My New Renogy Panel and Controller

[WheelEstate USA]

I ordered just a 100W mono panel direct from Renogy (I had cables, etc). They gave me a better price than going thru Amazon and shipped free. 2 days later my panel arrived...I love quick  


So...I got the panel installed with plans of using my old charge controller but it was bulky and had no features other than a few colored lights.
I checked Renogy's site and found a PWM 30-LCD for about 50 bucks....in my price range. (not the one that comes in the kit).
Once again Renogy got right on my order and I was installing the unit 2.5 days later....and free priority shipping.
This unit has a 10 function LCD readout that tells me everything I wanna know about my system. Its easy to use and priced right.

For those who can't quite afford a more expensive MPPT controller I would highly recommend the PWM 30CC-LCD.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

OOPSY...sorry for the twin photos.

 

[steveh2112]

good idea buying from their site, it does look cheaper on the 200w kit i want too

 

[Seraphim]

I'm happy with the Renogy equipment I received. It does a nice job.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

After a few days of use I'm liking this controller more and more.
The new battery, panel and controller are worth every cent.

 

[Wabbit]

What battery did you go with? Thnx for the tip to go thru renogy, I had heard that before, but I thought it was picking up locally that made them cheaper.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Bryan...I picked up the big series 29 deep cycle at Wally"s. They are usually 100 bucks, but I snagged one for 85. Its rated at 122Ah and fulfills our few demands and then some.
If we were of a mind to have a (12V) TV, I think it would do fine for a few hours of viewing in the evenings. Watching a DVD on laptop hardly puts a dent in our supply.

I'm pleased with the system and will be adding to it in the future, as we'd like to put in a fridge when we can afford one. (a good one ain't cheap).

Free shipping on a panel alone can eat your lunch, so Renogy scores points right there.
If you call them ask for Oscar and mention you're a forum member here. I'm trying to get them to offer additional discounts for us as a group, but Oscar will do all he can to give you the best price.
Order of a morning and it goes out the same day.

 

[Baloo]

I have two renogy panels on top of my truck, ready for two more, great panels!

 

[Seraphim]

They have nice kit prices as well. Last fall a 400 watt kit could be had for about $618. That didn't include batter

 

[Canine]

Looks like panel prices are going up.The last 100 w panels I bought were $112.The cheapest I can find on ebay now are $117.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Bob...call Oscar at Renogy and he will match price and do what he can toward any discounts he dig up.

 

[Renogy]

Hey bindi&us,

We're so glad that you're happy with your new panel and controller, and Oscar's service. We'd also like to share that if you post a picture of your system on our forum, you'll receive $5 store credit that you can use with us next time. Thank you for sharing this post about your controller on the forum, we truly appreciate it.

All the best,
The Renogy Team

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

I have tested my Renogy 100 watt suitcase panel for 3 months now almost daily here in Florida. I couldn't be happier. It has been rained on frequently with no problems. I didn't even need directions to set it up and it stores easily in my tiny camper. My one battery it supplies gives me more than I need. I run led lights, pc, tablets everything that needs charged and an O2Cool fan. The fan runs almost all the time. I do want a cord longer than 15 foot though. I wonder if I can go 30 foot or 50 foot? Renogy?

Dragonfly

 

[Renogy]

I have tested my Renogy 100 watt suitcase panel for 3 months now almost daily here in Florida. I couldn't be happier. It has been rained on frequently with no problems. I didn't even need directions to set it up and it stores easily in my tiny camper. My one battery it supplies gives me more than I need. I run led lights, pc, tablets everything that needs charged and an O2Cool fan. The fan runs almost all the time.  I do want a cord longer than 15 foot though. I wonder if I can go 30 foot or 50 foot? Renogy?

Dragonfly

Hi Dragonfly,

We're glad to hear how happy you are with our suitcase. Unfortunately, the suitcase currently does not have any attachments to extend the solar cables, and we do not recommend extending it further as it is already using 14 AWG at 15ft.

All the best,
The Renogy Team

 

[Almost There]

Hi Dragonfly,

We're glad to hear how happy you are with our suitcase. Unfortunately, the suitcase currently does not have any attachments to extend the solar cables, and we do not recommend extending it further as it is already using 14 AWG at 15ft.

All the best,
The Renogy Team

Do you have plans in the works for an extension cable?

I won't be ready for a portable solar system until fall but the ability to extend the placement range beyond 15 ft will be absolutely mandatory.

 

[akrvbob]

This is an opportunity for feedback also. If you offered an upgraded model with heavier and longer wiring I'm sure you would sell it. Or had an extra cost add-on kit with heavier and longer wiring. It will cost you more but I think most people would be willing to pay more.

One of the main advantages of the suitcase is being able to park in the shade and run the panel out to the sun, for that you often need a longer cable than 15 feet.

Another idea to pass up the ladder?!
Bob

 

[Renogy]

Do you have plans in the works for an extension cable?

I won't be ready for a portable solar system until fall but the ability to extend the placement range beyond 15 ft will be absolutely mandatory.

Hi Almost There,

I'm not completely sure about whether or not we have plans for an extension cable, but I do know that a longer cable for the suitcase is currently under research and development. While I do know that, I don't actually know how far along the progress on that project is, or when it will be out. I'll be sure to keep the forum updated if I hear any news on it.

All the best,
The Renogy Team

 

[Renogy]

This is an opportunity for feedback also. If you offered an upgraded model with heavier and longer wiring I'm sure you would sell it. Or had an extra cost add-on kit with heavier and longer wiring. It will cost you more but I think most people would be willing to pay more.

One of the main advantages of the suitcase is being able to park in the shade and run the panel out to the sun, for that you often need a longer cable than 15 feet.

Another idea to pass up the ladder?!
Bob

Hi Bob,

Thanks for all the suggestions! All the feedback that the forum has already been able to suppy us has truly been helpful and has been recorded for consideration.

I know that an upgraded model with heavier and longer wiring is currently under research and development, but as for an add-on kit, I haven't heard anything about that as of yet.

All the best,
The Renogy Team

 

[Almost There]

Hi Almost There,

I'm not completely sure about whether or not we have plans for an extension cable, but I do know that a longer cable for the suitcase is currently under research and development. While I do know that, I don't actually know how far along the progress on that project is, or when it will be out. I'll be sure to keep the forum updated if I hear any news on it.

All the best,
The Renogy Team

Thank you, I can only hope it will be ready about the same time as I am...

 

[Canine]

Same with me. I haven't priced it but I'm looking for,something portable. How much R and D is needed to simply increase the wire size?

"Hey Fred, instead of using 14 gauge wire, make it 12..."

"Uh, sure boss..."

Oversimplifying I am sure but really...