What's the consensus on the best quality and best value folding PV panels on Amazon?
It seems like there are tons of cheap folding 100 watt solar PV panels designed for portable solar generators (i.e. Jackery, Bluetti), and/or to charge devices directly with built-in USB-A ports for charging cell phones and electronics, up to even USB-C PD ports delivering up to 60+ watts for charging laptops? I purchased and tried a couple, but with generally disappointing results. The problem is that the specs are rarely accurate, and the biggest problem has been Voc being way above the nominal rated voltage. For example, a nominal 12v/18v panel has an open circuit voltage of 22-25 volts depending on the sun, which could easily fry a charge controller that's just not able to handle that initial open voltage. And, it's always a gamble as to whether the panel will actually put out 100 watts or rated power at Pmax.
So, I thought I'd ask for recommendations based on experience from anyone using the panels for RV'ing, boating, camping, recharging solar generators, etc. I know that Hobotech generally endorses the Brogue RV panels, but they ain't the cheapest options. And I'm looking a buying a few of these.
It seems like there are tons of cheap folding 100 watt solar PV panels designed for portable solar generators (i.e. Jackery, Bluetti), and/or to charge devices directly with built-in USB-A ports for charging cell phones and electronics, up to even USB-C PD ports delivering up to 60+ watts for charging laptops? I purchased and tried a couple, but with generally disappointing results. The problem is that the specs are rarely accurate, and the biggest problem has been Voc being way above the nominal rated voltage. For example, a nominal 12v/18v panel has an open circuit voltage of 22-25 volts depending on the sun, which could easily fry a charge controller that's just not able to handle that initial open voltage. And, it's always a gamble as to whether the panel will actually put out 100 watts or rated power at Pmax.
So, I thought I'd ask for recommendations based on experience from anyone using the panels for RV'ing, boating, camping, recharging solar generators, etc. I know that Hobotech generally endorses the Brogue RV panels, but they ain't the cheapest options. And I'm looking a buying a few of these.