Compare Two Flexible Panels

xyzHollyxyz wrote:
Yesterday, I bought a 2nd flex panel off Ebay with these exact Renogy specs for $187. Several hours later, this Solar Blvd panel for $119 was brought to my attention.

Would the $119 panel have been compatible with my Renogy panel.

How do the two panels compare - all those numbers are greek to me (I'm just trying to keep my fridge running on propane while boondocking).

Thanks for you help. Also, I noted that the Solar Blvd panel has S-S connectors? Never heard of them.

Assuming you are running a PWM controller the Solar Blvd is a way better and compatible panel at a better price. Says MC4 connectors on the site.

You asked this already. 12V panels are all compatible in parallel. Flexibility is not important here. But you will (probably) lose a little of wattage because voltages are slightly different.

120W panel from Solar Blvd is better because of more watts for less money.
It does say "1.4 meters of flex fitted with S-S connectors" - this doesn't tell me anything. It also says MC4 cables.

Send Renogy back to Ebay. You don't have to use Renogy panels just because you already have Renogy controller :)

Don't overlook shipping costs from SB, panels are expensive to ship due to their size.

This summer SB is planning to open a location in TN, but haven't heard the dates yet.

Maybe S-S is stainless due to weather?

While all 12 volt nominal solar panels in parallel may be compatible, one of the panels is rated for 19.8 volts and the other 17.7 volts. In parallel they will BOTH generate closer to the 17.7 volts.

EsoxLucius wrote:
While all 12 volt nominal solar panels in parallel may be compatible, one of the panels is rated for 19.8 volts and the 17.7 volts. In parallel they will BOTH generate closer to the 17.7 volts.

Okay, to make it clear to me - any 12V panels wired in parallel will be compatible, but the power output will be closer to the one with the lower(est) voltage rating? Got it. (sure...)

The difference between 21.7 and 20.6 is 5%.
I guess this is what he will lose, 5% of the bigger panel, or 6W. No big deal.
Shipping is a byatch though.

Why even consider flexible? (you don't have to answer this :) )

Almot wrote:
...Why even consider flexible? (you don't have to answer this :) )

Sure I have to answer - weight. Those panels are only a little shorter than me, and I'd much rather schlepp around 4 lbs x 2 rather than 18 lbs x 2, as I move them around the forest, catching what sun I can... :R

compare what, one over the other? one along with what ya got? cost, power?

120 > 100

gonna send one back?

There is no power @ Voc, that seems like a senseless comparison.

I guess he wanted us to compare in case if there were some drawbacks hidden in those Greek numbers ;)

OK, no power at Voc. Vmp difference is 10%, so he'll lose max 12W total, under perfect conditions. Still makes Solar Blvd panel better.

Yes, flexible is lighter than rigid. But you need a backing, piece of plywood or something, to put it on, and attach it to this backing. 18 lbs of rigid panel is not that much, and you won't be carrying it too far.