Renogy Solar Equipment

[RRMontgo]

Has anyone purchased/installed Renogy solar panels and controllers? Just wondering how you're doing with it. Does it conform to it's rated output? What was the initial quality? How are they on longevity of service and long-term quality?

They are based in CA and do mostly home installations, but they also market panels for marine installations. They have great prices on flexible panels compared to other suppliers. For example, their 100 watt flexible panel is around $230. I've seen others 3 or 4 times that amount. Mind you, the Renogy flexible panel cannot be stepped on, but we don't plan to step on them!

Here's their website with prices.
Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kits for Sale | Renogy Store

Thanks,

Rob

[newhaul]

No but I did use a similar kit from windy nation and we are ferry satisfied with the panels and performance to date and they are out of LA cali

[RainDog]

I use their panels but not controllers. I have two of the 100 watt semi-flexible panels. Not the greatest quality. Where the wires come out of the panel I had to completely rebuild before installation. Once I did that they work fine and I see the expected output.

Certainly a low quality product, but great price. I would buy them again.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[RRMontgo]

Raindog. Thanks! Does your blog have a posting showing your work on the panels and installation?

[RainDog]

Originally Posted by RRMontgo

Raindog. Thanks! Does your blog have a posting showing your work on the panels and installation?

It does not. Afraid my wife does most of the blogging. I always forget to take pictures of my projects. I will try to do a write up this week and post it. Will update here when it is done.


I tried to fit two big Kyoceras first. Could not find anyway to get them to work on my boat without it looking stupid. They would still be my first choice if I could find a way to get them above the Bimini or on an arch.


Since I could not, I decided to do a rail mount. Since traditional panels are heavy and fragile, I decided to try flexible panels. The Solbians are way to expensive, so decided to try the discount option after reading about the semi-flexible Renogy panels on another blog. I have been happy with the choice, but be realistic about what you are getting.

[autumnbreeze27]

We've got 4 X 100W flexible on our boat. I walk on them. I haven't had a chance to isolate them and make sure they all work properly, but it's on my list.

[RRMontgo]

Originally Posted by autumnbreeze27

We've got 4 X 100W flexible on our boat. I walk on them. I haven't had a chance to isolate them and make sure they all work properly, but it's on my list.

Thanks! You have 4 of the Renogy 100-Watt flex panels? Did you have problems with the junction boxes like Raindog did?

[Opie91]

I purchased 4 100 watt rigid Renogy panels. They are working great so far. We are on our fourth year with them and have had no issues.

[autumnbreeze27]

Originally Posted by RRMontgo

Thanks! You have 4 of the Renogy 100-Watt flex panels? Did you have problems with the junction boxes like Raindog did?

No issues.

[RainDog]

Originally Posted by RRMontgo

Raindog. Thanks! Does your blog have a posting showing your work on the panels and installation?

Just added it to the blog: https://raindogps34.wordpress.com/20.../solar-panels/

[RRMontgo]

Originally Posted by RainDog

Just added it to the blog: https://raindogps34.wordpress.com/20.../solar-panels/

Awesome!! Thanks!

[brownoarsman]

I have the renogy 100w rigid panel too. It works well. However, if form factor is a concern, the renogy 100w is very rectangular, while the Windy City one is more squareish.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by brownoarsman

I have the renogy 100w rigid panel too. It works well. However, if form factor is a concern, the renogy 100w is very rectangular, while the Windy City one is more squareish.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

This is true the renogy panels are 4 ft long by 21 inches wide and the windy nation ones are 40 by 26. We used the windy nation ones mounted on the hard dodger the others would have hung to far over the front but if you have the length go with renogy panels you can mount 4 across the push pit as opposed to only 3 of the others

[billwalker88]

We have three of the hard 100w panels on board, had no problems with the wiring, and have been very pleased with the output. In fact, I'm waiting on my order of two flexible 100w panels now, which I'll put on the bimini. Btw, you can order most Renogy products including these panels from Amazon.com ... with free Prime shipping

Bill