I want to put together a portable solar system to experiment & learn with this summer to decide if I really want solar. My goal is to get as many watts as possible but keep the weight per panel under 20 lbs. I was looking at Product A and B listed below and was getting ready to order Product B when I decided to look for some other lower priced 100W panels. What I found was most other 100W panels weighed more( Example: Product C ) than Product B. I am ignoring the cost per watt delivered to my house in this scenario but left it in because I am guessing someone will ask. I am also ignoring the fact that portables can walk away, won’t be usable while traveling, probably won’t get used because I’m lazy and in general are a PITA.So my questions for you guys is:1) How much does the weight of a solar panel affect the quality?2) Is there other factors in the specs of the 3 panels listed below that should be a bigger factor in influencing my decision?Product AManufacturer: W SolarMax Power: 75WOpen Circuit Voltage (Voc): 23.36VShort Circuit Current (Isc): 4.17Maximum Power Voltage (Vmp): 18.0VMaximum Power Current (Imp): 4.28AWeight: 15 poundsDimensions (inches): 38.61 x 23.79 x 1.17Cu Inches: 1075$1.40/wattProduct BRenogy Solar PanelMaximum Power at STC: 100 WOpen - Circuit Voltage (Voc): 22.5 VShort- Circuit Current (Isc): 5.75 AOptimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 18.9VOptimum Operating Current (Imp): 5.29 AWeight: 16.5 lbsCu Inches: 1402Dimensions: 47 x 21.3 x 1.4 in$1.50/wattProduct CManufacturer: Solar CynergyMax Power: 100WOpen Circuit Voltage (Voc): 21.0VShort Circuit Current (Isc): 6.30AMaximum Power Voltage (Vmp): 17.0VMaximum Power Current (Imp): 5.80AWeight: 25 poundsDimensions (inches): 44.00 x 26.50 x 1.25Cu Inches: 1458$1.31/watt

Weight does not affect performance as such, where exra weight might be in a heavier frame. Check frame depth in inches. some are 1 inch some are 1 1/2 inch. Sometimes a stronger panel frame is good if your portable stand contraption is not strong.You care about the Isc rating in amps because that is what you should expect with a panel pointed at a high sun.Your list:A. You seem to have the Isc and Imp reversed B. Isc is low for the wattage, seeC. Where Isc is correct for a 100w panel (6.3a)IMO C is the better choice here.

The heavier of B and C also has 10% larger area. Which simply means - less efficient per sq.ft. Though, being not 10% but the whole 50% heavier, it most likely means - better frame and/or thicker glass. A stronger product, in other words.It is interesting that they put Cu.inches in the specs - to me this number is non-informative.Isc doesn't mean much, with MPPT controller. With PWM - yes, it does.Btw, I will never understand why somebody would NOT want a solar, at today's prices. Bolt 200-300w to the roof and forget about it. It may or may not be the only or the main source of power depending on your situation, but there is no loss here. It will be charging your batteries in between (and sometimes - instead of) generator runs. Though, 100w is more a supplementary energy source, not something to rely on.

"At today's prices" is correct unless you are a poor newbie wandering in the wilderness. Yesterday, I was in an RV shop in Parksville where they had a 145w "kit" for sale at a mere $675.I asked the guy what that was about and he said they got a "smoking deal" on those which is why the price. I said you can get the panel around here for $200 (actually not, but you can get a 100w for $125, so call it 200w for $250) and the controller for $30 plus pay whatever for the other bits and pieces.In fact, still out of sight for price, but just down the road a ways, the same kit is going for $509http://www.wegosolar.com/products.php?product=145-Watt-Solar-RV-Kit-with-30A-Flush-Mount-ControllerHe got sort of angry looking and stomped out to go check around his collection of trailers for sale, while I went my way. I don't think I will shop at that RV place anymore for parts! :)

I have been using "A" as a portable unit for the last year and am happy with it. As mentioned, weight has nothing to do with performance. Get whichever one suits you.

Yeah, $500 for a 140w kit is funny. Canadian prices are often funny. Solarblvd South of the border sells those kits for $330, free S/H within 48 states, and I still don't think this is a good deal because the only good part there is the panel itself. But the OP is not looking for kits, he is looking for panel. Which is the way to go.

Portable Solar Panel Question | Good Sam Community

BFL13
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2014
"At today's prices" is correct unless you are a poor newbie wandering in the wilderness. Yesterday, I was in an RV shop in Parksville where they had a 145w "kit" for sale at a mere $675.

I asked the guy what that was about and he said they got a "smoking deal" on those which is why the price. I said you can get the panel around here for $200 (actually not, but you can get a 100w for $125, so call it 200w for $250) and the controller for $30 plus pay whatever for the other bits and pieces.

In fact, still out of sight for price, but just down the road a ways, the same kit is going for $509

http://www.wegosolar.com/products.php?product=145-Watt-Solar-RV-Kit-with-30A-Flush-Mount-Controller

He got sort of angry looking and stomped out to go check around his collection of trailers for sale, while I went my way. I don't think I will shop at that RV place anymore for parts! :)
Almot
Explorer III
Mar 14, 2014
The heavier of B and C also has 10% larger area. Which simply means - less efficient per sq.ft. Though, being not 10% but the whole 50% heavier, it most likely means - better frame and/or thicker glass. A stronger product, in other words.

It is interesting that they put Cu.inches in the specs - to me this number is non-informative.

Isc doesn't mean much, with MPPT controller. With PWM - yes, it does.

Btw, I will never understand why somebody would NOT want a solar, at today's prices. Bolt 200-300w to the roof and forget about it. It may or may not be the only or the main source of power depending on your situation, but there is no loss here. It will be charging your batteries in between (and sometimes - instead of) generator runs. Though, 100w is more a supplementary energy source, not something to rely on.
BFL13
Explorer II
Mar 13, 2014
Weight does not affect performance as such, where exra weight might be in a heavier frame. Check frame depth in inches. some are 1 inch some are 1 1/2 inch. Sometimes a stronger panel frame is good if your portable stand contraption is not strong.

You care about the Isc rating in amps because that is what you should expect with a panel pointed at a high sun.

Your list:
A. You seem to have the Isc and Imp reversed

B. Isc is low for the wattage, see

C. Where Isc is correct for a 100w panel (6.3a)

IMO C is the better choice here.

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