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

Today I am comparing some of the cheaper, more affordable large 200W portable solar panel options! Large portable solar panels can charge your solar genrator fast! Are these cheaper brands worth it? Can they compare to the Bluetti PV350 and PV20 Solar Panels? Let's find out!
AMAZON LINKS
- GRECELL 200W Portable Solar Panel
amzn.to/3DYi6MK
- ALLPOWERS SP033 200W Portable Solar Panel
amzn.to/3JWXg45
- Bluetti PV350
amzn.to/40CyZ9k
- Bluetti PV200
amzn.to/3Ia6fO1
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Thanks for watching!

[@surlyliettleerley5752]

Bob, you’ve made such a difference in people’s lives by giving them options they never would’ve seen on their own. Thank you.

[@perrycarmichael3829]

Quick note, IP65 (Ingress Protection) is completely dust proof and protected against direct low pressure jets of water, at low pressure, from any angle. So, it's essentially rainproof! Thanks Bob!!

[@ren11164]

For me cost is big factor but only if it is efficient too. I really like the one with the grommets. I would hang it on the side of my van when the wind is too great. Spend a little more and it is well worth that slight jump in price. Thanks Bob. See ya soon.

[@thetwooldpeeps3528]

Good morning Bob, I always enjoy your videos and have learned a lot from them. For us price, quality, convenience, simplicity meaning ease with set up. Since I’ve gotten older age has not only zapped my memory but also taken away some of my ability to figure things out either by just looking at what is in front of me or reading directions.

[@anio1349]

Amen to that!!!!

[@annesmith5192]

Me too.

[@coler154]

you might wanna check your carbon monoxide alarms just in case.

[@livinginthenow]

Bob, I think there are two critical categories of interest when it comes to reviews: Entry Level Utility (price and ease of use/installation), and Long Term Benefit (quality of build, lifespan of product). The "perfect" product would check off boxes in both categories, but most items will be designed for one or the other of these markets. A lot of folks just starting out in nomadic life will be interested in Entry Level Utility. But many folks will eventually be in a position to upgrade and will need/want pertinent information in the Long Term Benefit category. That being said, any information about a product given with these two categories in mind will be useful for your viewers as a whole. Thanks for all your hard work over the years. This community owes you a debt of gratitude.

[@decal2154]

Purchased a gopower 220 watt portable solar panel with controller ten years ago. Works great.

[@debbiedogs1]

I have a Bluetti 200W panel, but also a couple of AllPowers polycrystalline 200W panels. They may not be as sturdy but they give great watts AND are lighter weight to carry, which helps me since I am close to 70 years old. Definitely pleased with AllPowers and love the great price.

[@darlinshel1]

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

[@nn3514]

Hi Bob. In a previous video you showed us the 300 watt folding Dokio solar panel. That's what I got and I want to say I'm really happy with it. I actually installed one on the roof of my van just using 3M heavy duty double-sided tape. And it's lasted months driving on the interstate. Thanks

[@annnonomys3132]

Sincerely, I am concerned. I have no idea how good 3M heavy duty double-sided tape is. But please consider some sort of backup tether. If that breaks loose at highway speeds, it could kill someone.

[@witchstorm54]

Nice! I was looking for some panels for at home. Power keeps going out a lot, summer when it's to hot, and winter when it's to cold or wet. Thank you Bob.

[@marilynrenaud1892]

Bob, I have to say I love your review videos and to me they help me decide to make my right choice. I bought a Bluetti EB70S as a package deal with a 200 watt panel and I love it. More recently I purchased a Bluetti AC200Max on the last day of the Black Friday sale which was dropped down quite low on that last day... Then I also on that day purchased another 200 watt panel for a lot cheaper than it would have been as a package deal... I think I made out pretty well and I love, Bluetti's products. I thank you so much for all of your reviews... They really do help!👍

[@VideosOffRoad]

I believe you're doing an Apples to Oranges comparison between the Bluetti PV panels and the cheapies. I suspect one of the reasons the Bluetti PV panels are more expensive is because they're wired differently inside the panel. E.g "parallel" which may be where the "P" in the name comes from. The upshot of which is that in the Bluetti PV panels if part of the panel is obstructed (e.g. by shade) the unobstructed part of the panel will still generate at full power. Cheaper panels will have the entire panel's output reduced if part of it is covered by shade. That's a significant difference in design and performance.

[@nancyeberlein7357]

Really good point. I’ve wondered about that when some folks install roof mounted panels on different angles.

[@robertlewisvideo]

Photovoltaic (PV) technologies - more commonly known as solar panels.

[@robertlewisvideo]

​@@nancyeberlein7357 Photovoltaic (PV) technologies - more commonly known as solar panels. The angle of the panel to the Sun is a key factor in output. Any angle less than 90 degrees to the Sun reduces the output to a Solar Controller which feeds/charges the batteries. Shading does come in to play if the panels are connected in series or parallel to each other. Solid panels are more efficient and completely water proof. You do not need to bring them in when it rains.

[@jacklanneville6321]

Hi Bob, Jack from Montreal. Thank you for all your videos but mostly to give me and a multitude of people for the light of HOPE you bring. I'm newly retired and your advices and point-of-view are spiritual gold. Words are not sufficient to express my gratitude. MERCI.

[@lauriwilken3706]

We are on our THIRD set of SP200 Bluetti Foldable Solar Panels in a year because they just stopped working! On a good note, Bluetti stood behind the product and replaced them. Hopefully this last set will last.

[@darlinshel1]

After using my jackery panels a lot over the last few months I'm thinking these portable panels weren't built to be used constantly.

[@gailkellum832]

Bob, you are the Bluetty of knowledge. 😆 I am so happy you are out there helping people who are struggling and folks who just want an inexpensive means to travel our beautiful country. YOU, Make the world a better place. I love you!

[@halltrader]

Bob, the most important thing about the solar panels is the price. I am doing this on a shoestring budget. Thanks for all you do.

[@maynmom6975]

Can't wait for the next video. I need some new panels. I consider the value I am getting for the price I am paying.

[@stormdavies250]

Love my Bluetti. Did a lot of research before I got solar. I was very intimidated by solar. I’m very happy with it.

[@nhbomar]

Thanks Bob, most important to me is the durability and quality of the solar power.

[@jonelder4552]

another great video! I do have a friend who uses something similar, he bought a 200w kit (2x 100w flexible monocrystalline panels, and 20A controller) for about $200ish; he then mounted the panels to a couple pieces of ¼" plywood panels with a piano hinge in the middle and uses an old folding chair to hold them at the right angles.

[@mikestanmore2614]

Bob, you are one of nature's Gentlemen, a true gift. Live long and prosper!

[@nmr6988]

I lost a ton of my preps when I moved simply because I could not afford to bring everything with me, so while I'm trying to rebuild things that I had an abundance of, a good solar panel for my 650 watt inverter is at the top of my list. Thank you as always, Bob Wells.

[@sharkcookie.YouTube]

I'd always prefer to have permanently mounted panels. Even though they are not angled perfectly, they are out and collecting power every minute the sun is out. These you have to manually set up and if it's windy they could be blown away.

[@darlinshel1]

Same. I'm so tired of putting my portable panels out and fighting on and off rainy days to keep my jackery charged. I'm about to invest in 200w mounted panels instead. I'm not happy with the jackery 200w panels but they are heavy and haven't even moved when laid flat on a 20-30mph windy day. Panels are having issues though

[@Swimdeep]

I appreciate your reviews. Your comparisons and common sense approach to purchases make your recommendations trustworthy. 🌿

[@robertlewisvideo]

I am certain you have mentioned this in the past about not plugging a panel directly onto a battery without a controller. . When you pointed out that one of the panels came with a set of clips to connect to the battery I paused for a moment. Knowing that connecting a solar panel directly to the battery Will destroy the battery if left connected for a long time. Unless there is a controller between the panels and the battery it will be overcharged after it reaches 100 percent which can be dangerous. Of course battery units like the Jackey have a built in solar controller. I have actually seen people plug a regular solar panel which are about 21 volts directly onto a battery for a short time. Some portable panels have a built in controller. Just be sure not to overcharge any battery, Gel, lithium, lead acid. It could create unwanted circumstances.

[@OverlandOne]

Thanks Bob. This is helpful information. Safe travels.

[@serawasnever2902]

You really are a very decent person, thank you so much for showing everybody all these possibilities. And also everything on your channel is more about “yes” than “no”!

[@pursleydl2009]

Thank you Bob. Ultimately, you get what you pay for. Your reviews are so helpful. I really admire the work you do. Keep up the good work =0)

[@richardleach1706]

Hope I don't jump the gun here, I wonder if a 360 watt goes down you're screwed if you have say 3 100 watt and 1 goes down you still have 200 watts

[@peterpowell6168]

Thanks Bob, appreciate your time and effort you put into your videos! happy trails to y'all 👍

[@poweroflove993]

Thank you Bob for helping me a grandma 70- more informed! I tipped my hat to you by naming my truck van after you & the r v living journey! Many thanks to you and your motivational / leader examples!

[@GypsyJvan]

thanks bob..love it when u do comparions/reviews..it helps people to make a good decisions on equipment..

[@knitterknitter9939]

Thanks for what you do Bob, I trust your opinions. I'm new at this so I'm learning as much as I can.

[@dorothydidizerzavyallen1334]

Thanks for answering the questions of overt almost 2 years! Putting panels on top when the wind blew them off in the morning wrecked the $100 bargains that need replacing. Pls emphasize these need to stay down for others. Thank you, kindly!

[@cindychurch925]

Thank you so much Bob. You are so informative and helpful

[@CraigHagan]

Thanks! Great videos. You have really helped me outfit my gear with the right items based on your reviews. It's been a big help on my journey into the outdoors again.

[@sassyclass2555]

Mr Bob, your videos has really really really helped me a lot! I've gotten some great ideas from them for my soon to be van build! July I will be getting my van and will start my build! I'm super excited to get it started!! I'm on my way to a wonderful and new Van Life!!!! Thank you for your time to help so many!!! Hope to meet you one day!!

[@seanwilson6521]

Great job, as usual. I'm planning to be spending a few days at each camp, so for me being waterproof is a necessity as they will remain set up. Solid panels for me.

[@katierobertsfnp6403]

Thank you Mr. Bob Wells!! Katie

[@boobtubeakatv1296]

Hi Bob !!! GREAT Comparisons on cheaper alternatives for folks on a budget 💖 I'll keep my Bluetti Solar Panels as we get what we are willing to hock our butts for 👀 🤔 🤣 It's like a Cadillac and a Ferrari... One will last far longer than the other, thus lowering the price over time used... Thanks for Posting OUR Friendly boondocker 😎

[@BootstrappingBoondocker]

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.

[@maryfry920]

Thank you Bob For all the valuable information. I’ve learned so much Leaving tomorrow for my first trip alone. I’m excited.

[@dottiannblakemore9231]

Thank you for this great comparison.

[@morphergaming0531]

This is what I've been wondering, what decent quality brand at entry level to get power on board until I can save for a larger system. Use CPAP so I can't hit the road without using camp sites until I have some power. Thanks for this information, it hits home

[@karinhart489]

Look up your brand of CPAP to see if they offer a DC-to-DC converter kit. Mine is made by ResMed and it has both the kind that plugs into the CPAP and into power station (via a 12v socket).

[@lonestarlaurel]

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. 🙏🏼🐾🎶

[@DanielleBallou]

Thank you so much for doing this comparison! Could you also do one for power stations? I see a LOT of RVers with Jackery. I’m just in the research & sell everything stage now. 😁 thank you!

[@TeymoorGhashghai]

That's simply because most people buy what's at their local store, and do not shop around or do research. Seeing more of a thing doesn't make it a better thing.

[@libbygardner3021]

He has reviewed quite a few power stations over the past year, although not several at the same time.

[@karinhart489]

I don’t remember what it’s called, but LiPo is better style of battery than the old kind Jackery uses.

[@boobtubeakatv1296]

Jackery lithium ion, for the price is okay but it can only be charged a maximum of 500 times ( every day for 1 1/2 yrs ) vs a LifePo which you can charge 2,500 times minimum ( 6.8 years of every day )... So.... The LifePo will last you tons longer and are Safer than LiOn batteties...

[@user-yw5bx6qf7g]

Bob you're the best 👌. I've been a nomad for almost four years now, since I retired from trucking. You were helping me when I was still trucking. I've learned so much from you. ❤

[@danweiss1371]

Very helpful video. Thanks, Bob.

[@debbiedebbie9473]

Thank you so much for helping us with good information. ❤️ Very helpful.

[@charleybrown62]

I am just getting everything ready to go full time,am sooo excited

[@sallyplus4]

Thank you for taking time with the details.

[@keyplayer5]

I like the durability of the orange handles for getting it in and out easier. Great review!

[@geniesejamison1996]

Hi Bob, great information on covering everything, please keep it up.😀

[@shwartz166]

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

[@bodhi7945]

Thanks, this was very helpful

[@shirleyedginton7968]

Thank you Bob, this has really helped me to understand xx

[@nanciehuaracha6079]

Thank you again Bob❤

[@WisconsinWanderer]

Well those panels would probably last longer than me, but worth the price tag in the long run. I’m usually not a brand guy but these I would definitely consider. I would go with the Blue Etti myself 😊

[@bettybridges1635]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Thanks , Bob! You are the man.

[@tanyajohnston8262]

Thank you for all great information 😊

[@anio1349]

Looking forward to the next video - the comparison in performance.

[@ChattMOC]

Outstanding review Sir. Thank you.

[@VoklstWestie]

Just found you last week & subscribed!!! Just bought my van this week, delivery next week! This solar info is so important to me since I need to charge the battery that will operate the toilet, I plan on buying! So this info on this vid of yours is "Definitely" appreciated by me!! So to fill my 12 volt battery for toilet. Fill cell phone, Etc!

[@someparts]

Perfect timing for this as I'm in the market for a folding panel for an EB3A.

[@joeydell]

Thanks for the video!

[@dannd715]

The ALLPOWERS is rated at IP66 and listed as “waterproof”. It also has paracord loops that act as grommets along the horizontal and vertical of the panels. Just wanted to add that as I feel you spent more time on the specs of the model.

[@standingmannequin7911]

Good points. I've used two of these extensively for the last year. They hold up well and have been blown over many times. It help to anchor them with rocks.

[@janetkoball44]

Thanks Bob for a great review so far. I'll be watching for your final review on these as you actually set them up for a certain amount of time. I know nothing about this but would like to know more so I'll know what to use. See you on your next video or I'll be watching your older ones. From Central Oklahoma

[@ktk2094]

Thanks for doing the research for us.

[@nancyjohnson2070]

Thanks for the review. I haven’t decided yet on solar panels yet but this helped me. I have the Bluetti 700 watt power station, so I figured I’d get a non brand name solar panels.

[@kensmith2839]

I have a Bluetti PV350. It is amazing.

[@marcelolney4213]

Thanks very informative.

[@Stealthnomad007]

Thks good review

[@vp_alternative_living5672]

The little bit more expensive one seems like the best value to me. Quality is always the route you want to go if the price difference is not outrageous

[@Vera-xu3xw]

I just bought: UNV Portable Solar Panel 200W/18V Output, off Amazon for $200 dollars. Its was so cheap it nade me nervous, but after receiving it, it seem pretty good.

[@chemanley7484]

I'm 4ft7 and thanks for your help

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you for another great video. The price is very important for me right now, but we grommets are almost essential for my camping style. I like the less diggity close it system to, because it is just more idiot proof. I'm the better idiot. Thank you again for creating these videos. Safe travels.

[@letamorgan6819]

Thank you for your expertise

[@normaevett]

So many helpful ideas that I have not seen anywhere else. I think this is going to get expensive! Lol!

[@ddblairco]

thank you Bob

[@ReflectedMiles]

A 380-watt / 38V nominal, partially bi-facial (collects energy from both sides), double-wall aluminum frame (rigid, durable) respected-brand solar panel that I picked up on clearance from a local electrical supply company cost me $340. It's heavier than many would be willing to lug, but I just added a foam surround to cushion it, a couple of handles on top, it stores easily across the back "garage" area of my cargo trailer, and it puts out more actual power than any portable folding panel set I have tested. It runs through a small Victron controller to my 24-volt system.

[@elsathal7359]

Thank you for sharing 💞

[@brianleonard6885]

Great stuff here 👏.

[@ronpeted]

Good info Bob.

[@wintermoonomen]

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.

[@NelloCambelli]

Portable system has advantages over roof mounted permanent solar installations. 10 years ago I purchased a “Suitcase” 120W panel ($800) which kept the House Batteries & Chassis Battery charged. Looks like cost per watt has plummeted.

[@johnnylightning1491]

These aren't for me (I will use rooftop panels) but it you were in the market this is nice review. Keep the good stuff coming Bob.

[@blessedveteran]

I bought Bluetti and I am very pleased. They are made in America and rugged.

[@simpleighh.383]

What perfect timing. I was browsing the internet for panels. Not having my rig yet I’ve been buying things bit by bit. Catching Amazon sales etc. I got my echo flow with the extra battery and my chest frig/freezer on good sales. I keep avoiding the panels etc the info goes in one ear out the other. Walmart has cheap kits. Cheap enough to roll the dice. Has anyone else tried them? Thanks for all you all do.

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Thanks for the information. Sturdier seems better for continued use. Hopefully same output.

[@louisepotier2784]

I'm wondering now, after watching all kinds of RV videos of many vanlives, if one needs a university degree to understand all the pros and cons of the technicalities of RV/vanlife living. 🙂

[@whatsananna]

The more you keep studying and listening, the more it sinks in. Honest. 😊

[@1shirleynewman]

Thanks for sharing

[@lpslaylay3866]

Thank you Bob for sharing, for me the most important thing is price thank you God bless

[@stacyhackney6100]

Thanks Bob.

[@sandytthomas2667]

I don't have a solar panel yet. Thank you Bob. I love U 🙌🏼🙌🏼❤️😗❤️

[@DenaliDad]

I own both a Jackery 1000 setup (power station + one two-section panel) and a Bluetti setup (AC200 Max + 2 4-section panels). One of the features that is critical to those who live more mobile is total weight. The Jackery + panel can be carried in one trip, one in one hand, the other in the other. Jackery makes those wonderful orange handles--it seems that is where that one company you showed copied their idea--and the weight is entirely manageable. The Bluetti is far from that. The power station is 85 pounds and requires two hands, two pretty strong hands, to move it. Then the 4-section panels have to be folded up, locked, and moved. Obviously, the Bluetti is not really designed to be moved in and out of something, as my Jackeri can handle; it is designed to be inside while the panels can be moved in and out--the cables for both units are quite long enough, much better than what I saw in you two units. I bought the Bluetti by mistake, thinking it was the smaller unit. It is not, but it does a LOT better job of running anything I want to plug into it and recharging with the panels happens much faster than the Jackeri. The biggest difference and the reason I bought the Bluetti is the battery. The Bluetti is a LiFePO4 battery, which has a far greater number of charges than the 3 year-old Jackeri lithium-ion battery with far fewer charges to 80% that I own. Cost, weight, plan for the battery and the panels are all major considerations for someone buying a unit. Do LOTS of research. There are KZbin videos on all the products anyone will consider, so buyers, beware!

[@DeliberateNRandom]

I bought an Ecoflow 160W refurbished solar panel for $190 on Black Friday. I also picked up a 720W Bluetti PS70 for $200. If you don't need it, get it when it's extremely cheap and have a chance to at least sell it if you change your mind.

[@julianroccopesa3491]

Great video, Ty 💯❤️✌️🙏❤️🕯️🎈🌻😊

[@jays6082]

Hi Bob, great video! I've been a sub and fan of your channel for a few years now and you never fail to bring useful content. What controller do you recommend for ease of use and range of solar panel and generator support?

[@GreatShambini]

Thanks for the info Bob, hoping you can add close ups in your editing so we can see what those connectors look like, great stuff