Defective Renogy Solar Panel

[BurbMan]

In the process of refurbing this Lance, I decided to add 100w of solar so I got the economy bundle from Renogy, which is one 100w panel and a 10a controller. I only have one battery in the Lance, so figured that would be enough.

After installing the solar, I was seeing around 2.2-2.5a charging on the controller display but attributed that to the fact that I was home and plugged into shore power. Then I took a boondocking test run to the beach in November and ran the heat all night, so I knew the battery was down. In bright sun the following day the controller was still only showing 2.5a.

I emailed Renogy tech support and they had me take some readings with the panel disconnected and send them photos of the meter readings.

Bottom line, they determined that the panel was defective. They sent me a prepaid shipping label to return the old panel and sent me a new panel at no charge. I tested the new panel today (before installing it) and am seeing 4.93a at 21.7v.

Not sure if anyone has had issues with Renogy panels, but their service is excellent! Good to know they stand behind their products.

[pianotuna]

StirCrazy wrote:


not sure why anyone would buy that model to start with 10amp PWM. I ended up with the 30amp MPPT Renogy Rover. so far very happy with it and it got better reviews that a lot of controlers twice the price. for my pannal I went with a 325 watt 120 split cell 24v Canadian solar and am amazed how much it actualy gives me. but I will be adding 1 more if I can figure out where to put it.... no real roof on my camper so mounting is a little bit of a challange.....

Steve

Side mount and use as an awning.

[StirCrazy]

Almot wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Nice to hear a good report!

... for a change ;).
Rarely panels are defective from the beginning or stop working within a few months. Only occasionally one of (4?) diodes would poop out. Controllers are a different story. 8% 1-star feedback on Renogy waterproof chargers. Interestingly, people complain on slow service too: https://www.amazon.ca/Renogy-Voyager-Waterproof-Controller-Batteries/dp/B07YXZ68F5/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_p...

not sure why anyone would buy that model to start with 10amp PWM. I ended up with the 30amp MPPT Renogy Rover. so far very happy with it and it got better reviews that a lot of controlers twice the price. for my pannal I went with a 325 watt 120 split cell 24v Canadian solar and am amazed how much it actualy gives me. but I will be adding 1 more if I can figure out where to put it.... no real roof on my camper so mounting is a little bit of a challange.....

Steve

[Almot]

pianotuna wrote:
Nice to hear a good report!

... for a change ;).
Rarely panels are defective from the beginning or stop working within a few months. Only occasionally one of (4?) diodes would poop out. Controllers are a different story. 8% 1-star feedback on Renogy waterproof chargers. Interestingly, people complain on slow service too: https://www.amazon.ca/Renogy-Voyager-Waterproof-Controller-Batteries/dp/B07YXZ68F5/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_p...

[campigloo]

I have a Renogy rover30 mppt. The original went bad and I sent it back. They diagnosed the problem and within 10 days I had a replacement unit.
Pretty good I thought!

[sgfrye]

good to hear. i have had 2 100 watt panels and charge controller form them and have been very happy with them.

[ktmrfs]

I have 3 of the 200W portable kits from renogy and they all have performed as expected. I just disconnected the built in controller and the input goes directly to the midnight solar controller.

Good to hear they responded quickly and fixed the problem!

[pianotuna]

Nice to hear a good report!

[Lwiddis]

WindyNation’s weatherproof 10 amp charge controller is $22. Also a good choice.

[Sandia_Man]

I purchased one of their 100 watt suitcase kits 5 years ago, it has performed very well, really helps to give a boost to the panels mounted on the roof. Pretty durable as well, one time I left it on our metal rolling tonneau cover over our truck bed, next day found the wind had blown it off face down unto the ground, about 10' away from the truck.

Thought it was a goner for sure, after removing all the dirt, sticks, and rocks the wind had driven into every nook and cranny of the suitcase it worked as if nothing had occurred. Did lose the charge controller as it went through a major storm and it was not water resistant, ordered another from Renogy that is waterproof and it has endured a few storms without issue since.

[Lwiddis]

Good service to you will keep you as a customer and get others to try them.