My Cheap DIY Solar Suitcase vs the Best Portable 400 Watt Solar Panels

[@rgraz4929]

I started making my PVC stands for my JJN 200w panels just like yours. Even bought that husky cutter which I like! One thing I don't like is the Tees jam against the glass when in use. So I mounted the cross section on top of the frame (instead of under) and I flattened/melted the PVC ends completely flat for stability and mounted with hex bolts and wingnuts. I used big fender washers for stability and I attached rubber magnet material I had laying around to them so not to scratch the frame. I won't be able to fit them back in the original box unless I remove the stands which is very easy with the wingnuts. Also, I divided my legs into 3 sections (8.75" - 8.75" - 17.5") using couplings & tees so I can get a pretty wide range of angles. Like tinker toys when I was a kid! One more thing: to keep the stand from sliding-out, I'll use some cord plus it's much more stable at skyward angles. There's tiny holes in the panels' corners where I can attach. I will not alter the panel with extra drilled holes in case it needs to go back.

[@ipad720]

Thanks for posting this simple solution. I didn't join my 195w panels together but I did build the stands for each panel. Works great.

[@tooshieg2059]

Hey there! Great little project. Thanks for sharing. My panels are a bit large and heavy to carry. I'm considering wheels for mine.

[@ron95754]

Great presentation...Love your low cost designe and implementation.

[@freshlycharged]

Appreciate the support!

[@GatorLife57]

I personally like the one you made over the EcoFlow and Renogy ! Great job brother !

[@stacyhackney6100]

Good job. Thank u.

[@geod3589]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. My personal situation does not require portability. In order from top to bottom, it's the DIY, Renogy, Ecoflow,

[@BePatient888]

I am going to build a stand for 2 Jackery Solar Saga 200W portable panels, and a set of Flexible 100W solar panels that I got online. I am building a mobile stand with 2x4's and 8" casters, so it's heavy enough to withstand wind, can be moved around, and can still be stored in my garage when the need arises.

[@jedics1]

I'd argue that diy is the best way to go by a large margin, pay back becomes 2 to 5 years instead of a decade because it cost 1/3 the price, then free power for the next 20+ years with near zero maintenence and all it requires is a suitable amount of determination to stop getting shafted by power companies with youtube as your friend ofcourse :)

[@dresmart432]

DIY solar kit masterpiece bro !! Simple, Cheap & Efficient :-)

[@brucefreeman5207]

I love the DYI suitcase you created. And at that price point you could make 3 for the cost of the Ecoflow.

[@johnrichardson5089]

Awesome video. Thanks for dropping this very informative video. I'm currently working on a solar setup for my garden and pond irrigation system. Great and very timely video.

[@freshlycharged]

Glad it was helpful! Let me know what system you decide to go with!

[@BucksBe]

Love the innovation and the DYI solution is a no-brainer. I will say, the AllPowers SP037 400w portable panel is about $370, (cheaper if you buy more than one) and it would be a great one to look at when considering portable panels. Thanks for the video 🙌

[@TheDurrard]

I am a fan of building the DIY route. being able to get more power output and have a stronger frame is more appealing.

[@jackpalmer5067]

Well done. Your diy is the best

[@arlenem9697]

Two rigid solars are a little heavy to be carrying around, even for a short distance. I would have added wheels for easier transport. I also would have made a pvc stand for the Eco flow flexible panels. Nice diy stand build.

[@StevenHernandez-xu1iu]

Great video I have the same panels I’ve been looking for a diy project like this.

[@WillofNewZealand]

My roof experience. Leaves and garbage builds up under panels. Possums squeeze under and damage cables. Cleaning panels was a pain, Never wipe with wet cloth in sun, crazy cracks appear damage all over panel doh. My 5c opinions. Ground based or near Ground I find way easier to deal with. 400w may require a variable amp euc charger so you can charge at 1.5 amps maybe. I run 900w onto 100amp mppt regularly to a 100ah lithium to a 3000w pure sine wave inverter. I do like the look of the new power stations.

[@robertdaone]

So what happens if you get a summer shower will it crash the panels?

[@WillofNewZealand]

@@robertdaone don't seem to, strange I know. Now I guess why, maybe temperature issue, could be spots cool locally, where rapid thin spread may have been the reason. I shall ask Mr Mould ha he might guess. My panels still charge my system on rainy days. The damaged panel works but due to any risk of keeping it safe if failure occurs its in a safe situation. Cleaning wet is in my opinion best done late evening or early morning no sun on, or in good shade. Dry brooming seems fine in my opinion.

[@JeffreyAdams-kt5gv]

Great work! I think I will use two 420W Silfab Elite panels and put locking wheels on the bottom. Also thinking a few sandbags are in order for windy days.

[@adriftatlas]

Yep, I bought two Silfab SIL-420-BG panels to mount on the ground. Much cheaper per watt than Amazon panels, US made, and safety listed.

[@JeffreyAdams-kt5gv]

@@adriftatlas How did you buy 2? When I tried to buy just one it was a PITA. 20? Easy! 1 - not so much!

[@adriftatlas]

@@JeffreyAdams-kt5gv I'm in WA state where they are produced. And Platt Electric stocks them in the warehouse here. They deliver from their warehouse for free. I also got a discount from the list price by talking to them.

[@JeffreyAdams-kt5gv]

@@adriftatlas sweet! I just had my test Silfab panel get hit by a golf ball. Shattered the glass at the impact site. Now I have to buy another single panel here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

[@rgraz4929]

Nice. Since you're not gluing the PVC, you can keep different length legs on hand. Winter, shoulder, and summer legs! (The legs you made are more like winter/sunrise/sunset legs.) EDIT: So you just drove wood screws into the PVC? Maybe I would have sandwiched the PVC further down and added lock washers and nuts or just lock nuts. But that'll cause the PVC to protrude further out. EDIT again: Was just thinking, you could use a series of T's with cross sections or just couplings and create sections to create different length legs, dividing the length you have into 3s or 4s. For instance, for higher sun, remove all sections but the lowest section with the elbows (Bottom section with the elbows would always be present.)

[@rgraz4929]

BTW, these 2 - 200w panels are currently on sale for $265. Before that, it was $345 with a $40 coupon = $305.

[@Firephosure]

@@rgraz4929 I bought 3 of these directly from them for around $165-170 back in Oct 2023. At time bifacial was new and this was a great deal. I wouldn't recommend these solely for the longevity. One of them already have burn cells and the others look like the glass is bubbling. I don't know maybe it's just mine.

[@buzz1843]

All Powers 400w portable panels are the most affordable and best imo. I use them all the time with zero issues. Get close to 400w every time on a sunny day

[@pr5991]

Your diy one is best and stronger, I made it myself by using free pvc pipes

[@appliedprivacy]

Could you use angled mirrors/reflective panels to reflect sunlight onto the back of the panels to increase output?

[@KING_OF_FARTS]

I like yours the best, but I'd probably just make 2 of them. Then you got double the power of all of them but utilizing the same amount of space, just taller. I think I might try this. How much does yours weigh? I'd probably drill a couple holes & do a rope handle. Then you can carry one in each hand when setting up.

[@freshlycharged]

I have the weights of each right here on this chart. It's not a lightweight! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eInJeoxnh7aCo7csi=TdApZvQ-PEcAyHB9&t=540

[@KING_OF_FARTS]

​@@freshlycharged50lbs isn't too bad. Thanks man.

[@solimtalvap]

I would definitely add some carry handles and magnets or a chest lock for insurance when closed.

[@gregbridwell1351]

After close inspection of the video, I see that you bought 1" x 1" x 3/4" T's. its all about the details.I am going to space my legs farther apart to put the pressure of the T's closer to the frame of the panel as to not press on the glass panels. Overall I like your video. i bought BougeRV's 200W 16bb panels for under 200$ each. the are approximately 50" x 30".

[@rgraz4929]

It depends on how deep the frames are on the BougeRVs. On these JJN's, moving the tees close the sides still won't prevent the Ts from forcing against the glass. Unless you buy regular 3/4" Ts and sand out the inside (with a rounded file or dowl wrapped with sandpaper) so they easily slide on but there's much less play. That's why I mounted the cross section on top and still put the Ts close the sides for stability. Must use Schedule 40 PVC. Lowes in my area has the nice Charlotte Sched 40 PVC (with the red print on it).

[@perkunast9680]

I love it, but I think you need a detachable pin mechanism. That way you only need to carry each panel. In this way you can create a much bigger system. Also those 200w panels are just to big to take camping. I would use multiple 100w panels.

[@jyveturkey1894]

The schnauzer has it figured out :)

[@rgraz4929]

I just got these JJN panels delivered. Delivery guy left it at the curb. For 25lbs each, this box (of 2 panels) doesn't feel like 50lbs. Feels like 100lbs. Maybe cause it's just bulky. Crazy.

[@SnowFireInvestments]

@freshlycharged Great video. What lengths did you cut your 3/4" pvc pipe? Do you remember and if so can you share. Thanks.

[@freshlycharged]

I cut the leg lengths to approximately the length of the cross bar spanning the width of the panel.

[@SnowFireInvestments]

@@freshlycharged Thanks for the reply. Curious how well you are able to set the panels to different angles and not slipping or moving on you. I like changing from 35 to 50 degrees depending on the time of year.

[@georgedarr1906]

What is the VOC of the two panels? thanks

[@jeffsoyk6994]

I like yours the best

[@mclovin7290]

May I ask… what are the brands of the two panels that you used for your DYI? Thank you I think I’ll go this route. Now that I’ve seen you video. Sadly EcoFlow doesn’t ship panels here to Hawai. Thanks in advance

[@patricklacson]

What is the optimal angle on those JJN bifacial panels? I'm new to bifacial and I've read they have to be on a white background and also elevated at least 1 meter on a steep angle.

[@paulmitchellphoto]

Could this be folded backwards to put on top of an SUV to use one panel while driving, then unfold when stationary at a camp site? I'm setting up a dual battery system in a Honda Pilot.

[@gregbridwell1351]

I have a question with the sizes of T's and the PVC pipe. in my experience 3/4" T's are too small to slide over the 3/4" PVC tuning. So, are the T's actually 3/4" or did you modify the 3/4" T's to slide over the 3/4" PVC tube?

[@rgraz4929]

He used all 3/4" pipe, but the tees he bought were 1" x 3/4" x 1". So the T's easily slide over the 3/4" cross section and the middle of the T is 3/4' and will fit. I tried his method of mounting the cross section under the frame but the T's had so much play, they are jammed up against the glass when in use, so I mounted the cross section on top, as much as I don't like the look of it. If you look carefully at the Ts, the center comes to a gradual point and I feel very uncomfortable with them pushing against the glass. See my previous comment.

[@jean3030]

No converter or anything required for the diy?

[@rays4067]

But you don’t explain what the use of this is for what’s the practicality? What are the used case scenarios? Can this be used as a permanent installation for home savings

[@rgraz4929]

He said he can store them away until he needs them. To me, that sounds like he intends to use it for power outages and emergencies.

[@ph0_king]

If its bifacial, isnt it bad to have your pvc mounts cover the bottom portion of the solar panel?

[@perkunast9680]

Any kind of shade on a panel reduces power by a lot. But its almost impossible to avoid. The sun moves around and you have trees ect.

[@ShahidDurrani-kh1ed]

Weldon production ! May Allah increase your knowledge ..

[@HCheatNcool]

Looks like a wind sail

[@davi75668]

The problem with the diy is that in a strong wind it’s likely to easily break

[@Firephosure]

Dude, I wouldn't call any 200w x 2 a "suitcase" cause that's one gigantic suitcase. I have those JNN 200w and they are big. I can't imagine putting 2 of those together and try to bring that anywhere with me. You're better off doing a suitcase with 2x 100w and making 2 of those is you must. Then you can just use 1 set or series 2 sets when you need more.

[@rgraz4929]

I bought these JJN 200w bifacials too. Quick question. In less than half of the cells on the BACK of your JNN bifacials, do they look faded where it's lighter (tan) on one edge or corner of a particular cell than in the middle of that cell? Especially if outdoor ambient light in the room. (I've seen the "checker board" thing where whole cells change color to blue or brown depending on the angle but I think I'm talking about something different.) I've seen pictures on Amazon that make me think it's normal. Just wondering. Mine are brand new and only briefly tested them to assure they work. Anyway, he already has 2 portable sets to bring somewhere. I didn't make a suitcase either because of weight. If I need to transport these to a loved one who's out of power (since I don't have portable panels), it's easy to put in back of the SUV. I also made some stilts from 1x2 pine (bolted to the small center hole and oblong bottom hole) to get them 24" off the ground and works great with my existing PVC stands where I add an extra 24" section of PVC with couplings. Great to get more light to the back side but mostly to get above my deck railing shadows in winter.

[@Firephosure]

@@rgraz4929 I bought 3 of these in Oct 2023. You have to show me pic(somehow) of what you're talking about. I just transfer all 3 of these to The Eco Worthy panel rack I bought a while ago. During the transition, I discover one of the panel has burn cells and emailed JJN about it. They said they are sending me a replacement. As least their support is good. I'm OK with these panels for what I paid for them. If I had to do it over, I'd rather get the cheap 195w Eco Worthy. I might only get 70-75% of its rated wattage vs maybe 80% from the JJN but they are much cheaper $ per wattage and much lighter. The other 2 panels doesn't look like it's going to survive the wear ad tear either. I feel like the glass is bubbling and will develop burn cells just like the one. Surely these aren't going last 10 years much less 20. It's perfect weather for solar right now and I'm only getting ~450w for the 3 panels in series vs closer to 500w when I first got these.

[@Firephosure]

The term "suitcase" is used for carrying something. A 2x 200w suitcase is just way too heavy to be carrying around. Why make the effort of that ? I don't see the purpose. With 200w panels, a more useful approach is to put them on a rack and wheels. Like I was saying, if someone want to do a suitcase, you're better off doing 2 set of 2x 100w. That way its easier to carry around plus you can use 1 or 2 sets when you need to. I made a suitcase too but with 2x 130w flexible panels. I glued them to small wood boards and hinged them that way. Super light and easy to carry around. I have tons of portable panels too but that did that for fun. At least it's useful to carry around. I don't know how useful to put 2 heavy ass 200w panels in a suitcase configuration.

[@rgraz4929]

​@@Firephosure Thanks. There's a picture in the amazon reviews for Renogy N-Type 16BB 250W Bifacial Solar Panel to give you an idea. Like I said, I took these out of the box to make sure they worked. Rated at VOC: 28.1V / ISC: 9.12A, in 50 degrees in the slightly hazy10AM mid-November sun in the northeast, I got 28.5V @ 8.16A and 28.9V @ 8.17A. So I guess they work. Then again, I don't know anything about solar stuff.

[@eBoard3R]

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[@charleswalden7529]

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[@vette4118]

I LOVE Asians