I Bought These Portable Solar Panels on Amazon

[@alive-awake]

Bob you keep these companies in line by telling and showing exactly how their products perform. Thank you!

[@dalekundtz760]

Thanks Bob for your understandable explanations. For those of us who are unfamiliar with solar, you explain it in terms even us older and technically challenged people can understand. Please continue doing the great work you do!

[@miriamneuman2545]

Based on your unboxing vid on solar panels, I just bought the slightly more powerful new Acopower 120 watt. (You reviewed the 100 watt) I boondocked for 3.5 days and had it hooked up to my house battery under the hood. I agree with you on the quality. Good strong, well placed grommets, nice controller and sturdier alligator clips. Placed it on a slant on the hood of my van facing East held in place by bungees. Kept the battery topped off all weekend. Super stoked about this panel!

[@sandrabeck8788]

I am setting up a mini van to travel, and struggling with all the options for power. I thought I’d have to hire someone to mount a panel on the luggage racks, until viewing this review of these portable panels! Now I need to figure out what kind of battery, and am leaning toward the lithium power packs. These videos are a life saver

[@shellyscott6447]

Omg Bob like I couldn't love you anymore for doing this series!! Confusing made simple finally thank you so much!! xoxoxo Cody

[@williambingham2459]

I own the 100 watt Dokio folding panels and also have on my tongue box a flat 50 watt Renogy nonflex panel in a flat fixed position. The Renogy 50 equals the 100 Dokio in amps output through same controller. Wired for both with #10 wire to controller/battery. It helps to keep controller wired near panels for less loss to controller and thus battery. Tilting does help both. Both are monocrystaline. Obviously you get what you pay for! Thanks for this excellent series for us camping consumers.

[@robertvandenbrink5884]

Since watching your first video and having helped a friend with some disabilities choose the Dokio 100 watt panel... I was so impressed with hers...I bought a 200-watt Dokio setup. I have two 100 amp hour deep cycle batteries and sofar the get fully charged and I also charge my laptop ...phone...hotspot and run a 12-volt refrigerator during the day. At night when the sun goes down, I am at 13 volts and in the morning it drops to 12.9 because of the refrigerator has run during the night. So far I am very happy with them. I lay them flat on the ground on a tarp to keep them clean.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Robert Van Den Brink Thank you for the info! Makes good sense putting them on a tarp.

[@Tepeza]

This is very helpful. Im buying everything up that we are going to need to get out yonder. I hate buying blind and these videos really help. Thanks so much, Bob for all your help and all you do.

[@ridelocalride]

Every time I looked at these type of panels they were too expensive so I went with your recommendation of Eco-Worthy 120W Panels. Your videos help me with my every day mobile living as a nomad. Thanks

[@richardowens9061]

Thank you, for the video! I appreciate you taking the time to test these models of portable solar panels. But, let me just mention that amps and volts cannot be compared in isolation. The power output of the solar panels is based on two parameters - voltage and current. You must multiply the voltage by the current to determine the power output in watts. Each of the panels you tested had a different voltage output, as well as a different current output. To make a fair comparison, you needed to measure the voltage and current of each panel, then multiply those two figures to arrive at a total power output figure. Then, move onto the next model and do the same. Power is what you're really wanting to compare, here, and not current.

[@ptaing8]

I agree! Voltage x Current = Power

[@littlemisssunshine2931]

How or where do you find out what the current is?

[@thatalaskaguy1118]

@@littlemisssunshine2931 Volts X Amps = Watts.......... Amps=Current

[@mmcknight6834]

I bought the Dokio 200W and in the Texas noon day sun I saw 10.4 amps. I was running LED lights, fantastic fan, and 12v fridge to see if the solar panel could keep up and the battery stayed full. It may do better with a mppt charge controller but for the price the stock package is working as expected.

[@aprilmayorjune]

Excellent series of videos Bob, I am enjoying. Thank you, April

[@Ronwixziv]

Thank you so much for this video! I was worried about trying to have power for a refrigerator in my van (still a work in progress) I had seen these solar powered panels advertised in another video and was curious as to how to how they worked and if they would work for me. While I still don't understand all of the basics, you have definitely shown me that there is a way to have them work for me! Thank you so much!

[@Ronwixziv]

@@nonyabizness.original Thank you so much for this information! You've saved me a lot of heart break! Thank you!

[@SoulfulVeg]

I live in Florida, so this will be great for camping and hurricane season when I'm home.

[@philliplaroe6107]

If you want to do these comparisons in the future you need a tutorial in electricity - here goes: You seem to confuse amps with amp-hours. Amps measure the rate of flow of electrons from the panels while amp-hours measures the energy stored in a battery. For instance 10 amps means 10 coulombs of electrons are passing each point in the wire per second while a 10 amp hour battery will create a current if 10 amps for one hour before it goes dead. These are totally different concepts. In this video every reference to amp hour should just say amps. Power (measured in Watts (W)) is the product of amps(A) and voltage (P=A x V) so the Dokio rated at 200W should produce 9.75 A at 20.5 V (9.75 x 20.5 = 200), but it is only producing 141W (6.9A x 20.5V = 141W) because it is not pointed directly at the sun. Similarly the AcoPower rated at 105W is only producing 96W of power. Dividing the rated power by the measured current of the solar panels is a meaningless number to compare between the units. Something meaningful to compare would be that when laying flat on the ground the AcoPower produces 91% of its rated power while the Dokio produces only 71% of its rated power.

[@scwps23]

Thanks, for the great quality video loaded with a wealth of info for van dwellers, and RVers. The quality of your videos has really improved Bob. Thanks for sharing.

[@brandyes8002]

I have had the 200 watt for 3 m0 now living it so far

[@divinentd]

Thanks for the update Bob! It'll be great to see how the cheap panels perform with a better controller. I'm guessing they'll improve but not exceed the higher quality ones. Be great to see a video on connecting multiple panels to a single controller or battery (however it is you do that), for those of us without the roof space, but who still want a full solar setup.

[@richardowens9061]

You really shouldn't mix panel sizes or types for use with the same controller. That will introduce losses into your system, perhaps significant losses, because the voltage and current parameters are not going to be the same. And, whether you're connecting them in series or parallel, mismatched panels are not generally going to work well together. For example, if you put a 100 watt panel in series with a 50 watt panel, you will only get 100 watts, and not the 150 watts you were hoping to get. Why? Because, the 50 watt panel can only pass a limited amount of current through it. The 100 watt panel is likely to provide about 18 volts at 5.6 amps - but, the 50 watt panel is likely to provide about 18 volts at 2.8 amps and it won't pass the extra current from the 100 watt panel through it. So, in series, you would get 36 volts at 2.8 amps - because, you add voltages in series, but not amps. And, the maximum current is limited by the 50 watt panel to the 2.8 amps it can provide. Multiplying 36 volts times the 2.8 amps gives you about 100 watts - so, your 50 watt panel is completely wasted! Likewise, in parallel, the voltage difference between different panels can cause one panel to back feed into the lower voltage panel. If you have one panel that puts out 18 volts and you put it in parallel with another panel that puts out 21 volts, the 21 volt panel will be drawn down to the lower 18 volts. Yes, you add the current between the panels when connected in parallel, but at the lower voltage, the total power provided will be less than the ratings of the two panels used separately. All of that to say this: Use a separate controller with your separate sets of panels. You can connect different sets of panels together - like connecting your roof top solar panels to a ground mount set of solar panels - if the panels are all of the same type and configuration. For example, if you have four 100 watt panels on the roof of your RV, you could connect those in series and then connect another four 100 watt panels that are also in series located on the ground in parallel with each other. You could then use one charge controller, assuming it can handle the total combined power of all the panels. And, of course, it is perfectly acceptable to use multiple solar charge controllers on the same battery bank. It's just important that they be set to the same charging parameters. Hope this helps!

[@divinentd]

@@richardowens9061 That absolutely makes sense, thank you! I'd also like to see, just because Bob's videos make zero assumptions about anybody's technical background, simply what it it actually looks like to connect 2 or 4 of those panels in series.

[@richardowens9061]

@@divinentd To connect panels in series, you just connect the positive output of one panel to the negative output of the next, and so on for all the panels in the series. Then, you take the positive at one end of the array and the negative at the other end of the array and connect those to your charge controller. Of course, this approach requires an MPPT solar charge controller, and not a PWM controller. Why? Because, the MPPT controllers are designed to take higher voltages from series connected panels - up to 100 volts, 150 volts, or even higher. But, PWM controllers are not designed for solar panels connected in series. They're typically limited to maximum voltage input of 24 to 36 volts for use with 12 volt or 24 volt battery banks.

[@divinentd]

@@richardowens9061 Cool. Sounds like you'd want a longer extension for the end that's further away from your controller. I still think it would be cool if Bob did a video on it, showing how you can do a full solar array without a roof installation, so that people can learn about it who aren't reading the comments.

[@williambranham6249]

@@richardowens9061 It didn't help me, but your heart is in the right place.

[@YvogaAZ]

Thank you, Bob, doing my research/planning now (perhaps on the road in 5 years+/-) and learning about solar right now. Any books anyone recommends would be great, too!

[@trustinwwjd1997]

Thanks so much for sharing the frontline comparison result,,, Safe, happy & blessed travel on your all journey,,,,

[@davidtigner191]

Thanks Bob. I appreciate you working to help others out. I have hard pannels that are heavy to move in and out and take up a lot of room. I'm interested in these soft pannels. So in your test, you are using what comes with the pannels. It would also be interesting to test each panel with the same controller to see if it is the controller that is crap or the panels themselves. Thanks. Looking forward to seeing you on the road.

[@littlemisssunshine2931]

I would love to see that too.

[@GStrecker]

Don't forget the way these panels are rated. The two more expensive panels were putting out 19.6 volts to the Dokio's 20.5 volts. You then measured the Amps. It is my understanding that the charge controller should be connected to the battery before connecting the panels. I don't know if that would make a difference or not. In order to determine the Watts, you would multiply the Amps X Voltage= Watts. Resistance can also come into play. Things like the length of the connected wiring and the internal resistance in the various charge controllers can make a difference. According to your initial figures, the 200 Watt Dokio was only reaching 141.45 Watts when lying flat. It would have needed to come up to just under 10 amps when tilted to reach its full output capacity but that one was not tested tilted in this video. When you tilted the Dokio 100 Watt panel it jumped up to 5.4 amps. Using your initial figures that the Dokio's were putting out 20.5 volts X 5.4 amps = 110.7 Watts which looks to be pretty good for a 100 Watt rated panel. Math and electricity can be confusing.

[@HomemadeAC]

Excellent Solar Comparisons! Thanks Bob for always offering sincere value to so many...

[@largedoglover99]

Don't burn your eyes! Look at the shadow instead of the sun. Line up the shadow and save your eyes!!!

[@morrisshepherd1637]

Thanks again Bob for the continued information on solar.

[@QUADBOYification]

I do AGREE, Dokio is a great value for the buck. If they under=perform just slightly (-0.5A) then i guess they made them with less pure materials. If you can put in 5.4A with 100 Watt and pay $100 (or more) less then those with 5.9A i wouldn't complain. You got your bargain at the counter when you bought it. The controller might just be a factor but those have a lot higher price tag. If you wanna buy a real good controller at $100+ to get you that last 0.5A extra you could also consider buying another Dokio 200 Watt to get you to 400 Watt easier with 14A in for less. Lots of camper owners would love to have a $300 upgrade to 400 Watt and have the (portable) panels somewhere on the ground directed to the sun instead of flat on the roof. Think of the extended life span they will have if you deploy them only when sun is shining. The roof will be original and you won't have to clean it from leafs or dirt. Massive saving.

[@sdbpost]

Thanks, the comparison is very helpful when selecting a panel! Can you add the wattage to the show notes or overlay on the video and re-upload? Knowing a 100w panel is generating 85w instead of the rated 100w is much more helpful and easier for most viewers to understand. And without the data sheet for the panel we don't know how the output amperage compares to it's rated amps. Yes, viewers can figure it for themselves by multiplying the amps times the voltage but many people don't know that, or don't want to go to the trouble. Also, I don't know if the voltage changes with angle but you only show the voltage being measured when flat on the ground. One other easy test that would help viewers would be to show what happens to output with a panel is partially shadowed. Some show a gradual reduction as more is shaded, and some drop to nearly nothing. I wish more reviewers did these kinds of comparisons!

[@cherbear1996]

I still dont know wth you are talking about..lol..all I want to know is what is the best value for my money to charge what I need..been watch this stuff for 3 years and I just dont grasp the math of it all..not all of us have that kind of brain..✌

[@janetlapierre8307]

Love your videos. A note, you should consider adding a Canadian link your list on Amazon.

[@stewmiller778]

I agree that using the same charge controller would make it a better comparison. Bob, the meter you linked to is only for AC Amps, not AC/DC like the one you are using in the video. Actually, I didn't know you could measure DC Amps with a clamp-on, it normally requires installing a shunt...

[@williambranham6249]

Stew: I had a stent placed in my heart, now the defibrillator works better.

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

Thanks, Bob, I learned a couple of good points watching the videos!

[@catchagrip1322]

Brilliant test bud, was looking at the cheaper versions but getting the extra amp all day long from a better quality brand name is the way to go, looking forward to seeing the results with controller being changed. Thanks for input ; }

[@ronwasser2385]

Great solar series👍👍✌️

[@PatriciaHenry]

Thanks Bob for your Solar panel reviews.

[@NorthernKitty]

What were the results of testing these units with the MPPT? I browsed through your videos, and I didn't have any luck finding a "follow-up" that contained that information. (There are so many videos to look through!) I'm wondering specifically if the Dokio matched the other panels in performance once a quality controller was hooked up.

[@jareddamato5705]

Yes it does And when you tilt it it performs just as good as all the rest. But for a fraction of the cost 💯

[@markhouston9570]

@Hugo Derrick instablaster :)

[@markhouston9570]

@Hugo Derrick You are welcome :D

[@roxanefunderburk1079]

I’m with Cats. What’s the final results

[@lewistelle]

Thank you so much! -mama telle

[@andriesbreytenbach5587]

Hi Bob. Thank you for the content. I guess because the wattage on the different 100W panels are the same and the charge voltage higher on the Dokio that would explain why the amps are lower on it. Best regards. 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@georgelim2135]

can the acopower 100W foldable solar panel kit charge a lithium 12 volt battery?

[@mirogintz]

Can these panels be placed on inside the windshield? Instead of leaving them outside, can use the panels for dual-functions: to create energy & as a sun blocker. You can even place the panels inside while parking anywhere in big cities.

[@Noah-qt3rq]

No, they will have very little output.

[@LFPSair]

I have put an acropower behind my sienna windshield , it fits well, and I am able to get ~2.5A for a few hours a days.

[@kathystevens8163]

Learning about solar though you Bob... Interested in purchasing one, but do not know much about them, so hopefully, will be more knowledgable regarding them after watching.. ⚘⚘

[@lisagunheimadams5134]

Kathy Stevens me too. I’m wondering if you can buy a couple or few of them and connect them for 2-300 watts? Not sure how it all comes together and how you can make it expandable.

[@kathystevens8163]

@@lisagunheimadams5134 Post that question to Bob.. I am learning too..⚘😁

[@jimmycusetownprepardness578]

I still like the dokio 200 its seems like good bang for your buck

[@CATownsend777]

It's the quality of the silicon wafers and the design of the wafers that make the difference.

[@juliadawnyel3648]

What do you recommend to put the power information ok

[@wendyfahmie7608]

Thank you for all the great work you do, Bob!

[@marysellers3923]

Great video bob. Very helpful!!! We like the ecopower the best so far!!thanks.!❤🙏

[@Loruca]

Have you compared those battery power stations that are getting to be so popular? The big buzz recently has been for the Jackery, but I know there are others out there like Goal Zero. How do they compare?

[@TheArtofRVing]

Thanks for the info.......folding Solar Panels are just what we need in our small rig.....perfect

[@jnutcurl]

Love your videos. Thanks for the info. The zooming in and out was very rough in this video though. Can’t wait to try solar power

[@kenjboyd6233]

Much thanks for this series! It has been very helpful and presented very well, as is usual with your videos.

[@runnomore2243]

Good information! I'm also interested in how to secure the panels, maybe with a lock and cable. Doesn't sound like the Dokio has any place to lock a cable. Is that correct? Other ideas for securing the panels?

[@jodyseaman1885]

I am excited about these soft sided suitcase panels. Would better quality connectors make a difference? Just learning, I watch everything you do on solar. Thank you so much.

[@Datzneat]

I have the renogy one and have been happy with it so far. Very interested in what the improvements are with a cheap mppt controller over this pwm it comes with. Also I recommend at least a 15 foot extension cable with these. I'm always wishing for a couple more feet with my 10 footer.

[@susan7627]

What battery is best for my R-pod an what is the best solar package to charge my battery?.... thanks 💜your Videos 👏👏👏💥

[@MindGarden]

Been enjoying your videos.you are still the best nomad channel.

[@rohtati1020]

Very good video and useful information, thanks!!! 👍👍👍👍

[@playinatlife5778]

Hi Bob, I really appreciate your informative solar videos. Would you be able to produce a video that discusses using multiple solar panels concurrently? For example I have a Renogy 100w suitcase with controller. I also have a 160w panel plus a 30 amp MPPT controller. What is the best way to use both sources at the same time?

[@cdb4464]

That was a ton of work, Bob. Thanks for your thoroughness. Will go with higher quality ones when the time comes.;D

[@mikeburrill779]

Would you match your load ie refrigerator to your solar panel s? Or your battery. Or having 2 battery s

[@osogoodgirl]

So this was a year ago. Have you done the follow-ups yet?

[@cynforrest]

Another great vid. Thanks so much. I’m finally learning about solar.... bit by bit.

[@ivyhazeljones2203]

Just the information I needed. Thanks for another great video!!!

[@nickbernstein]

You've got to do a little math if they have different voltages. The formula you need is power (watts) = volts × amps.

[@noras.5355]

Thanks Bob, another informative and helpful video. I'm going with the Renagee!

[@havevanmusttravel]

Thanks Bob! I am most interested in the suitcase style solar panels with controllers and this video answered many questions.

[@SetitesTechAdventures]

I appreciate you testing dokios but it would be great to see the watts. Since the panels probably differ a little in their open and closed voltage the amps are not the best way to measure.

[@timmcdonough8543]

The voltage output varies with how well the panel is aimed at the sun because of the type of solar cells used in the panels. I imagine more well known companies like Renogy and AcoPower use better quality solar cells.

[@Sharihall49]

Could you connect all the solar panels to the battery at once and charge it faster?

[@cjcj9062]

Let me know if you can find a solution for the low output on dokio panels. I have the 200 watt version, i get around 50+ watts out of it. Would love tho know if there is a fix, like adding a blocking or bypass diode, or rewiring. Ps. Have uped to a mppt, very little change on output.

[@kathyweaver5113]

Bob how much portable sola would I need to run a cpap machine, small refrigerator, and charger my iPad and iPhone?

[@lindasue8719]

Was there any follow-up with the 200 tilted?

[@aloharay]

Thanks for the update, these are of interest to me.

[@septimiusseverus145ad7]

Would liked to have seen the 200w tilted.

[@juliadawnyel3648]

What do you want to run icebox or air-condition or heater

[@septimiusseverus145ad7]

@@juliadawnyel3648 both.

[@susan7627]

I also have a cheap panel on roof with a cheap controller... can I charge them together with the 2 controllers?

[@SBlockable]

Hi Bob. Great review. I travel alone and would like to be able to put them behind my van front window. Would they still be able to power through glass? Thanks for all you do for us.

[@JN-ou9ws]

Hi, I'm a little confused on your description of panel here aco. 35w 18v2 ( WHAT DOES THAT MEAN) because i have the bottom of the barrel Harbor Freight 100watt 18v poly, set up. I've only seen 5.5amp out of it But at the lowest i've seen is 18v highest 24+. They charge a 12v battery great even on cloudy days. It take higher volts to push (to say) kinda like trying to air a tire up with a tank that has the same psi as the tire. It won't work. I've noticed that haveing higher volts going in works if my battery at 13v and i try to charge at 12v it will not charge.

[@katcankan7129]

Look forward to the tests 😊

[@cortha55]

YOU TEACH ME SO MUCH BOB, THANK YOU

[@tinavestal2154]

Will the Acopower charge a Jackery 240?

[@SueT55]

Love my Accupower, 200 watt Dokio,, ehh!😏 Thanks Bob!

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Your explanations are very helpful..

[@JN-ou9ws]

Also the voltage of battery makes a difference, when I'm charge a battery that's 13v (close to full no more than 14.4 sla ) will determen the volts/Amp the charge controll allows

[@carolyntanner6517]

Fantastic info Bob. TY

[@tjtampa214]

Thanks, great video and information. 👍🌷☀️

[@jasonbrown467]

the charge controller will have different charge settings, high/medium/low type stuff. also, might be setup out of the box for flooded lead acid, not agm, agm is a slightly higher voltage needed to charge. i would make sure the charge controller is set to agm and make sure its set to maximum output to accurately gauge the performance of the systems. also, the "wattage" rating is sometimes use as a marketing term. sometimes they use open circuit voltage x max amps to find watts, the real watts would be in your agm battery's case would be 14.4 x amps = watts. not sure why you divided claimed wattson the box by measured amps. should have actually found the real watts. i do appreciate the video, i am thinking of getting something like this as it would be much easier/safer to pack than the glass panels im lugging around now

[@bones2180]

Can you add 3 Dokio panels together to get 600 watts

[@gmcjetpilot]

So the Dokio when tilted had 5.8 amps. I will assume that is at 20 volts. That 116 Watts. What more do you want. You did not REPORT ACTUAL Volts at those amps. However if you tilted the 200W Dokio if it improved as much as the 100W Dokio it would be 6.9 Amps by the radio of increase for the 100W panel (5.8/4.78). That would give you 8.3 AMP.... At 20 volts that is 166watts. So it is "underperforming" (from rated 200 watt rating). Dokio now sells 220W panel for about $234. With the controller, case, that is a good value. In your recent Feb 2022 you bash Dokio from the experience of another RV Nomad. That guy left his panels out 24/7 in harsh conditions. In a year he did 10 yrs of normal casual use. These panels are made for casual use, 1-8 weeks a year and not left out in rain, snow and high winds. Also per replies below others were getting 10 Amps out of the 200Watt Dokio. You do get what you pay fore. Sure better quality and performance you pay for it....

[@conniechamberlain1259]

Can I use solar in a small travel trailer.How about a green house.? I hope some one sees my question.Plus I want to bring my sewing machine.Add long as I have a battery ?

[@andriesbreytenbach5587]

... So a better charge controller that keeps the charge voltage down but lets the same amount of electrical flow or force through should give higher amps charging I guess?

[@Exodus26.13Pi]

Nice edit, to the point and educational.

[@judyh1296]

I am an absolute beginner in understanding solar. Do you have a video that explains solar for the complete novice? Example: if I have a van and only need power to run small appliances, coffee grinder, radio, tv, etc.

[@nancyrhodes5261]

Is there instructions how to hook them up to ur rig? How many AcoPowers would it take to power my 36' MH?

[@Tanks-Link]

I was wondering Bob what is the best solar panel to lay flat, i want to put on top of my toy hauler.

[@crickettoo1]

Did you post a follow up with the mppt controller? I can't find it.

[@miacondia6032]

Thanks Bob very helpful as usual, where can I get a hat like that?

[@HumbleVoyager]

Well done. Thank you!

[@mahdiomran6345]

Thanks Bob for the video ✋👍 all the best

[@ragtie6177]

Great "Real Information"....

[@nanciehuaracha6079]

Lmao! They will clean your toilet for you, hilarious. A fine example and one of MANY reasons I can't wait to be friends!!!! Beet harvest is SLOW, can't wait to get back to what i call home 🙃🙂Thank God for you Bob....thank you so very much.

[@Will-im1cy]

Hello Bob, I’m looking for a nice panel solar, For my YETI 400. Any good advice for me.? I will be upgrading my YETI soon. Thanks so much.

[@sturkfeld]

Great information! Thank you!

[@JW-jw4mo]

Bob! You look like Moses with the stone tablets!