Van Life Essentials: I Bought Cheap Folding Solar Panels on Amazon
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- Опубліковано 29 лис 2024
- Today we unbox and compare a brand new type of solar panel which is a soft folding suitcase solar panel kit which has several major advantages. 1) They are tiny and extremely light which makes bringing them in and out of the vehicle very easy. 2) Because the panels are not flexible, they should be quite durable. 3) By putting them outside you can park the van in the shade and tilt the panels and track the sun with them. I think they are fantastic and can work great for many people!
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Thanks for watching!
I have waited a LONG LOOOOONG time for a video like this on “your” channel. Not everyone has big rigs & budgets for the traditional setup. I thank you BOB for this.
Baha Queen Bob is the bomb. Even ppl who have money don’t want to waste it on inferior products.. I don’t like to buy the same product more than 1x..
That's right. 194,000 views of hope.
Just bob buying these solar panel systems and eventually giving them away to people who genuinely need them helps others in need which will encourage others who can to do the same which can only benefit everyone
@@nonyabizness.original : Except that he said he bought them. Maybe after the final evals, the 'winning' company might feel compelled to give give him some products to continue good publicity and promotion of it.
@@nonyabizness.original They are not freebies. His integrity would make him say so.
@@nonyabizness.original we will
Exactly
I have the Dokio 100W panel for my campervan. I'm a big fan of the Dokio panels. I have the solar controller wired into the van and then have a 10m cable which allows me to place the solar panels in the best location around my van. One thing I do advise though is to place a thin piece of soft material in between the panels when folded to prevent each panel slightly scratching the other when in contact.
Ok so I need the panels, extension cord and I also need a battery?
@@kathypfohl well if you want to do something other that charge via USB you'll certainly want a battery!
Thanks for that note.
How does the Dokio work after two years?
@@beethov3n still going strong. The panel is still crystal clear and producing as many amps as when it was new. Camping right now as it happens.
Bob you’re an ANGEL!!! Thank you so much for EVERYTHING that you do and of course for everything that you do for the Van Life Community. Much love from NEW YORK!!!! ❤️
I bought the Dokio 200 watt panel from Amazon after watching this and I have not had any problems. It does a good job.
This is fantastic! I’m not on the road at this time, but I’m gathering knowledge for the future. You just never know what’s around the corner in life. Thanks for the video. I imagine the people who get to test these will be so thankful to have them. 😎
Hi, are you on the road yet?
Love this!!! Please do not wait 6 months for each review, As we are anxious to see their progress, and will probably start purchasing them regardless. No long video needed, how about 3 months? I hope you understand why, I am chomping at the bit so I am probably not the only one.
You just did what I thought couldn’t be done...you convinced me that I DO want portable soar panels as opposed to mounted ones. I’ve been trying to figure out how to mount solar on my contoured fiberglass roof, But, you are so right...with portable panels I can park my van in the shade and still charge my panels!!
That is our plan too. I love the versitility of these.
Make sure to read reviews for these products. According to a Dokio customer, it took them 4 months to get Dokio to honor their warranty after their panels fell apart. As for Renogy, three unanswered emails from one customer. Beware. For me, customer service is almost as important as the product they produce. Solar is the future but don't let yourself get ripped off by shoddy products.
I just bought the Dokio without doing any research.. Darn know I'll have to send them back. Thank you for your input.
Bob, you are the best! No one else is so informative on solar and the other aspects of nomadic life. Your videos are what piqued my interest in a different lifestyle. Keep up the great work you do!!
Hello Bob! First I just have to tell you how much I sincerely appreciate ALL you do for the vanlife community...and for humanity in general. I am not exaggerating when I say that you have *saved my life* by helping me to see that vanlife is the way forward for me to rebuild my life in a way that includes my healing my tattered spirit and nervous system AND making my objectives into realities AND living closer to my values....you (and those you have interviewed too) have shown me that I CAN do it! I
I would be SO grateful and honored if you would consider me when you decide who to give these solar suitcases away. I have been wanting to begin collecting some of the necessities for me future van build...but I am a middle-aged, ill with a chronic pain condition, living on an inadequate disability income...still working on figuring out HOW I'm ever going to get a van....but watching your channel EVERY DAY..keeps my hope alive! Having one of these solar suitcases would help me so much even just symbolically, but also, due to the fact that I remember how beautiful it was after hurricane Sandy, a few residents of my neighborhood came out with tiny little portable solar set ups and allowed neighbors to charge phones and tablets/laptops so we could contact friends and family and also coordinate to provide emergency assistance to elderly and disabled living in highrises without electricity for the elevators. We saved thousands of lives and we couldn't have done it without the communications that these few ppl with portable solar equipment made possible. If we ever have another such disaster, I want to be one of the neighbors with a solar set up that I can make available!
I know you'll get thousands of requests to receive one of these, of course I understand if you cannot give one of them to me, but I thought you might feel good about my plans for it if you ARE able to choose me to receive one of them!
Thank you for EVERYTHING you do to make the world a better place Bob! I can't wait to meet you at the RTR...if not this year...then next year!
I'll be watching for your results. Also, for those who are on social security, it's easier to save for these.
Yes but they are still flexible solar panels, just packaged in a suitcase.,subject to the same in and out of vehicles and campers. The size is definitely an advantage for many in cars or vans as you mention. My opinion only, you still get what you pay for. So some inexpensive ones shown here may still have a high failure rate regardless if the flex or not. Can’t go wrong with companies that back their products with great warranties. I have the larger independent flexible 100w you mention but I take care of them, stored in the great box and protective foam pads that they were shipped in. Thank you for your very informative videos Bob, they are so valuable to so many people who can’t afford to do the research themselves!
Thanks Bob for taking the time to do some research. And following along to watch how each one compares will help a lot of people see which one is a perfect match for their needs.
Thank you, Bob, for doing this! I learned something very valuable from the first of this series, and that was the weight of the suitcase panels. I’m 62 with very bad arthritis in my hands (actually had thumb joint removed) so there is NO way I could lift 50 pounds! I am learning a lot about connectors and such, too!
I have had mine for 6 months already. It is hooked up with a 700w inverter and had given me the best results. I use it daily to run my TV at night and my frig during the day. has its own USB port to charge my phone. The best investment I have made for my small trailer. Great video. Thank you
I have the Dokio 100 w two panel with one marine 12v battery. , the inverter is a 700w to 1400w
What kind of refrigerator do you use? Is it 12v? Propane? 110v? Also, you said "run my frig during the day" .... does that mean you turn your frig off at night?
@@campusa8742 is a home freezer /frig combo 110v and yes at night it is turned off. never had a problem . all stay cold or frozen.until the morning
If you break them, don't throw away, but recycle ... probably some cooper/aluminium in the units, as well as recyclable plastic. Thanks for the Solar Panel Analysis & subsequent long-term testing Bob! This will help many in their buying decisions.
I think it would be cool if you checked in every 3 months the first year and every six months thereafter. This is an exciting development! Thank You!
Wow, you have made solar look so doable! Thanks, Bob!
I have the Dokio 150w that I use to charge the battery for my trolling motor. Works GREAT and charges quickly. Ordered the 300w for my motorhome that should be here tomorrow, thoroughly expect to be just as happy with it. Awesome product, great pricing.
Hi. Could you please give me a recommendation?
I have a 23lb trolling motor. My deep cycle battery is too heavy to pack. Do you attach solar panel direct to trolling motor or to a battery.
If so, what size battery do you use? How long does it take to charge your motor from battery? Thank you.
Thanks Bob. These are right on time. Just getting ready to buy some solar. I have been looking at these and know nothing about them. These videos really help.
None of the panels in this video would do anything more than charge your cell phone and possibly a GoPro camera...
Thank goodness for people who keep searching to make things like this more accessible to the average person. Thanks, Bob!
I have had the Dokio 200w for awhile now. I absolutely love it ❤️
Does it support lithium battert?
@@bill71053 I have lead acid it should support lithium battery
good info ,I am interested in getting solar , thanks !
Can you use it in series to produce 400w?i don't think anything less then 400/500 will work for me
Hello Bob, thank you for taking the time to do this. I learned this past January that I needed a solar kit that could handle temperatures below freezing. Brrr. Will be watching to see your reviews when the season changes. Keep up the great work.
This is a great video Bob! Thanks! We have two 100 watt panels on the roof of our van and wanted to add another 100-200 watts. These might work well for us without taking up much space!
Thank you for showing us this new category of solar! 😁Would love to see stress test results and see how they hold up to weather, packing and unpacking over months.
I purchased one of these (100 watt) to charge my 500 watt generator. It is unbelievable! Charges my generator and my on board RV batteries. It is light, compact and easy to just slip behind my couch. Love it!
These power set ups could also work in off grid fixed structures.
Those look like flexible panels. They are just smaller and attached to a cloth fold out case.
Btw, I think one of these would be better if they attached the charge controller to the case. Maybe have a ventilated pouch that it sits in all the time. Just have a long cable that comes out for connecting to the battery. This would make it a lot easier to place one of these in your back window while driving, etc, then pulling it out once at your destination. Having the battery cable on a built in spring loaded spindle would be awesome also.
All this is so over my head. Thank you for doing it for us!
Leaving 8-1-19 for my new adventure as a nomad. My friends and family are so supportive. Even the one who cries everytime she helps me toss something else away. Praise the LORD for cell phones!
I have the dokio 80 watt and I love it. I plug it in to my pop up camper battery to keep my battery charged and it seems to help but I only run lights, maybe a small fan so it is hard to tell. I use it to charge my tablet and phones all the time and it does a great job. I have had it for almost two years and have used it probably 40 days. I attach it to my little step stool with a small bungee and take it in when the sun goes down or if it is rainy or dewy. The only problem I had was the controller, the wire came out but I just reinserted it and screwed it down and it fixed it. It stores perfectly under my seat at the dinette. I am taking it on our tent trip to the Grand Canyon next week and won't have the step stool but it will store nicely behind the truck bench seat. I will just hang it from the truck or something.
Thank you Bob, for doing this....it helps those of us who cannot afford to try them all out to find out which one is the best quality!
Bob, thank you so much for the side-by-side comparisons. I am in the planning phase of my eventual, highly anticipated van life and how to power the few things I might have is a huge question mark for me. I know carpentry but I know nothing about powering things. Now, I know there are user-friendly options. I'll be looking for the follow-up reviews. Thank you, Bob and the testers.
I would like to say,the longer the extension cable on those panels the less voltage & wattage you will receive. Past experiences I've had. You should be paying a $1 a watt for panels,No more.
Great video and explanation. Thumbs up!
$1 per watt for these flexible toys maybe...but if you're still paying a full dollar per watt for solid panels you need to find a new panel guy.😎
Install thicker cables. You can buy 25 foot 8 gauge jumper cables for cheaper than you can buy 2 25 foot 8 gauge rolls of wire.
Even cheap Dollar store cables are thicker than most of those wires.
You will have to do a bit of modifying for the panels to connect to the thicker wires for transmission over distance.
I solved this on a small home setup by taking two grounding bars.
One for the positive and one for the negative for six different solar panels. . Separated and insulated from the mounting block.(2x4) You can attach the cable using an eyelet. It might take a bit of work but it is possible to reduce voltage and amperage loss over short distances.
Longer cables do hurt a little but the flip side is that they allow you to get the solar panel into the right location where it may get extra sunshine - I like to put my camper van in the shade sometimes but still want my panel out in the sunshine. I guess the solution is to have a couple of different cables.
@@Daz555Daz As long as the panels are wired in series you cn use longer cables. If you also use a MPPT Charge Controller
Totally agree with you on those flexible solar panels. Never had any luck (they all failed). I went with the Renogy 100w Eclipse solar suitcase (rigid, with kick stands) and couldn't be happier. I did have to swap out the diodes (per consultation with Renogy...they sent be a bag full of new diodes). It has excellent output. Heavier...yes. Hardware rusting out issues? Yes. Had to do some DIY maintenance to fix that. Otherwise...solid panels. Solid company too.
Very helpful - it is taking the mystery out of solar and resolving a problem for me as I really didn't want solar on my van roof.
Can't wait for the results. Thank you for doing this.
Very useful information and helpful testing of these units. Thank you, Bob! 🐯
A blessing of a video to a beginner.
Whoa! Wonderful. So many great uses for these - a great intro to solar too. Thank you Bob.
I have the dokio 200 watt, used it some to try it out ,I'm only on short trips right now, I have it charging 1 deep cycle battery a couple smaller power packs,then it runs my fans in the afternoon I like it. I would by another one if I needed more power.
I am glad it is working for you. I read the reviews and they were terrible. lots of people said they bowed when they were heated up. They did not say what state they lived in though but I am sure they would bow in my state of Fl.
So you have One 200 watt? I would love that
Hi @Ronald Sahn, if I get the 200watt one, do you just buy a battery for golf cart and then how do you use fans and devices?
@@justinfisher5175
I have just a deep cycle battery for 12v and a inverter for 110 v then it has usb plugs so you can recharge powerpacks,phones ect. also, if I want to run a fan most of the day I have a 12v fan on a small panel of its own on a long cord so I can park in the shade.
Ronald Sahn ok, I’m just so new to this but I need my fan lol! And is there a wattage or something for deep cycle battery I need?? Thanks for your help in advance I really appreciate it
Got 2 of the ACO power 450 watts and last 2 1/2 years could not be happier with them- tip for the flexible panels Bob don’t recommend I glued 200watts worth to my roof with butyl tape and Dicor they don’t move and still working for me. Also that way low key and stealthy. Know a few folks in LA with hard panels on a roof rack got stolen cause people know what they are
Great Bob. I automatically buy anything you recommend.
Here's how you can make a million... Design a solar panel that acts like a windshield cover for when you are parked. Do you remember auto darkening glasses? Maybe that technology can have a role in your new solar project too.
Aspect solar had these years ago I have a 80 watt one I’ve been using since 2014
I’m so glad you brought up the durability issue. I’ve seen them and it’s really hard for me to believe these panels are durable. I would go for a stiffer panel not a flimsy fabric one. A Jackery panel is a high priced portable but has a five year warranty. There are other portable panels built much stronger with better ROI. Thanks for the solid review!
Part 3 is crucial to me. Cant wait.
Many thanks for the info, and I am looking forward to long term reviews again.
My thanks never seem enough...Mr. Wells, you do so much in service of others. It is my hope that one day I will learn to do so again myself.
A word regarding Dokio's panels...the panels are great. The charge controller that it comes with is downright scary. It is not fused, which you may think is no big deal. Anyway, for whatever reason, it shorted, and nearly started my truck on fire. I happened to be standing next to it, heard my smoke alarm and ripped the alligator clips off of my battery just in time.
Anyway, when I attempted to contact them to tell them what had happened, asking for a simple FUSED replacement? Not a peep from them. It's been 2 months.
Horrific customer service, POS charge controller that's dangerous. Buy at your own risk.
Note that in the product description, it was described as fused...
Scary! I'm glad you were nearby to hear the electrical short! Thanks for your review!
I can't wait to see what the comparisons are to what you had bought Bob! You give me so much information, and I keep saving it, for when I go on the road!
I will use your best ones for home. I can set two in the window during the day and use both, one at night, one during the day, to save on some electric energy. I love my incandescent lights. 15 watts are good to use as background light at home. Also, I run two small radios at a cost of $2.50 each per week and a small fan in the house. I look forward to seeing your results in a month. Thanks.
This should open up solar to everyone….thanx for making this and looking forward to the follow up videos...
Thanks Bob for doing this testing on these solar panels. I and my wife are converting a cargo van at this time to live in, and being low income and my wife retired we don't have a lot of money to spend on the solar system so this will help show us what we need and will be a great learning tool. Thanks
As someone doing this as weekend or vacation trips charging with the vehicle running was my main option as I’ll be going constantly. These would give me a cheap way to charge that battery if I stay in one spot for a couple days of a week vacation. I’m very interested to see how this goes.
I purchased the 200 watt DOKIO set over a year ago. I’ve used them for occasional camping and so far it works great. I did make a stand to secure the panels so they don’t blow over.
Just started watching and I love it. I've dreamed of that life since I was a kid. Great job !
Bob, I recently found your channel, and I must say that you have given me a great deal to think about. Myself and my wife will be going full time RVing in a few months (got tired of the city life), and listening to the advice you give will help us in setting up our Class C. Thanks for all the help and advice you give!
Have you posted a follow-up someplace in regards to the longevity of these solar panels?
Can hardly wait for the updates. In the meantime, time to start purging my stuff.
There's also a 300 watt Dokio
Thanks, Bob. Amazingly useful information exactly when I needed it!
Thank you Bob, for your continual education
Wow....I'm excited for the future results!!!!
I've had the dokio 100 folding panels and have ran them over twice left them out in several storms 2 years so far no problems the output has dropped a bit due to scratches and such but for a hundred bucks I'm happy
Thank you so much for looking out for us all we are #grateful for everything you do
These panel comparisons are invaluable to us who don't have time to run these side by side's. I will be going this route at the ranch for power on the south side of the river. No power down there, yet.
I especially appreciate the information in this one as well .... I cannot wait to be able to seriously binge watch every one of your videos because it's only in recent times I've discovered you and your UA-cam along with other UA-camrs and I'm in Northern Wisconsin so I really have quite the mix of weather and it gets miserably and dangerously extreme up here ... so I need things that are quite durable, reliable and long lasting because the weather especially in Winter can be quite deadly if we are out camping ... on the road... or in any such situation.
Myself and Friends really appreciate all of the incredible information you have to offer and I will be sharing this link thank you so much for taking the time to teach all that you do and really provide so much information!!
I really like your headkercheif !!! It looks to be "scenic" in nature. Colors graduate from green grasses to sunny sky to mountains far away! That is what I see in this video. The products are great as well...thank you for all you contribute to the lifestyle...
Thanks again Bob for helping us out!! Looking forward to results :) xoxo Cody
Thank you Bob!!!! I didn't even know these exist! Thank you for putting time into researching these
Thanks Bob for all the information, great job and public service for like minded people. ✌
I enjoy listening to all your informational videos, I’ve learned a lot from them.
Hi Bob - have you done a follow up on any of these yet?
Bob, I'd be very happy to longer-term test a Dokio panel for you. Let me know? Thanks BobC
I have had the Dokio 150 watt panel for over a year. At first I was scared to leave it out when I wasn't home, or in the rain either way. Eventually I got tired of bringing it inside at the first drop and now just leave it out day and night. NOW, I live in a patch of trees, and it Never gets full sun, and it still makes enough juice to charge my phone and a USB fan everyday and then some. My little solar generator holds enough to charge my phone 4 or 5 times.
Now please know some of the plastic at the inside folds is decintegrating, but so far it just keeps on working.
Awesome videos Bob!!! You got me thinking.
Hi Bob - great video, should let you know we bought a Dokio 80 watt, and per their site, they may ship with one of two different charge controllers. It looks like the one on your video has screw terminals. The one we ordered has XT60 connectors, which if you want to buy cables or connection accessories, are not as widely available as SAE. One SAE to XT60 connector is supplied to hook up the panel, along with XT60 cables to spring clips and a bare pigtail. We still like the panel and will give it a try, and will comment back on how it works for us. However, "your experience may vary."
this is something I have dreamed about doing for a long time. There are so many ideas out there. I am on very limited income and I have not found a van yet....but I can still dream. thank you
I bought an Aiunsey 500watt solar generator on Amazon for cheap, and am saving up to get myself a 100 Watt solar panel. I found a great priced one on Amazon but do not have the money yet to buy it. But my plan is to get the solar panel and use it daily to not be ignorant about these things the next time the power goes out.
Thank you! This video is just what I needed to see as I'm getting my camper ready for solar. I really appreciate what you do, Bob!
I would like to do a long term test with the 200 to supplement my batteries on my boat. I'm running a 12 vdc/ 120vac small fridge, and 12vdc lights.
Thanks for the video, Bob. We have a used B+. I have a small solar panel on the roof, but during the summer, I prefer to park in shade if possible making the roof solar worthless. I am looking seriously for something like these for that purpose.
I have two of the Dokio 100w panel kits, a larger 20amp controller, a Two-input to one-output Y cable, and a 25 foot extender cable, all with SAE tips. Just got them, so have not used them yet. Got them to charge my portable 100ah AGM battery box, if my power is out after a hurricane again.
Hi BOB! I really enjoyed this video as well as all the others. Can’t wait for the next one
Just an idea for put panels on your roof use two roof racks that clamp onto the gutter, two pieces of unistrut metal (narrow), bolt that to the racks, clamp panels to it then run your wire some way that best for you
Thanks you so much for all the information that the common person can understand! Keep up the good work. Greatly appreciated. Also love it that you share your wealth of knowledge. And find it amazing that in this day and age you are giving so much to other people! There is a great place for you
I like the grommet holes acopower has to help string them up. incorporated into the carry bag . Every little bit helps .
Great video Bob great information you always give out great information and I thank you and I hope many others do too I look forward to your videos
This is a brilliant & really informative video.. Gratitude.
Thank You 😄
for all you do to help us be SUCCESSFUL💓
thank you Bob.Im learning alot from you.Im finding my best deals to get started on the road this spring.
The SAE connection is on the outside of some RV's, so may be a better for those with the port
The bad thing about SAE is the connector may be wired backwards. Test with a multimeter before connecting components.
What a great addition for the Vanlife and camping crew. Would also make a great backup to your existing hard mounted panels. Nice catch, TY for the information.
I just got a jackery which is similar in size & price. My friend has used his for a year and recommend jackery to me :-)
Looking forward to what you find out. I’m looking for solar for my camper.
Thank you Bob
I got the Dokio 200 a while back, I love it!
That's good to know. How long have you had it? Roughly.
@@grannieannie1371 A year and a half, I don't use it full time, but when I do, it works good.
I have the same one and I love it
@@MenAtWorkMedia22 excellent, thank you.
Thanks for sharing! I was eyeballing that one online before watching the video - I'm sold on it!
6:18 On the Acopower panel, the ~2"x12" strip is one of 3 legs to prop the panel up, that's a nice feature.
Perfect for my needs, I'm going to try one, will let you know, minivan dweller, Slowing down Jo
Bob, you are the best! I have been waiting a long time to get solar because of the size and weight issue. This is very helpful!
Bob Wells ... it is really a blessing that you started your channel. You are so informative and helpful. I have been watching you for a very long time. I have a dream of traveling as a nomad, but need a van. Still looking for an affordable high top... hard to find.