Renogy 100w suitcase panel lowest price ever on Prime

[John E Davies 0]

Now is probably a good time to buy. This is not the current model which I don’t know the differences.

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Monocrystalline-Portable-Foldable-Kickstand/dp/B00LXG4AXS?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAJ7T5BOVUVRD2EFYQ&tag=camelproducts-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00LXG4AXS

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[roguebooks 0]

Can this Renogy unit plug into the outside Zamp plug-in installed on my 2018 Oliver Elite I?

[SeaDawg 1]

Roguebooks, do you have a controller, or just the zamp port with a fuse?

 

The unit John posted does not have a controller. If you simply have a port, and inline fuse, wired to the battery, you need a controller, also. That's the way most "solar ready" options are wired. If so, Click through the options in John's post for a suitcase INCLUDING controller. It's a bit more.

 

Sherry

[roguebooks 0]

I have a controller inside the trailer that operates my Zamp solar panels on the roof. I also have the Zamp ports outside. The Zamp suitcase I was looking at comes with its own controller on the panels. I guess I assumed this Renogy came with a controller as well. Not sure how this all works.

[SeaDawg 1]

You'd probably be best off with a waterproof controller on the panel , and some decent length of wire to get the Renogy suitcase into tbe sun. The referenced Renogy is really an add-on panel, or could be standalone, but looks like it comes with a foot or so of wire, and alligator clips to attach to a battery.

Since you have a port installed, you need a controller, a length of cord, a connector that fits the Zamp, which I believe is sae, but wired reversed from normal polarity, to make it "zamp proprietary." Someone with a zamp port can help more here, as we wired a furrion port, which is yet a different connector.

 

There is a converter on amazon to convert sae to zamp port, for probably 25 dollars. I remember looking at it months ago for my sister, but don't quote me. If you buy the panels only, probably just as easy to wire everything up originally to meet your Zamp port requirements.

 

Here's an older thread which will either help, or confuse you more. https://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/additional-100w-suitcase/

Sherry

[roguebooks 0]

I just replaced the defective Zamp controller inside the trailer and now want to get a portable 90 to add for better boon docking capabilities. The Zamp people were very helpful and I will most likely spend the $500 for their unit (with controller) just because of their customer service. I do like to save money however. But I like manufacturers that treat the customer with respect and are helpful (unlike MaxxAir for example) so Zamp will probably be the one. I also replaced (at my cost) the deluxe MaxxAir fan after Oliver already replaced the control pad and lift motor to no avail. This time I opted out of the motorized lift as something else that can go wrong with their junk. Thank you for your help.

[Overland 0]

There's nothing wrong with the Zamp panels, save the price. but if you're O.K. with that, then you should be fine with whatever they offer.

[roguebooks 0]

OK, now we see there is a controller on the Renogy unit. Does that mean I can just simply plug it into my outside Zamp plug-in factory-installed on my 2018 Oliver Elite I? That would be cool and save me around $300. I already have two Zamp panels on my roof. Just wanting to add a bit more insurance for too much shade or a cloudy day.

 

 

[SeaDawg 1]

The zamp port is installed on trailers and motorhomes across many brands. Lots of people use Renogy and other brands of panels with the zamp port. And, because of the widespread use of the Zamp port, there's a lot of choice out there in adaptors and cables to make other less expensive options work.

 

Renogy may even sell an adaptor, themselves. As long as the panel has mc4 connectors on the back, you should be able to buy a 10 ft cable with zamp end, or a cable and connector, for I'm estimating $25 to $50. You could call Renogy about the specific unit you want.. there are four options in John's link above. And, Renogy is running a labor day sale right now, as well. Yesterday, I saw a 20 per cent off coupon code for first time checkout with google express when I looked briefly at the renogy site.. .

 

 

Sherry

 

[Guest Guest]

I just replaced the defective Zamp controller inside the trailer and now want to get a portable 90 to add for better boon docking capabilities. The Zamp people were very helpful and I will most likely spend the $500 for their unit (with controller) just because of their customer service. I do like to save money however. But I like manufacturers that treat the customer with respect and are helpful (unlike MaxxAir for example) so Zamp will probably be the one. I also replaced (at my cost) the deluxe MaxxAir fan after Oliver already replaced the control pad and lift motor to no avail. This time I opted out of the motorized lift as something else that can go wrong with their junk. Thank you for your help.

 

It is simple decision for me when shopping for stuff. In this case,  Zamp is a USA production company. Renogy, although USA based, is not sourcing USA made panels/products.

And the one time I had an issue (not really an issue, just too much portable for my desired use-heavy and big), Zamp made it right and swapped out my 200w mono/with controller for two  (80 and 120w mono/with controllers) portable units with very limit fanfare or extra expense. They obvious did not need to do this but to their credit, it was a request they seemed happy to honor. This was done face to face at their Bend, OR plant. Would it have happened via phone calls and UPS/FEDEX. Maybe, maybe not but my experience with Zamp has all been good. The Zamp system OTT uses is one of the reason I chose Oliver.

 

Their stuff is simple to use and for most users, I believe a better overall experience. If you are chasing the mono versus poly panel and pwm versus mppt challenges, then yes, there's stuff out there to explore. AM Solar is a good source of info and RV products. Mark

[roguebooks 0]

Zamp it is. USA. Thanks.

[SeaDawg 1]

Zamp also offers a 25 year solar production warranty, similar to quality home systems. It would be nice if they posted initial efficiency ratings, though. I chose US made panels for our home, at a premium over import. I understand your reasoning.

 

We chose Sunpower, however, for the installation we're currently doing on the boat, with Victron controllers and monitors. Primarily for published efficiency ratings.

 

Honestly, you're looking for backup, not primary, as we are for the boat, so definitely go with your comfort zone. A few hundred is a few nights dining out, vs. Unknowns, and ease of plug and play.

 

I will say, Zamp panels are a lot heavier. That's both a plus and minus. The frames on Zamp are beefier. But more to lift and stow.

 

I don't have a dog in the hunt, except looking to the future with my sister who also has a Zamp port installed in her rpod. We installed a Furrion port in our Oliver, so a different set of issues. Reminds me of VHS vs BETA, duking it out in the vcr world. When I was still using reel to reel, and a remote monitor... lol.