PAXCESS was established in 2015 as a gardening company until recently they joined the solar panels market. They might be newbies in the solar panels arena, but the company is doing really well and we shall review one of its products today.
So, are you wondering what a gardening firm knows about tech and solar energy? I was too, at first. Just follow my lead and you will understand.
About PAXCESS RV Solar Panel, 120W 18V
This 120W 18V portable solar panel from PAXCESS is an upgraded version that comes with more power for your RV. It boasts a high energy conversion rate of up to 23% to allow you tap most of the sunlight and convert it into clean solar energy that you use in your off-grid activities. You can also use it on-grid as backup in case of sudden power outages.
PAXCESS understands the need for tilting your solar panels in the direction which they tap most sunlight in the day. As such, the 120W 18V portable solar panel comes with a kickstand that allows you to reposition from flat lying position to the most suitable angle.
When enjoying that vacation or weekend off-grid, you need to connect with the world via social media and share experiences. To make sure your devices never run out of power, these solar panels come equipped with two types of USB output ports: USB QC 3.0 and USB-C. Both offer 2x charging speed for devices such as laptops, lamps, smartphones, MacBook Pro, and more.
The PAXCESS 120W solar panel weighs 11.62 lbs. which makes it very lightweight and is designed with portability in mind. It is foldable, right? Yes, and it also comes with a packing bag that you can store in or pack when travelling for maximum portability.
In terms of compatibility, I found this 120W portable, foldable solar panel from PAXCESS to be excellent. Why? That is because it can work well with most solar generators that you will find out there on the market.
This solar panel is also very versatile! Other than RVs, it is compatible with trailers, boats, campsites, and even campervans. The best thing about it is that it is very quiet so you can concentrate when reading your novel or doing your assignments.
For durability, this solar panel is made from high-grade Oxford cloth, zipper, and PET material that is resistant to high temperatures. It is also waterproof and comes with an in-built TIR-C controller for reliable and safe current which also prevents reverse charging.
Features
One thing that speaks a lot about a product is its features. Just by looking at them, you can tell where it was the value for money or not. So, what does this 120W solar panel have in store?
Durability – Features high-grade Oxford cloth, zipper, and PET material for resistance from high temperatures. It is also waterproof.
Warranty – Comes with a 24-months product warranty.
Hi-Tech Charging – Equipped with two USB charging ports (QC 3.0 & Type C) which offer super-fast charging speeds.
Compatibility – This solar panel works well with the most generators available on the market.
Specifications
These are the specs of the PAXCESS 120W portable foldable solar panel:
Peak Power: 120W
Open Circuit Voltage: 18V
Short Circuit Current: 6.6A
Cell Efficiency: 23%
USB Output Ports: QC 3.0 24w (max), Type C 18W (max)
Weight: 11.62 lbs.
How to set it up
Before you set it up, here is a safety precaution: do not set up your PAXCESS Rockman 120W solar panel, make sure the panels are not under the sun. If you have done that, you can go ahead and set up your solar panel.
Hook up the battery to the charge controller
Connect the charge controller and your solar panel
Connect your battery to your inverter and let there be solar power!
Pros:
Portable & foldable
Waterproof
Durable built
Affordable
Easy to install
Rubber has TPE material
Cons:
No bypass diode
Rating on Value for Money
We all value our hard-earned money and cannot just invest it in any asset. I think of a portable solar panel as an investment. The Rockman 180W 18V foldable solar panel costs $199.99 on PAXCESS.
This price tag is reasonable given the abilities it comes with, from high efficient charging to compatibility, upgrade charging tech, and more. It scores 9/10 rating on value for money.
Rating on Charge Interruption Recovery
During off-grid voyages, it is likely that you will find yourself in the thickets where there is low sunlight or in areas with shades here and then. That interrupts the charging cycle but it depends on how long the obstacles are.
That is where charge interruption recovery comes in. Unfortunately, PAXCESS 120W foldable charger does not include bypass diodes to reduce power drop. It worked well, but the feature could be a saving grace if included. It scored 6/10 rating on charge interruption recovery.
Rating on Charging Speed
Solar charge speed varies and heavily depends on several factors, including solar panels angle of elevation, the sun’s position, and temperature. The best thing with the Rockman 120W foldable solar panel is that it comes with 1 quick charge (QC) USB 3.0 and 1 USB-C which have 2x charging speed.
It charged my iPhone 11 Pro in 30 minutes from 0 to 50%, thus scoring a 9/10 rating on charging speed.
Rating on Multiple Device Charging
This solar panel has the ability to charge two devices at the same time using the USB-C output port and the QC USB 3.0. At the mention of QC (quick charge) port, you know what that means, right?
Anyway, I was able to charge my iPhone 11 Pro and a friend’s simultaneously and they charged 50% and 48%, respectively. We gave it a 9/10 rating on multiple devices.
Rating on Durability
The PAXCESS 100W foldable solar panel is built to last with high-quality Oxford cloth, PET material which is high-temperature resistant, and zipper. That is robust, right? I know! The handle features TPE rubber material plus in-built TIR-C controller to prevent reverse charging.
That and being waterproof gave the solar panel an impressive 9/10 rating on durability score.
Rating on Weight and Portability
This foldable solar panel weighs just 11.2 lbs. which makes it lightweight and can be folded and carried like a briefcase for portability. As such, it attained a 9/10 rating on weight and portability score.
Wrap-Up
If you are looking to harness the power of solar energy to your RV, I would recommend the PAXCESS 120W 18V portable foldable solar panel. It offers an incredible solution to your off-grid power needs with assurance for durability, comfort, and safety.
My name is Alex Landry and I am an experienced solar PV engineer and an editor here at Tru Solar Score. I am an accomplished solar PV expert with over 12 years of installing off-grid solar systems in various states in the US. Between 2015 and 2019, I led a small team of energy audit analysts for a company based out of Oregon. I currently run this site full-time and when I am not testing a new solar PV product in the market, I am offering customized consulting on solar systems installations. You can reach me directly using alex@trusolarscore.com
Renogy 200-Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Panel Review
Renogy, established in 2010, is one of the prominentrenewableenergycompanies on the market today. They have built a reputation around solar energy brands by making superiorgear at reasonable prices.
Are you shopping for a convenient solar panel to use during your seaside voyage or that cabin on the mountains? Renogy offers just what you need. Their 200-watts 12v monocrystalline solar panel is especially incredible for off-grid adventure novices and gurus alike.
About Renogy 200-Watts 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Like many Renogy brands, the 200-watts 12v monocrystalline solar panel features advanced encapsulation material with several layers of sheet lamination for improved cell performance. The feature also comes in handy in extending the servicelife of your solar panels.
Renogy understands that off-grid adventures will take you to low-light environments and places with shades. So, it has included bypass diodes that reducepowerdrop in its panels. For reliability, the solar panel comes with a TPT backsheet that supports smooth performance for years.
Durability is Renogy’s strong suit! This 200-watts 12v solar panel comes with sure-firepositiveoutputtolerance, endureshighwinds and snowloads. Its panel frame is made from corrosion-resistant aluminium so you can use it reliably on your outdoor adventures for years. You don’t have to worry about what happens when the weather changes.
The panels are protected with anti-reflective, high transparency, low iron-tempered glass that is reinforced to resist impact. Unlike some other solar panels, the 200-watts 12v from Renogy come with an IP65 junction box that is protected from harmful elements.
When it comes to versatility, Renogy 200-watts solar panel comes in handy with differentmultipleapplications. It works well with both on-grid and off-grid inverters and is very compatible with ground mount.
Installation has never been easy as with this Renogy solar panel system. It features pre-drilled holes at the back of the panels so you can mountquickly and securely. Grounding holes are also pre-drilled. The 200-watts 12v solar panel works perfectly with Renogymountingsystems like pole and tilt mounts, as well as z-brackets.
Renogy 200-watts 12v monocrystalline solar panel is backed by 2 different warranties. A 5-year workmanship & material warranty, 10-year efficiency rate, and 25-year power output warranty. You couldn’t ask for more, could you?
Features
So, what features does the Renogy 200-watts 12v monocrystalline solar panel pride in?
Reliability – Boosted cell performance and long service life with no hot-spot heating and multi-layered sheet laminations. It also comes with bypass diodes for decreasing power drop.
Resilience – Endures snow loads (5400Pa) and high winds (2400Pa), corrosion-resistant aluminium panel frame for prolonged outdoor use, reinforced, low iron-tempered glass, and IP65 junction box.
Adaptability – Usable in many different applications and works well with both on- and off-grid inverters.
Compatibility – Comes with pre-installed holes on the panel’s back and works well with different Renogy mounting systems.
Warranty – Features two different warranties, including a 5-year workmanship & material warranty and a 25-year power output warranty.
Specifications
What specs are found in the Renogy 200-watt 12v monocrystalline solar panel?
Max. Power at STC: 200W
Open Circuit Voltage: 24.1V
Optimum Operating Voltage: 21.0V
Short Circuit Current: 10.9A
Max. Series Fuse Rating: 15A
Operating Temperature Range: -40º~176º
How to set it up
Are you setting up your Renogy Solar Panel 200W 12V? For safety issues, ensure that the panels are not under the sun. If you have done that, now follow these steps:
Attach the battery to the charge controller using Renogy tray cable and match up the terminals (negative & positive).
First, connect the adapter kit to the panel, and then hook your solar panel up to the charge controller.
Hook up your inverter to your battery. Ensure that you use the battery ring cables and check their matching terminals.
ATTENTION: You must connect your solar panel correctly to the charger controller. This is to prevent reverse polarity and short circuit which can spoil the panels and controllers.
Pros:
Guaranteed positive output tolerance
Male & female connectors
Durable construction
Easy to install
Warranty included
Highly compatible
Portable
Bypass diodes
Cons:
Charge controller is made from plastic material
Has no USB ports
No mounting gadgets on the package
Rating on Value for Money
Equipment such as portable solar panels is an asset to me which means I have to be very choosy to pick one with value for money. The Renogy 200-watts 12v solar panel offers excellent cell efficiency for enhanced performance.
Although it might seem to come with a high price tag at $299, its features and convenience go in hand. That is why it attained a 9/10 rating on value for money.
Rating on Charge Interruption Recovery
Renogy understands that going off-grid means reaching places with low sunlight penetration as well shades all over. The 200-watt 12v solar panel is equipped with bypass diodes that minimize power drop when you reach such places.
The solar panel’s recovery effect was 10 seconds after being exposed to shade which is why we gave it 8.5/10 rating on charge interruption recovery.
Rating on Charging Speed
Charging a 12v battery fully depends heavily on the accessibility of sunlight. Averagely, a 100 AH battery offers forty minutes at 100 amps of use. The Renogy 200-watts solar panel took around 5-7 hours to full charge, thus scoring 8/10 rating on charging speed.
Rating on Multiple Device Charging
The Renogy 200W 12V solar panel does not come with USB ports which means you cannot use it to charge devices directly unless you are using another device.
Rating on Durability
Renogy takes the durability of its solar panels very seriously. The 200-watts 12v solar panel comes with cast-iron positive output tolerance (0-3%) that tolerates snow loads and high winds. Corrosion-resistant aluminium panel frame increases outdoor use, strengthened glass, water-resistance, and IP65 junction box make it outstanding.
One feature Renogy should consider including in this durable solar panel is for corner protection. Overall, this solar panel has 9/10 rating on durability.
Rating on Weight and Portability
The 200-watts 12v monocrystalline solar panel is lightweight and only weighs 25.4 lbs. and which makes it very portability. You can carry it everywhere you and have fun without complaining of an aching shoulder or wrist.
It scored 8/10 rating on weight and portability.
Wrap-Up
Renogy is a reliable solar panels brand on the market that believes in high-quality products. This 200-watt 12v monocrystalline solar panel is specifically made for you if you are just beginning your off-grid voyages, and is available at a reasonable price.
My name is Alex Landry and I am an experienced solar PV engineer and an editor here at Tru Solar Score. I am an accomplished solar PV expert with over 12 years of installing off-grid solar systems in various states in the US. Between 2015 and 2019, I led a small team of energy audit analysts for a company based out of Oregon. I currently run this site full-time and when I am not testing a new solar PV product in the market, I am offering customized consulting on solar systems installations. You can reach me directly using alex@trusolarscore.com
It is natural for car batteries to discharge, right? After all, in-built car systems such as anti-theft applications and alarmsystems are always utilizing battery power.
SUNAPEX is a highly regarded company in the portable solar arena that focuses on satisfactorycustomerexperience by offering carbatterycharger and maintenancesolutions. To avoidbatteryfailure resulting from vulcanization, the firm built atricklecharger for slow charging and maintaining your car battery power.
About SUNAPEX 10W 12V Portable Solar Battery Charger & Maintainer
This 10W 12v solar battery charger & maintainer from SUNAPEX is a lightweight and portable device that comes with 22% conversion rate crystalline silicon material. It also includes 95% high conduction ETFE material that enhances the charging efficiency.
The best thing with this battery charger is that it comes with an upgradedchargingsystem to boost the battery chargingspeed by 10% to 20%. It’s in-built intelligent controller charges in day and automaticallyswitchesoff at night to preserve battery power. As such, it secures the battery from overcharging, over-discharging, reverse polarity, and short circuit.
To help you monitor the workingstatus of the solar battery charger & maintainer easily, the junction box comes with 3-color LED indicators. If you see solid-blue light, it means it is gettingsunlight with normal output, solid-red light for charging, and solid-green light for battery fully-charged. What if I see no lights? It means a short circuit has occurred.
The sturdiness and durability of this handy solar battery charger & maintainer is incredible! SUNAPEX added a layer of PCB on the panels that help minimizeinternaldamage, while cutting the conversionrate in the process.
For extended durability and service life, the solar battery charger & maintainer is made with ETFEmaterial that is both heat-resistant and waterproof. It also features upgraded and hardened wires for enhanced resilience.
Did I mention how lightweight this device is? You will feel like you are carrying your smartphone making it easily portable. For effectiveness when using it on your RV, car, or boat, the package also includes a 3-piece plug-n-play SAE cable used in 12 volts batteries and DC charging gadgets alike.
Features
Customers, like you and me, rank any products using the features they offer. These features make the SUNAPEX 10W 12V portable solar battery charger & maintainer incredible.
Durability – It is made from ETFE material that protects your solar panels from heat and water, and has PCB on the panels as bottom plate. The wires are also reinforced.
LED Indicators – Includes three-color (solid blue, red, & green) LED indicators that helps you monitor the functionality of the battery charger. The best thing is that it is also easy to detect short circuit possibilities if there is no light on the indicator.
Smart Controller – Comes with an upgraded battery charging algorithm that boosts charging efficiency while protecting your battery from charging-related risks like short circuit.
High Conversion Rate – Panels feature a honeycomb structure with high conduction crystalline silicon material that improves charging efficiency. It lifts power production up to 22%.
Specifications
What do the solar panel charger and maintainer offer at a glance?
Max. Power: 10W
Voltage: 12V
Max. Power Voltage: 18V
Current at Pmax: 0.56A
Weight: 1.43 lbs.
How to set it up
You have the 10W 12V portable solar battery charger & maintainer and want to know how to set it up? Well, it is easy! SAFETY RULE: keep your solar panel away from sunlight!!
Connect the solar panel to the junction box.
Connect the plug to the cigarette lighter in your car
Pros:
Industrial-grade STMs charging controller
Visual surveillance
Durable and portable design
Portable & waterproof
Highly compatible
22% high conversion rate
12 months warranty
Lifetime tech support
Rating on Value for Money
Getting the value for money on a product you purchased is one step towards satisfaction. I bought the SUNAPEX 10w 12v portable solar battery charger & maintainer and it is functioning pretty well.
This panel offers 22% conversion rate which enhances the charging performance for reliability. To me the $34.99 is a worthy investment and I give the product 9/10 rating on value for money.
Rating on Charge Interruption Recovery
The recovery effect is yet another crucial factor to consider when buying a solar battery charger & maintainer. The 10-watt 12v from SUNAPEX comes with integrated smart controller, an upgraded charging algorithm that increases charging efficiency.
The best thing with this feature is that it activates automatically during the day and switch off in the night to reserve charge. It also protects the battery from interruption-related risks. It recorded 8.5/10 rating on charge interruption recovery.
Rating on Charging Speed
The SUNAPEX 10-watt 12v solar battery charger & maintainer is built to prevent the battery storage capacity from deteriorating. This 10-watt trickle solar charger charges slowly to maintain the battery’s power.
Charging effectiveness depends on the condition of the batter. If fully-exhausted, then you will always be complaining. My car has a good battery so it recorded an 8/10 rating on charging speed.
Rating on Multiple Device Charging
This solar battery charger is built to only charge one device at a time, so it cannot be rated on the multiple devices charging category.
Rating on Durability
SUNAPEX solar battery charger & maintainer is built to last with an extra layer of PCB material for robustness and reducing internal panel damage. The ETFE material makes it more durable as it is waterproof and heat-resistant, plus hardened wire.
This product obtained 9/10 rating on durability.
Rating on Weight and Portability
It is lightweight (1.43 lbs.) just like your smartphone and comes with a compact design that is easily portable. It is the lightest portable solar battery you will find on the market, and scored 9/10 rating on weight and portability.
Wrap-Up
If you want a reliable solution for charging and maintaining your battery to avoid over-discharging or draining, you can never go wrong with the SUNAPEX 10-watt 12v brand. It achieves the most ideal charging effect in a limited space due to its compact size.
Add the warranty and lifetime technical support to the functionality…Awesome!
My name is Alex Landry and I am an experienced solar PV engineer and an editor here at Tru Solar Score. I am an accomplished solar PV expert with over 12 years of installing off-grid solar systems in various states in the US. Between 2015 and 2019, I led a small team of energy audit analysts for a company based out of Oregon. I currently run this site full-time and when I am not testing a new solar PV product in the market, I am offering customized consulting on solar systems installations. You can reach me directly using alex@trusolarscore.com
HQST or High Quality Solar Technology is a company with a robust reputation in the solar panel market. From solar panels to mounting z-brackets, MC$ branch connectors and drill-free ABS corner brackets for rooftop solar, the company prides in nothing but quality.
HQST 100-watts 12v monocrystalline solar panel is a fantastic choice for your home and off-grid applications. This solar panel has high module conversion efficiency with an idealoutput of 500Wh a day based on sunlight accessibility.
The manufacturer understands that going off-grid means that you can get into environments with low light or lots of shades. As such, the 100-watt solar panel comes with bypassdiodes that minimizepowerdrop and maintainadmirableperformance in such situations.
This 100-watt 12v monocrystalline panels come with high-efficiency cells that come in handy in boosting spaceefficiency. Sometimes going off-grid leads you to rocky and unevenroads. That is why HQST solar panels are made from low iron-tempered glass with heightenedrigidity and impactendurance. They are also waterproof and anti-reflective with hightransparency for tapping the most light out of the sun.
For durability, HQST 100-watt solar panels are made from innovativeencapsulationmaterial with multiplelayers of sheetlaminations which also improvecellperformance. The panelsframe is made from corrosion-resistant material which extends its lifespan during outdoor use. It has also been built to endurehighwinds (2400 Pa) as well as snowloads (5400 Pa).
HQST has made this 100-watt solar panel highly-compatible by including pre-drilled holes on the panel’s back. As such, you can easilymount and secure it where you want. It also works well with different mounting systems like tilt mounts, z-brackets, and pole mounts. In addition, it comes with IP65-rated junction box and solar connect leads that make it easy to hook it up to a controller or adding more panels.
It is worth mentioning that HQST offers full after-sales service and responsivecustomersupport. You can mount this 100-watt solar panel from HQST on your RV, boat, wall, camper, and more.
Features
You can tell a lot about a solar panel just by looking at the features the manufacturer offers. Here are the features that we and other clients rated the HQST 100-watt 12v solar panel with.
Weatherproof – The solar panel is waterproof and is built to withstand high winds and snow loads. The junction box is also IP65 rated meaning its protected from low pressure water and environmental elements.
Durability – Built with corrosion-free aluminium frame that protects it against harsh weather conditions giving you years of service. The low iron-tempered glass on the panels offers boosted stiffness and resistance on impact.
Versatility – The 100-watt solar panel suits the needs of many people with different applications.
Easy Installation – The back of the panels comes with pre-drilled holes that allow for easy mounting and securing.
Compatibility – This solar panel is works well with different mounting systems, including pole & tilt mounts, as well as z-brackets. It is also compatible with most Newpowa, Richsolar, and Renogy brands.
Specifications
What are the specs of this solar panel?
Maximum power at STC: 100W
Short Circuit Current: 5.83A
Open Circuit Voltage: 21.3V
Optimum Operating Current: 5.58A
Optimum Operating Voltage: 18V
Operating Temp Range: -40º~90º Celsius
Weight: 14.3 lbs.
How to set it up
Just like many others on our previous reviews, setting up the HQST solar panel is easy. Just make sure that the panels are not under direct sunlight and covered for safety precautions.
Connect the battery to the charge controller and ensure the terminals are well-matched
Hook the solar panel to the charger controller
Connect the inverter to your battery, again matching the terminals. Off you go!
Pros:
Waterproof
Durable & portable build
Responsive customer support
Excellent performance
Bypass diode to minimize power drop
High efficient solar cells
Pre-drilled holes
Cons:
No MC4 cable included
Rating on Value for Money
The value for money is always an important factor to consider when purchasing a portable solar panel. The HQST 100-watt 12v monocrystalline solar panel costs between $79.99 and $319.99 on HQST. These panels come with high efficient cells for improved performance and reliance which appeals to us and is worthwhile.
We gave this solar panel 8/10 for rating on value for money.
Rating on Charge Interruption Recovery
Going off-grid means penetrating the thickets to find clearing, hiking, rock climbing, and more! Those few seconds that a cloud passes or enters low-light environments affect the charging frequency of your solar panels.
The best thing with HQST 100-watt panels is that they include bypass diodes that minimize power drop caused by shades. In our experience, the recovery effect was nearly 15 seconds which is impressive. The solar panel scored 8/10 rating on charge interruption recovery.
Rating on Charging Speed
Well, fully charging a 12v battery depends on the availability of sunlight. On average, a 100 AH battery offers 40 minutes at 100 amps of consumption. The HQST solar panel took around 7-8 hours to fully charge, which is why it scored 7/10 rating on charging speed.
Rating on Multiple Device Charging
The HQST 100-watt 12v solar panel does not come with USB output ports which means you cannot use it to charge directly. However, you can connect it to wall outlets and charge your devices. On average, it charged my smartphones from 20% to 50% in an hour.
It scored 7/10 rating on multiple device charging.
Rating on Durability
Regardless of a solar panel’s price tag, what matters most when shopping is how long the device can keep working and working effectively. That is why you must consider the construction material and stiffness of the panels.
The 100-watt solar panel from HQST are made using corrosive-resistant aluminium material frame which translates to durability, especially during outdoor use. This means that you can use them for decades. The panels feature low iron-tempered glass with reinforced stiffness and can endure impacts. They also are made to tolerate all weathers.
As such, it scored 9/10 rating on durability.
Rating on Weight and Portability
This solar panel is shorter compared to other brand’s 100W panels and is suitable for smaller applications. It weighs just 14.3 lbs. which is light hence making it portable for its intended purpose. It scored 8/10 rating on weight and portability.
Wrap-Up
If you are looking to add panels to your off-grid adventure system today, the 100-watt 12v solar panels from HQST is a perfect choice. Compared to other 100-watt panels on the market, these ones are shorter but have the same output.
They suit small footprint applications, are waterproof, durable, you name it! While it comes with solar connectors and a junction box, you will have to buy the MC4 cable separately. Nonetheless, it is an awesome pick.
My name is Alex Landry and I am an experienced solar PV engineer and an editor here at Tru Solar Score. I am an accomplished solar PV expert with over 12 years of installing off-grid solar systems in various states in the US. Between 2015 and 2019, I led a small team of energy audit analysts for a company based out of Oregon. I currently run this site full-time and when I am not testing a new solar PV product in the market, I am offering customized consulting on solar systems installations. You can reach me directly using alex@trusolarscore.com
RockPals is a solar panels company that was established in California in 2015. Though a newbie in this arena, compared to a firm like Jackery, it has also grown to become a market leader in dealing with electricity issues and emergency power outages.
The company’s products have got positive reviews from both the existing and potential clients due to their versatility. As the name suggests, RockPals aims at providing rock climbers memorable outdoor experiences with excellent products.
Their most reputable product is the RockPals 300W Portable Power Station Charger, followed by the one that features our review today.
About RockPals SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel
The SP003 100-watt Foldable Solar Panel Charger from RockPals is an ideal choice to have for your off-grid activities.
This high efficient solar panel charger offers 23.5% solar conversion efficiency which is almost similar to that of Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel. As such, you get optimal performance at a pocket-friendly price.
When it comes to features, very few of its kind (100W) comes close. The SP003 features a foldabledesign that adds portability for convenience wherever you go. For durability, this solar panel charger is made from heavy-duty Oxford cloth in addition to waterresistance so it can tolerate all weathers. Does it sound like a decent outdoor gadget?
The only drawback is that its junction box is not waterproof, so it should be as far away from water as possible. Also, it is not compatible with the Jackery 440. Downsides aside! The SP003 100-watt foldable solar panel charger is made for solar generator, which means it works well with most solar generators on the market.
RockPals SP003 is equipped with 3 USB output portsand in-built smart IC smart chip, a charging technology that recognizes the device being charged and boosts the charging speed. In addition, it protects your device from overloading and overcharging, while automatically adjusting charging based on the level of sunlight.
The solar panel charger can be used to charge 5V USB devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, GPS, tablets, and more. It weighs 5.5 lbs. for portability, comes with 1 MC4 cable, user manual, and 10 DC connectors.
Features
The SP003 100W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Charger from RockPals comes with handy features that make it a great addition to your home. Check this out!
Widely Compatible – The solar panel charger works well with most solar generators that you will find on the market. As such, you are not restricted to RockPals products only which is good thing because you might have another solar generator at home.
Durability – The SP003 is built with high-quality Oxford cloth material in addition to being waterproof to ensure that you get service for an extended period.
High Tech – It features in-built smart IC chip that identifies the devices you are charging and adjust accordingly. Besides, this intelligent also protects your devices from risks such as overloading and over-charging.
Versatility – You can use this solar panel charger in many different outdoor activities without worrying about safety or durability (but cautious, of course!) including hiking, camping, and more!
Portable & Foldable – Nothing matters most in adventures like the portability of a device. The SP003 is lightweight (5.5 lbs.) and foldable into a briefcase making it convenient for carrying.
Specifications
You can tell a lot about a solar panel charger using its specs. So, what does the SP003 100-watt 12V have to offer?
Wattage: 100-watts
DC Charging Output: 4 x 18V/5.4A (max)
USB Output Ports: 2 x USB 2.0
QC 3.0: 1 x 9V 2.5A Max
Open Circuit Voltage: 16V – 18V
Short Circuit Current: 6A
Operating Temperature Range: 0 – 120 F
How to set it up
Do you have your SP003 100-watt 12V solar charger and you are wondering how to set it up? RockPals has made the process incredibly easy for you.
Connect the provided MC4 cable to the panel.
If it is hooked up correctly, the LED display will show charging
Connect the panels to the power station and enjoy!
Pros
Lightweight
High conversion efficiency (23.5%)
USB output ports for device charging
In-built smart IC tech
Protects your devices from overcharging
Waterproof
Durable & foldable design
Cons
Junction box not waterproof
No compatible with Jackery 440
Rating on Value for Money
I always view purchasing a portable solar panel as an investment and spending my hard-earned money on a standard product is a big NO! The SP003 100-watt solar panel charger offers 23.5% conversion rate for boosted performance which is incredible.
If you think about the features it offers and what is included in the package, the $209.99 is worth it. Besides, it offers an operating temperature range of 0 – 120 F, which is it scored 9/10 rating on value for money.
Rating on Charge Interruption Recovery
Sometimes the sun will hide just when your device or panels are charging and that is very normal. During our testing, we went into the thickets where there is low light and then clouds passed by. We observe slight change in the charging speed which resumed in no time.
Our rating on charge interruption recovery scored 7.5/10.
Rating on Charging Speed
Charging speed varies greatly with what is being charged. The best thing with RockPals SP003, however, is its in-built smart charging tech that detects a device and adjusts accordingly.
While other factors contribute to the charging speed of a device, RockPals SP003 is unique and scored 9/10b rating on charging speed.
Rating on Multiple Device Charging
The SP003 comes with 3 USB output ports (2 x USB 2.0 & 1 x QC 3.0) for charging multiple devices with varying needs. We were able to charge our digital camera and two smartphones simultaneously and the experience was thrilling!
It scored 7/10rating on multiple device charging.
Rating on Durability
No matter how pricey or pocket-friendly a solar panel charger is, it nothing if it offers short lifespan. The SP003 is made from high-quality Oxford cloth for durability and it is IP67 waterproof to make usable under any weather.
The junction box, however, is not water-resistant so it must be protected. The solar panel charger scored 8/10 rating on durability.
Rating on Weight and Portability
The last thing you want for your off-grid fun is a solar panel charger that sucks the energy out of you. We found the SP003 is lightweight and foldable into a briefcase for convenience when exploring, making it more portable.
The solar panel charger scored 9/10 rating on weight and portability.
Wrap-Up
The SP003 100-watt 12V solar panel charger from RockPals understands the need for different power input to suit different devices. It comes with 3 USB smart charging tech that comes in handy in multiple device charging.
We also liked its 23.5% conversion efficiency rate, its waterproof feature, and durability. Even with some drawbacks, the pros take the upper hand.
My name is Alex Landry and I am an experienced solar PV engineer and an editor here at Tru Solar Score. I am an accomplished solar PV expert with over 12 years of installing off-grid solar systems in various states in the US. Between 2015 and 2019, I led a small team of energy audit analysts for a company based out of Oregon. I currently run this site full-time and when I am not testing a new solar PV product in the market, I am offering customized consulting on solar systems installations. You can reach me directly using alex@trusolarscore.com
Founded in 2010, Renogy Group Inc. stands out as one of the leading solar energy brands on the market today. This renewable energy company boasts offering high-quality equipment at a very competitive price, hence its popularity.
Are you looking to purchase efficient solar panels or a reliable charge controller? You will always be awestruck by Renogy brands. The company uses microcrystalline cells on its panels which mean they can generate substantial amounts of solar power even in the shade.
About Renogy Solar Panel 100W 12V
The Renogy 100-watts 12 volts monocrystalline solar panel is the company’s most popular producton the market. The solar panel comes in a sleek size but high in power making it a perfect add-on to your off-grid activities.
This 100W solar panel from Renogy features cutting-edge encapsulation material with multi-layered sheet minimizations to boost the cell’s performance while extending service life. For durability, the solar panel includes a corrosion-resistant aluminium frame and it also uses IP67 waterproof rated MC4 connectors for long outdoor use.
The panels are built to last for years with high transparent, anti-reflective, low iron-tempered glass. When it comes to installation, the 100-watt Renogy solar panel’s back features pre-drilled holes so you can mount and secure it without a hassle. There are also pre-drilled holes for grounding the solar panel.
Each panel weighs 16.5 lbs. measuring 47.0” x 21.3” x 1.4” (L x W x H) and works well with different mounting systems, including tilt mounts, pole mounts, and z-brackets. Renogy offers 5-year material and workmanship and 25-year transferrable power output warranty on their 100W 12V solar panel.
This solar panel has been built to withstand high winds and snow loads. If you want to harness the power of solar power to your RV, boat, motorhome, or camper (you name it!), the 100-watt solar panel from Renogy is exactly like what you have been looking forward to buy.
Features
Features are what make a solar panel worth the price tag it comes with or not. When shopping for a solar panel either for on-grid or off-grid use, you should know whether or not they serve your intended purpose. The features listed here should always be on your list.
Durability – Solar panels are built to be exposed to any kind of weather as they are installed outside. Renogy 100-watt solar panel is waterproof and built with durable materials that withstand all weather conditions.
Reliability – This solar panel has no hot-spot heating, features sophisticated encapsulation material with multi-layered sheet laminations for high cell performance. It also can work under shade and low-light environs.
Waterproof – The solar panel is IP67 waterproof to ensure it remains useful under extreme wet conditions or when splashed with water.
Versatility – You can use the solar panel in many different applications, it compatible with both on-grid and off-grid inverters, as well as different mounts.
Installation – Comes with pre-drilled holes on the back for quick mounting as well as holes for grounding.
Specs
Here are the specifications of Renogy 100W solar panel
Open Circuit Voltage: 22.5V
Max. System Voltage: 600VDC UL
Short Circuit Current: 5.75A
Optimum Operating Voltage: 18.9V
Operating Temperature Range: -40º~176º
Optimum Operating Current: 5.29A
How to set it up
When you are setting up your Renogy Solar Panel 100W 12V, you must make sure that the panels are not exposed to the sun. Make sure they are covered for safety purposes. Done that already? Now, follow these steps:
Hook the battery up to the charge controller using Renogy tray cable and match the terminals.
Connect your solar panel to the charge controller, and start by connecting the adapter kit to the panel.
Connect your inverter to your battery. Make sure you use the battery ring cables matching terminals correctly.
CAUTION: Hooking your solar panel up to the charger controller should be done correctly to prevent reverse polarity and short circuit which could damage the controllers and panels.
Pros
Waterproof
Bypass diode
Durable construction
User-friendly
Reliable performance
Guaranteed positive tolerance
Portability
High compatibility
Cons
Mounting equipment not included
Plastic charge controller
Rating on Value for Money
To me, a portable solar panel is an investment. So, the value for money is an important factor to consider when shopping for a portable solar panel. Renogy 100W 12V solar panel comes with 21% cell efficiency for improved performance when using it.
With such features, the $124.99 for these panels may seem highly-priced but found it worthy. Besides, it provides an operating temperature range of between -40º and 176º Celsius. That is awesome, right? Value for money rating = 8/10.
Rating on Charge Interruption Recovery
Weather can hinder effective performance especially when you reach places with shades and low light. The best thing with Renogy is that they use microcrystalline cells on its 100W 12V solar panels. As such, they can generate a significant amount of solar power even in the shade or low light.
The recovery interruption of this solar panel was 12 seconds and charging continued. It scored 9/10 rating on charge interruption recovery.
Rating on Multiple Device Charging
The 100W 12V solar panel from Renogy does not come with USB ports which means you cannot use it to charge devices.
Rating on Durability
Renogy uses low iron-tempered glass for boosted toughness as well as panel frames that are made from lightweight aluminium and corrosion-resistant material for durability. We also found this solar panel to be weatherproof with a securely-attached junction box.
The only thing Renogy should have included is a corner protection feature. This 100W 12V solar panel scored 8.5/10 rating on durability.
Rating on Weight and Portability
This solar panel system is light as it only weighs 16.5 lbs. and comes with a suitcase that you can use to carry it anywhere you go. Being foldable, it was even more portable during our experience with it. It earned 9/10 rating on weight and portability.
Wrap-Up
This 100-watt 12V solar panel from Renogy with high-efficiency monocrystalline system is highly-compatible, built to last with high performance, and at a good price. While it has no kickstand, the kit includes everything you will need with just a few separate purchases.
My name is Alex Landry and I am an experienced solar PV engineer and an editor here at Tru Solar Score. I am an accomplished solar PV expert with over 12 years of installing off-grid solar systems in various states in the US. Between 2015 and 2019, I led a small team of energy audit analysts for a company based out of Oregon. I currently run this site full-time and when I am not testing a new solar PV product in the market, I am offering customized consulting on solar systems installations. You can reach me directly using alex@trusolarscore.com
