200W vs 400W Solar Panels: What You Need to Know for Van Life!
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- āđāļāļĒāđāļāļĢāđāđāļĄāļ·āđāļ 20 āļŠ.āļ. 2024
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Choosing the right solar panel is crucial for ensuring you have enough power to keep your devices running while enjoying the freedom of van life. In this video, we dive into the ultimate Van Life Guide to Buying Portable Solar Panels. Should you choose a 200W or 400W panel? We break down the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best decision for your needs.
ðīAMAZON LINKS BELOW: AMAZON PRIME DAYS ARE JULY 16-17, 2024ðī
400W SOLAR PANELS:
â ALLPOWERS SP037 400W Portable Solar Panel
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â BLUETTI 350W Solar Panel
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â Big Blue 400W Solar Panel
(No longer in stock)
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200W SOLAR PANELS:
â GRECELL 200W Solar Panel
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â AllPowers 200W Solar Panel
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â CROS Portable Solar Panel 200W
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â VCUTECH 200W Solar Panel
amzn.to/4cBJDTt
100W SOLAR PANELS:
â GRECELL 100W Portable Solar Panel
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â Twelseavan 120W Portable Solar Panel
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â Big Blue 100W Potable Solar Panel
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EXTENSION CABLES:
â 20 FT Solar Panel Extension Cable
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â 40FT 10AWG Solar Extension Cable
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POWER STATIONS:
â Recommended Power Stations in One Link:
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AMAZON LINKS - Items I Recommend:
âĄïļPower Stations
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âĄïļ12V Batteries
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âĄïļPortable Solar Panels
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âĄïļHard Solar Panels
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âĄïļGas and Dual Fuel Generators
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Thanks for watching!
Thank you. ð You never over do it. We need this knowledge!
Oh no, you can never do too many solar panel videos!
Please don't do less on Solar, I love these updates, and with how fast solar tech is advancing we need these updates. Love your vids, you are my van life Guru!
Thank you Bob, a year ago you showed the AC180 BLUETTI and I went an bought one off BLUETTI site. Well the other night we had a server thunderstorm which a lightning strike a tree branch and it fell on the power lines and we lost power for 15 hours and I put the BLUETTI to test thank you
Cmon you creative people ,someone needs to create a liteweight solar panel rack ( aluminum ?) to sit them in with wheels and a handle, to easily turn them to the sun ð
I'm a certified RV tech for airstream in TX, I had a customer that had 8 of the all power that was already on the unit .i added three battle born lithium 100 amp batteries, Bluetooth mppt ,shunt and 3000 watts inverted. Customer got seven days off grid with these panel's. Running 13 volt frig,and his star link internet, those panel's work great ð.
Would he be able to last longer than 7 days if he wanted to stay longerðĪ
Bob, just when I think you may have covered all there is to know about boondocking, etc., you come up with even more interesting, pertinent and informative content. I really appreciate and value your opinions. So nice to get to see the newer products coming out.
Your word is gold. Not easy to accomplish on the internet.
A combination of experience, knowledge, owing no one, and caring. Iâm guessing you felt misunderstood for much of your life. Glad you found your community. You really help so many. Thank you.
Your content and positive thoughts are appreciated Bob. Thanks buddy!ðĻðĶð
I have the Jackery 1500 with 4 - 100watt solar panels. I only use 2 of them if that. Depends on what your power demands are.
I really just LOVE your videos. Incredibly informative without pretense. And.....I never ever ever feel like you're trying to sell me a product. Just an HONEST review. Thank You!!
Thank you for the review of the 400w portable solar panels. Right now I am doing well with the 100 watt ridged portable panel, but I just don't use that much power. Durability is the main reason I purchased the 100 watt ridged panel. I am capable of wrestling the ridged panel right now too. I am always looking at the future though and it is good to know when I need lighter and less hassle, I can look at your channel for honest reviews. Thank you for taking the time to create this video. ð
Solar panels have completely changed in $, size & ability since I started in 2018. Same with boxes. Iâve got 2 Goal Zeros because they were "the best". Paid a small fortune. Now no one talks about them. Due to C*vid I took 4 years off so my stuff is relatively new. Will use until they die.
I really enjoyed this video
I am 63 years old I live in my 2008 Dodge sprinter in the northwestern area of Montana.
I have the
ecoflow :
river 2
Delta 2
Delta Max
And the Wave 2.
I have a Eco flow:
110 solar panel
160 solar panel
They are not able to even come close to my all powers 200 solar panel .
I say go all power over ecoflow.
Thank you for making these videos.
Thanks for mentioning the voltage on these. I have a power bank that is limited to 29 volts, so these wouldn't work on it.
Great timing Bob , I was just on Amazon looking at 400 watt panels
I love something about the cadence of your intro! Welcome back to my nextâĶ. Video! You rock Bob! Thanks for all these incredibly useful videos. You have helped liberate lots of lives!
Thank you bob, your like carrying around an encyclopedia !
That helped a whole lot, Bob.. thanks for your honest opinion and you also have lots of experience. I am going to buy or build a house in the mountains in the Philippines and I will definitely have to have a solar back up. I will be 25 minutes from the beaches on the ocean and a nice town also. In the mountains, the temperature is in the 60s at night and does not get above 80 during the day. If I was out there doing what you were doing I would definitely chase the cool weather. Thanks for another great informative video.
Important information, Thank you BOB!!
Thanks, Bob. Your reviews are always informative and helpful. ð
Yup. Even with built in rooftop solar, I always carry a single deployable panel too. I have older, smaller, legacy power stations that need to get charged up occasionally. Good presentation Bob.
ð Rock on ð.
Bob (and Viewers),
Assistance for my 90 Lbs wife with the heavy-to-move BIG portables (that also applies to the smaller panels). We worked this out together because she was getting hurt in the morning.
I observed the common method of setting-up and moving was awkward [ laying-out by unfolding panels, then standing them up, multiple individual adjustments ].
Better >
**Starting with the kit folded,
1- first determine the optimal east/west Sun angle to face EXACTLY, then stand the folded kit upright, directly along that exact Sun face line (start exactly, so no more lateral movement of the Panels will be necessary - all day),
2- from folded position, find and open only the 2 center panels, stand behind center panels and open only those exactly to the exact Sun face,
3- pull-out and stabilize those 2 stands (at this point don't worry with Zenith angle, just face exact to the Sun).
4- Sun face-angle correct, then next Zenith axis angle > use the tool to place these 2 panels at their zenith optimum,
5- (only after satisfied with -4) move to open and optimize the remaining panels that, already along the perfect Sun face line-up, will also deploy to the optimal Sun face line. Again use the Zenith tool on each panel to confirm each is optimized for solar collection.
Adjust the horizontal level at least every 2 hours - starting again with the 2 center panels.
**But if windy (especially if gusting winds) then don't commit to your panels on the stands to the jeopardy of falling and getting torn-up. Just lay them flat to the ground (you probably already do this in the Noon hours anyway). Flat to the ground, you may have inefficient angle and miss a lot of solar collection, but falling DOES cause internal panel damage and for-ever-after, the damages will reduce each panel's manufacturer potential optimum of solar collection.
A lot of great, already worked out knowledge. Clearly explained. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for all the information!!
Thank you for All your advice. Because I've watched all your Van tours, I finally got my kitchen installed in my Grand Caravan and I can still carry seven passengers. You don't know how much you've helped.
Very helpful!
I have the AllPowers 200 watt 24% efficiency EFTE folding panel and I so love it. Never fails, makes plenty of power so that I can park in the shade and still get plenty of power.
Bob, a request. When you do these solar panel reviews and talk about the different kind of connectors, can you please show a close up so we novices know exactly what you're talking about? Also, do you know of any devices that automatically track the sun that can be used with portable solar panels like these?
You reslly know what you're talking about. Most of us know very little about solar
Panels but I think they're the wave of the future. Thanks
i like the new biside panels good day you can get almost 1/3 more wattage..a glass carrier on the side of a van you have as much power as the roof top class a and super c rv
Thanks Bob! I've got the Dokio 300w foldable solar panel and love it. I watched your vid about it and Cosmo Weems also had a video about it. Did as much research as I could before purchasing. It works great when cloudy and has even been thru some sprinkles. Wish I could get the back frame for it but not available on Amazon any longer. Also have a Jackery 250w power station and their 100w solar panel that keeps my 12v 50qt fridge running 24/7 in sunny weather. I've learned so much from you over the years. Thank you so much for everything you do!!
Yes, helpful! Always interesting to learn more about solar power, and solar panels. Thanks, Bob!
I have a large telescope with a clock drive. Someone needs to adapt this for solar panels for lazy heifers like me.
Ecoflow has a (expensive) auto rotating platform for solar.
I am so wanting to just do this so thank you it might take me the rest of my life but I have a dream to car Camp to the RTR in January âĪ thank you Bob Xoxox
Thank you for taking your time to give us much valuable information, regards Roy
Always enjoy your videos. Thank you.
Good summary. Glad you mention weight in all your reviews. We use three 200W Lensun folding panels. Thanks for the info.
Very good information, thanks Bob
Youâre the best Bob, Thank you for the education!
I bought the R 2500 allpowers with the 400 watt panels. Have not hooked them up yet because of rain. Got the package for $1400.00 No Tax & No Shipping cost. The one thing that I did find is that I need a generator double the 2500 to charge the R 2500
With solar it becomes addicting, I don't even use my rv fridge n it's propane I just use my little freezer make ice blocks for fridge no more propane expense
Please keep updating us on solar power. I appreciate the info. I am sill learning about solar
Me too
Always helpful, Bob!
This gave me a lot of info to work with in making my decisions on solar.
Thank you! I have a 200 W and I know I'll need more.
Thank you, Bob. I really appreciate these test videos as I'm now at the point of deciding on more panels and hopefully the Bluetti AC180. My biggest concern is running a 12v fridge right now.
My 2 cents, respectfully. 55 volts is an awkward input voltage. I use 21.3 volt 35.6 X 25.9 inch 100 watt panels. This makes them chubby and sturdy, and also able to work inside a common house window. I found that 100 watts was the most economical size per watt, to buy and ship to your door. I'm very put off by panels touching the ground or left to hurl around in high wind. I buy 24 pairs of MC4's and solder them, myself. For the long cable run, I like black plastic coated aluminum wire used for utility pole to buildings. No real voltage drop. I think sailboats should be using 50 watt squares, if they only built them. Carry your panels in a frame box and use a lightweight tower. Instead of rotating four, mount six in an east west low angle with your sun catching a bit of both at noon. A vee angle on the tower. I've paid between 90 early and 69 dollars for 100 watts, so they blow big panels out of the water. Smaller and squarish is sturdier and easier to mount. I avoid the very tall panels. My single 20 watt gets used a lot to recharge vehicle batteries, and never gets a rest
Interesting! Thanks for the share.
Thank you Bobð
Thank you Bob! - Nola
I really appreciate all of the information. I currently have a goalzero 6000w large and heavy battery as a back up, my electric company now turns off the power any time they want. (Edison, Calif) The 200w panel suitcase style is way to heavy for me to carry and set up. Considering something like this. Not sure if it will accept 400w input and probably have to get different plugs. Thanks
Thanks BobâĪ
I have two 200w panels and they worked well for me last winter boondocking... I have two older S. Generators and I don't think they would accept more than 200w... My power demands are not great and I got by most of the time laying them flat on the ground... ð
If you have 2x200 watt panels and one goes bad at least you have 200 watts left.
Hello from Puerto Rico Bob and friends
Thank you for giving it's weight! I can't lift it.ðĒ
Good overview! I'm not sure if you have a newer version of the AP400W but I got one last year around this time and it's about 45lb, a heavy beast to lug around, but I appreciate the sturdy handle it has built in. (I should probably find a better spot than my class c overhead bunk to store it, my muscles aren't that big)
Prime Days are on at the moment, very difficult to resist getting a couple of 200W panels, just because. The 400 is great for all the reasons you mentioned, esp having no need to run serial connections.. it's all there in 1
I got a Bluetti 120 watt fold out solar panel when I got my Bluetti EB3A that you recommended. Any changing thoughts??
On my last camping trip, my trailer was in the shade, and my cables weren't long enough. I came home and bought a 30-foot extension cable, but now I'm not sure I did it correctly based on what you're telling us. I have the Zamp 180w suitcase, which is ridiculously heavy for me. I'll be reading and looking for other solar panel reviews you've done to see if I find the right fit because I don't think I need the 400w.
Just got a transit lwb extended. Plan to put 2 arrays of 2 300w panels to power 2 bluetti ac200p. I figure I'll get 400w from each. It sounds like a lot, but better safe than sorry.
Still trying to figure out how this all works. So if anyone can verify. You have solar panels with extension cords, this extension cord then plugs into jackals or power battery which then USB devices plug into for power. Is this correct thinking??
Yes :)
Thank u for all your help. Can you go over inverters?
So interesting!
I have a all powers folding maybe 150 watt not sure in between 100 n 200, anyway I've had mine on roof of rv , altogether must be 16 weeks with rain 3x week on long island
I have often wondered why the portable panels and not rain proof like the permanent panels that go on top. I mean with the technology out today it can NOT be that much more to make them waterproof. Right??
All of this is so expensive, and every time I buy something it's obsolete within a month or so. That's very frustrating.
Bob, do you recommend movable panels over mounted top panels? Redoing my van build but I haven't used solar yet. Hope to see you at RTR this Jan! Thanks for all your great info. Peace, Obo
Still kind of confused. I have zero knowledge of all this solar, power station, batteries. Inverter. DC Ac all that. I just bought used Bluetti AC 200p. 2000 watts? So should I buy 200 watt solar panels
Will it charge it properly?
200 watt panels will charge a 2000 wh power station just fine, but if you only use one panel, it will take a long time. If it's completely empty, it will take 10-20 hours of good sun to top it back up, which is several days. With that big of a power station, you probably want at least 400-600 watts of total panels so you can charge it back to full in a reasonable amount of time.
Also, if you drive a lot you can charge it from your vehicle's lighter port while you're driving. You'll need either the proper cable or a small inverter for using the AC cable.
Hi, I have an AC200 which needs min 36 VOC (Open Circuit Voltage) to charge. I think the AC200 takes up to 700 watts and 150v from panels.
The BigBlue 400 has VOC of 61.5V.
The 200 is 63.5v.
The allpower is 44.4v. I think it should work. I'm thinking of buying the x2 All power 200 for total 400w.
I will likely run them in series to get more volts which = faster charging.
The AC200p supports up to 150v from panels. 44.4v X 2 = 88.8v. And if I want to only use one panel, I can still charge.
I my old method, I had X 2 100w panels but one panel by itself was only 23v VOC so it will not charge the AC200 unless I add a second 100w.
I hope all this makes sense. I am somewhat new to this myself, but I think I have it sorted out correctly. Looking for anyone more knowledgeable to nod their head to this comment. ð I'm school of TH-cam.
To charge your Bluetti AC200P you need at least 35 volts from the solar panel. The 200 watt All Powers is 36.6 volts, so it will work. If you can afford it, buy two of them and hook them together and you will be very happy. One will just get you by but two will be way better. Your max input is well over hooking two of them together so you will not have any problems. Good luck and I hope this helps.
I have the same Bluetti.i recommend two 200 watt panels. Suitcase style. Should charge it in 2-3 hours... depending on how low it is.
Thank you
Good information
Can you find, and test, a solar tracker platform to mount these/other panels?
My opinion, solar tracker investment is probably very beneficial in winter.
I have 2 panels at 100 watts and one at 200 and they are all about the same size folded. They are all different brands
Hey Bob, thanks for talking about these panels!
A quick comment on the water resistance, both of these panels are rated for full water submersion with IP67 and IP68 ratings, so you shouldn't need to worry about rain.
For reference:
en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=IP_code&diffonly=true#Code_breakdown
Any info is good . Can be confusing but thank you anyways . What size do you use on your firetruck ?
Can I plug my panel directly into my RV battery? I used to w my old solar panel.
Well..only if the panel's LOADed voltage matches the battery's charged voltage. At least with lead batteries..their internal resistance goes up as they charge so the unregulated solar panels output voltage climbs to start overcharge & boil off battery fluid & cook the plates! WATCh it!
way out of most peoples budget also you could get a good little gas generator for that price
Yeah considering you can get a 400 watt bifacial solar panel right now for $109.
It doesn't fold though.
ð
Hi Bob can you do a review on the Zendure v6400 with 2,120 watts of solar on my tiny house please? The instructions that came with it which were nil and no customer service phone number, I emailed them and no answer instructions anyway âĪ 4:53 please explain and this is so appreciated thank you Bobð
this looks like az, are you not hot??
He has a jacket on.
I thought so too...I'm in Arizona as well and there's no way I'm wearing coats, these days!
Neville Goddard Lecture - Awake, O Sleeper . . 01-08-1968
The Bible is addressed to the Imagination . . which is spiritual sensation . . and only immediately to the understanding, or reason.
In the fifth chapter of the Book of Ephesians we are told to: âAwake O sleeper and rise from the dead.â Now, reason could never comprehend these words, but the Bible is calling upon Imagination to awaken, telling Him that he is sleeping, dreaming his world into being. But Imagination, now a rational being, does not know this and therefore cannot believe it.
Hi bob. I would like to know if there is any way we could speak on phone. I have questions. And am looking to buy a solar with unit. But not sure what kind I would need. Please if you can contact me or response how I could contact you that would be greatly appreciated Ty
Hi Bob - I would like to send you a email - how do I get your email address??