The BEST Bi-Fold Portable Solar Panel!?! Comparison Video of 7 Panels HEAD TO HEAD!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video I take some of the best priced Bi-Fold panels on Amazon and put them head to head! This is NOT a sponsored video! Which one will come out on top!? My goal was to find the best price for the performance and I think I did!
CHEAPEST Panel: DOKIO 110
PET 110 Watt Bifold: $134 amzn.to/3B5wsdo
Max Power: 92 watts Partial Shading: 35 watts
Weight: 6.1lbs Cost: $1.45 per watt
BEST VALUE Panel: BLUERISE 120
ETFE 120 Watt Bifold: $159 amzn.to/3RSWK8C
Max Power: 102 watts Partial Shading: 51 watts
Weight: 11.82lbs Cost: $1.55 per watt
BEST PERFORMING Panel: XTAR SP100
ETFE 100 Watt Bifold: $269 (SAVE $26 with code below)
SAVE 10% on the XTAR SP100 by applying this DISCOUNT CODE 'Jasonoid'
xtardirect.com/products/xtar-...
Max Power: 123 watts Partial Shading: 1 watt
Weight: 10.6lbs Cost: $2.26 per watt
Honorable Mentions:
BigBlue ETFE 100 Watt Bifold: $190 amzn.to/3v4hy3k
Max Power: 97 watts Partial Shading: 45 watts
Weight: 8.2lbs Cost: $1.95 per watt
SunPower Flex50 (Parallel Two) PET: $200 amzn.to/3RV6Ki2
Max Power: 98 watts Partial Shading: 49 watts
Weight: 6.8lbs Cost: $2.04 per watt
......Great Quad-Fold Solar Panel:
Elecaenta ETFE 120 Watt Panel: $229 amzn.to/3PEN803
Max Power: 113 Watts
Weight: 11.24lbs Cost: $2.02 per watt
NOT RECOMMENDED, Skip these options....:
ATEM POWER 100w ETFE Bifold: $198 amzn.to/3yW5KkL
Max Power: 80 watts Partial Shading: 0 watts
Weight: 11.5lbs Cost: $2.47 per watt
Swarey ETFE 100 Watt Bifold: $155 amzn.to/3B6A4Ml
Max Power: 78 watts Partial Shading: 36 watts
Weight: 7.8lbs Cost: $1.98 per watt
The use of affiliate links provide a small commission for me when you use them. Thanks for supporting my channel content and allowing me to do future comparison videos! More videos coming soon!
#jasonoid #solarpanels #solarlife - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
I love this review. You do such a great job, both doing reviews and evaluating in ways others skip. I especially liked you testing how the panels performed when partially covered. You also did a good job talking about the three panels in detail. My recent 10 day camping trip gave me a lot of information about the 2 folding panels I own. I was thinking my new EcoFlow panel would be a real winner, but I did not like using it. It is rather large, difficult to position, and comes with short cables. OTOH, it seems heavy duty. My other panel, the Balder 120 is a champ. Love that panel. Thanks again for your great work. You’re awesome.
Extremely pleased with my XTAR SP100 panel.
I also own an xtar 100w. Much easier to handle, and also smaller, than my other panel ecoflow 110w. I’ve been waiting to get another xtar but doesn’t look like these ever go on sale!
I like mine too! Anyone using a LiFeO4 PowerWerx “MPPT” solar controller with it?
Exceptionally good job Jason! Your a natural presenter with real world info that is practical and relevant! I have the XTAR and can hardly believe that it excelled with total watt output but did so poorly with partial shade. What a contrast that is disappointing...but I still love it!
The panels are wired in series so it's like cutting an extension cord. You'll stop the flow completely. That only happens if you cover up one side entirely. I still see good power from the panel in overcast weather.
Great info! I'll be picking up a Bluerise... For me the XTAR is completely taken out of the running because it lost all power output with partial shade. In real world usage I'm not chasing perfect sun around camp all day long so to lose all power because the sun moved behind a tree or something is a non starter.
Great point about moving the panel around all day, I know the feeling LOL
Thanks for the review. All of my folding solar panels are quad folds which does make it easier to transport but definitely takes up way more ground space. I like the idea of the bifold ones for when you don't have a lot of ground area when unfolded.
There are pros and cons to each one. I do like how the quadfolds are smaller when folded up!
I got lucky with my panels like this. I got them for 99 bucks each...a 100w and 120w with ETFE coating, Sunpower cells (At least in one for sure...the TackLife 100 SP), and they produce nearly 100% of their rated output (98w and 116W), and the 120w has a 65w type C PD port. They produce excellent USB power even very late in the evening when it`s very cloudy and the sun has set behind the trees which was a surprise, or even under a carport in the shade. A great thing to have for powering USB fans here in hurricane country. They can power both an Onite USB LED light bulb and a fan in my camper without being directly in the sun so if used that way they`re not being exposed to very much damaging UV rays or heat. To me these things are miracle devices. I was born in the mid 1960s and truly appreciate modern technology because well over half my life was spent without the amazing wonders we now have that so many take completely for granted. That`s why I get so excited by all of this. It`s incredible!
Thank you for putting this together
I really like the panels with grade A Maxeon cells, always good performers
The Elecaenta panels can be stringed and provide a bit pf amperage to drive some of the larger battery banks like Ecoflow Delta 2
Cheers, thank you
Good stuff! Thanks for testing these out dude. You always provide super good information.
Thanks Speed! Appreciate the comment :)
Great video. Showing the difference of the two identical panels, XSTAR and ATEM was crucial. Thank you.
Crazy right!? They look they same but their performance is drastically different.
@@Jasonoid It really shows quality matters and we would have never known without you taking plunge. Thank you fine sir.
As always another wonderfully comprehensive and very well explained review which I appreciate emphatically. Thank you so much.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this information. Now I'm more educated and know which one to purchase. Good video 👍
I have the Dokio panel, only use it on Ham radio outings but it works great for me, I have never left it out in the rain, and usually not more than 4-5hrs at a time.
Thank you ! Just what I needed to know !!
I just received a Dokio 110 for $88 I purchased to go with my refurbished EB3A I snagged for $146. I'm totally new to solar so am pleasantly surprised at how well the Dokio did in your tests. And of course the Bluetti has good rep so for less than $250 I think I'm getting started pretty well. Thanks for the reviews.
Nice. I have the Dokio 4-panel briefcase style and have been very pleased with it when I've taken it camping. I think it was around $200 and paired with my EcoFlow River Pro, I have plenty of power if there is any sun at all.
This makes me feel a lot better about my Dokio 300W panels. Got them for $220 each and for that price they should be fine for my needs
I have a blue rise 60W panel a Dokio 200w panel and Golden Sol panels, I charged my larger solar generators (Blueletti) with the dokio and charged the explorer 240’s with the smaller panels. The dokio did amazing at 160 watts with a low of 114 watts.
Thanks Jason as always a fantastic information and comparison video 😎👍🏼 real life testing by you helps people like me not waste hard earned money! And it’s very much appreciated
Thanks for watching Randi G :)
Thanks for sacrificing in that heat for the review video. I did purchase 3 Xtar panels, they are amazing. Unfortunately my New Anker 757 power station can’t handle the 3 panels together, the panels are to strong in its Amps for my station, they were my first solar purchases so I learned the hard way , but I do recommend the panels.
The power station should limit the amperage input without damage. So you should be able to put the 3 panels in parallel and "overpanel" the power station so you'll always see the max charging input.
Thanks for the excellent comparison /breakdown of the solar panels...
Glad it was helpful!
I bought the Allpowers 400w panel and on a clear day it gives me about 425w. That is an amazing result. So happy with it.
I've heard good things about that panel! Thanks for sharing!
Great video, i agree dokio's dont last, so value drops fast. Blue rise for a bit more is a great value. I recently bought the BougeRV 120W Portable Solar Panel, Monocrystalline Foldable Waterproof Solar Panel Suitcase with Self-Supportable Kickstand. Love it.
Thanks for the tip on glass rigid panels as I use my foldable panels every other day.
Yes! Been waiting for this review. Thanks Jason!
The ones that made big power tend to be lower voltage, higher current (like Xtar). I may not see those same results because I've noticed my power stations have lower current limits and really need more voltage to get more solar power in.
But great to see these results. I have quad-fold panels, and they do take more time than I'd like to set up and take up more linear footage space on the ground. But they fold down really compact, which is nice to fit in my rig.
Thanks for the great review!
Thats always something to consider, which voltage and amp combo will work best for your needs. Excellent point! At least in the video you can see those numbers to make a good decision. That's why I like that custom charge controller setup.
@@Jasonoid Yup, those numbers are super useful! Doing that with my DMM is tiring, having to change wiring configuration (especially in 100F+ heat).
The Bluerise has pretty high voltage relative to the group, so that one is likely in my near future (if I can hide my purchase from my wife cuz she thinks I have too many panels and power stations already). Though we got through a full day per outage recently just on power stations.
Good stuff, way to stick in there with the heat! Surprised with the ATEM POWER, I almost purchased that one.. Glad I held out!! Thanks Jay
I was also surprised!!!!! Dang knockoff panel...
Great comparison, many thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Ooooh, I like the can test!
I was preparing to ask for you to test waterproof (not water resistant) foldable panels. Glad you mentioned that at the end. I would like you to review more of them.
You can see another huge comparison video I did HERE: th-cam.com/video/BXzY7wzZt00/w-d-xo.html
Best review ever!! Thank you
love all your reviews.
Thanks so much!
Been waiting for this one.
Yeah, it's been on my to do list for awhile! I was surprised by the results!
Awesome review! Is the BlueRise 120 waterproof? If not, what happens if it gets rained on? Destroyed? Just doesn’t generate any watts during storm? Afternoon summer thundershowers in the mountains are so common. I’m surprised not all panels are waterproof. Thanks again. Your work has really helped me make solar decisions. 👍
My first generation of a solar generator was my hand cart. I built this before there were any solar generators and used two 100-watt Windy Nation flex panels. I attached them to sprinkler pipe frames and ran them in parallel. They work about mid-range to the newer panels that you have shown. I do prefer the rigid glass panels but I would like a lightweight alternative. Good review Jason.
I bet that was a pretty lightweight setup with those windy nation panels! Excellent idea!
@@Jasonoid It was light but a little awkward. I did put the panels on a 25' lead so you could set them in the sun and not worry about shade.
That Bluerise looks legit brother..now thinking about grabbing one.
Love your show
Thanks for the info
Could you put both bar charts together?
Very good. I am surprised you didn't include the Elecaenta 120W panel that you previously reviewed.
I talked about it at the end of the video, it's not a bifold. The price has also gone up to $229.
Great review. Thank you.
Your review is really great, untouched and covers all my needs, thank you very much, but I would be happy if you would also upload a recommended link to the glass panel that you talked about in the video for those who use it every day, please
I like my BougeRV solar panels off amazon because they have a good price. There are other brand names like Rich Solar, Renogy, HQST, and more. They are very similar, just pick one that meets your size and pricing requirements.
I like how you set up the perfectly-angled support for the tests. Can you recommend an adjustable support to take car camping? The fold-out legs on my Acopower and Allpowers quad-fold panels do not allow much adjustability of the angle of set up, and propping them up with rocks is just too unstable.
I’ve never heard of Bluewise but it impressed me the most of them all.
Me too! I wonder if the price will jump soon
well done testing , thank you.
thank you for this amazing Test. you Help ne so much.
Thank you. Seems like every few videos I'm still learning things (as a newbie)... (or better stated: I'm learning how many of my assumptions are wrong... lol)
Great place to start, I hope the video was helpful. I have many other videos you might enjoy on the channel!
Really useful video as always Jason. I've got the Elecaenta 120W (quad fold panel) with my Ecoflow River Pro based on your great reviews and comparison spreadsheet :) I never seem to get much more than 80 watts out of it though. Well, at least that's what the display on the Ecoflow tells me. That's on full sun, mid summer in the UK (yes, we DO get sun sometimes here! :) As Zig Zag commented earlier, do you think power stations like the River Pro will never allow me to get more than 80 watts from the panel because of lower current limits? 80 watts works fine for me most of the time but it would be good to know your thoughts on this sort of setup.
Probably a bunch of factors in play that reduce power. Position in relation to the equator, how high the elevation is (I'm sitting at around 4500ft) and also humidity levels in your area. I'm in a high desert so maybe these are the best conditions? LOL... I think those are the biggest factors that play a role. Other than local pollution and cloud cover.
Great test thanks for sharing 🙏🏻
You're welcome
Thank you so much for this great review. I have an older but still fine Anker 12000mah charger that I use for my cell phone and tablets. Since I have this I was thinking of the BigBlue 4 panel portable. I would like to know what you think.
d a scatter plot combining the two bar charts, then you can show clusters/groups of where they fall.
Thanks for the review on these panels.👌
Want to know if you've had a chance to test the Bluetti PV 120 panel. As I just ordered one. Yet to arrive.
I haven't tested those, I heard you get around 90 to 100 watts, you'll have to let me know what you see.
Thanks for the video. I would be interested to see how these panels compare to something like the dokio or harbor freight folding glass panel. It seems like they aren’t much bigger, and if you are car camping the weight difference doesn’t matter, but they would be much more durable for a cheaper price.
I keep seeing solar panels that I want, but now I have five and it’s getting tough to justify buying more lol. Anyway I always enjoy your videos.
LOL, so true! Sometimes we have to sell and make room for the new stuff :)
Second comment on your channel. I tried to check for a bluerise here in France but I would have had to import it from US. Looking for others, I found out that dokio uses etfe and had a 50€ coupon on Amazon, making it 230€ for the 200W version. Couldn't find anything near that price even with the cheapest fake branded ones. And I wouldn't have considered it but your test seems to show that they make, if cheap, working products.
Very good info. From the tests i would go with the big blue or the bluerise since they put out good power when partially shaded. Make them worth the money to me. If not on sale the bluerise gets my vote. I would not want to pay full price on any of them. I have a dokio 200 watt. I saw 125 watts on it, gave it to my sister so she has some sort of solar power. I like that it comes with all the extras but not a great panel for long life.
Great feedback JW, thanks for commenting and sharing your experience! That was nice of you to share the Dokio with your sister.
Subscribed. Thanks!
I am no expert but from what I have gathered is that when you do partial shading the is an indication of how the panel is internally wired. If the amperage drops then the panel is wired internally in series and the amperage cuts down then it’s internally wired parallel. Also if the specs show a higher amperage output then it’s usually a better panel.
Thank you again!!!
Once again job well done
Hey question! I have 900 watt( 1800 wt peak) power power inverter and it’s a modified sine wave power bright brand and I was wanting to know what my options was as far as lifepo4 battery and mppt controller on getting it going
Hey Jasonid, great video as always!With the Bluerise 120 in your video your version has the two usb and 1 usb-c on the case of the panel. Your link on Amazon for the Bluerise 120 I used and bought and unfortunately it doesn’t come with the two usb and 1 usb-c. It just has charging cables and adapters. I really only bought the unit because I thought it was going to have the two usb and 1 usb-c. Maybe I have the newer model. I’d prefer the one you have in the video. Any suggestions? If Bluerise no longer offers the model you have in the video, any suggestions for a comparable panel with the features I’m looking for would be appreciated. Thx!
Great review on these lesser known, but popular on Amazon panels. Can either the BlueRise 120 or Xtar be used in parallel if you buy two of them? Aside from branch chain connectors, I'm assuming they would need some type of additional adapter.
Since the Bluerise has mc4 connections as an option, you can buy parallel mc4 adapters on amazon for cheap
The if you purchase two xtars in a bundle. They come with a parallel adapter.
Can you review Rish solar panel briefcases in the future?
Great review.. 👍
Thanks! 👍
Tons of info ty
Great video! I just subscribed! Just a quick question:
The link for the Bluerise takes me to a 60w not a 120w panel.
I can’t find a listing for the 120w.
I appreciate any direction you can give.
Thanks!
I noticed they aren't selling it right now! Another excellent option is the Elecaenta 120w panel.
Great comparison, thanks! One question, were the power levels measured after the panels had been in the sun long enough to reach a steady state output? I've noticed that my two folding panels (one Fatork, one Dexpole, admittedly cheap panels) that I lose about 15% power output from when I first setup the panel to when it heats up and reaches steady state (~30 minutes).
In the video I wanted to show the max power from each panel so they were "room temperature" when tested. Every single one of these panels would lose around the same amount when hot, 15-20% production. So you can just apply that to the performance numbers.
Excellent review on foldable solar panels! But what I would like to see is more emphasis on shaded conditions especially for those of us on the East Coast we seldom have complete sunshine On Any Given day! Maybe next time?
So just to clarify, you looking for a panel that puts out the most power in a cloudy day?
@@Jasonoid yes, since these types of conditions are prevalent in much of the country. I realize that you touched on it during your testing, but maybe just add a summary of partial shading at the end in the future? Obviously a panel that outputs 1 or 2 watts would be totally useless in these conditions... just a suggestion... BTW, love your channel, no double fisted alien dancing! I got really tired of that... looking forward to the Montek review, is the battery chemistry a little different in that unit? I love the practicality and compactness of it... Dave
@@davidpaine7398 I think an overcast testing video would be useful. I'll have to wait for the prefect day of conditions haha
The Montek does use Lithium NMC pouch cells, similar to the 18650 cylindrical cells in Ecoflow. It has many more cycles and has scored really well in my testing so far! It's going to be an excellent power station. Just finishing up the video for next week.
@@Jasonoid I truly appreciate all the work that you put into this it's so helpful..
Please do a bifold 200W panels. Btw, what do you do with all your panels when you are done testing?
I got 2 of the Dokio 220w for $180 each...Using then with the Ecoflow Delta 2. Cant beat these for the price but I saw in another video that the polarity may be switched on the cables so check that with a meter.
Great review and info. Wow. Do you have reccomendations for Hiking/Hunting smaller solar panels ?
Newpowa makes a smaller 60w portable panel, bi-fold, super thin and light weight. Check it out here: amzn.to/3OlrXAb
Sweet! Thank you~! will do!
im thinking on buy the Xtar had it on my wish for a little while now ,or the Sunpower.
Thanks for the review. I bought the XTAR about three months ago. I'm pleased enough with it, but cannot say that I have seen the kind of output you've experienced, Jason. Most I've seen is 90-something watts, but I know results depend on conditions. Also, I'm not monitoring the XTAR to see what peak outputs it's getting. I had not noticed that it's output dropped dramatically low in partial shading; but again, that's because I haven't been monitoring it. If I had a do-over, I'd buy only quad-folding panels because they more compactly in my vehicle. (Recently bought the Togo Power 120 quad-folding panel on sale. In my non-expert experience, it performs comparably to the XTAR.)
BTW, really which you would do a focused video (or two) on solar panel connection types and compatibility issues between panels and power stations. This topic has been the biggest cause of frustration and confusion for neophytes like myself who just want to get the right panel and power station setup relative to connectivity. Trust me, there are those of us out hear suffering for lack of this basic level of information. Thanks for your consideration!
So to clarify, you'd like to see a video showing how different panel connections can be connected to different power stations?
@@Jasonoid Essentially, yes. but not just that. Think of it as solar panels and power stations 101, that would focus on the concepts and practical issues for connecting solar panels to power stations - connector types, adapters; voltage considerations, etc. In short, what anyone new, or relatively new to portable solar power needs to know. Below, I've listed personal experiences (frustrations) that resulted from lack of knowledge - and it's not that I have tried to educate myself. This is just a very confusing subject simply because the basics aren't understood but are often assumed by TH-camrs who do review videos. (No criticism intended!)
S1: Bought panels and power stations only to find I couldn't connect them because the connection types were different. Ordered an XT60 adapter cable, but that also didn't work. Discovered there is such a thing as male and female XT60 adapters.
S2: Bought Togo solar panel. Shortly after, Togo sent an email saying that the output voltage of the solar panel is 18V and that I should make sure it matches the input voltage of my power station before use. Well, okay but how do I do that and what are the implications of voltage "mismatches"? Too high, too low - does that damage the power station? Is that a safety hazard? (FWIW, I contacted Jackery by email asking for the voltage of the Jackery 300 that I own. Jackery didn't answer the question, only stated that any damage caused by another company's panels voids the warranty. Found info on their website, but wasn't sure what the specs meant.)
S3: Voltage over current compatibility issues between panels and powerstations. Had to go through weeks of researching to understand what this means. But again, this remains vague. Still not sure if that's what Togo was referring to in their email.
S4: Connecting solar panels in series or parallel. I've heard of it and even read about it (several times!), would love to try it, but remain very unclear about how to accomplish it, when to use it, or what would or wouldn't work and why. What are the requirements for doing that?
This is just a sample of the types of questions and areas of confusion that newbies experience and need to explained. I know it's not a small ask, but if you could do a series of videos on these kind of topics, it would be extremely helpful. Again, thanks for your consideration!
(Sorry for the long post. Just wasn't sure how to make the matter/need clear.)
Here's a video I just made with you in mind, I hope you have time to watch it:
th-cam.com/video/4JG8LvJznLY/w-d-xo.html
🐾🐾Thanks Jason 😎
Great video but not great to hear about the XTAR’s shade performance. When camping I use the XTAR to charge a 100AH LiFePO4 battery I use to power my ICECO JP40. I typically set up camp in the shade, and in the morning I drive to a nearby parking lot that is directly in the sun, face the vehicle South East, set the XTAR on the windshield (use a locking cable to minimize theft) and capture some rays. However, even at camp, I haven’t really noticed a complete drop off in Amps produced in partial shading from the XTAR. I think it is interesting it was the only panel that evidenced a near complete drop in output. Is it because the two panels are wired in series?
Yeah, the power drop out is from the two halves being wired in series. You won't see a complete loss of power unless one panel is completely cut off from top to bottom. I still get good performance with the XTAR in cloudy weather, its just when shade blocks the flow of power to the second panel you'll see it drop out completely. There were a couple panels like this in the video.
Hi Jason. Great video. Today I received my fordable solar panel from Amazon. Is the EENOUR 200W Portable Solar Panel 18V/36V. The solar panel is amazing even with shade. Can you make a video reviewing that solar panel? Thank you and keep it up.
I haven't heard of that panel, I just purchased a couple 200 watt panels for a testing comparison video. Keep an eye out for that video soon.
👍 great video
Glad you enjoyed
I am really interested to get Kohree 100w bi-fold panel which is currently selling for $125 at amazon right now. Seems like a really good build quality with aluminum carrying handle, 45w pd out, and still rainproof.
I haven't tested that one. But if you feel it's worth trying it out, I'd recommend giving it a shot. It's just like this video, a roll of the dice to see if it's decent or not.
I have the Big Blue - like that since its bi fold and 5525 out of the bo. It also has an SAE to mc4 which I love and might be helpful with some other testing.
Xtar has not blown me away with output but it does out perform every other folding panel I have on most days. Sometimes not so much. Love that 8mm extension cable and the 8mm to MC4.
Sunpower 50 watt panel, again another one that doesnt give me that great output even when I angle it. I think my sun is different than yall out west. haha
That blue rise sounds interesting with all its accessories. Cool video boss.
I think there are couple factors in play here. 1) I live around 4500ft elevation. I guess I'm closer to the sun so maybe I can get better numbers? 2) I'm sure humidity blocks a bit of power. It's dry out here in the west, less water getting in the way on my sunrays probably boosts my power a bit.
Just thinking out loud haha
Hi Jason, what's your opinion on bi-fold glass panels vs the regular glass panels? You did mention that glass panels are a better choice.
My rule of thumb is that if you are using it everyday, go with a glass panel for the best lifespan. A bifold glass panel is just two glass panels hooked together and there isn't any difference from a normal glass rigid panel.
The XTar becoming useless in partial shade is a massive Achilles' Heel. Please do a couple of additional tests on it. What effect does a leaf or two have? A small spray of branches? It looks of potentially limited value on camping trips where some kind of obstruction is likely.
I have the much bigger Dokio 330W panel (a quad-fold; it's huge). While I need to do more formal tests on it, I can tell you that the PWM controller is dicey at best. In a single test under bright sun, it started peeling badly as though it were melting. I'm not sure how durable that panel will be.
I should have clarified about the partial shading test results. The main purpose was to verify if the panels were wired in series or parallel. Both have downsides I suppose. These bifold panels are so small, one tree branch will cover both sides easily so it's better to move the panel around and have an extension cord than to rely on partial shading performance.
It would be nice if you would put out a video with real world conditions like cloudy overcast skies now that is the kind of information I could use I'm lucky to see the sun between Nov and April
Cloudy conditions you'll see around 10 to 15 percent of your total rated output.
Thank you for your hard work collecting this data. If I understood correctly a foldable solar panel could be internally wired in series or parallel. WoW, I never knew that. I would want an internally parallel wired foldable solar panel set. If the panels are set up and functioning the bath towel test covering a portion of one of the foldable sections would tell me if all the foldable sections are wired in series because the wattage would go close to ZERO. But do you know of a way I can use an Ohm meter to test to see how the foldable panels are wired? I can't think of a way to use an ohm meter to test the internally wired method of a foldable solar panel set but I thought I would ask. I have a project today. My panels are Eco Flow refurbished 110w foldable.
You'd have to have access to the internal wires to measure the voltage, at least that's how I would determine if they are wired in series or parallel.
@@Jasonoid I emailed Eco Flow customer service and asked if my foldable Eco Flow refurbished 110 watt solar panel set is wired in Series or Parallel. I also asked if the individual solar cells are wired in series or parallel with each other. I understand that this might be proprietary knowledge, but I asked. I will set my solar panels up and partially cover them and use my Eco Flow River Max to monitor input wattage as I cover portions of a single foldable panel and then a complete panel. Thank you for the project.
that xstar looks like a winner, even if counting the steady state hot output loss it would still be at the rated output. but that shading test, oh boy, if you cant get it out into the clear sun, might as well put it away.
thanks for sharing this, sorry the clouds came out and ruined the last of the testing you wanted to do. but hey at least we get to see that at least we will get some power, when the clouds come out.
maybe not right for your channel, but curious about what you think about bev's such as tesla or even the new aptera that is coming.
a solar powered car could be useful for commuting, but with only 2 seats it isn't going to be family friendly.
of course teslas are expensive and the wait time to get one is insane. perhaps bev's will be the future, but imo right now they only make sense if you drive alot of miles, can recharge overnight in your garage and drive less than the range of the battery, or i guess charging at work for free is also a thing if you are lucky enough to have a job that does that.
I haven't quite jumped on the electric car bandwagon yet. Still pricey for the range you get. I think if you have a large solar system installed already it makes the argument better. Luckily I don't have to commute too far to work so gas isn't hitting so bad. With these current gas prices electric cars do look appealing but I don't think the electrical grid is quite ready for EVs and the much higher demand they will put on the grid. So many things to talk about with electric cars, the battery tech, and the grid that needs to be upgraded! haha
Let's goooo
I, bought the Dokio 110 panel about 6 mos. ago and live in So. California. i've, tried several times to get max output and so far only getting 55 - 60 watts on a clear sunny day. Any suggestions?
Ehat is the best set up to keep a bost battery charged. Compact size
If you had to pick a single 120w solar panel bifold or quadfold what would it be? Seems like the the bluerise would be a great choice for a budget friendly option compared to the Bluetti pv120 for a premium option, thoughts?
The Elecaenta 120 or XTAR put out more power than the Bluerise, but cost almost $100 more. I'd chose between those three options personally, but it's up to your budget.
I'd like to know if I can mix and match? Do different branded panels work if you connect them together? Would a DOKIO and Renogy 100 Watt panels work if you connect them together?
If the panels have the same output voltage they can work together in parallel. Most panels have different peak power voltages and you wont see very good output as the panels try to mix their power output. I wouldn't recommend it.
Great videos. Very helpful. One question: I have the Bluetti EB55. I live in Australia. I bought a Kings 120w solar blanket to charge (matches voltage). But in the manual fine print (nowhere else) it says the solar blanket is not suitable for lithium batteries. Confused.
Probably for charging a standalone lithium battery? It should be fine for the EB55 if the output voltage is within spec.
@@Jasonoid Thanks
Great review. Would like to see a similar review for 200 watt folding panels. I realize the Bluetti PV200 is good but $2.50 per watt just seems overpriced.
200 watt panels are pretty rare. It seems easier to connect two 100 Watt panels in series or parralel depending on your needs. I will be testing two 200 watt panels coming up next week if the weather is good. Lensun 200 vs the Bluetti PV200
@@Jasonoid The problem seems to be that many 100 watt panels say you can't connect them in series, although many say parallel connections are OK.
@@ronbotex what I've seen is that they don't come with adapters or an easy way to connect them. I have helped multiple people connect the Elecaenta 120w panels in series, no issues. You just need a bunch of adapters to get the connection easily.
Can you do a filtered sunlight test to simulate various cloudy conditions? I am looking for panels that perform the best in less than optimal daylight conditions.
Can you clarify what type of filtered sunlight test you'd like to see? Just want to see if I can come up with something
@@Jasonoid you could experiment with shade cloth or plastic sheeting like used in green houses or hot houses, its opaque. The P.V. panels may show a triggering point at which they shut down, when light is reduced, to simulate a cloudy day.
I enjoy your work Jason, thank you.
Jason, thank you, I almost bought a poor quality folding dokio, 200w, I am new to all this, might need advice because I am now wondering about rigid panels for a small EB3A, but perhaps that don’t weight too much! My use case is still a mistero to me as well, I am not a van lifer, I live in an apartment in Florence Italy, and live above a sunny public park, I am a “starving artist” frugal, looking to get as much mileage as possible out of anything and use utilities as little as possible, explaining for context but need a little guidance if possible? Loving your channel btw! I forgot to mention that I am accustomed to moving up and down flights of stairs whilst carrying a bicycle and going back up the same stairs with that same bike and a heavy load of groceries almost every other day, so the park downstairs and carrying the rigid panel might not be too bad?
Glass rigid panels last the longest. A 100w panel isn't too bad on weight. Once you move up to a 200w glass panel they get pretty heavy and take up lots of space.
@@Jasonoid awesome thank you so much Jason, I was looking at a 120w and I can’t remember if the “voc” was 22.5 v, I could be really wrong but as long as it’s under 28 it’s ok for the eb3a I think?
@@SolarPunk80 yeah, just stay under 28voc
Wish you could’ve shamed Jackery in this video 😂
Thanks for the testing video, VERY helpful. Personally I look at the Xtar as a total fail in most cases because of the partial shading being 1 watt. I'd gladly take a little less output in full sun knowing I'll still get 50% if it gets partially shaded. That's just me though - some power is better than no power. Thanks again!
tThe power drop out is from the two halves being wired in series. You won't see a complete loss of power unless one panel is completely cut off from top to bottom. I still get good performance with the XTAR in cloudy weather, its just when shade blocks the flow of power to the second panel you'll see it drop out completely. There were a couple panels like this in the video.
@@Jasonoid Good to know about the cloudy days. Yes, I saw a few of them dropped completely from the shade. Thanks again for the video.
Does the Bluerise 120 come with a PWM or MPPT charge controller? I'd certainly prefer they do not and then connect to a Victron MPPT to get the most out of panel. I have a Renegy 100w suitcase, but the darn thing is too heavy for this old man.
They do not come with a charge controller so connecting to your Victron will work just fine.
I’m looking for a camping rig that I can put in my apartment windows to charge a powerstation and offset lighting costs etc. during the ac season. Every penny counts. Would I have to go with those small flex ones, or do you think any of the winners would fit in a regular sized window (and still power if partial coverage)?
I haven't tested solar panels through I window! I'm not sure the type of power you'd see. I know that some of the panels in this video are super lightweight and could hang from a balcony or out of a window just fine though.
@@Jasonoid Thanks! I’m gonna try it. If it doesn’t do a good enough job, I could also drag it out to my van and place it more strategically while I’m at work.
Wouldn't cloud cover be a more realistic field test? Especially in the Northwest. Cloudless days can be rare here.
You'll see 10 percent of rated power in cloud cover.
I don’t seem to be able to find a BlueRise 120, only 100. Would buy that one or the BigBlue?
Probably some supply chain issue! No stock 😔 The BigBlue panel is also very good since it's waterproof.
what are ur thought on the eco worthy 120 watt solar panel? folds up smaller lighter but i am assuming the build quality would be on par with the dokio panels p.e.t coating ect output amps and volts are about the same on paper just wondering if u have ever tested the eco worthy
My father in law just purchased three 195 watt glass rigid panels from ECO Worthy, they showed up completely destroyed. No padding in the shipping boxes, bent frames and corners. When he tested the panels they didn't produce near the advertised wattage. I wouldn't go with glass rigid panels from them, not sure about portable panels, I haven't tested them, they could be okay.
I have that panel and it works pretty well. I typically get about 90 watts out of it, but I don’t always have optimal sun. My main complaint is the weak stands that don’t allow it to be propped up straight.
2:29 Wow, that is one tiny insect!!
Your link to Bluerize takes me to the 60 watt and I cannot find the 120 watt option. :(
Yep, it's been gone for awhile now! Not sure if it's going to come back.
I am looking to get one and am wondering which one will provide power at the lowest light
The best panel type for low light and partial shading is the 'cigs' type panel. They are very expensive and flexible. Google them to learn more.
I bought the ones your father in law recommended. But those are trifold. How would those compare to these?
The Baldr and the Elecaenta are excellent panels. They are actually 4 panels or quadfold. They perform just the same as these, they just take longer to setup since there are more kickstands and sections of the panel.