Escapees January-February 2024

system. Something to keep in mind is that you will typically be chasing the sun around, so you’ll be moving the portable panel throughout the day. For some, the weight and size of these solar suitcases can be dif fi cult to manage, so that should be an important factor in determining which style is best for you. Heavy winds can be a concern with any portable panels; but, we have found that simply weighing down the integrated stand with sand bags, rocks, a water bladder or a pieceof fi rewood is very effective. Solar Panel Kits Once you have determined the type of panel that will work well for your rig and lifestyle, as well as calculate how many panels you may need to meet your energy needs, you may consider the money saving options in a solar kit—sold as either “basic” or “premium” and include the essential wiring, a compatible charge controller, mounting hardware and cables. The main difference between basic and premium is the premium options come with an upgraded (MPPT style) charge controller. Many of these kits do not include batteries, an inverter or any of the wiring and fuses associated with these additional solar system components, unless indicated, so double-check what comes in the box. How to Wire Solar Panels Whether you are installing panels for the fi rst time or adding a few panels to an existing system, there are a number of things to consider depending on the type of panel you are installing and which wiring con fi guration you choose: parallel, series or a combination of series and parallel. If you are brand new to solar or simply need a refresher, visit www.renogy.com and read

Rigid Panel Comparison Chart RIGID “Monofacial”

100W 100W 175W 200W 320W

Weight (lbs)

14.5

14.1

20.9

26.46

39.7

43.3x20 x 1.38

41.8x20.9 x 1.38

52.3x26.4 x 1.38

58.7x 27.5x 1.38

65.6x 39.4x 1.4

Dimensions (in)

Operating Amps/ Volts

4.93/ 20.3

10.42/ 19.2

4.91 / 20.4 9.73 / 18

9.7 /33

RIGID “Bifacial”

115W

220W

Weight (lbs)

13.5

28

Dimensions (in)

30.9 x 30 x 1.2

60.9 x 30 x 1.2

Operating Amps / Volts

6.12/ 18.8

12.24 / 18.78

Flexible Panel Comparison Chart FLEXIBLE 100W

100W (Black Division)

175W 200W

Weight (lbs)

4.2

5.3

6.2

10.8

48x21.6x 0.08

59.2 x 26.5 x 0.08

63.2x29.4 x0.1

Dimensions (in)

43x23x0.1

Operating Amps / Volts

5.29 / 18.9 5.20 / 19.4 8.98 / 19.5 10.02 / 20.1

Portable Panel Comparison Chart PORTABLE *E.FLEX* 80W

120W

220W

Weight (lbs)

7.3

11

20.4

Dimensions (in) -Open -Folded Operating Amps / Volts

24.8 x 34.2 x 0.2 24.8 x 17.1 x 1

26.4 x 43.4 x 0.2 26.4 x 21.7 x 1.0

29.1 x 84.1 x 0.2 29.1 x 22.9 x 1.6

4.7 / 17.2

6.1 / 19.8

9.1 /22.7

100W (w/o charge controller)

PORTABLE *Solar Suitcase*

100W

200W

Weight (lbs)

21.2

20.5

38.6

Dimensions (in) -Open -Folded Operating Amps / Volts

24.8 x 40 x 1.4 24.8 x 20 x 2.8

24.8 x 40 x 1.4 24.8 x 20 x 2.8

26.4 x 65 x 1.4 26.4 x 32.5 x 2.8

4.94/ 20.3

4.94/ 20.3

11.12/ 18

our article “Which Voltage Is Best for Your Situation?” to learn more about various voltage and wiring con fi gurations. (Scan the QR code on page 38 for a direct link.) We have various product review and installation videos on our

SHARI GALIARDI & DAVID HUTCHISON In 2012, Shari Galiardi and David Hutchison left behind careers and a comfortable home in North Carolina to travel with the vintage camper trailer they lovingly restored, out fi tted with solar and named “Hamlet.” What began as a short break from careers and responsibility quickly turned into a love a ff air with roadlife. They have parlayed their higher education backgrounds, desire for life-long learning and thirst for adventure travel into writing, photography, video production and public speaking gigs from coast to coast. Known to their friends as simply Shari & Hutch, you can learn more about their full-time, solar-powered adventures on their website at freedominacan.com. Or, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as “Freedom in a Can, LLC.”

YouTube channel @FreedomInACan. Subscribe now to get your head around some installation options before diving in to your own project!

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January/February 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine