Compare Two Flexible Panels

[xyzHollyxyz]

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.

[xyzHollyxyz]

Almot wrote:
Brat? You have a talent finding unusual things.

.
Why yes, I do, don't I? 🙂
One of my various talents...

I'll go look at the Morningstar you mentioned.

Thanks.

[Almot]

Brat? You have a talent finding unusual things. $90 for PWM with no display and no adjustments other than battery type selection. Well, at least it's a decent brand. The only feature that I see as somewhat useful to you, considering your portable application, is weather-proof casing. Morningstar Sunsaver 20 would be another alternative, same price.

Or get some on-off clicker like ASC. This is not true 3-stage charger, but on-off machine, scroll down to "Operation". Will do for occasional charging.

2*100W don't need more than 15A.

Thanks for the video. Part 2 describes actual testing. I've been telling people about perils of buying on Ebay and Alibay for long time. 25 British pounds for that - jeez...

[xyzHollyxyz]

Almot wrote:
...Sorry boss, her controller is MPPT.

FEMALE OP HERE ;): After watching a HORRIBLE 2-part YouTube review of that "MPPT" controller I have (which supposedly is NOT MPPT or even a true PWM), I plan to trash it.

I am looking at perhaps a MidNite Brat. Or another, less expensive, PWM controller.

Here's a link to the scathing review of the controller I currently have: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA3X8XLxWHU

And here's my current controller:

[Almot]

CA Traveler wrote:
Holly,

The key for your application (assuming PWM type controller) is that the panels can deliver Isc with good sun. So you'll get 6.1+6.1 = 12.2A maximum to charge the batteries.

Got the gender wrong, my bad.

Sorry boss, her controller is MPPT.

[EsoxLucius]

Cool!

[xyzHollyxyz]

rjsurfer wrote:
Those Renogy panels are under recall for fire hazard...

Fire hazard !

Ron W

OP HERE. I called Renogy yesterday and found out that my panel is NOT in the recall.

And, for rigidity, I did this on both long sides of the panel:



And here it is deployed last year in ID:

[rjsurfer]

Those Renogy panels are under recall for fire hazard...

Fire hazard !

Ron W

[CA_Traveler]

Holly,

The key for your application (assuming PWM type controller) is that the panels can deliver Isc with good sun. So you'll get 6.1+6.1 = 12.2A maximum to charge the batteries.

This is how 12V panels like yours charge a 12V battery.

[Almot]

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.

[red31]

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.

[xyzHollyxyz]

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

[Almot]

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 🙂 )

[xyzHollyxyz]

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...)

[EsoxLucius]

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.