fengqlong), which works just fine.
Altogether, the Renogy 100w Solar Suitcase Panel and MC4 to DC 8mm cable came in at approximately half the price of a new Jackery Solarsaga 100w panel, so happy with that. See my review of the Gintooyun MC4 to DC 8mm cable to get my thoughts on that.
I’ve only been able to get 93 watts output so far. The panel needs a lock for the open position. It’s really awkward deploying it and repositioning by one person since It always wants to fold back up.
I bought it to charge my AGM leisure battery. Did not want to install on roof so bought this. Checked it with voltmeter and it was producing 21 volts in partial sun and 23 volts in direct sun. It is well built and comes in strong bag.
Happy with this panel
We have a Renogy 20V system that came with the standard 42 x 20 panel. We wanted something a bit more portable. With morning sun this generated from 55 to 68 watts. I’m hoping weather permitting I’ll get up to 500 watts per day out of it. It is heavy, but manageable. That weight makes it very sturdy for set-up. It may be a little pricey for what you get, but the next cheapest was the Jackery 60 watt. I figured for the extra money I’d get a lot more juice. Overall pretty happy with it.
Mit dem Solarkoffer lade ich meine Powerstation von Luby auf. Bei voller Sonneneinstrahlung auf dem Balkon zeigt die Luby Powerstation eine Leistung von 84 Watt am Eingang an. Im freien Gelnde war ich bisher damit noch nicht. Ok, das Modul ist mit 100 Watt Leistung beworben. Wir wissen, dass man immer eine kleine Abweichung hat. Eventuell ist die Ausbeute im Freien hher. Insgesamt berzeugt eine solide und robuste Verarbeitung. Die Standfe sind robust und der Koffer steht sicher. Ein kleiner Nachteil, dass der Koffer sich am Rahmen durch die Sonne erhitzt. Das ist der schwarzen Farbe am Rahmen geschuldet. Fr den Transport ist noch eine robuste Transporthlle im Lieferumfang. Ich bin begeistert. Preis / Leistung ist fr mich ok !
Not the lightest bit of kit but at least it won’t get blown over in the wind! I’ve got 98wt out of it so it’s close to rated number! Nearly half the price of the equivalent Goal zero panels and it comes with a fairly decent case!
Das Panel luft bei mir an einem Victron Laderegler und luft damit perfekt. Das panel selber ist sehr gut verarbeitet mit einem stabilen Metallrahmen.
Does exactly as described, Easy to use.
On a cloudy day it takes approx 6Hrs to charge my
Station
On a sunny day about 2 and a half Hrs.
Construction of the product is excellent.
Excellent product! Seller provide very fast delivery, the solar panel fit and worked perfectly!
Bin sehr begeistert von der guten Qualitt und dem hervorragenden Wirkungsgrad. Ich nutze das Solarpanel zum Aufladen meiners Poweroak 40 und zur Einspeisung mit einem kleiner 120 W Micro Wechselrichter. Fr den Preis wird man wohl keinen besseren Solarkoffer finden. Meine Kaufempfehlung.
I’ve given 5 stars for light weight it is a little weighty but found that it’s easy to transport and doesn’t blow over in the wind like many I’ve seen being used. Even on a cloudy or rainy day this has kept my battery topped up on the caravan even showing battery full by mid morning. Very impressed as we’ve had heating running, tv and lights on a night as well as charging phones etc and never run out of power.
Habe das Panel aufgrund des geringen Packmaes kurz vor dem Urlaub bestellt um mit dem Dachzelt Autark zu sein. Wir haben jetzt April und die Sonne hat noch nicht mit voller Strke geschienen und trotzdem hat das Panel 92-100w gebracht bin sehr begeistert davon. Verarbeitung ist Super und durch die Tasche ist es sehr gut beim Transport geschtzt, wrde es immer wieder kaufen. Genutzt wird es zusammen mit einer Powerstatio
It’s an easy factory fix they just need to rivet that piece in or put a screw in it or something to keep it from falling off so that the nut inside the channel cannot keep sliding out. Or they could simply use a good adhesive to keep the foot in place. That’s probably what I’m going to do.
Other than that I’m still happy with this Renogy suitcase panel.
Original review: Set this Renogy 100watt “suitcase” panel up in my driveway, immediately produced 103 watts which is better than my Rich Solar rigid panels in the same ideal conditions (90-93w max). I tried 100watt and 120watt soft folding panels off amazon and they each barely produced over 60 watts in the same ideal conditions.
This Renogy is a nice quality suitcase panel with quality latches, good rack system, and the padded case is nice too, (though it would be great if the added a shoulder strap to the case). I’d give 5 stars but it is a bit on the heavy side. But I suppose that’ll be a plus in windy conditions. Overall I highly recommend this panel
Excellent bit of kit for anyone wanting to go off grid
I first turned to Renogy at the suggestion of a friend who bought a 100 watt, non-briefcase panel for the top of his car for overlanding. He spoke about the value proposition (longer warranty, better pricing) than Goal Zero (GZ) which was significant because we both work for a company that extends an employee discount on the product we sell.
We use this to charge a Goal Zero Yeti 500X when we aren’t charging it by AC or DC in the car. (We use the GZ Yeti to power our Dometic CFX3 55IM, Joolca hot water system, and/or personal electronics and lighting during power outages.) What I really like about this product is that it’s easier to get back into the bag compared to GZ’s version called the Boulder. Also, it has adjustable legs which lets you optimize the angle you need for the time of day or location which GZ doesn’t have. On a clear summer day in the San Francisco Bay Area, I have seen this panel input 98 watts which is incredible. Some solar panels don’t get that close to what’s advertised. This panel doesn’t completely crap out if some shade hits it and recovers nicely.
My only complaint is that it’s a little large and heavy. It’s portable enough to slide into our SUV but it can be heavy and awkward to maneuver for some people but that is the trade off given the price and value proposition. At higher price points, you could get 200-300 watt panels with the same footprint or weight. Overall, I highly recommend this item if your usage is similar to ours.
Charging at 6.5 amps to motorhome on autumn day in uk so all good.
Build quality is realy substantial, only down side is cables need to be longer but have added a longer set of mc4 cables & problem resolved
Well worth the cost. One thing to remember. If you need the cables, make sure to order the set with cables. My second pair didn’t have them, a bit surprised, til I figured out, my oops. So, T/L, D/R. I have 4 100w panels. The built in controllers are awesome. I don’t need a separate controller. Spend my winters outside of Yuma. These panels will take my batteries from 50% to 100% in about 4 hours. Well worth the cost.
Brilliant bit of kit very good quick robust strong and no cheap flimsy parts this panel is quality.
Easy to move and Follow the sun such I was impressed I bought 2 of these at different times I should think they are around 1 of the best on the market.
Solides Teil, wird mit stabiler Schutzhlle geliefert. Leistet lt. meinem Votronic Display am MPPT Solarregler locker die beworbenen 100 Watt. Die 12 Kg Gewicht sind dem soliden Aufbau geschuldet – der Azimutwinkel ist einstellbar. Volle Empfehlung!
Solide Verarbeitung – gute Leistung und klasse Preis !! Bin voll zufriede
Excellent product, consistently gives full output 100W on a bright day. Works much better than my other 60W panel that never reaches full rated output. It is robust, well built and has a very nice and practical carrying case.
I have it wired through a Victron Smart MPPT controller and the whole package works extremely well.
Trs satisfait de ce produit ,il me sert pour recharger une batterie portable .
En plein soleil c est 60 a 70% ,temps couvert c est a peu prs 7 a 10% eh oui manque de clart,normal ,il est pliable ,et se porte partout ,par terre ou sur le toit du vhicule ,en tout cas je ne regrette pas mon achat ,il est monocristallin .
A bit heavier that I expected but it was very easy to change it with sun direction better than fixed one for camping
C’est pour mon appareil pour apne du sommeil au camping
I set it up for the first time and even had a small amount of cloud cover. Managed to Pull over 103 WH. Would buy it again, for its simplicity, durability, and price.
I was satisfied with product but was disappointed battery clip cable were not a part of the package. I ordered cable the same day and received them promptly.
Charges my Goal Zero power bank quickly. Sets up easily and like the briefcase style.
We use this when we camp with our van. It keeps our house battery charged which powers our fridge. Even with a cloudy day it worked very well. The brief case assembly is tight and the padded cover is very durable and protective. Sets up and breaks down fast.
A very useful supplementary solar panel for my motorhome. Useful to ensure batteries remain charged.
Stabile Konstruktion, da wackelt nichts. Positiv berrascht hat mich die Leistung, ich nutze ein Victron 75/15 und habe im Peak ber 100W erreicht. Einziger “Nachteil” ist das Gewicht, das sich aber aus der stbile Allu Rahmen Konstruktion ergibt. Klare Kaufempfehlung.
I bought this suitcase solar panel set because I’ve been a little leery on the durability of the flexible soft case variety. I’m not worried about the durability on this set at all. Solid. I bought the version without the controller because my power storage devices have their own controllers and I wouldn’t ever really have any devices charging off of the solar panel directly anyway. My laptop is way too expensive to have sitting out in the elements.
I love the tough case. Being black, it does show dirt/dust in a hurry, but I don’t really care. The metal frame being black probably raises the operating temp a bit but I’m not going to scientifically figure out how much. Just something to be aware of.
The cables are pretty short so I ordered an extension. Just another consideration to keep in mind.
To start with, the weight in the description as of this review is incorrect. The manual states that the weight is 27.05 lbs, not 12.8 pounds. I didn’t get the model with the included controller but I expect that it wouldn’t change the weight much. Where I live it gets pretty windy so most of the expensive, lightweight panels would be problematic. Also, all of the lightweight/portable panels that I’ve seen aren’t waterproof. Pop-up storms happen frequently in my neck of the woods. I purchased the panels to power a solar generator and run my DC refrigerator during extended power outages. Since I won’t be traveling with the panels their heavy weight is a positive factor. They are also fairly large and bulky so they take up quite a bit of storage space. Their bulk, however, seems to be directly associated with the panels’ extremely rugged build quality. I expect that these panels will be around much longer than the lightweight portable panels that I also own. I tested the VoC out of the box for each panel and got around 22 volts on each panel in full sun. The soft case also doubled as a great place to get the panel folded out and the legs extended while staying out of the dirt.
Well made, decent hinges so the panels don’t flex or twist opening or closing. Strong latches and a sturdy fiber case, not plastic but reinforced, thick, hard fiber type case. Plenty hard enough to protect your panels from bumps and bangs but not blows from a hammer. Seems to be a quality product. I have a truck camper and the folding option makes it easy to store.
I live in S. FL. and get consistent 21-22volts.
A bit heavier than it looks but carries well in it’s nicely made case. The latches on the frame itself are a bit tricky and mine (my second one, sent the first back because it was well used and dirty) showed up with a damaged latch that took a pair of pliers and 30 seconds of my time to straighten.
Works well with my Bluetti 150. The best part is with this and some cables you don’t have to park your vehicle mounted panels in the sun, just park in the shade and let your portable panel soak up the energy.
Wir haben uns das Solar Panel bestellt, um beim Campen autark stehen zu knnen. Es macht einen sehr wertigen Eindruck ist jedoch ziemlich schwer. Was lediglich beim Transport interessant ist, jedoch beim aufstellen ein groer Vorteil. Es steht sehr sicher und ein Windsto kann im nicht schaden. Was die ladeleistung betrifft, kann ich nur soweit eine Aussage treffen, wenn die Sonne schn drauf scheint, ist unsere 86 A Batterie zgig wieder voll, auch wenn man andere Verbraucher gleichzeitig benutzt. Die beigefgte Tasche macht auch was her, sie schtzt das Panel und wirkt sehr gut verarbeitet. Wie immer bei Amazon, schnell geliefert und ausreichend verpackt.
Excellent panel with built in controller think tad over priced but from a trustworthy company
Suaoki-G10004
G1000MC4200WMC4G1000 150
21.618Isc6.17AIp5.71AG10001440Renory100w2
21.6243.2
18236
Das gelieferte Panel liefert 110W ist ordentlich verarbeitet kann ich nur empfehlen !
Haven’t used it yet but looks of good quality if it works as good as it looks I’ll be very happy.
This product arrived today, two days before scheduled, and it was in good condition. I installed a Voyager 20A controller within a few minutes and connected it to a battery measuring 12.7 volts. The panel still produced 14.7 volts and 6.1 amps. The charging level went down quickly because the battery was almost fully charged. I am very happy so far.
As a ham radio operator this product meet and exceed my expectations
I have only used the panel once, on a very dull day in Kent and low and behold it charged my leisure battery in about 5 hours, pulling max 1 amp during the day, looking forward to testing out on a sunny day
Very easy to move around and set up.
The case it comes with is of a very high quality and essential to protect the panel.
The voyager solar charge controller is easy to use and understand + its waterproof.
At 100watts it has no problems keeping my Halfords HLB800 battery topped up in my caravan.
Build Quality is top notch.
The Cons.
To be honest there are very few.
Getting it at the right angle to the sun wasn’t as easy as it should have been.
I had to buy some additional extension cables as i felt the cables supplied might have been a little short when chasing the sun around the van.
All in all its an excellent addition to the gear i have for the van and allows me to survive comfortably without an electric hookup.
Used daily for 10 month road trip so far in remote and isolated areas. Charges auxiliary batteries in a short time. For my uses, it gives about 11 hours per charge. Comes in well designed carrying case.
This is our third panel, others are another Renogy ($279) and an HQST ($189) at the time of purchase, both 100 watt units. The HQST is a polycrystalline panel. All three panels are connected in series with Anderson connectors for an operational voltage of 63 (generally makes 48-54 volts) to an EPever 30 amp MPPT controller installed on our travel trailer. We have a 35 foot 10 gage cable with three connectors for the panels to the SME plug on the trailer. This three panel combination has made 20.6 amps of charge current in full sun to charging our series connected 225 amp-hour GC2 (wet) batteries. Renogy’s suitcase bag is nicer than the HQST unpadded bag. Build quality of the panels are similar, but the latches are better on the Renogy units. We would by again.
Great bit of kit, works well and has a great carry case
Abit heavy but well made comes in a nice case maybe abit expensive but its worth it as you can see from the quality worth it 100%
Unbelievable! This charger charge my portable solar generator (battery). Couldn’t be more pleased! Nothing is ever simple, but, this is. Thank you
Does exactly what you want. Paired with a controller of your choice you can charge your battery quickly.
Light weight, well protected when traveling.
A very good portable solar panel that’s easy to setup and use. I bought a Victron MTTP Bluetooth charge controller to use with it and the results are great.
Excellent product Excellent Company Love it!
Renogy is a excellent company and quality product.
Great Carrier delivery
Michael
the only thing what is bad is that i cant find any more in the uk
Bought this to use on my caravan for weekends away off the grid I have not used it for that yet but the solar panel is well built love the padded case easy to set up and even though its only up inside the caravan its fully charged my battery with less that ideal light conditions I am sure it will do all I want of it.
Just got back from a long weekend of camping with our new Renogy 100W suitcase panels and Voyager controller. We camp in a teardrop with a single 12V deep cell battery to power our fan, water pump, and charge our phones. In the past we’ve paid extra for an electric camp site but this weekend was at a campground with no electric sites so it was time to take the solar plunge. We chose the folding panels for their size and portability. The panels come with a semi-hard case that seems to do a decent job protecting them. Our shipment arrive in perfect condition. It took about an hour to mount the controller in our tongue mounted storage box and run the wiring. Setting up in camp was a snap, we left the panels in the case while making connections so the panels weren’t charging, then opened it up and let do its thing. Very slick, worked as expected, right out of the box.
I have purchased a few things from this company, excellent love these panels well made solid product, can’t wait to put them to use, early tests are positive I’ve been getting 6-7 amps no problem in full sun obviouslythis is drawn via a charge controller so I’m sure 9anps is more than possible, the case is solid this should offer good protection to the panels
This is our 2nd foldable solar panel from Renogy. The 1st one worked great but wasn’t enough capacity to keep our batteries topped of in our RV during extended camp outs. I’m looking forward to our next trip!
Wow! I had been considering another 100W panel to use to charge the battery in my camping trailer, but it was a full size panel and it did not come with a case. When I started pricing cases, I realized it would be less money to buy this, it would be much easier to store, and it has adjustable legs so you can set the angle for maximum charge. What I did not expect, and was delighted to discover, is that it also puts out more current than the fixed panel. With a 100W fixed panel, the most I could get out of it was 4.75 A. With this panel, with the same conditions, I consistently get 5.25 Amps, a full 0.5 A more. Renogy has a newer “Eclipse” model which is supposed to be “more efficient”, but the reviews I have seen make me think that one actually has less efficient panels. This model comes with German made panels, according to Renogy’s web site. It does weigh more – I measured it at just about 25# with the case vs. about 20 pounds (according to Renogy’s web site) for the newer model. The newer one is also some $80 more.
The panel seems well made, with a nice handle, solid latches, and plastic corner protectors. I also like that this one comes with MC4 connectors, since I already had this in my trailer.
The pictures show the panel set up in front of the trailer, the display from my Trimetric battery monitor showing a full 5.25A charge current, and how nicely the cable I use fits inside the “suitcase”.
+Funktion wie erwartet
+Solide verkabelt
+stabiler Stand im aufgebauten Zustand
+gute Schutzhlle
+kein Chinaschrott
+ / – Nicht besonders leicht, aber noch in Ordnung
-Preis im Vergleich zu herkmmlichem 100W Panel hoch
This is a very nice product. Fit and finish is nice, carrying case is first class and it exceeds published specs. I am using this with a Mighty Max Battery 12V 35AH GEL and it fully charges the battery in 3 to 4 hours through the Victron SmartSolar Charge Controller with Built-In Bluetooth — MPPT 75/15, while also powering our new Engel MR040F-U1 Marine Fridge Freezer (AC/DC), 40 Qt in our overland trailer. Certainly AZ sun helps I am sure, but thought it would take much longer to fully charge while also running the Engel. Only purchased eh 35AH battery because I wanted to be certain this panel could fully charge it in a day. I could have probably gone with a 100AH, and am considering the Renogy RNG-BATT-GEL12-100 Deep Cycle Pure Gel Battery 12V 100Ah
This solar panel seems very well built, easy to set up and even the legs seem sturdy. I have not had good sunny weather as of yet since installation, but I am sure it will perform well. I have 2 AGM batteries in the camper and I don’t have huge current draws normally. I’m sure the panel is up to the task of keeping the batteries charged.
I installed the Renogy Adventurer controller, while it’s more expensive than lots of PWM controllers, it provides more information on state of charge and drain, plus includes the temperature probe plus a hookup for voltage reading. Now if only we’d get some sunny warm weather….
Got it today. Knew something was up when I saw finger prints all over pannels. All screws missing from hinges and broken parts in the box. What happened to quality control here. I got sent an opened box item. Hope the repeplacement is put together.
UPDATE – The replacement is better and new this time. I am getting 89 watts out of it charging my 400wh Suaoki solar generator perfectly.
This is a really nice set-up. I wanted a way to get my feet wet with solar, so I put together a system for my 26′ travel trailer based on this panel and a separate 20A charge controller that I could mount inside the trailer, out of the weather. This panel is easy to set up and worked as expected, right out of the box. The well constructed nylon zippered carrying case is a real plus, especially because the active surfaces of the panels are on the outside when the unit is folded up. Do your homework if this is your first experience with MC4 connectors, they are not intuitive, at least not to me. While on the subject of MC4 connectors, I read that they could not be disconnected without a special tool, so I quickly added a set to my Amazon order. When it came time to put my panels back inside, I found the tool hard to use and unnecessary, I could depress the MC4 locking tabs with my thumb and index finger and pull the connections apart without issue.
Works great as expected. Love the folding briefcase. Wish the latches were better (they are sorta flimsy and don’t really lock down) and the stands are a bit awkward to use when adjusting angle of panel towards the sun. Overall I’m pretty happy… But I can imagine this product’s functionality should get better with more competition entering the market. The case for it is awesome.
I like the built-in stand, but to be clear it won’t stand the panel up straight enough to point directly at the sun after around 4:00 PM (at least on an August day in central Ohio). I expect that is because when it is too upright it becomes less stable and any breeze from the back could tip it forward. I braced it up in a more vertical position with a lawn chair but you could also put something under the feet. I understand why they did this but I choose to work around it. I think I might rig a little guy line and stake it out to the rear in the evening so it can’t fall forward onto the panel when I have it braced up higher than intended.
It is very solid and there were no defects in workmanship. Many people have complained about the latches, and they do seem a bit flimsy, but I’m not predicting they will break For all I know they will last as long as the panel. I’m very happy with this and highly recommend the “no controller” model for use with Goal Zero Yeti and the older Extreme batteries. It works well with my Goal Zero Sherpa 100 as well, as long the buyer understands that the battery is never going to take more than 45 watts. (I don’t have a Sherpa 50 battery, but I believe the controller in that one will only accept 30 watts.)
Seriously, if you are looking for a well built, grab and go solar power supply, this is it. The construction is solid. The output is fantastic. I spend most of my life in my camper in the wild lands of Arizona. My previous 3-panel array was a pain to pack, a pain to setup, and a pain to move around. Now I can unzip, unfold, plug in, and kick back.
The Renogy suitcase is indeed my best investment so far this year. I can recommend it with confidence.
I bought this an paired it with a Morningstar PS-15 controller. They make such a great controller. With some 8g wire I have a flexible system that I can move around when the sun moves. We dry camped for 8 days and used this for about 4 hours each day to charge our house battery. We use 2 GC2 6V batteries wired in series. These panels gave us a consistent 5.5-5.9 amp charge when in full sun. This kept us topped off and we used lights/furnace/ water pump/ fridge all 8 days without an issue. I made a system that I am confident in that I would be able to dry camp for many days with a generator or any battery issue.
We highly recommend this setup if you don’t want to install a roof system on your RV.
I am giving this five stars for initial observation. I have not yet used it, but it came packed very safely and arrived undamaged. Very nice construction and well made. The zippered tote that comes with it is perfect, and protects the panels nicely. As a Manufacturing Engineer, it is very well made and designed. I will follow up a a couple of weeks after I put it through its paces.
I purchased this solar setup to replace the almost identical one that was ruined when the hatch cover on my teardrop was ripped off in a freak windstorm and dropped on my original panel. Ruined the panel but saved the cover – I swapped the controller from the old one to the replacement. I had no thoughts about switching from this great setup. I use this with my 2 – 6 volt deep cycle setup to operate all the electronics on my drop. I charge my drone, camera, cell, tablet, computer batteries – and watch a movie or two. It cranks out about 6 amps on a sunny day at 5 to 10,000 ft elevation. More than enough to send me home with a better charge than I left home with and the long leads let me park the drop in the shade and position the panel in full sun. I couldn’t be happier.
In direct sunlight I get about 75-85 watts, with a 30′ extension cable between the panels, (using a MC4/8mm adapter for the yeti, a 30′ 8mm cable to the Yeti.) The panels do get hot, so move them carefully when they are sitting in the sun. Also, they are heck of reflective, so sometimes they blind the heck out of you if you view them in the wrong angle, but I think all panels will do that.
I run an Autoset CPAP in my teardrop trailer. The trailer, if hooked into “shore power” has 110 AC outlets throughout. Rather than go crazy with a big setup w/solar tied to the trailer I am plugging the trailer shorepower input to the yeti at night, this lets me run my CPAP at night through the regular AC (saved 90 bucks on the converter for the CPAP machine) and kept the trailer battery capped off.
This is the LEAST power efficient way to do what I am doing, but mega-easy and portable.
Basically, w/ sunny days and about 3/4 of the day having solar panels in the sun, using a 100 foot power cable (and a bicycle lock to secure the yeti to a tree and an extension cord for the solar, I can power anywhere and bring it back to the trailer, or run a 100′ extension cord to the trailer (giving me 130′ radius around my trailer to find sun.)
Equipment:
These 100watt Renology foldable panels without a controller (as the Yeti has one built in)
MC4 adapter ( https://www.amazon.com/Goal-Zero-Solar-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00N80YN2K/ref=pd_sim_263_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=41glxzHOiBL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=N3P3M2J3XH07XH8NR2T1 )
8mm 30′ foot extension cord – https://www.amazon.com/8-0mm-Input-Extension-Cable-98029/dp/B00IPX22JQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1467563943&sr=1-2&keywords=goal+zero+8mm+extension
And the Yeti 400 https://www.amazon.com/Goal-Zero-23000-Solar-Generator/dp/B00D5RVMAM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467565593&sr=8-1&keywords=yeti+400
That plus an AC extension cord and you are set.
Great product, love the briefcase design, adjustable stand, and cover to protect the panels. Had to call Renogy on first use because wasn’t aware the hookup is reverse polarity (pos PV cable to neg marked cable on panel, neg PV cable to pos marked cable coming from panel). I added an in-line fuse holder to the pos PV cable for extra protection. I decided to go with the standalone briefcase (without the 10amp controller) because I wanted a larger controller (bought the 30amp Adventurer with LCD) for future expansion (plan to eventually add another 100w panel at min), as well as so could install the controller inside my camper cubbie area so it would stay dry.