Thoughts on Renogy’s new Eclipse panels

[smlobx]

Hi folks-

Well our flexible panels finally gave up the ghost on the return part of our trip to Alaska recently and I’m looking to replace them. I was originally going to go to a larger set of flexible panels but in measuring my available space I found out that that won’t work. Further more, I think I’m leaning more towards the idea of not having to revisit this issue in another 4-5 years so I’m slowly coming around to fixed panels...

In reading as much as I can about what is available it seems that the cells made by Sun Power offer some of the highest efficiency (22-23%) cells on the market. I was not able to find any 100 watt panels made by Sun Power that would work but then I found out about Renogy’s new Eclipse line which uses Sun Power’s cells and they would fit perfectly..

Has anyone had a chance to look into these panels or have any thoughts on them?

Thanks.

https://www.renogy.com/eclipse-100-watt-12-volt-monocrystalline-solar-panel/

 

[Ted]

We have a 6 year old 130 watt panel on the roof that is so inefficient it can't keep up with our 12v fridge. We recently had All Terrain Campers add an external plug and purchased the Renogy 100 watt foldable Eclipse panel with controller. It can keep up with the fridge and add charge to the batteries by itself. Seriously considering replacing the rooftop panel with a new Renogy Eclipse panel. In other words, highly recommended.

 

[bj40]

I have a recently completed ATC Ocelot shell build. I installed two of the 100 watt Eclipse panels that were on sale for $119. The install was a piece of cake. The power goes to a Victron controller and then to a Battle Born 100 amp hour battery. I am not an electrician, but when I flipped the switch everything worked and I have plenty of power. Only thing is, I have not given this rig a proper test under a variety of conditions. I do have a victron battery monitor. My system is not connected to the truck starting battery; making that happen is still above my pay grade, but may happen in the future. Now, installing the Popex furnace, that was a big challenge, so big in fact, that I kind of enjoyed figureing it out. It too, works as designed. The directions do say that it needs to be run every month at the very least. Good luck with your new panel shopping. The Eclipse are currently on sale.

 

[smlobx]

Thanks bj40 and Ted. Your comments what I have been able to gather from other sources. I received an email from them with a further discount so I think this may put me over the top.

‘’Now I just have to figure out the best way to secure them....any ideas anyone? I see that Renogy has a set of clips available and I may call Hallmark to verify this is the best method but I’m always looking for other ideas.