Solar Suitcases Compared?

SLJ · February 2024

I've had the 200W Renogy for two years now and it has good output and given me no problems. I moved and mounted it's Renogy controller inside the tub (pic) so it's closer to the batteries. I use a 20' extension with the suitcase. You get a lot less cable power loss when the controller is close to the batteries and not at the panels.
Between it and my 105W roof panel I typically get at least 250W of charging. Even when overcast I get above 200W (pic).

elbolillo · February 2024

I have an Ecoflow 220w bifacial panel. 30lbs. Works great. With it and the rooftop solar on my 23' 400 I am able to charge my batteries quite effectively.

https://www.ecoflow.com/us/220w-bifacial-solar-panel

Marceline · February 2024

I have the Ecoflow 160w suitcase. I got it a couple of years ago through Costco. I think that it's a bit heavier than the panels you're looking at, but it's pretty robust.

VictoriaP · February 2024

I have the Bluetti 200w (snagged at a killer sale price a bit over a year ago), and am pleased with it, but if I were shopping now, that Ecoflow 220w bifacial that @elbolillo suggested would be really tempting. The 30 lb weight would be something of a drawback for me personally, though.

AnOldUR · February 2024

VictoriaP said:

... but if I were shopping now, that Ecoflow 220w bifacial that @elbolillo suggested would be really tempting.

There's a good sale on the Ecoflow marked down from $649 to $399. It's still over twice as much as the Vevor that I posted above. Not to mention the 16.6 lbs compared to the Ecoflow's 30.9 lbs. Justified?

The couple of reviews I've seen on the Vevor are good, but wishing there was more.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/vj/8aj4s0u9ii5u.jpg

Maple_Geek · February 2024

I also have the 200W rigid Renogy foldable suitcase and got rid of the Renogy controller in favour of a Victron that I mounted inside close to my batteries. I'm happy with the performance but my only complaint is the weight. It's great when it's windy but they are annoying to carry. I can't see myself getting more if I wanted more than 200W of solar.

GatorEgg · February 2024

I’ve had both 100 and 200w Renogy. Both were fine units. I sold them with previous trailers.
Soon will be ordering another for my latest trailer.

VictoriaP · February 2024

AnOldUR said:

VictoriaP said:

... but if I were shopping now, that Ecoflow 220w bifacial that @elbolillo suggested would be really tempting.

There's a good sale on the Ecoflow marked down from $649 to $399. It's still over twice as much as the Vevor that I posted above. Not to mention the 16.6 lbs compared to the Ecoflow's 30.9 lbs.

The couple of reviews I've seen on the Vevor are good, but wishing there was more.

The weight is a catch 22, as @Maple_Geek notes. Can be very beneficial in windy conditions, but a real pain to lift and carry. I’m disabled (more so now than when I first started Tabbing) and strength is very limited, so light weight is a high priority for me.

One thing I’ll note is that a well made solar panel is often more efficient and will typically last longer. This is one area where I put cost as a lower priority versus a solid build and a good warranty/customer support. Which is why if I were in the market and able to handle that 30 lbs, the EcoFlow would be a no brainer at the sale price.

rcarlson1957 · February 2024

@pthomas745, I used two 120 Bluetti Portable Solar Panels. I installed a Victron Solar Controller and external connector in my front tub. I use one panel for the camper although could combine them if needed when boondocking. I also bring an extension if I've park out of the sun. I use the other panel in conjunction with a small bluetti solar battery to run my portable ICECO GO20 Fridge/Freezer. It can basically run that indefinitely. Been working good for about 2 yrs so far.

pthomas745 · February 2024

I have panel envy for these new "portable" setups from all these companies. Lighter, more powerful, etc. And, just easier to deal with. I'm used to toting around the 100 watt "glass panel", at least. I've set up a small 50 amp hour lithium battery to handle my Alpicool fridge, and can easily switch my controller to the spare lithium battery to charge it up.

The luxury of all these amp hours and improved solar tech has been really something to watch since I bought my trailer.

bergger · February 2024

I've been using a couple of Jackery Solar Saga 100 watt panels which I really like. A bit pricey but they are good panels and very easy to transport. I like having two smaller panels so I have the flexibility of taking along and using only one if I want to. If I use them for my power station then I can plug it in directly. When I use it for the T@b I run then through a Goal Zero charge controller.

ScottG · February 2024

While I don't have much to add, it was amusing to see one of my first forum discussions resurrected.

FWIW, The Renogy 100W suitcase with 10A PWM controller I bought in 2016 still meets my needs. Technology sure has advanced though--I've been interested in the more recent comments about the current generation of solar equipment.

bjn2 · February 2024

Check out this site's channel for suitcase solar panel reviews. https://jasonoid.com/ Jason tests panels well and has good reviews on generators and 12V cooler-style fridges. I got a Bluetti AC180 for a great holiday price and bought an Oukitel 200W solar suitcase to charge it. I'm adding a solar port to our 320 along with another Victron solar controller so I can use the same suitcase to charge the trailer. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BG9N6CZK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Rick24 · April 15

For the Tab320, could I use the EcoFlow 110, or would I need the 220?

Cherokee · April 15

The durable case, stout frame and hardware all make a difference. We've had our ZAMP solar for years of trouble free service

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/wp/vcmmv1podifo.jpg

Basil48192 · April 15

It's been a few years since I purchased my Renogy 200W suitcase...so I'm not sure what has changed.
I decided on the Renogy because it had a great price, Grade A+ monocrystalline solar cells, a high efficiency rating (I believe over 22%), and a good warranty (5 years for 95% performance and 10 years for 90%). It also came with a very nice, padded carrying case.

I didn't really care about the controller because I liked the bluetooth capability of the Victron controller, so I bought a second Victron and mounted it in my tub. I don't think Renogy offered it without a controller at the time, so I just bypass it when I connect to the T@B.

So far, I'm very happy with it. It has held up well and performs very well. The best output I've seen to date is about 180 watts...on a nice, sunny July day.

The only downside that I can think of is that it is a little cumbersome to move around. Folded up, it's about 21" x 42" and weighs about 35 lbs. However, it does fit nicely in the back seat of my pick-up truck.

I hope this helps you decide!

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/gq/zd7x829mal9l.jpg

Slackers · April 16

@Basil48192 We have the same solar suitcase but have stuck with the included Renogy PWM controller. We agree with your assessment.
We store ours in the same place in our pickup. We secure it with a pair of bungee cords hooked on the post of rear seat head restraint and the loop for securing a child safety seat.

pthomas745 · April 16

@Rick24, how big is your battery? A 100 watt solar panel, on a mythical perfect day in the lab, can produce about 8 amp hours going into your battery. A 200 watt, 16 amp hours. Most owners are opting for larger panels (200 watts at least) these days due to the larger battery setups in the trailers. And, obviously, the larger panels will charge faster, and that can be a great help on the "less than perfect" days such as early spring or autumn as the sun angles change.

Have a look at your Ecoflow panels and note the type of connectors on the back of the panel: are there "MC4" connectors where a solar extension cable can be attached? Or do they have the "proprietary" barrel connector to attach the panel to an Ecoflow battery device? There are adapters for the "barrel' connectors that would enable you to attach the Ecoflow panels to a solar controller. MC4 connectors would be ideal, though.

Basil48192 · April 16

@Slackers. Ha! Great minds think alike! I secure mine the exact same way!

ScottG · April 16

Basil48192 said:

@Slackers. Ha! Great minds think alike! I secure mine the exact same way!

Indeed. Me too! :-)

Gomers2 · April 16

@ScottG, I'll give you my best answer to what I think was your original question: it's fine to go cheap and build your own system, especially if it is for backup or augmenting existing power options. I found an older robust Chinese made 100w suitcase panel at Goodwill for $40 and removed the controller. I wired up 25' of 14 awg with SAE connectors (cheapest robust option is to buy an extension cord and cut off the ends). I got a Renology controller that can do LiPofe charging profiles on Amazon for $20. That runs thru the smart shunt so I can see that it gives me about 5 amps in decent sun. Combined with the 380w existing it's plenty for our needs so far. [ An aside: a previous post was talking about a 100w panel being able to deliver 8 "amp hours" to your battery. That's a bit misleading I think. My understanding is that a 100 w panel should produce about 5 amps of current in a 12v system. That's an instantaneous reading. After an hour it will have produced 5 amp hours, and if you move it around for four or five hours of direct sun you'd make 20 or 25 amp hours for consumption or storage. Twice that for a 200w panel. Either way it's definitely a useful amount.]

Gomers2 · April 16

FYI I chose to mount the controller inside near the other related equipment (black box in upper right). Added benefit is that the run from the panel is at 22v and then converted to 12 near the battery, so marginally less power loss in the long cable run.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/3q/rqqdxshh0dco.jpg

rzabel · April 17

I just purchased these Renogy 220W panels.

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Lightweight-Portable-Suitcase-Kickstands/dp/B0D4QBQ3S9/ref=asc_df_B0D4QBQ3S9?mcid=25a6ab5eaf313d17ae681d0c445182e9&hvocijid=4503391685735857284-B0D4QBQ3S9-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4503391685735857284&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033176&hvtargid=pla-2281435176938&th=1

They are IP68, so more waterproof than the smaller, lighter units most are talking about in this thread. They were on sale about a month ago, so I paid $50 less. I bought an extension cord with MC4 connections and an adapter to SAE.

I have 2 trailers and used a 200W Zamp suitcase panel for my bigger trailer (1948 Spartan Manor) for many years, and a 70W Zamp for the T@B. After I upgraded the batteries (both trailers now have 2 ea 100 ah lithiums), the 70W wasn't large enough and I got tired of packing and hauling the massive and heavy 200W Zamp panels. I have Victron equipment (solar charger, smart shunt, DC/DC charger) on the T@B and Renogy equipment (batteries, charger/inverter, DC/DC/MPPT charger) on the Spartan. I wish I had more empirical data, but anecdotally, the Renogy panel is less efficient (only getting 150 to 160 Watt output, but I've only used it a couple of times and it's early in the season), but it's so much easier to pack, store and use, and it has more than enough capacity to charge while keeping the T@B 12v fridge running. I like having the apps for monitoring the charging status with either Victron or Renogy devices. I didn't have that with the built in chargers on the Zamp panels. I sold my old Zamp panels on FB marketplace and they paid for the new panels, charger and cable.

pthomas745 · April 17

@Gomers2 I made the comment about the possibility of "8 amps" from a 100 watt panel. I did say "on a mythical perfect day in the lab". Which is hard to duplicate! I did see 7 amps on a couple of occasions on great days in mid summer in the desert.

In the winter, I was happy to see 3 or 4 amps from that 100 watt panel.

SLJ · April 17

I have the Renogy 200w suitcase I've been using for a couple of years, their newer light portable 4 fold 200w panel, and their 200w roof panel I'm installing on a new camper next week. I'm hoping to set all three up in the same spot/position for a comparison in the next week.

SLJ · April 18

Got the chance to hook all three up today in full sun, same position and angle, same extension, and same controller. The 200w flexible roof panel I haven't mounted yet did the best with the lightweight foldable 200w portable within 5%. The older, heavier 200w suitcase was about 15% less.

200w suitcase https://www.renogy.com/200-watt-12-volt-monocrystalline-foldable-solar-suitcase/

200w portable https://www.renogy.com/renogy-200w-portable-solar-panel/

200w flexible roof panel https://www.renogy.com/200-watt-12-volt-flexible-monocrystalline-solar-panel/

AnOldUR · April 18

@SLJ can you share the actual wattage that each was pulling in? And maybe amperage to the battery if you have it?

The 310W panel that I recently added to our 320's roof got a real world test last week. Mostly cloudy, rainy conditions, but still got some good results. Hit a P max of 265W. Well worth the upgrade.

I've collected a few different suitcases and will do some comparative testing and report back.

SLJ · April 19

AnOldUR said:

@SLJ can you share the actual wattage that each was pulling in? And maybe amperage to the battery if you have it?

The roof mount went on today but I can do the two portables at some point. I just did quick percentages of the best to the worst as there were too many variables and my batteries were already fully charged. Will need another sunny day and drain the batteries before hand.

Rick24 · April 21

If I have the external SAE port, do I need a separate charge controller or will the Victron work as a charge controller? If I got the Renogy, what would I need to plug it in? I have a 2024 T@B320 S Boondock

SLJ · April 21

Rick24 said:

If I have the external SAE port, do I need a separate charge controller or will the Victron work as a charge controller? If I got the Renogy, what would I need to plug it in? I have a 2024 T@B320 S Boondock

It depends on which Renogy model you have. You will need a charge controller as the Victron takes care of the roof panel. Some of the Renogy suitcases have them built in and attached to the panel. Others like the lighter foldable panels may not and a controller would need to be purchased.

You might also need an adapter to go from the panels connectors to an SAE plug. Something like this: https://amzn.to/3Ge0AIb

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