Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Off Grid Portable Foldable 2pcs 50W Solar Panel Suitcase Built-In Kickstand

On my RV, I have two Zamp portable panels (200W and 80W), as well as a Zamp 60amp charge controller. I recently needed to expand and decided to go with Renogy because they are less expensive. br>br>I chose these 100W foldables with no charge controller because my 200W panel is bulky and difficult to move. When comparing Renogy to Zamp, I'd say Renogy is just as good (functionally) and less expensive, and I like how the handle is attached to the panel on Renogy. Zamp joins the case's handle. I prefer the folding locks to Zamp (though both are excellent). Renogy's leg mechanism is a better design than Zamp's, but they both work fine. I'm not a fan of Renogy's lack of a cord, which Zamp does. Renogy panels perform as expected in direct sunlight. Registration: br>br>Registration: br>br>Registration: br>br>Registration The registration card states that you can register online at the home page's 'Download' section. There was no 'Download' section that I could find. Searching for'register' on their website turned up nothing, and searching for 'download' did not lead to a download section that required registration. I guess I'll have to send their cards to them. br>br>I have a question about service, and Zamp's service is excellent; The phone is immediately answered by a knowledgeable person. My 200W panel was thrown in the wind, and Zamp's service would have been a bargain. Because the damaged panel was still functional, I decided to purchase a replacement panel and repair it myself. Zamp was extremely helpful with repair information along the way. I called Renogy RIGHT NOW to see how I could get a replacement panel in the event of an accident. I was on hold for about 5 minutes before getting a representative who insisted that the damage was not covered by warranty. He explained that I couldn't get it from them and that I wouldn't be able to wire the panels if I explained that I just wanted to buy a replacement panel. This whole thing was a load of hogwash. Then I explained that I have Zamp and that I am writing a comparison review because I know I can do this. THEN he suggested that I buy a new panel and install it myself - After only a few moments of saying I couldn't, I was able to do so. I'm not sure if this customer service representative was based in India and the issue was a language barrier, or if he is based in the United States. In any case, given that call, I am not impressed with the service. So I decided to keep an eye on it and contacted sales. Because there is no replacement panel for this model, it cannot be repaired. A complete unit must be replaced. RVers are at risk of wind damage. br>br>When I need more panels for my RV's roof, I'll probably go back to Zamp and pay more because I 'know' their service is excellent, but Renogy is fine for now. Wind damage is a very real threat to RVers. I would not buy another Renogy product because the unit is not repairable (replacement panels), and I gave it one star because of how my customer service inquiry was handled and the fact that this panel cannot be repaired without replacing the entire unit. Early Summer 2019, still under warranty, but no service because the unit blew a diode.

Wade Barry

| Jul 03, 2021

We've been full-time RVers for just over a year, traveling across North America and seeing all of the amazing wild places our 5th wheel RV can take us. We had been relying on our 3400 watt generator to keep our batteries charged and our lights on until about a month ago. I considered getting one of these solar suitcases early on, but I planned to install a complete solar package on the RV during our second winter, so I decided to make do with the generator for now. br> After a long summer of dry camping in remote locations, I was sick of turning on the generator just to charge our batteries. As a result, we decided to investigate a solar suitcase setup once more. I found a few cheaper options, but the Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Foldable Portable Solar Suitcase with a Voyager Waterproof Charge Controller was the best deal. br> At this point, I wish we had purchased one of these right away. It took about three days to bring our very dead batteries back to full charge the first time we hooked it up to them. Since then, we've been camping for weeks at a time, using our phones, lights, fans, and all the other typical 12 volt systems you'd find in an RV, and this solar suitcase has kept our batteries charged to the point where we only need generator power for high-power items like the hairdryer, microwave, and instantpot, among other things. br> What we like: The product is relatively light, weighing just under 30 pounds, and it comes with a well-padded, rugged carrying case to keep it safe. It includes a long cord with MC4 cable connectors and an extra set of alligator clips that can be used to connect directly to the battery. Personally, I like being able to connect it to the MC4 connectors on top of our RV (shown in this review) for added security while we're parked. We found some cheaper solar suitcases with water resistant charge controllers, but this one is water proof, so I don't have to rush up to the roof every time a storm approaches. br> Unzipping the case, folding open the panels, and connecting the leads/Alligator clips to the battery was all it took. Then, from the charge controller, select the type of battery you're charging (gel, sealed, lithium, or flooded batteries) and let the system do the rest! Overall, it's well-made, with a sturdy frame and foldable legs that make it easier to point the panels perpendicularly at the sun for maximum solar absorption.

Raphael Lawrence

| Aug 26, 2021