2024 the best solar panels on the market review
Price: $599.99 - $565.99
(as of Oct 29, 2024 20:14:14 UTC - Details)
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From the brand
Since 2010 we have been on a mission to change the way the world uses energy. We are committed to making a lasting impact on the earth by removing barriers to sustainable living and energy independence.
Our mission is to empower the energy independence of 50M people with DIY-friendly and reliable renewable energy products by 2030.
We are optimistic humankind can achieve a sustainable future where renewables are at the core of our energy supply.
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Solar Panel Charger
How did we get our start?
Renogy started as a small project by students at Louisiana State University. With the help and support of the Louisiana Business and Technology Center, Renogy has grown into a flourishing company.
What problem are we solving?
Renogy intends to be a driving force behind the push for sustainable living and energy independence.
What makes our products unique?
We aim to provide all the components necessary for users to build off-grid solar power systems at affordable prices.
Compact and Lightweight - Featuring a compact solar cell layout, this 400 watt solar panel weighs a mere 30.2lbs and boasts a smaller size than traditional 400W one-piece laminated assemblies, ensuring easy portability on the go.
Premium Materials for Decades of Use - Reinforced with fiberglass material, Renogy 400W compact mono portable solar suitcase features EL-tested Grade A+ solar cells, delivering the highest power conversion efficiency and an extended lifespan.
Fast Installation with Sturdy Kickstands - Featuring durable aluminum alloy construction, the robust foldable kickstands of this camper solar panel enable one-minute installation. Designed for off-grid solar systems, this compact 400 watt solar panel seamlessly connects to most portable power stations on the market via IP68 solar connectors.
Environmental Endurance - Employing ≥IP67 protection and ETFE coating, this all-weather suitcase excels in enduring snow, rain, and even light hail for decades. Enhanced with advanced materials including an aluminum backsheet, it ensures exceptional performance in any condition.
5-Year Warranty - Renogy 400 watt pv panel boasts a 5-year coverage for materials and workmanship, accompanied by a 10-year guarantee ensuring 80% output reliability.
Reviewer: Cristian
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Portable, Reliable, Sturdy, Stylish
Review: I absolutely love these solar panels! I love the versatility since I can take them out when I go camping or keep them as an auxiliary power source on my sailboat, without the need to ever install them permanently. They are a little bigger than I anticipated but they are rated for 400W so the added size is expected, over let's say a 200W panel setup. Funny enough, these panels actually produce more power than some of my other permanently installed solar panels.The build quality is excellent, starting from the solar panels themselves to the carry bag. The color scheme is stylish and they look and feel premium. Using them does feel like using a top of the line product. The frame is sturdy and feels like it can easily withstand the outdoor elements. I also love the blue corner protectors that keep the panels a little bit off the ground and protect the edges. I've read and watched some reviews complaining that the kickstand is not adjustable, but it doesn't really bother me. I feel that having it adjustable doesn't add much and can lead to a potential weak point, breakage, or water sipping into the adjustment mechanism and leading to rust or other sorts of damage. The easier they are to use, the more reliable, and less prone to damage they are, the more points they score in my book.Since the build is mostly made of metal with very little plastic, they can be a little heavy. Personally, I consider the added weight a bonus since I don't have to worry that they will fly away with the wind, bend or break if something runs into them. If you're moving them short distances, such as from your car to your campsite, the weight is not an issue. The handles are also really well made and are constructed out of one piece of metal. They don't have any padding to make them softer which is good since you don't have to worry about the material rotting or going bad in the rain or snow. For longer distances, I move them using a collapsible cart/wagon which makes transportation a breeze.Connectivity is easy, just connect them to a charge controller and a battery and you are good to go. If you want to run your regular 110v appliances, just connect an inverter to the battery. Connect your coffee maker, toaster or any other electronics you like. It really is as ingenious and easy at it sounds. This solar panel is more than enough to power all of this. Just makes sure you have a good battery, good wattage on your inverter, and a good charge controller (recommend MPPT). Renogy makes all of these as well and I've owned several of them throughout the years without issues, but you can really use any brand you like, they are all inter-compatible (thank God).Price-wise, you get what you pay for. The cost spread out over years of use comes out to actually be low per year of use. At least, that's how I look at it and it makes sense to me when making this decision. If I buy a cheaper solar panel but it lasts me 6-12 months before the issues start appearing and I have to buy a new one every time, I'm actually financially better off by just buying this product.In terms of the enjoyment of use factor, every-time I use these solar panels it feels really good to use them. They are well made, reliable, and very pleasant to look at. Spread that enjoyment out over years of use and that makes me a happy camper (literally, pun intended).
Reviewer: Christopher Babcock
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: 268w output direct sun
Review: Heavy but reassuring. No nonsense semi-permanent with a steel frame. The heft of the panels here is the best mix between ultra protable floppy panels and aluminum clad mountable ones. This could stay outside for days and days and withstand wind and elements. Decent output comparatively to other 350/400w panels. Good value here for what it is. Heavier means more sturdy, especially when packed in a trunk or a mobile application. Generous storage pocket on front is velcro flap and could be improved by being a zipper. Storage bag will likely need reinforcing on corners, zipper feels cheaper than I would like - likely has a few hundred zips in its life.
Reviewer: Doyle
Rating: 1.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Need better Product control Wires get bent if grommet doesnt work right
Review: I got the package in undamaged except for some scuffs on the handles that were not padded, better padding would be better for the over all unit and better taping as 2 of the 3 tape pieces broke. The unit itself seem to produce power but it was later in the day and I only got about 140 watts. What I did notice was unlike the two side panels the middle panels wire connection was pinching as seen in the photos. The rubber Grommet was now allow the cables to slide through properly. Already the red wire show stress marks and it would be just a matter of time before the wire inside would be damaged. I immediately packed up and filed a return. I will post how my return will go, but I would have to say there is ZERO quality control from the factory otherwise a simple open and closing of this unit would have showed the problem. They are just making them and figuring if something is wrong they will return which is a hassle and ties up the funds to prevent me from buying something else. A lot of premium price to get this lack of quality control. My only fear is them not catching the wire again and sending this defective unit to someone else.
Reviewer: Blackhat
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Low output and not very strong. Never saw more than 300 watts in dirrect sunlight.
Review: Very convenient, but the stands are not adjustable and very flimsy. However, I would recommend this product. I am considering buying another set to complete my "mobile solar station" with 600 amp hrs of storage all built on a hand truck with a 40 amp MPPT controller. Works great!
Reviewer: JayG
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Portable, output is great, super easy setup (220w)!!
Review: I needed a panel that I could use to top off the batteries while I was out camping in the mountains with my rv. I was using a generator to top the batteries off at the end of the day and then would run a few hours in the am to continue. I calculated my usage and it is below the 220W output or close, so this can maintain my batteries and charge as well. I placed the array spread out with the kick stands (BTW - this is lightweight, so the panels are light and the stands too. The blue corner protectors are nice but I see them wearing out. In the sun I was getting 18v and with my batteries near 3/4 full, it was pushing between 5.8-7 amps. All connectors at MC4, standard. The controller has both solar and battery connections with the appropriate MC4. Order your extension or whatever and standard wiring.The bag it is stored in does not have padding in front of the arrays - I was thinking some sunshield bubble foil screen or similar - bump protection and it can handle the heat when storing. The bag has a pocket on the front where the controller can go as well as cables. Stores away flat and easy and about 30 lbs to transport around. I am super happy, I was thinking of hardmounting to my RV by the flexibility of the portable solar is nice!!
Customers say
Customers like the output, weight, and ease of setup of the solar panel. They mention it works well, is lightweight, and is the perfect size and weight for camping. However, some customers have reported that the kickstands are not as adjustable and the angle is limited. They also say they're disappointed with the wire quality and disagree on the build quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews