BougeRV CIGS Flexible Solar Panel

[@bobbybeard5657]

Okay now you have my attention I have a bushwhacker and would definitely think about putting it on the front half as inuse the rack for kayaks. Keep us updated brother. Thanks for all that you do

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I have to check the dimensions when I get home, both the 100 and 200 are really long. I’ll have to see if this panel fits. Thanks for watching!

[@leftystrat62]

Dude,your like my new Bear Grills.I happen to click on a Goal Zero video to learn more about what I already owned and am now beginning to understand that voodoo solar stuff so much better. I subscribe only when there is a wealth of information to learn, and am I a very happy subscriber. So refreshing to find someone so helpful without the "sales pitch" for everything they use. Your a great teacher and wish you the best with your channel. cheers

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, it’s exciting to see the channel grow. It provides me more opportunities to test out and play with gear, which obviously I love. I do not sign on to any brand exclusivity or try to simply hock anything. Thank you for noticing that and commenting

[@RM0818]

That's pretty exciting tech. I paid $220 for BougeRV's 200W 9bb rigid glass panel ($40 Amazon lighting deal savings). This new CIGS 200W flex is $540 which is a pretty significant difference (granted, no discounting). I always liked the idea of a flex panel on the BW rather than a rigid, but I've just read and viewed enough negative information about them mirroring what you say in this video that I followed your video to install the rigid panel with the motorcycle handlebar mounts. This new CIGS tech seems like it could pull flex panels into prime time. As time goes on and if prices come down, I may replace the rigid one - although I love the fact the rigid one covers the fan so you can use it in the rain without having to buy a $300 maxx fan. Regardless - glad you're covering this because now I'm aware of it and will keep my eye on it!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That glass set up is dynamite, that’s why this one will go on the truck. I’m very impressed w what I’m seeing from CIGS, but there’s no way it’ll keep up with the tilt mount 9BB.

[@jimfoley7618]

This looks very impressive, I can't wait to see how it pans out on your truck overtime. Thanks for the great review!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Me too. I know this is an application that wouldn’t hold up other panels, I’m excited to be the Guinea pig!

[@henrymorgan3982]

From experience, it's worth it!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I agree. I have been negligent in not circling back to talk about CIGS with people. Worth every penny!

[@cgillit]

This is (potentially) amazing stuff for a Boondocker. I'm just imaging having a gigantic 1500 watt hour power station permamently set up and charging in my pickup shell safe and secure with just an initial one time configuration. Coming and going as I please with no lugging panels and batteries around. Look forward to you watching you be the guinea pig.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s the system I’m running right now, as we speak, 1500 in the back taking a charge while I drive! I’ll keep reporting back.

[@zkat13]

This!! For sure. I'm really looking forward to your thoughts on this one. Thank you for explaining everything for us ( me) folks that don't understand all the technology. I've learned so much from you.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I learn so much from you guys too! Thanks for sticking with us and tuning into the channel 😀

[@adventuresofthememorymakers]

It will be interesting to see how well it holds up bridge in the gap between your truck cab and your truck cap. Both are mounted to the frame independently on their own rubber isolator mouths and vibrations are different between the 2 areas.After year it will be interesting to see how the panel holds up with the different vibration patterns and temperature changes.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s the test, I’m excited to see how it does, stay tuned!

[@EverythingRVbyPat]

Oh wow!!! This is exciting!!! I am making plans now for a 200w panel on the new teardrop. I guess I will need an inverter and a charge controller. Bouge RV looks like a winner at this point. Oh what a fun project this will be!!! Thanks for showing us how it's done!!! Pat

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

This is a great panel, a lot of applications and durability. It will definitely be a fun project!

[@phxamigo]

Such praise! But l think such praise should be reserved until after thorough testing and evaluation, but sure looks promising!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s right, I tried to say that a few times in the video. I’ve worked with enough gear to give a good initial rundown, but the real truth won’t be revealed until I abuse it for a couple years…lol

[@ChasinSimplicity]

Wow. This could be a game changer. Thank you for your detailed review.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I appreciate you watching, CIGS looks like it’ll own the future market for a while.

[@charlesfaulkner8653]

Another great and informative video. Can’t wait to see the installation video as well as performance down the road.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Me too, I know this is a very abusive test. It’s going to be a while before I really know what it’s made of, but it’s looking really good!

[@twloughlin]

You're the first person I've seen who has reviewed this technology - thanks! This is definitely the future, but for me I think it will be a purchase for next season. I've never thought it too practical to put a 200W panel on my Class C, but this may change my mind completely. Oh one question - is your $50 coupon stackable with the 14% off, or is it one or the other? Seems like 14% would end up being the better deal given the $540 price for 200W. Well done, sir!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I’m very excited from the initial shake downs, we’ll see how it does. I don’t believe those coupons are stackable, but I haven’t received any feedback from people who tried… that would be really nice

[@darylhawkins4658]

Great video. Update us when you can. One has to be mindful of the panels output voltage when connecting it to a portable power station. The limit on a Goal Zero Yeti is only 22vdc.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, will do. Good reminder to not exceed voltage on charge controllers. Goal Zero has both units that are 22vdc, as well as the last gen of yeti X which is 50vdc. The latter can take 2 of these in series.

[@jessakent2049]

Rather than mounting it on my Prius for camping, I'm wondering if it'll still work with consistent rolling and unrolling so I can mount it on a tarp and use it as an awning. Will keep an eye on these!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I'm hearing of a lot of people using CIGS that way. Keep us in the loop.

[@johncampbell591]

I'll have to mention I really like your KZbin count. It made me bought this year, bushwalker can HD like yours? It's a 2023. I'm gonna be living in it all year round. Thank you for the information on your KZbin channel. I'm gonna try to make one myself. But I'm not very good at talking or on the camera. But I hope everything is okay with you. I'm from Canada, Ontario.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Please let us know when you launch, wed love to check it out.

[@johncampbell591]

@@DIYOutdoorLife You are the one that made up my mind to get a bushwacker ten h d

[@J4Julz]

I am so happy that you are reviewing this product! I have been gathering all the tidbits you give us in your videos and they are giving me the confidence to make some changes from the factory energy set-up, and go solar! Thank you so much Brian 👍 How was the Bushwhacker meet up in NC? Hope it was interesting and educational, with lots to share.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I’m still out on the road! The meet up was great, now we decided to head for Maine. Thanks for watching.

[@chrismoogalian8139]

Hey looks good I just got 3 of the flexible panels all I need is a solar controller and the wiring to accompany it to wire them all 4 to 3 in line batteries right

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Sure, just make sure everything is matched right. Three panels in series or parallel? Depending on which way you go will determine what size and type charge controller you use. Three batteries in series or parallel will also factor in. Either way, these are great panels and will help capture some awesome results!

[@johnwdavisjr]

This new technology looks promising.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

It’s pretty sharp, I’m excited to abuse it and see how it does…lol

[@ericmudge8375]

I would caution against bridging the gap between the cab and the truck cap. They definitely move independently.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I know they do, but this type of technology is supposed to make this possible. The panel has unbelievable flex and the VHB os the same adhesive that they use on skyscrapers. So where I would normally agree with you, they are advertising this type of installation, so I’m gonna give it a whirl and report back to everyone.

[@DavidVestal-i1o]

When are you going to do update on the bougerv flexiable solar panel you put on your truck roof ?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I apologize for the delay, others have asked as well. I'll provide you a little info here, so you don't have to wait for a follow up video . Right after making this video, a customer wanted low profile solar panels installed on a cargo trailer. I installed a couple CIGS directly to the roof of their trailer, using the included VHB. The installation could not have been any easier and they have held up excellently. The trailer is now a ways away from home, but I've stayed in contact and it's performing as well as the day we installed it. Definitely a large two thumbs up, I was hoping to cross paths again with the trailer to make some video for a follow up, it just has not happened. I am still excited about the truck project, bouge rv is now making CIGS in different sizes, some of which will even fit better. I will probably pick up a couple and do the job this year. Hope this info helps, I still cannot recommend these panels enough. Enough time has passed now, that they do go on sale from time to time.

[@tonylatham5915]

I'll be interested to see how you run the cables etc. It's an interesting panel for sure.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Basic cable entry with butyl tape. MC4 connectors. I haven’t been able to fully implement, but it will be close enough in spec to my rooftop panel that I will be able to both connect parallel or series into victon, depending on conditions. I will also be able to detach and connect one or both to a PPS.

[@tonylatham5915]

@@DIYOutdoorLife sounds good!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@tonylatham5915 now I gotta figure out how to use the power… hahaha

[@driveabout1world872]

Great video. I'm keeping my eye on them, but the cost is hard to swallow. But if I don't have to frame up a roof carrier, I may save some $$ in the long run. Do you think the panel would survive mounting them to an aluminum roof on a truck camper? Its gets mighty HOT up there. On a HOT summer day I can hear the aluminum roof pop as it heats up and cools.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

If you look up the testing data, it has excellent heat tolerance. With that being said, can you find a way to help it out (plastic grating or something to help breath). Not needed normally, but sounds like it couldnt hurt in your situation.

[@driveabout1world872]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Don't know. When the camper isn't being used I could toss a piece of solar shade over the panels to reduce the heat. You know as well as I that the Sun sucks the life out of things. Being an EE, I may attach a thermo-couple sensor on the roof and take some measurements. As for breaking the bond of VHB tape, I've had success using braided fishing line working it back and forth in a sawing motion, if I can pass the braid underneath the object. Hopefully that made sense.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@driveabout1world872 All good ideas. I’ve seen what it does to silicon panels in no time, even if CIGS is better, couldnt hurt. Love the braided line flossing, I’ll try it the next time I’m hammer chiseling a plastic 5-1 tool…lol. Not my favorite!

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Thx for your great videos and CIGS testing. My tiny '21 Mazda CX-30 is eager for a 200w+ solar solution to power 12v fridge, laptop, phone, fan and low wattage lighting for full-time adventuring in the USA. Top is just over 57"x44" without hatchback door. I don't want to babysit portable panels all day if I could be hiking and do want to be discreet, so am hopeful for your results and some future sizing options that will work. Curious about the paint too, as it felt like a small fortune to buy a nw car this year. Just read about how bad prior flexible technology is so am hopeful!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

For the time being, the panels are being made really long, I hope to see gains shorter options too. That Mazda sounds awesome.

[@maxarchambault2426]

Just bought one for my Camper! I use a delta max 2 - what adapters/cables would recommend to connect it to my efoflow? I’m a solar rookie. Great video!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

My delta two max came with the adapter. It is an XT 60i to mc4. If you did not get one or misplaced it, I will link on here- amzn.to/3BeRI2N Here’s an extension cord in different sizes if you need it - amzn.to/3TENCav

[@russellsverse]

Any update on how this has been doing over time?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

They’re rock solid. I changed plans on the truck because I helped build a camper out of cargo trailer, we used 2 cigs 200w on the roof of that… working perfectly w easiest install ever. I just purchased some more and am looking at the truck install again. Thanks for watching!

[@BrookRieman]

Hey there, I can’t seem to find your video where you showed how you attached the cigs panel to the top of your Bushwhacker. Is that video still available? I bought one but not sure how I should protect the MC4 connections on top of my camper. Hoping to find your great video again.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I have a video of the CIGS on my Hiker and a video of installing a glass panel on the BW... you might be thinking of one of those. The MC4 connection is actually waterproof and designed to be out in the sun. You don't have to worry about protecting it too much. I'll post a video where I connect MC4s on the Bushwhacker.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Somewhere after 7 1/2 minutes... kzbin.info/www/bejne/apCVkIuqacqCpa8feature=shared

[@BrookRieman]

@@DIYOutdoorLife that’s the one I was thinking of! Thanks! One question for you now that I have this thing installed with the charge controller and the setup you showed. Is there any reason not to leave the panel constantly flowing into the battery even when I’m not using the camper? With that do anything to shorten the life of the battery or the panel?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@BrookRieman nope, that's an excellent way to do it. One of the advantages of CIGS is that it last an incredibly long time without degrading. The charge controller will top the battery off and stop charging, this is a great set up to leave connected all the time.

[@neverwin2518]

Solar technology is accelerating at such a fast pace it makes me wonder what kind of stuff they'll be making 10-20 years down the road.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Pretty exciting to see the developments…

[@cgillit]

My understanding is the CIGS technology has much less production costs and materials than traditional glass panels. So once manufactures get the mass production technology/processes ramped up and efficient, and if the product delivers on promises to create market enough demand, I'm hoping this technology starts flooding the market and drive down the costs.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@cgillit I saw the same… very promising

[@manesonthemove]

Any updates on how the panel has held up?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Rock solid, very impressed!

[@MrPhatkatz]

Is it time for your one year update on this panel?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Yes! I should make that video

[@williammurphy6655]

Brian are the updates in the comments?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Amazing panel, they are the best Ive used. I'm gonna have a bunch of new videos featuring them.

[@davej7434]

I am interested in this for a different way, I like the idea of it being flexible and I can put 2x on my roof of my 7x12 enclosed trailer. However I would like to mount it onto something that is also flexible and I can bungie it to the edges of the trailer, then when moving I can unhook it and store inside, or if I am campinging in the shade, I can place it in the sun, or on my truck also. probably keep one on the trailer and make the second movable. Very interesting.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Very cool idea, I love how you’re thinking! Keep me in the loop.

[@davej7434]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Last day of 70's, Saturday is calling for snow and 20's, it will be a while getting back into it, parking the bikes into the trailer, and parking the trailer behind the garage... Going to see if the only panel I have right now 110 watt, the short days light will keep the trailer AGM battery, and both bikes charged. Not sure how to do all three yet, or should I use the extension cord and trickle charge the bikes, and solar the trailer..

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@davej7434 it was hot here today too, cold coming!

[@Maggmin1]

Brian, Thank You for all your informative videos. Trying to absorb as much as I can before picking up my Sunray 109 this weekend. This is all new to me. With this type of product, I know I will need a charge controller. What amp should I be thinking of for the 12V battery on the unit. Again Thank You.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

20amp will be good. Thanks for watching!

[@Maggmin1]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Thank You. I just found your solar 101 video.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@Maggmin1 there’s also a video on installing a cheap charge controller too

[@Maggmin1]

@@DIYOutdoorLife I'll look for it. Thank You.

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

I might have missed it but you forgot the most important feature: extreme shade tolerance.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I have some videos coming, dedicated just to that topic. I was skeptical at first, but this really is a huge leap forward in technology and performance!

[@johnnydelgado7780]

Where can I get the Anderson plug. Trying to plug this into my Dometic plb40. Any info would be appreciated

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

amzn.to/3YtR88g

[@johnnydelgado7780]

Thank you

[@Seafariireland]

Ok presentation!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you!

[@prodabpaul8736]

Dude u are unreal! Now answer me this if you were to only use one kind of connector for most everything what would it be? Mc4? Sae?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Anderson or MC4, never thrilled with sae

[@greensavant2573]

Their website says 13.7" x 85.6" for the 100w (vs 13.7" x 78.7"), and, 26" x 85.6" for the 200w (vs 25.4" x 78.7") Do you have any idea who is correct? This is a go/no go for me, as my RV is 7' (84"). I would ask them, but after many emails trying to get an answer on auto-power switching from DC to AC, their tech guy gave me totally wrong information, which I realized later when the product arrived. Thank you.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

They make multiple sizes for CIGS. Their newest CIGS 100 is mush shorter, which is a nice upgrade.

[@mannyfragoza9652]

i heard these CIGS panels are used by the Military couldn't find much info on Military usage its prob classified like everything else

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

They’re used on UFO’s

[@davewest9141]

How has this panel done so far I'm thinking of getting one

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

It’s been great, I’ve been using it for a bunch of different applications. I’m actually installing two on a cargo trailer tomorrow…. Love them

[@bradbirney4292]

how did install go on your roof? I am thinking of putting one on the shell I have for my super duty.... it's a 6'9" bed so it might fit 🤞🤞

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I had some plans change, I ended up installing on a cargo trailer roof. It works very very well, really tight seal and contours the roof perfectly. I just purchased a couple more, I will likely put it on the truck roof soon .

[@gainsrc]

So it's been 5 months how have they held up?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

So far it’s rock solid. I’m doing winter testing now.

[@247supermom]

How are you going to run the charging cable to the battery?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Stay tuned, it’s a multi use system. It charges power stations in the back of the truck as well as the battery on teardrop.

[@nashsgt]

Hi could you please advise me if there has been any problems with the cigs panel overheating etc performance want to fit on my van but roof ridged

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

The CIGS heat threshold is outstanding. It’s orders of magnitude better than a silicone flexible panel.

[@magiciansandmagicshop]

any update on this?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Very very impressed, I have bought several more.

[@magiciansandmagicshop]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Looking forward to the follow up video then. Thanks for reviewing. (thumbs up)

[@garysanchezphotography]

Will your bed and cab flex not separately and tear the panel?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

They do move independently, I definitely wouldn’t do it with the older flex panels. The is the perfect technology for this job.

[@erinjohnson7645]

what will it do to the paint?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

The VHB is a permanent install, not meant to be taken off. If you have to, it’s very time consuming but comes off without damaging paint.

[@stoneyrunva]

Did you show the connector? Is it MC4 or something proprietary? Nevermind, $539.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

MC4. Yes, it’s pricey. Since a lot of the silicone flexible panels are failing after two or three years, some people are going to find great value here. Others might want to wait until the price comes down. Thanks for watching!

[@arunakalu]

Did you install these solar panels and what is your verdict? Also Is it better to get 2 x 100W panels vs 1 x 200W panel?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Hi Aruna, I had a change of plans and installed them on a cargo trailer roof, they are working great! I bought some more and will do the truck this year, can’t wait. Whether you go with one 200 or two 100s depends on what exactly you want to do. If you are doing a simple set up through a charge controller into your battery, just go with the 200. If you go with two 100s, you have the choice on wiring them in series or parallel, and you can customize or change your set up. If that’s not important to you, the 200 will be easier and cheaper.

[@arunakalu]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Thank you sir, you have been awesome with replies!!!

[@jeffroberts857]

Great video am looking to buy a panel. Have you heard of anyone or know if one can be secured to a rooftop cargo box???? That way I could take it off and on when not using the vehicle for camping. If so would you know which boxes are being used??? Such as a Yakima box or Thule etc.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I haven’t seen it but I’m sure it could be done. Would you be looking to take the panel on and off or the whole cargo box?

[@jeffroberts857]

I would be looking to take the whole box on and off. I have a Honda Element that we are making into a micro camper so I don’t want the panel on as a permanent thing but only when we are taking it camping or on vacation.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@jeffroberts857 this sounds like an awesome project, I think the CIGS could be perfect for this. The one limiting factor is how long the panel is, it’s the same length for 100w or 200. The first thing you would have to do is see if there is a cargo carrier that has a long enough surface to attach this to. I’ll do a little digging too.

[@jeffroberts857]

I’ve found some that will be long enough now I’m thinking of going with the 200 watt version so am looking for wide enough also. Hopefully make the box do double duty carrying gear and a solar panel. Plus be removable without any hassle or damage to the paint. Quite a few of the boxes are long enuf to hold skis and snow boards so presumably the panel will fit on it.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@jeffroberts857 Great thinking, looking forward to your results! I have some promo codes for discounts on the panel. Let me know if they would be helpful.

[@valerievickland9865]

Does it have 10 gage AWG leads? My flexible panels have 10 gage leads but Amazon now sells flexible panels with 16 AWG gage leads and that is too small for safe and effective leads and could be dangerous. So do these panels have 10 gage leads?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I have to double check that it’s listed 10awg, but they have heavy and overbuilt cables. Definitely rated to stay cool in series or parallel configurations in any conditions. Very happy with the build quality, no skimping like those 16gauge long runs on the cheapo stuff.

[@StuffBudDuz]

No update after a year, so I'm guessing these BourgeRV CIGS turned out to be lame?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

They are amazing. I apologize for not getting a follow up vid out sooner. Ive used them on a bunch of applications and love them. They go on sale a lot too, shop the sales.

[@vaquero_solutions]

Update?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

A++ they are one of the best panels out there.

[@denisewilson8367]

$600 for 200 watts is too much money. For me $1 per watt is OK so I'll stick to hard panels.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Yes, it’s definitely not something you’d chose over glass if you have the option. This is about some technology that allows you to use solar where you otherwise couldn’t. Happy camping!

[@eliasney]

the panels are made in china, I am currently looking into other manufacturers

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Good luck. I’m with you, but you won’t find much else.

[@eliasney]

Rich solar and BoujeRV panels are manufactured in china. There is Ascent Solar whom makes them here in the US. However. Their largest panel is 48 watts and is grotesquely large and definitely not ideal for those of us with limited space.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@eliasney price per watt is also thru the roof. I'm hoping things change soon. There's a lot of money set aside for grants now...we'll see

[@eliasney]

@@DIYOutdoorLife the price per watt over time is negligible given the supposed longevity. Most of these Mono flexible panels barely last a year. (Buy the right thing once rather than buy the wrong thing twice ya know)

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@eliasney agreed for sure