Renogy 100Watt Flexible Solar Kit

R

Ronin

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2016
Messages
935
Location
PNW
I've been thinking about purchasing a portable solar panel for a while and have noticed that Renogy offers a 100 watt flexible solar panel kit for around $280.00. I seldom stay in one place for more than a day or two and only run my Truckfridge and Fantastic fan when cooking so the only time I've run the battery down (100ah VMaxtank) is after 4days without a charge. I don't anticipate having to use a solar charger more 2-3 times a year and it won't be permanently mounted. I like that the Renogy panel only weighs 4 lbs!!

Any opinions pro's or con's or what to look for re: flexible panels would be much appreciated.

Thanks all!!

https://www.renogy.com/renogy-100-watt-12-volt-flexible-solar-rv-kit/
 
My 2c.

I like "Folding" over "Flexible" as easier to store. Unless you want to roll up and store as a Tube?

(I wish someone would use Flexible as an Awning that would be cool....!?)

I use:

ACOPOWER 12V 105W Portable Solar Panel Kit

Which is actually made by SunPower and a nice compact kit and about 5-6Lbs.
 
That kit looks like it would do what you want.

I agree with knoxswift, folding would be easier to store. These flexible panels can't be folded or rolled up, so it would be awkward to store in the camper.

I would suggest permanently mounting your solar system. That way it is always working for you with no effort in your part. I have had HQST brand flexible panels (from Amazon) stuck to the roof of my camper with 3m vhb tape for 2 years now and they have held up well and perform good.
 
knoxswift said:
My 2c.

I like "Folding" over "Flexible" as easier to store. Unless you want to roll up and store as a Tube?

(I wish someone would use Flexible as an Awning that would be cool....!?)

I use:
ACOPOWER 12V 105W Portable Solar Panel Kit

Which is actually made by SunPower and a nice compact kit and about 5-6Lbs.
Click to expand...
Thanks !! The more portable (small) the better. I'll be taking a look at the Acopower Kit. How long have you been using it?
 
Lineman said:
That kit looks like it would do what you want.

I agree with knoxswift, folding would be easier to store. These flexible panels can't be folded or rolled up, so it would be awkward to store in the camper.

I would suggest permanently mounting your solar system. That way it is always working for you with no effort in your part. I have had HQST brand flexible panels (from Amazon) stuck to the roof of my camper with 3m vhb tape for 2 years now and they have held up well and perform good.
Click to expand...
Back to the drawing board. I really want a portable setup because it's extremely dusty here, pine and oak pollen everywhere,pine sap, falling branches,pinecones and acorns constantly peppering my truck and camper not to mention the wild turkeys roosting on them. I'll be looking for a folding setup that takes the least amount of storage space as possible. Open to suggestions!!
 
Whatever you do get a MPPT controller instead of a PWM. You'll receive somewhere in the area of 30% more charge over the lifetime of your panel and that will allow you to purchase a smaller, and easier to store, one. I'm not sure why a quick wipe to clean a fixed panel would be any more difficult than having to deploy a portable one but it may be in your case.
 
I use a Renogy 100W flexible panel as a portable. When I take it with me, I just take it in the original cardboard box it shipped in, putting it in the camper near the end of loading. I could also put it in the truck cab behind the seats (which is where I put the box when I use it).

I tend to put it on the windshield, and I take it when I'll be parked in a spot for awhile, and know I'll be in the sun part of the day.

Since it doesn't weigh didly I have no concerns about it losoe in the camper, as it won't damage anything (or be damaged, either), during travel. I don't take it if I will be traveling each day or just staying one night. Since I do have roof top solar, I use the back wall plug in and use my internal controller
 
Ronin said:
Thanks !! The more portable (small) the better. I'll be taking a look at the Acopower Kit. How long have you been using it?
Click to expand...
Only about 6 months now.
I use it as a Secondary Panel in parallel to my roof mount for when I'm in shady campsites.
Allows me to put in direction to the sun with the fold-up and built in stands.
 
I just ordered this one from Amazon. I have a folding "suitcase" I built a year 1/2 or so ago out of 2 50watt glass panels but it is so heavy I don't use it as much as I should. I am hoping this lighter one will fill the bill. I have a charge controller so didn't need it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076K55CMB/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Will let you know what I think of it when I try it out :)
 
knoxswift said:
Only about 6 months now.
I use it as a Secondary Panel in parallel to my roof mount for when I'm in shady campsites.
Allows me to put in direction to the sun with the fold-up and built in stands.
Click to expand...
This looks like a good option. Do you have any measurements of its actual performance, such as the voltage and short circuit current? There seems to be a tendency for a lot of these manufacturers to exaggerate on their performance specs.
 
Happyjax said:
I just ordered this one from Amazon. I have a folding "suitcase" I built a year 1/2 or so ago out of 2 50watt glass panels but it is so heavy I don't use it as much as I should. I am hoping this lighter one will fill the bill. I have a charge controller so didn't need it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076K55CMB/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Will let you know what I think of it when I try it out :)
Click to expand...
Seems well reviewed- I look forward to your feedback.
 
DesertDave said:
I use a Renogy 100W flexible panel as a portable. When I take it with me, I just take it in the original cardboard box it shipped in, putting it in the camper near the end of loading. I could also put it in the truck cab behind the seats (which is where I put the box when I use it).

I tend to put it on the windshield, and I take it when I'll be parked in a spot for awhile, and know I'll be in the sun part of the day.

Since it doesn't weigh didly I have no concerns about it losoe in the camper, as it won't damage anything (or be damaged, either), during travel. I don't take it if I will be traveling each day or just staying one night. Since I do have roof top solar, I use the back wall plug in and use my internal controller
Click to expand...
That's pretty much how I would use a portable setup. I also have a Kubota tractor that I'd like to be able to keep charged up without running a 200' cord. I see that Renogy makes a 100W folding panel kit. It comes with a PMW controller and I sent them a message to see if I can upgrade to a MPPT,
 
rando said:
This looks like a good option. Do you have any measurements of its actual performance, such as the voltage and short circuit current? There seems to be a tendency for a lot of these manufacturers to exaggerate on their performance specs.
Click to expand...
I'm not home right now. I will get you the specs over the weekend.
However it's a Sunpower panel just packaged up by ACO.
I don't use the controller as I use my main controller.
While testing with it I've been satisfied with the amp output. I think I remember reading 5amps. Voltage is high at 20-21 direct sun. And it's much better than zamp in partial shade doesn't lose volts as much.
So probably losing performance when in parallel but again this is my secondary setup.
 
Here are the specs. So my tests were pretty accurate.
20180818_105008.jpg
 
Knoxswift will this ACOPOWER 12V 105W Portable Solar Panel Kit plug right in solar hook up on back of a 2019 hawk external solar plug connection?,
 
I've been using mine occasionally. Sometimes I just use 1 and sometimes I use both if I need the extra juice. They are light and work well but I wish they had made the wires a bit longer and more flexible. That would be my only knock on them. Also bought a Renogy 50Ah Lifepo4 and it is working well. So far I am happy with them :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Battery died, time for big conversion solar, fridge, etc
2
craig333
craig333
D
Another SOLAR question
GflGdog
G
R
LifePo Shorepower Charger
Vic Harder
Vic Harder
M
Four Wheel Falcon Camper FS
MNWheelin
M
L
2019 Ranger XLT FX4 w/ Alu-Cab Khaya (Sacramento) **SOLD**
life_w_vagabonds
L

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom