I just bought mine and when it came in my wires in the middle two panels got stuck and pinched badly. I had to return it as I knew the wire would be damaged. There is some quality control issues and possibly Amazon selling returns as new when they are damaged or defective. $600 you expect that each system should have been opened and closed to make sure the wires go through the grommets. The 2 end panels worked fine but the middle wire would not slide like it should. Also the packing material could have been better, the handle was all scuffed up because there is no padding for the handle. I do wonder if they send out checked models to review?
Thanks for the video. I'm in the process of building out a solar rig for camping, power outages, and portable ham radio ops.... Using some type of extension cordage, how far can one of these sit from the charge controller without the cord causing too much resistance/drop and really reducing effectiveness?
Great! Your voltage drop will depend on wire size used, voltage and distance. You can do a google search for a voltage drop calculator and it will help you figure out what your exact voltage drop will be depending on your voltage, wire size and length of wire. Then you can decide what distance would be acceptable for you in terms of voltage drop.
I have 4 of the 200w heavier solar suitcases, they take up space, so do prefer these. But I run a 24v system and don’t know if you could get these without the controller so you can parallel them together.
I’m not familiar with that power station connections but I would think maybe a MC4 splitter on one end to the connector your power station requires. Just check and make sure you’re within the input requirements of the power station.
There are so many variables on tilt angle depending on if it’s winter or summer and location. I think Renogy went with the best overall angle. I haven’t measured the angle so I’m not sure what it is set at.
This doesn't come with a solar charge controller like their 200 watt suitcase does. I wonder why that is? Anyway, what charge controller would you recommend?
I believe the intent is to have a portable panel that can be used with any existing system that already has a charge controller. If a charge controller is needed I would recommend either of the two listed below. The 40 will do just fine but I would get the 60 if you think you might want to expand at a later date. Then you won't have to purchase another charge controller in the future. Rover Li 40 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller - renogy.sjv.io/Wqo1Zn Rover 60 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller - renogy.sjv.io/xkd7V3
The minimum charge controller would be the Rover Li 30 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller. This will work and would be the most economical if you don't intend to use any more panels other than the single 400w solar suitcase. renogy.sjv.io/5gJVOo
@@DIYHomesteadProjectsDIYHP10 Thank you for the awesome recommendations and the rapid response. I like the price of the 30 amp much better, obviously. I could use this one on either one of my battery banks that I currently have. I would want a contained system that would work to power my batteries in either location and would want it to be portable. I like the footprint of this one better than the 200 watt suitcase and the price is great. I believe that I would get the smaller controller and just set it up to go back and forth depending on my needs. Do you know how long the sale will last? Thanks, Pat
I completely agree and understand. If in the future you decided to get more panels you could double your wattage by wiring the panels in series to create a 24V array and you could use up to 800W of 24V solar on the 30amp charge controller. So getting the smaller charge controller isn't necessarily limiting your PV as long as you wire in series to a 24V array. Since it is an MPPT charge controller it can handle the 24V array and still charge a 12V battery. Sorry I do not know how long this sale will run. For some reason I seem to remember reading something like the 11th of May but I'm not sure exactly what products that applies to or if that is even the correct date. I wish you the best with your solar projects!
I can't keep up with all the sale prices but this link will take you to the current price on the 400w solar suitcase. Use code DIYHOME at checkout to save an additional 6% Renogy 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase renogy.sjv.io/Mme5vM
@@brucemurphy2735 Communication in the USA is abysmal!! I ordered the 200 Watt suitcase with 10 awg 20 foot extension cables ($69.98 USD for the cables) The cables never arrived!! Got the suitcase in 9 days, After 4 emails and 5 phone calls they are sending another set. Wont get them for 2 weeks??? Just left a bad taste in my mouth, kinda regretting from ordering from them. Should of went with another company I think?
@DIYHomesteadProjectsDIYHP10 interesting because for the 400 W one I'm looking at there's no mention of monocrystalline on the Amazon page all the other solar panels do mention it. Renogy 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase, Foldable Solar Panel Charger for Outdoor Activities, RV, Camping, Marine, Off-Grid, Fast Installation with Sturdy Kickstands Material Fiberglass
Renogy 12V 100Ah Pro Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery & 200 Watt Solar Suitcase Test and Review - ua-cam.com/video/eTHgmIFCRYg/v-deo.html
I just bought mine and when it came in my wires in the middle two panels got stuck and pinched badly. I had to return it as I knew the wire would be damaged. There is some quality control issues and possibly Amazon selling returns as new when they are damaged or defective. $600 you expect that each system should have been opened and closed to make sure the wires go through the grommets. The 2 end panels worked fine but the middle wire would not slide like it should. Also the packing material could have been better, the handle was all scuffed up because there is no padding for the handle. I do wonder if they send out checked models to review?
Great job!!! Thanks for your sharing👏
Thank you for watching!
I have this panel and really like it...I also have its little brother, the 220, I use the smaller one more often when camping. Great video.
Thanks for sharing, I like this panel too!
Thanks for the video.
I'm in the process of building out a solar rig for camping, power outages, and portable ham radio ops....
Using some type of extension cordage, how far can one of these sit from the charge controller without the cord causing too much resistance/drop and really reducing effectiveness?
Great! Your voltage drop will depend on wire size used, voltage and distance. You can do a google search for a voltage drop calculator and it will help you figure out what your exact voltage drop will be depending on your voltage, wire size and length of wire. Then you can decide what distance would be acceptable for you in terms of voltage drop.
I have 4 of the 200w heavier solar suitcases, they take up space, so do prefer these. But I run a 24v system and don’t know if you could get these without the controller so you can parallel them together.
The 400w panel in this video does not come with a charge controller. The panel wires come with MC4 connectors.
I own this, it works good
Do you need a solar charger if you have a power station?
No, most power stations have a built in charge controller.
How would connect 2 of these 400 w panels to a powerbank like the ecoflow delta pro?
I’m not familiar with that power station connections but I would think maybe a MC4 splitter on one end to the connector your power station requires. Just check and make sure you’re within the input requirements of the power station.
seems a little short on the legs for morning/evening sun optimization?
There are so many variables on tilt angle depending on if it’s winter or summer and location. I think Renogy went with the best overall angle. I haven’t measured the angle so I’m not sure what it is set at.
This doesn't come with a solar charge controller like their 200 watt suitcase does. I wonder why that is? Anyway, what charge controller would you recommend?
I believe the intent is to have a portable panel that can be used with any existing system that already has a charge controller. If a charge controller is needed I would recommend either of the two listed below. The 40 will do just fine but I would get the 60 if you think you might want to expand at a later date. Then you won't have to purchase another charge controller in the future.
Rover Li 40 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller - renogy.sjv.io/Wqo1Zn
Rover 60 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller - renogy.sjv.io/xkd7V3
The minimum charge controller would be the Rover Li 30 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller. This will work and would be the most economical if you don't intend to use any more panels other than the single 400w solar suitcase. renogy.sjv.io/5gJVOo
@@DIYHomesteadProjectsDIYHP10 Thank you for the awesome recommendations and the rapid response. I like the price of the 30 amp much better, obviously. I could use this one on either one of my battery banks that I currently have. I would want a contained system that would work to power my batteries in either location and would want it to be portable. I like the footprint of this one better than the 200 watt suitcase and the price is great. I believe that I would get the smaller controller and just set it up to go back and forth depending on my needs. Do you know how long the sale will last?
Thanks,
Pat
I completely agree and understand. If in the future you decided to get more panels you could double your wattage by wiring the panels in series to create a 24V array and you could use up to 800W of 24V solar on the 30amp charge controller. So getting the smaller charge controller isn't necessarily limiting your PV as long as you wire in series to a 24V array. Since it is an MPPT charge controller it can handle the 24V array and still charge a 12V battery. Sorry I do not know how long this sale will run. For some reason I seem to remember reading something like the 11th of May but I'm not sure exactly what products that applies to or if that is even the correct date. I wish you the best with your solar projects!
@@DIYHomesteadProjectsDIYHP10 Fantastic!!! Thank you so much!!!
Pat
Nice review thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Output voltage? I can’t find it
The specs say 47.2V open circuit voltage and 40.0V optimum operating voltage.
Price?
I can't keep up with all the sale prices but this link will take you to the current price on the 400w solar suitcase. Use code DIYHOME at checkout to save an additional 6%
Renogy 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase
renogy.sjv.io/Mme5vM
Nice, but a little pricey.
Product looks good but communication from the company is poor ( in the UK anyway). Not a good sign in terms of customer service
@@brucemurphy2735 Communication in the USA is abysmal!! I ordered the 200 Watt suitcase with 10 awg 20 foot extension cables ($69.98 USD for the cables)
The cables never arrived!! Got the suitcase in 9 days, After 4 emails and 5 phone calls they are sending another set. Wont get them for 2 weeks??? Just left a bad taste in my mouth, kinda regretting from ordering from them. Should of went with another company I think?
Your code didn’t work
I don’t think it works for some items that are already on a sale but I’m not positive.
Not monocrystalline
The manual states this panel is Mono-crystalline Silicon Cell Type
@@DIYHomesteadProjectsDIYHP10 says fiberglass
www.renogy.com/content/RSP400LSC/RSPXXXLSC%20RPPXXXLSC-XXXXX%E3%80%90RSP220LSC%E3%80%81RSP400LSC%E3%80%81RPP220LSC-VOY20%E3%80%81RPP400LSC-VOY20%20%E8%BD%BB%E8%B4%A8%E4%BE%BF%E6%90%BA%E5%BC%8F%E6%8A%98%E5%8F%A0%E7%BB%84%E4%BB%B6%E3%80%91_Manua%EF%BC%88ENDEJP%EF%BC%89_A0_20230820%282%29.pdf
@DIYHomesteadProjectsDIYHP10 interesting because for the 400 W one I'm looking at there's no mention of monocrystalline on the Amazon page all the other solar panels do mention it. Renogy 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase, Foldable Solar Panel Charger for Outdoor Activities, RV, Camping, Marine, Off-Grid, Fast Installation with Sturdy Kickstands Material
Fiberglass
@@DIYHomesteadProjectsDIYHP10 well bummer if they had labeled it better on Amazon I would have picked this up I wish the price would go down though
Why not get two 200 watt renogy panel it’s 160 $ cheaper for two 200 watt
You could do that too if you wish. This 400w kit is just a little smaller and more convenient than two 200w rigid panels.