Bye bye roof solar. Need flexible recommendation.

ChrisK

It was not my decision but mother nature decided we shouldn't have solar panels on our T@B roof. We got back from our camping trip this weekend only to find both 100w flexible panels were no longer on the roof. We just had some dangling wire. Now, These had been secured to the roof with VHB under the panels and Eternabond on the edges. It also ripped the cover off the AC cabinet vent as they departed. No idea if it happened on the way to camp or on the way home. We went through a huge storm on the way there with rather strong wind. 
Anyways, I'm done with roof solar. What I want is some folding panels we can take when we need them and leave at home when we don't. I want foldable so they are easy to transport. I already have a Victron controller installed so I don't need something that comes with a built-in controller. Recommendations?

Sharon_is_SAM

I think Renogy is a good value.  We have two 100 watt suitcases that we carry upright in our van.  They fold smaller than 1 large 200 watt suitcase.  We also found their customer service very helpful.  Make sure you get about 30 feet of 10 gauge marine wire for extensions.  That way you park in the shade.  You want very flexible wire or it will be a bear to coil up and store.  The original wire we purchased from Renogy was way too stiff.  I think we bought the wire from Amazon.  Renogy can explain and supply what you need to build out extensions (MC4 connections, fuses, branch connections, etc).  If you have a solar port, great.  Just check the polarity of the leads as they were originally set up for Zamp products.  You can install a solar port as well.  If no solar port, you can make pigtails that remain attached to your battery which then makes it easy to hook up your solar.  

CrabTab

We use a Renogy 100W briefcase too, the Eclipse model. It is a bit smaller than the standard panel.  We got lucky and purchased it on sale, when it was actually cheaper than the standard panel.

ChanW

I installed our panels on the TV's rack to be able to charge while driving, and to be able to quickly set up at camp, away from the Tab  (w/ a flexible extension cable - leaving the Tab in the shade). 

FYI: my little bit of experience with MC4 connector brands, the Renogy brand were easy to use, came apart no problem, but the WindyNation MC4 cable ends were much more of a pain to disconnect...

I used the standard MC4 connectors on the extension cable, and for the entry 'port' into the battery box. 
This port from GoPower works well for the MC4 connectors:

Homebodyatheart

I love my ACOPOWER 120w solar suitcase. It’s simple to use, just over 8 pounds (vs 40# for other brands), and I can lock it up using the edge grommets, locks and a cable. 

ACOPOWER

4.7 out of 5 stars  20 Reviews

ACOPOWER 120W Foldable Solar Panel, 12V Foldable Solar Suitcase with ProteusX 20A Charge Controller in Suitcase …

 ACOPOWER 120W Foldable Solar Panel, 12V Foldable Solar Suitcase with ProteusX 20A Charge Controller in Suitcase …

 

VictoriaP

I went with Renogy’s cheaper & lightweight Eclipse soft case version instead of the regular suitcase with built in stand, and my only regret is not getting the beefier model despite the added weight. The panels themselves are excellent, and I just put them flat on the roof of my car when parked at camp.

Added a Victron controller in a waterproof box and 10AWG Windy Nation cables, which coil pretty well (stuck mine in wire loom to make them more manageable.) Since the 2019 didn’t include the Zamp port on the front tub, I added an SAE pigtail to the battery over the past weekend and an SAE connector to the wires from the controller in place of the original alligator clips I used. SAE is so much easier than wrestling with the MC4 connectors that for me require using the little wrenches from Renogy to decouple. Putting in a port is definitely next on my list.

One plus to being able to detach the controller...using a separate adapter, I can use the panels to recharge my lithium Goal Zero Yeti 400, which has a built in controller of its own.

It’s a decent setup. I’d still rather have roof mounted panels for that no-action-required constant charging.

ChrisK

Thanks for all the great info everyone. Now comes the grueling task of removing the VHB tape and eternabond left on the roof.

jkjenn

ChanW said:

I installed our panels on the TV's rack to be able to charge while driving, and to be able to quickly set up at camp, away from the Tab  (w/ a flexible extension cable - leaving the Tab in the shade). 

FYI: my little bit of experience with MC4 connector brands, the Renogy brand were easy to use, came apart no problem, but the WindyNation MC4 cable ends were much more of a pain to disconnect...

I used the standard MC4 connectors on the extension cable, and for the entry 'port' into the battery box. 
This port from GoPower works well for the MC4 connectors:

I have never seen an MC4 port, before. Interesting.

Edit: I realized this is what is usually used on a roof. Interesting adaptation as a port for portable panels.

Denny16

Yes, I like it better than the small fragile looking Zamp connectors.
cheers

jkjenn

Denny16 said:

Yes, I like it better than the small fragile looking Zamp connectors.
cheers

But, MC4 connectors can be a real pain to connect/disconnect.

ChanW

The MC4 connectors fit in the Go-Power port like they were made for each other.

I did find the Renogy MC4 connectors to be way easier to disconnect than the ones that Windy Nation uses.

I'm able to squeeze & release them with my thumb and forefinger, but not so with the Windy Nation ones.

And I have relatively big hands.

jkjenn said:

Denny16 said:

Yes, I like it better than the small fragile looking Zamp connectors.
cheers

But, MC4 connectors can be a real pain to connect/disconnect.