TP Solar vs Rockpal 60 watt solar panels

[JennyJ]

I want to get a 60 watt panel as I have little need (or money) for more solar power. I'm undecided between Rockpal 4-panel and TP Solar's bi-fold panels.  Any opinions on which is the better buy? It's hard to decide based on Amazon's reviews, knowing many of those reviews are fake or misleading.



Rockpals seems to be the more established brand, but TP Solar's bi-fold panel seems more convenient to use and has more aux cables, most of which I wouldn't know how to use anyway.  I'm planning to get Rockpal's 250 watt solar battery.

Thanks!

 

[highdesertranger]

got links? highdesertranger

 

[JennyJ]

Ooops, knew I forgot something!

Rockpals: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079DNGBQN

TP Solar:https://www.amazon.com/TP-solar-Foldable-Battery-Portable-Generator/dp/B07ZZ5SRJ6

I'm learning what some of the things are and do, but not sure what's best.

 

[RVTravel]

It would be TP solar for me.

 

[highdesertranger]

that first one is over 2 bucks a watt. yikes that is pretty expensive by todays prices. I didn't look at the second one. is that what you are trying to do, charge one of those battery boxes? highdesertranger

 

[JennyJ]

  is that what you are trying to do,  charge one of those battery boxes?  highdesertranger

Yeah, basically, HDR! 

I thought the Rockpals was kind of expensive, but then wondered if it was because it was better made. Anyway, they're all rather expensive... might be the economy? Jackery's even more expensive. It's hard to know what to get.

Here's the TP solar link:  https://www.amazon.com/TP-solar-Foldable-Battery-Portable-Generator/dp/B07ZZ5SRJ6

 

[RVTravel]

Some of the youtubers who review those products offer discounts through their links.

 

[Sofisintown]

Yeah, basically, HDR! 

I thought the Rockpals was kind of expensive, but then wondered if it was because it was better made. Anyway, they're all rather expensive... might be the economy? Jackery's even more expensive. It's hard to know what to get.

Here's the TP solar link:  https://www.amazon.com/TP-solar-Foldable-Battery-Portable-Generator/dp/B07ZZ5SRJ6

That's over $2 a watt too. Why don't you get a hard Rich Solar panel?
100 watts, $90. You can add a 'leg' to it to stand it outside if you don't want a permanent installation.
https://www.amazon.com/Richsolar-Mo...harging/dp/B07DNMY6N4/ref=asc_df_B07DNMY6N4/?

 

[JennyJ]

I wish I could get a hard panel, but my Rav4 is really limited in space so must use smaller folding panels... which are much more expensive, ack.

Also, I notice that some solar stuff on Amazon is selling out quickly... should have bought three months ago, except then I was even MORE unready to buy, lol.

 

[Matlock]

As to the value of that 60 watt panel, I'd search for user reviews outside of amazon. Either utube or blogs from actual users.

Check the connection type on the side of the battery, (panel to battery) and buy compatible solar panels. Look for MC4 solar panel connections and cables. I know the 300W Rockpal uses MC4 connections and many panels are wired for the MC4 solar charging cables. So plug and play charging as well as easy to buy longer cables that are pre-made.
The 250W Rockpal may have MC4, I didn't see that.

Panel size and quality is important. The trick is to use no more wattage out of the battery than what you can put back in tomorrow.

The below link reviews portable solar panels and may be of some help.

https://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/shopping-guides/the-best-portable-solar-panels-for-camping

just my 2¢