I am wanting to buy Launey a suitcase solar panel and know nothing about them{not that he does either} has anyone used the Renogy 100 watts 12 volts monocrystalline folding suitcase model.I am looking at one on Amazon for $259.95 and like I said,I know nothing about them.If you have this one ,are you happy with it? Thanks for any help...I dont want to ask him because I want it to be a surprise for him
Thu, 02/18/2016 - 11:01
#1
help on a Renogy solar suitcase
kit is ok, but there are several reports of quick failure of the charge controller
Thank you Phillip,does that mean that it would burn our battery up in the camper or can a person replace that controller if it did fail
Launey and Earlene
The cheaper controllers have limited monitoring functions a better one will sense the level of chrege and not try to deliver more than the battery needs. The choice is between PWM and MPPT. Do some research before you spend money. Cheaper is usually not best in Solar. That said, if you get the set you have in mind you can certainly add the better controller late if u need/ want to .
ver easy to understand is the link below.
http://www.solar-electric.com/solar-charge-controller-basics.html/
The Renogy Solar Suitcase is quite popular and was on my short list, but didn't make the cut for my first purchase for reasons which I explained elsewhere in this forum. It is still in the running for a future addition.
Some of the benefits are portability, ease of set up, brand quality of the panel and ability to move it a short distance to get it into good sunlight. On the negative side, you have to set it up every time you use it. The wiring is marginal so you will get a little less power from it than you would if it had heavier wire. The controller is not water proof. And of course while it has legs, it can also can grow extra legs and walk off if not chained to a tree or the like.
If you are just looking to top off the battery on occasion instead of getting closer to solar independence, or perhaps, in addition, using it to charge other batteries at home, etc, then it should be fine.
If, on the other hand, you really want to be able to come off the electric grid for more than a day or two, then I have a suggestion... The key to designing a good solar system (which includes panels, controller and house batteries) is to figure out how much power you use. So IMHO the first step for anyone who will be more than just a casual user of solar electric is to get a meter that will track you power usage. Again, my prior post goes into more detail.
,
Second the above. You need to know LOTS to make good decisions. But,cif it won't make you miss a meal, it might be a great gift!
Thank you guys,its not that I think we need a solar,I thought thought it would be a nice gift for him.We have been to Zion several times in the Scamp last year and dry camped and never ran the battery down and we were there both times for 5 days.I had just noticed on one of those trips that some people I talked to was using a DC tv and the suitcase solar was keeping their battery up .The Casita has all LED lights and doesnt draw hardly any power.Launey has several gauges that monitor those things.Maybe I should just tell him what I am thinking of getting him and let him decide:-) I was just thinking that in case he ever needed it that we would have it.We always take our Honda 2000 generator with us but quite honestly have not used it alot,so that might be enough.I do thank you all for the advice.
Launey and Earlene
I think it could be a GREAT gift. Make a card, tell him what you want to get him, see what he says. Since you guys aren't newbies he might love it!
I think what I will do is just let him come read everything thats been said and the site that Eddie posted and let him decide,it wont be a surprise but it will still be a gift ha
Launey and Earlene
I decided not to spoil the surprise and just went ahead and ordered the suitcase model I was going to get{thanks to a friend,and he knows who he is} so I want to surprise Launey...Funny thing,it will be delivered on Sunday and he will think its something someone sent to me since thats my birthday,he wont be expecting anything at all....is that sneaky or what :-) Thanks for all the input
Launey and Earlene
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