Renogy 100w Folding Suitcase Panel

[Rocksnsalt]

Just unboxed my new 100w Renogy folding “suitcase” type panel. Putting out 103watts immediately in my driveway as indicated on the Bluetti AC200Max it’ll be used with. This is better than my Rich Solar 100w rigid panels have done in the same conditions (90-94watts). And, WAY better than the 100w and 120w soft folding panels I returned. I could barely get 60w out of those in the same ideal conditions. They were half the cost at around $100 each, this Renogy was aporox $200 w tax delivered via amazon smile prime. It is however quite heavy comparatively and takes up more space in my sprinter compared to the soft folding panels, which may be an issue.
Wish I could find a good performing 100-120w soft folding panel.
The build quality, handle and latches are quality, the adjustable kickstand setup works well, and the padded case seems nice quality too.

Amazon.com

UPDATE 40min later: It’s 75F blue sky and sunny, producing 97-98W with panel temp 105 - 127F depending on area of panel measured. Not bad at all.

 

[tim0shel]

Nice, I see they also have an 200 watt version. Pretty nice I guess the price is about what you would end up spending in a DIY setup anyways.

 

[Rocksnsalt]

Nice, I see they also have an 200 watt version. Pretty nice I guess the price is about what you would end up spending in a DIY setup anyways.

Yes, I considered the 200W version, but dimensions and the ability to store it out of the way easily in my Sprinter van was a consideration. This fits behind and under my bed platform in the “garage” perfectly. The 200w version wouldn’t.

Re a DIY version, yeah you might be able to build it with 2 panels, 2 latches, 2 hinges, the carry handle (which is spring loaded - so it won’t rattle), 2 kickstands, 8 rubber bumpers for the corners, and all the necessary hardware bits. And you may be able to build it for less.
You’d likely spend some time sourcing your hardware items.
That said, the finish is very nice on this setup, and you’d still have to come up with a padded carry case that fits the panels perfectly to be like for like.

But yeah I could slap two 50w panels together with 2 hinges and a latch and call it good for probably $100-$120.
Or two 100w panels similarly for under $200. I could just wrap it all in a blanket or beach towel for transporting.
Just not the way I wanted to go on this. ?

 

[TerryH]

We use the Renogy 200 watt panels for our toyhauler. Has performed well for us so far. It is sizeable and pretty heavy but we have room for it. We're in the process of changing over to LiFePO4 over the winter. Interested to see how it does with that.

 

[tim0shel]

Yes, I considered the 200W version, but dimensions and the ability to store it out of the way easily in my Sprinter van was a consideration. This fits behind and under my bed platform in the “garage” perfectly. The 200w version wouldn’t.

Re a DIY version, yeah you might be able to build it with 2 panels, 2 latches, 2 hinges, the carry handle (which is spring loaded - so it won’t rattle), 2 kickstands, 8 rubber bumpers for the corners, and all the necessary hardware bits. And you may be able to build it for less.
You’d likely spend some time sourcing your hardware items.
That said, the finish is very nice on this setup, and you’d still have to come up with a padded carry case that fits the panels perfectly to be like for like.

But yeah I could slap two 50w panels together with 2 hinges and a latch and call it good for probably $100-$120.
Or two 100w panels similarly for under $200. I could just wrap it all in a blanket or beach towel for transporting.
Just not the way I wanted to go on this. ?

That is nice consideration to fit it in the sprinter. I hope to build a van one day soon but my Diesel wagon does ok for what I need on my ultra runs. Full time fridge/freezer and on air bag suspension when I need a lift for gravel roads, otherwise it sits looking up at the grasshoppers lol.

I have 300 watt DIY flexible panels now but they do not perform well and going back to a similar 100 watt like on top of my car as it produces pretty good juice. I thought about maybe having something quick connect to the roof rack ands store panels up there. Either unfold on top of car or quick release and use as portable setup have the car in shade and panels out in the sun.