On the backside of the dual folding panels was an integrated 5-stage, 10-amp waterproof solar charge controller. I'm looking at 120watt portable panels. Connecting Renogy Suitcase Solar Using Zamp Plug. If you want a portable and lightweight one I would go with the foldable Twelseavan 120W panel. Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. I also have a Renogy MC4 to SAE Adapter. The Voyager controller allows for another set of panels if the need arises. Thanks for all the information. I'll also do the math once I see how I function in this trailer. Now I understand why Zamp flipped from the standard polarity on their connections. I chose Zamp because of their reputation and made in the US kits. Zamp Solar 140-Watt Portable Charger Kit â The Zamp solar panels are good choices since theyâre made in the US and come with a 25-year warranty. Renogy 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit. (26 lbs) I'm totally aware of the reversed polarity with Zamp. I'm assuming there must be something significant that I don't understand. Ranging in output from 45 watts to 230 watts, our portables can charge any kind of 12-volt battery, ⦠Compatible with the Zamp ⦠HQST 100 Watt 12 Volt Polycrystalline. Many trailers come already pre wired for Zamp so you should be sure how yours is set up. make the ⦠Both options work fine. Solar Panels and Charge Controller AMPS. I'm going to pause for now since discovering my trailer has LED lights, and since realizing my first several trips have hookups, so I can trial boondock and see how my battery does. The Renogy ⦠Renogy is one of the best solar brands, which is why it often receives some of the most positive reviews. Portable panels feel way more manageable. I have a zamp battery box cover and a Renogy panel / kit. Installing solar panels on the roof of your RV, van, or motorhome can be a great way to address your energy needs ⦠Are flexible panels worth it? The ZAMP compatible connector in the front of the camper is a 2-pole receptacle that will receive a standard 2-pole flat trailer connector and goes directly to the battery terminal. Some LED lights at night, fridge on propane, honestly water pump for toilet (hate beach campground toilets). I use Renogy 100 watt Solar Suitcase w/ 20 Amp Voyager Controller. The name comes from the Society of Automotive Engineers who created the specifications the connector is based on. The Renogy ⦠Advantages To Portable Solar Panels. The SAE connector is a physically genderless two-conductor DC connector. There are many different portable solar panels on the market, but we put together a list of some of our top picks for the best portable solar panels for camping. Do most people make the choice based on simplicity versus economy? I see so much talk about the reversed polarity between the Zamp and Renogy...I wish all "problems" were so easy to solve. Instead of paying the higher price for the ZAMP system, I opted for a Renogy 100 watt portable ⦠In conclusion, we like Zampâs system better than the old Renogy portable solar power system and thatâs saying a lot. How long are the trips? Does the Zamp simply plug into the camper, while the Renogy must be attached to the battery with the alligator clamps, or can you plug it in using the MC4 to SAE Adapter? Our Zamp suitcase came with both alligator clips and the plugin adaptor. I could by two 100 watt suitcases and ⦠Portable solar systems ⦠The outcome is the same. Why can't I reverse the wiring on the zamp battery cover by wiring the wire coming out of the Zamp⦠You can get the same price and maintain the Renogy warranty in the event the product is received damaged in any manner. Evergreen State. 2021 TAG XL Boondock Ah- great that youre still getting out there in your new situation! Best of all it's totally FREE! Michigan_Mike explains it here: https://teardrop-trailers.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/128/zamp-solar-connections-explained. Questions! So what are the best solar panel kits? Includes: One 45-watt one 100-watt OBSIDIAN⢠SERIES solar panel, two complete 15ft wire extensions, 15 Amp Charge Controller, ⦠My husband used to do everything. What electric items do you typically use in the trailer? Not out there yet, waiting for new TV to arrive. The best price I've found for Zamp 120 is Amazon at $538 and for Renogy on the Renogy website is $389. 5-year material and artistry warranty. What is the best solar solution for me? Zamp has designed the best 12-volt portable solar charging solution to provide from 45W-230W of solar power. Portable vs. Renogy 100 Watt Eclipse Solar Suitcase. coastalsqrl: Going Green: 20: 01-13-2018 02:40 PM: Connecting Renogy Suitcase Solar Using Zamp Plug: affreeman: Going Green: 1: 08-06-2017 02:24 PM: Renogy 100 watt portable ⦠Renogy vs GoPower vs Zamp. Go Power! Only 6 left in stock - order soon. So, what's the difference? Portable Kit (7) Reset Filter. It cut down quite a bit on my daily average generator run time for recharging the battery. That sounds like a good testing scenario, but, if your battery is in good shape, you should be good for a several days I would think. Polycrystalline ⦠Whether you need battery power to work off-grid locations or are traveling for fun, Zamp Portable ⦠Read Customer Reviews Here » If youâre looking for a ⦠Are there cables/connections/adapters that can be used to hook up a Renogy portable through the Zamp ⦠We would like to move forward with this, but feel overwhelmed! First is understanding how much power you consume vs how many panels you need. But with Zampâs higher quality solar panels, sturdier frame, and waterproof charge controller, this portable ⦠Zamp Solar vs. Renogy vs. Go Power! to allow movement of the panels to maintain orientation to the sun and out of tree shade, etc. Renogy 160 Watt 12 Volt Extremely Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel - Ultra Lightweight, Ultra Thin, Up to 248 Degree Arc, for RV, Boats, Roofs, Uneven Surfaces. We have the option to buy two 100w portable units for the same price as a 120w unit. Compare ... Renogy offers both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. So how do we convert from Renogy's MC4 connectors to Zamp's reversed SAE? Questions! If youâre looking for a highly efficient ⦠I started out with a Zamp 120 watt portable. Third, I see the utility of portable panels but -- a. they need to be stored when not in use; b. they need to be placed and aimed--good in shady areas, and c. if you can move them, so can a thief --so you need to secure them when in use. To compare Zamp offers a 90 watt suitcase with controller for $450, Renogy offers 2 different suitcase options with 100 watts and controller for $260 - $350. My power usage may be so light that I don't need anything. From what I see, the Zamp specific systems are significantly more pricey than something comparable from say Renogy. With a single 100 watt solar panel, a 10 amp charge controller should be fine.The Renogy Wanderer 10 Amp charge controller was around $30, ⦠I believe that Zamp was the first to offer suitcases and maybe that is why Pleasant Valley installed a plug and play Zamp port. Zamp solar Legacy Series 90-Watt Portable Solar Panel ⦠Should I use the factory wiring and ports and install a Zamp Controller and Zamp Panels? Just out of interest, whats stopping you from putting panels on the roof? The advantage of the portable ⦠Portable Kits Set-up in less than 5 minutes and power everything you need from lights to fridges. The plug polarity should not influence your decision as to which to buy...it's a non issue. No need to rely on shore power hook ups or worry about generator restrictions. It seems hard to justify the additional cost - as much as I want to buy American panels. We have a new to us, 2017 [email protected] Max and want to buy a solar suitcase. Trying to understand why the large price difference between equivalent watt Zamp vs Renogy portable solar units? The [email protected] has a SAE plug in the front box connected to the battery. For me, finding a "solar mentor" was helpful to my decision process. I think Renogy has always been priced more favorably for the same level product. Solar Panel Connectors For MC4 to DC Extension Cable 16AWG With DC 5.5mmx2.1mm,DC 3.5x1.35mm,DC 5.5x2.5mm And DC8mm Adapter For Portable Backup Power Station Rechargeable ⦠Also, Iâm ⦠Or maybe you can give others some advice? Iâm looking into the basics of a van conversion which is the best as far as bang for your buck. In this video, we will walk through the installation process for all Zamp Solar Portables step by step while also learning about a few of their unique features. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. First, we used a Renogy ⦠If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons! I secure the suitcase with a 20ft locking cable, which provides some theft deterrence. I find the key is to have additional Solar Wire Extension (15ft.) A no brainer for sure. If you ask us, Zamp Solar Zamp Solar, Renogy Renogy, and Go Power! Actually very easily! We gave that old Renogy 100 watt system 4.5 stars. Reading many of the other discussions has been helpful in some regards, but I have not seen anyone tackle a head-to-head comparison of Zamp vs Renogy. I have the 100 watt Renogy suitcase with built in controller. What Is A Toy Hauler (And Why Should You Get One)? I know that the [email protected] has a Zamp outlet, I have read that Zamp's connections are reversed from "most others" but no one has addressed why they chose one over the other. Renogy (no 120watt so looking at 100 watt) is less than half the cost. Any Pros/Cons using Renogy vs. Zamp? To be completely honest, I'm a very recent widow. Both Zamp and Renogy make quality, monocrystalline solar suitcases with and without charge controllers. Or do what I did, swap the genderless SAE plug on the [email protected] at the battery. @JamesDow said: Low electric shock ⦠Should I mount or do a suitcase set up. Although we chose to have a separate controller (out of the weather and closer to the battery is ideal), you can purchase plug and play Renogy suitcases with a built in controller just like Zamp. Hope this helps. Solar has come down in price and there are lots of options. You can easily use your Renogy suitcase via the solar port using the Renogy MC4 to SAE adapter or arrange the solar port wires so that the top SAE terminal in the port connects to the negative terminal of the battery and the lower terminal of the port connects to the positive terminal of the battery. Price: $164.27 Buy Now. No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. The charge controller in the Explorer 500 can only use around 65W of the wattage the solar panels generate, so a single 100W panel like the Renogy ⦠On Sale Quick View Add to Cart 10 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel. Theyâre high-quality panels and have a better kickstand than the others. The Renogy unit was about half of what a 120w portable unit sold for by other manufacturers. Any help on this topic would be much appreciated. Below is a link which ran on the [email protected] forum regarding Zamp vs Renogy. Buy directly from Renogy and not Amazon. 145-WATT PORTABLE SOLAR COMBO KIT - Regulated. For my money, just like James Dow, I went with Renogy and their Wanderer PWM controller that would allow for the future addition of another suitcase. Best: Overall . ….appreciate your situation but there is a lot to learn about "going solar." I've heard some good things about Renogy, if their prices are more appealing to you. Do you need advice on what products to buy? It looks like you're new here. The brand provides portable solar kits, deep cycle batteries, charge controllers, inverters, and wires. Roof Mounted Solar Panels for RVâs. At least so far, I don't want to attempt to deal with putting things on the roof. Zamp has been revolutionizing the portable solar panel since the beginning. Wanting to buy Renogy 400w solar kit. Instead he had a Zamp 140-watt portable solar panel kit. Comparison. I see no reason to overpay. https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6994/zamp-vs-renogy](Zamp, https://teardrop-trailers.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/128/zamp-solar-connections-explained. There does seem to be a substantial difference in price between the Zamp and the Renogy. I would need to find someone I trust a lot to do that sort of work, and I'm not there yet. I would like to someday get a portable unit. Renogy Solar 100 watts 12 volts monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit . Strictly from the specs: Zamp and GoPower are about the same size, weight, with price difference at $125. So far, I have not found the need for additional panels. The innovative solar solutions they have infused into portables are now being imitated by others. Renogy vs. Zamp: wfred: Outdoors RV Owner's Forum: 12: 09-01-2018 08:07 AM: Wanting to buy Renogy 400w solar kit. 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