Solar on a Budget: Exploring the Top Affordable 200W Portable Panels for Van Life

Nothing wrong with Chinese tech

Stymbled across this very informative video. I want to thank you for taling your time on breaking this down. I am currently looking for a portable/emergency solar panel system. This helps.

Is there a way to tell how much we need for instance if I was running my heater or I was running appliances or a computer is there a way to tell how much of these used in electricity therefore I know how many solar panels I need?

How many watts do I need to charge my eb3a , ill be using a 12v blanket when needed and a 10 liter cooluli fridge , iphone and a pad?

Could you do a comparison of flexible roll-up solar panels? Roll-up, bc they're more storable in a car.

Someone gave me a folding type. The plastic face was cloudy and put out half the amps. About 3.5amps. So it lasts about 3 years maybe? For $400 these are a ripoff.

Would have loved to see what the true input watts were

So I am trying to figure out why certain ones like the dokio for example actually get damaged quickly and to the point of performance being affected, and I might have noticed something…. They say to wear white clothing under the sun to stay cooler…. Some of the ones that seem to last longer have white areas holding the panel surface area, Bob is this a mere coincidence?

What is the cheap solar panel out there to use in a flat .?

Price

thank you so much for the quality info . I had a great time enjoying your video

Does anyone know what the minimum solar power panel I need to connect say a toaster 24/7 ? (obviously I'm using the toaster as an example)

canny crack bob you take care. I've a ecoflow delta max 2000 will those solar panels within your video work on it. i currently have two ecoflow bifacial solar 220 watt's. I'm receiving 390 watt's in desent sunshine I'm living in the UK we are experiencing a dreadful summer at moment. 😢😢

Never pay full price because of locations. My location can't push full potentiality of solar panel.

Can any brand solar panel work with any generator?

I'm late to the conversation but after buying jackery 200w panels a few months ago I have to say I'm looking to return them. I bought 2 panels along with my 2000 pro station. The power station is incredible. The solar panels are each having different problems and falling apart. They are also difficult to keep clean.

I also bought a 60w all powers portable panel to charge my fans and phone and I love it so far

I just bought a pv200 manufacturer refurbished for $230. It hasn’t arrived yet. If it’s in new condition then I think it’s an excellent deal.

It's not the grommets and it's not the weight; it's what kind of power they put out should be the comparison.

Looking for the followup video of testing output

Bob, I just watched this video. I liked the video. You identified several key items to consider when researching portable solar panels. But it is missing the key element that is a performance comparison of each solar panel. You alluded to doing another video covering the performance and operation of the solar panels, but you apparently have not done that video yet. I have searched your list of videos, but cannot find a comparison video if it exists.

I hope you'll film that comparison soon to complete this comparison of portable solar panels. Thank you for your contributions to YT.

i just bought a camper and most everything runs off propane but the air is this capable of running a 26 ft fteelwood

Is that a Bigfoot

Thanks, this was very helpful

Thank You.

I have a Bluetti PV350. It is amazing.

Was the grecell the pro version or basic?

So I took a 12v 18w trickle solar panel charger and got all the adapters necessary to charge a power bank, or directly charge a cell phone, a radio, small rechargeable batteries. The power bank provides night lighting. I can even make colloidal silver in the field. The panel itself is meant to mount on a RV exterior, so it has the shatterproof glass. I spent 50 bucks.

Thank you for this great comparison.

YOu asked what was the most important to us. For me, it's quality. Of course I'd rather have as much of my money stay in my pocket as long as possible, but as yo states, I don't want to have to repurchase down the line. I was quite shocked by the Greycell product. I've got to find a power station for myself first & hopefully I can get the solar panels in a package deal.

Is the length of the cord REALLY more important than its performance? Are there plans to you know, hook them up to anything?

I learned everything I wanted to ask about portable solar panels, plus lots of necessary information I didn’t know I needed. I’m easily impressed though, bcz I knew zero. Seriously? I’m totally new at this stuff and feel so much better able to make a decision. Mucho mucho gracias. Whew. Big gratitude here, Bob. Happy trails, all. 🙏🏼🐾🎶

can you share your testing of these panels?

I have built a camper. I have the bluetti EB240 bundled with the 2 SP 200 panels. I want to build a battery bank to help on days that are cloudy to extend my bluetti's power. I will most likely go with 2 200 amp hr power queens to start out and hope for eventually getting 2 or 3 of the 400 amp hr batteries for extendable power. Any tips to save money is greatly appreciated. I most definitely need to get some solid panels to mount on camper roof. Also not sure how to get the most our of my battery bank. I know with the bluetti I need more than the 12 volts each offers so running in series or maybe series and parallel to get the most power?

yup nailed it on the penny wise. Bought a 100w chinese amazon. Doesnt put out shit for power.... Thank you for this!!

Really like the Gricell. Handles & rigid ends - easier to carry. Grommets - make sense to me. Slimmer - easier to store away.

Anyone find the follow up video with the testing?

How do these portable panels compare to a flexible panel? Can I just use a flexible panel and make a stand for it. The flexible weigh much less, 10 lbs for a 200 watt.

Bob: How are rating the Dokio solar panels, Seems like a 300 watt Dokio is about the same as these 200 watts

What are your thoughts on Goal Zero solar panels, batteries, etc?

Did he ever make the next video that shows which one wins? Which one generates more power? Thanks, enjoyed this video.

Since panels like this get used on the ground they end up getting dirty. The PV cells are easy enough to wipe off, but the fabric cases end up looking filthy. It would be nice if they were made in dirt colors instead of black.

For what I use it for the All Powers works for me being budget conscious, it has hanging loops on the panel that work like grommets.

Isn't that the Greecell Pro 200w solar panel. The regular Greecell weights more then the 11lbs.
Great video

I don't understand solar what would I need to run a alpicool fridge charge a phone and power tool batteries also a 3 gallon a minute water pump

Thanks so much for this comparison, Bob!

Judging by the weight, you were actually reviewing the Grecell 200w PRO, which is lighter. Both panels are on the same link, but the PRO is significantly more money for the same power, but less weight.

Did you ever make the follow-on video? I didn’t see it on your list. Thx

Thanks!

Are you still planning on doing a test of the output of these?

I have not even finished the video and already gave it a thumbs up. Learning lots. Need to learn solar for my 5th wheel. That GRCELL kits looks like it might be good looking at it. Again will see the video first. I would like to see how it holds up. I see this is a good 2 + months old now. Rain, wind, snow? Weight? tying down. You look like you test things out well in the desert and I know from Army days its a great place to test thing.
Thank you friend. Will watch and subscribe to catch an update. SGT(P) Retired, Jody. Army ABN. :D

Outstanding review Sir. Thank you.