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Old 03-02-2015, 03:45 PM   #1
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Solar suitcase

Anybody out there have any experience using the Renogy 100W foldable solar panel suitcase as a solar charger for the batteries on the RV? They look pretty easy to use and relatively inexpensive.
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Old 03-02-2015, 04:10 PM   #2
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I have used a similar suitcase design but from solarblvd.com, the legs were not quite as adjustable as the Renogy but it was a 120 watt model. Some observations on the solarblvd model was; it was heavy, around 45 lbs, the wiring was light 16 gauge stranded and the controller quickly went into the trash. However I ended up with a pretty nice panel sans legs, wire and controller that has a nice handle and nylon bag.

After looking again at the Renogy those legs look mighty spindly, from the photos I get mixed results, one shows a connector between the legs and another shows each leg as a stand alone. I cannot comment on quality or panel output, only design.

I recall paying about $210 with shipping.
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Old 03-02-2015, 05:45 PM   #3
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Anybody out there have any experience using the Renogy 100W foldable solar panel suitcase as a solar charger for the batteries on the RV? They look pretty easy to use and relatively inexpensive.
Hugh - I have that 100w portable panel, I believe it charges batteries ok. I used it to charge a dead truck battery, in about 2 hours had enough power to start truck. The case is a good design as it stops scratching etc. The only thing I dont like is the controller uses idiot lights to show charging but they are very hard to read as they are not bright enough. For the price i think it is a good buy, just change out the controller. I bought mine down south direct from Renogy.

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Old 03-02-2015, 05:56 PM   #4
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However I ended up with a pretty nice panel sans legs, wire and controller that has a nice handle and nylon bag.
Paul, do you still use the portable? if so I take it you connected right into your existing controller?
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Old 03-02-2015, 06:15 PM   #5
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Or, be very brave & buy this one at eBay for $38.99, complete with shipping from China.

On edit, it looks like that one has ended, but there are still a couple of others offering the same panel for $38.00 ($47.45 Canadian) + $15.00 shipping...
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Old 03-02-2015, 08:56 PM   #6
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Bob,

Yes, I connect to an outlet on the trailer. That in turn is using eight gauge wire to the Blue Sky controller. I have found having a portable panel most convenient. Oh, on a short 3-5 day trip I do not even bother to take it, unless it is cold and the furnace is used. On longer trips I find that I always am moving that panel to either get sun or get the best angle of the sun. It is the only panel I have.
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Old 03-03-2015, 06:27 PM   #7
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Thanks for all the feedback I will probably give it a try.
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Old 03-03-2015, 07:13 PM   #8
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I bought something on ebay shipped from China once, and got burned big time. They sent the wrong item and totally ignored all my protests. Like the fella once said, if it's too good to be true it probably is. Never again.
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Old 03-03-2015, 07:40 PM   #9
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I have ordered tons of stuff from China, lots of it off of eBay, and only once had an issue with not getting the product. The seller quickly refunded my money when I complained. You can get lousy sellers word wide, even here in North America.
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Old 03-03-2015, 09:32 PM   #10
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On both eBay and the Amazon marketplace, you can check the history of the seller. That's no guarantee, but it should help to avoid getting burned.
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Old 03-03-2015, 09:42 PM   #11
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Quote:
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I have ordered tons of stuff from China, lots of it off of eBay, and only once had an issue with not getting the product. The seller quickly refunded my money when I complained. You can get lousy sellers word wide, even here in North America.
Have to agree; lots of orders & haven't been burned yet. Still, that is awfully cheap for a 100 watt panel. I can't believe they can make the parts for that price.

The thread I found it on at RV.net (it started out as a 400 watt panel for $37.00) notes that at least one person who ordered one had a "pending" & "vendor has not accepted yet" notice at Paypal, but some others had the transaction go through & "order shipped". One of the problems with deals like this is if you go for it too soon you may get burned, but if you wait, the supply will be gone.
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Old 03-04-2015, 08:52 AM   #12
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So go with the bird you know.
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