I'm all about long term reviews vs someone sharing "Its awesome" but hasn't even opened the box, let alone lived with, and logged data on the product. Thanks for sharing your real world experience and info.

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

Thanks 😀👊🏼👍🏼

I have EcoFlow 2/ 220 dual and I have to say they almost stay at 210-220 in the sun. Charges my delta 2 max and fridge/freezer , and 4 battery chargers all day at work in my van . Fridge ( Iceco) runs 24/7 .

The issue with the flexible panels, is the heat will kill them over time and you're transferring more of that into the RV since it makes contact with your roof. I'm glad yours are still working, but they have a history of failing. At least you chose the best of the brands of flexible panels. Renogy makes excellent products. I will say that the panel size for these is really convenient for RVs. It's so hard to find cheap panels that are the right shape for RV roofs.

@johnnysweekends

18 күн бұрын

When it comes to flexible panels there are several out there. But honestly only two brands maybe 3 at best should be considered. Now sure again rigid overall will be better in the long run. But if these so called 25 year warranty panels make it to 10 years at 80% that’s pretty darn good. Which again I wont have this RV in 10 years more than likely. And I also try to avoid high temps when I go places. It’s just not fun when it’s 105 outside or more and you are fighting a poorly insulted unit. Upper 90s is about it where I try to find myself. Coast and mountains a lot. But cant control the weather. If you are always in cooler climates this would be a great option. If in desserts and hot climates all the time I would push you towards a rigid setup.

@meikgeik

18 күн бұрын

@@johnnysweekends Glad they work for you. I live in Nevada, so I'm building a solar deck raised off the roof of our RV to keep the heat off!

@johnnysweekends

18 күн бұрын

@meikgeik if you are a frequent user or full time then that’s more than likely the better route. But the large units about 2 feet above on racking is definitely going to effect mileage. But you don’t get great anyway pulling big 5th wheels

This was a very useful video for me. I have an old 2001 Ford F350 mini bus and the roof has a curve. So putting flexible solar panels makes sense to me. Thank you.

Really interesting data Johnny. Good to see these held up so far.

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

Yup so far so good. Will see what happens in a year. I really wanna coat my roof though and ditch the rubber roof liner. So fragile to tears and leaks.

Yes, good video and it does give me something to think about. Rethinking rooftop install.

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

👍🏼😀

Great video thank you

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

👍🏼😀

Great video brother. Thank you

@johnnysweekends

16 күн бұрын

😀👍🏼

I hope this video of renogy flexible solar panels helps you and your decision. They both have pros and cons, so which is the right choice for you? #solar #rv #rvliving #vanlife Thank you for supporting the channel 😀👍🏼 Items in their video……. RIGID panels I recommend….. New 220 Renogy: amzn.to/3WNIDq5 Renogy 200: amzn.to/44RCUBU Rich solar 200: amzn.to/4bpkPNJ FLEXIBLE PANELS…….. Renogy 200 flexible: amzn.to/3WJBgzZ Cigs 200: amzn.to/3WIjiOs Other options…… Bougerv 200 flexible :amzn.to/3UNxuTR Tools and more….. 3M VHB Tape: amzn.to/3UOrbzf Volt meter: amzn.to/4aq6dN4 Solar panel tester: amzn.to/4aqhbC6 So Simple Off Grid/RV Power kit seen in video: Power kit discount code 11% off use code: POWER11 EcoFlow power kit: bit.ly/46k8oAp SAVE BIG ON NEW SOLAR PANELS HERE: signaturesolar.com/?ref=JWKNDS Use CODE TO SAVE: JOHNNYWKND Have a question you want answered fast: asqme.com/@johnnysweekends BUNDLE & SAVE SHOP SOLAR KITS ! shopsolarkits.com/1134 CHEAP USED CERTIFIED SOLAR PANELS HERE: www.santansolar.com/?ref=Johnnys%20Weekends SAVE BIG ON NEW SOLAR PANELS HERE: signaturesolar.com/?ref=JWKNDS CHECK OUT MY AMAZON STORE: www.amazon.com/shop/johnnysweekends

I went the same route on my NorthStar 850sc. I used the Yuma CIGs 200 watt (X4) 2 panels in series (50v/9a) x 2 going into a Bluetti AC200MAX. I have gotten 500 watts from 200 watt panels, trust me I was surprised too! Great video and will be doing one with mine as well. Aero + weight + performance = smart choices. Nice set up!

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

Nice!! 👍🏼😀

With the solid panels, there's a one inch gap between the roof and the panel that allows for air flow, so it won't be near as hot as flat.

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

A rigid panels surface temp can still get extremely hot, just as hot as a flex. But, the heat transfer situation is definitely different. 👍🏼

@stevebates3573

Ай бұрын

I mounted my renogy flex panels on plastic cardboard ( Home Depot PLASKOLITE) they breath great underneath them and no solar cell burn on roof. I liquid nailed them to plaskoite and mounted the plaskolite with 3m's VHB to roof. Used some dicor on front for wind to not grab under. Works perfectly. Great video and just wanted to reply on the one inch airflow comment. You get roughly 1/4 inch on the plakolite plenty of airflow .

@alaska-bornfloridaman

Ай бұрын

@@stevebates3573 That seems like it'd be awfully flimsy at 70 mph. Does it hold up?

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

Since renogy suggested I only use a VHB tape or sealant, I couldn’t use a sign board type material or they said that goes against the instructions and would void the warranty. How?? IDK but since they sponsored part of the build I wanted to make sure no one jumped on me for going outside install instructions. I talked to them a little after the video and gave some ideas but who knows if anything will change.

@stevebates3573

Ай бұрын

@@alaska-bornfloridaman I haven't had any issues. In the beginning I contemplated on eternabond tape across the front. But the dicor is working fine on the front. The plaskolight is firm it flexes but doesn't fold or bend . 3m's VHB is the only double sided tape I'd consider for mounting them in that fashion. Liquid nailing them to plaskolite made them firmer but still flexible ish as much as you'd want them to flex anyhow. Removing them from plaskolite is not happening but if I replace panel Liquid nail on a new piece. The plaskolite cardboard looking slots give lots of air under the hot cells. Directly mounted to tpo or rubber roof membrane as epdm has been obsoleted for the most part, the cells will burn the surface underneath without a gap,space, air breathing underneath. VHB is the strongest double sided tape I know of but will not be fun Removing when time comes to replace. Blow dryer and roll into a ball little bits at a time.... lol.

Right on JW

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

Thanks Mike 👊🏼😀

It still looks good. Not much you can do about the heat soak though since they are attached directly to your roof. This is the main reason flexible panels don't last as long as rigid ones do. They should still last you 10 years or more though. When you're ready for your next upgrade, what I would do is remove both rooftop A/C units and put 2-3 more panels in their place. Then I'd put a couple super-efficient mini-splits on the back that both heat and cool - one for the front and one for the bedroom. I left my soft start equipped Furrion front rooftop A/C but removed my rear unit and replaced it with an EG-4 28.5 Seer-2 mini split heat pump that only uses about 1/3 the power as my rooftop A/C but cools just as well with almost zero noise. I racked my entire roof with 8, 550w state-of-the-art PERC panels that come with a 25 yr. warranty and only cost 51 cents/watt shipped to my door. Of course, this 4,400w array adds about 400 lbs. more to my roof than your panels do, but they produce over twice the power too. However, it's within the weight limit of my tag axle MH with no adverse handling effects. I don't worry about them getting loose or flying off as each of my rack's 18 feet have three 600 lb tensile strength toggle bolts, not screws, securing them, which are capable of withstanding a total of 32,400 lbs. of lifting force. Clearly my entire roof would rip off or the motorhome would become airborne before they blew off. A laminar airflow on your roof is important, which is why I dropped the front two panels of the array down at a shallow 9.5-degree angle to meet the roof. This reduces drag for more stability than the turbulence created by my original roof's numerous drag producing protrusions. Racking them 15" off my roof not only lowers their operating temperature for higher output, but provides a nice shade for my motorhome too, reducing the heat load on my A/C units due to all the cooling airflow underneath. I now have solar powered heating and cooling 24/7 and can run everything in my RV just like I'm plugged into a power pedestal at an RV park. BTW, I also have another 620w liftable array on the side of my MH to charge my 560ah 12v battery for all my RVs 12v power needs plus an additional 1,000 watts of inverted ac power as a back-up should I ever need it. This lets me dedicate the rooftop array to charge my 16.3 kwh, 48v battery with my Sungold Power all-in-one 48v, 5,000-watt PSW inverter, 100a charger/charge controller.

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

Nice setup! Unfortunately mini splits wont work well in this unit except maybe the back bed room. Front would be a night mare and not worth it. If I was a full timer then maybe. But I also wanna ditch the rubber roof and coat it. These thin rubber roofs are a joke. If I do then I redo everything and play with other stuff. But yea I expect about 10 good usable years out of these panels before major drop off. But never know. I know the 175s from renogy are still doing well and several units at 3/4 years in since they came out. Im waiting for the new heat pump Roof top ac unit!!!!

Great video mate really informative 👍 sub btw

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

Thanks 👊🏼😀

I thought one advantage of SIGS panels was to provide some protection/efficiency against shading, do your current panels not have this feature/efficiency advantage(?) Thanks for sharing, was looking forward to this video all year, huge Thumbs-Up/Like!

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

The cigs are great for shade. But again like any flex panel if you bend it especially in a convex form the output suffers. I tried it and it was just to much curve on the front to see good numbers all day. It would peak at 120 watts or so here and there and back to 80-90 after optimal angles. It was just to much curve. If it was flat it would have done great. But I didn’t have anywhere for it. Again flex panels are better when flat. Flatter the better. But over the small curves like towards the back of my rv they do ok. But I think any more than a few degrees and they just cant reach a very good max ever. I wouldn’t mind converting my whole roof to cigs to try it. But that’s a job and kinda spendy lol.

I'm glad I have electricity 🔌

I've just started RVing my roof is the same but not as long, I don't KZread, my plan is especially boondocking is to run a micro water line underneath the solar panels to empty my shower water and cool down the solar panels.

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

That will be an interesting idea. Just dont do that in state parks. If a ranger gets a little noisy lol

How often do you spray your panels with 303 protectant? I’m getting ready to install 3 CIGS panels on my camper. Glad to see everything worked out well 😊

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

Well I normally like to spray my roof twice a year. But someone mentioned a while back which went right over my head, but 303 is a great protectant but since its supposed to block UV light to a extent or the harmful UV rays, is that dropping my wattage over the whole system? I dont know?? So now I have to experiment..

What is absolutely a mistake is the flat-billed hat.

@johnnysweekends

21 күн бұрын

Considering I was up at 4:45am and started shooting that at 5:30 the hat worked great to hide my tired eyes 😂.

@OFFICIALUND

21 күн бұрын

@@johnnysweekends Just make sure it doesn't happen again :) . I actually forgot to put the emoji after it to show I was joking (well, mostly joking). I appreciate the videos and all the work you put into them.

@johnnysweekends

21 күн бұрын

@OFFICIALUND lol no problem 😂 It’s actually a hat I don’t wear often it was just in there. Or it was my big straw sombrero hat 😂😂 That might have been over kill lol And thanks 🙏🏼 👊🏼

Question: would it be possible to wire these panels so that you could re-configure them on the fly? I could see the need based on how you park your rig. Either front to back or side to side. Just a thought. Love your videos Mate!

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

I mean I could but I have it situated now for what it is. If I put more in parallel I add more amps and then need different fuses and such. It just is what it is hence I still have a small generator for adding power if needed 👍🏼

What charge controller are you using? How are the panels mounted? Adhesive? Someone in town had some come off their Sprinter van.

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

Ecoflow’s 15kw power kit asks vhb double sided tape. You can also watch the install video if you like

Those HVAC condensers are not helping your system, for a new RV would it be better to mount them on the rear vertical of the vehicle - possibly on an extended rear fender arrangement ?

@johnnysweekends

11 күн бұрын

No way to do that with these units.

I want to install flexible panels. But I have seen tons of burned roof videos. I have flexible panels that I use as portable ground panels. I have laid them flat in the grass for 15 minutes and the gras nearly caught fire. What do you attribute your non-burned roof to?

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

You will get the same results if you take a glass panel and lay it flat on top of your grass. And it may catch fire if it’s a bi facial. But did the grass really almost catch on “fire” or did it just burn the grass turning it brown? Which is common. You can have the same results with a glass panel, a slip and slide , a blanket and more will brown the grass in the matter of a hour or two. I can give any data as to why the panel didn’t “burn” the roof. The only noticeable is a slight yellowing which is hard to see on camera. And it’s pretty slight. I would really like to ditch my rubber roof someday and do a coating on it. I hate these rubber roofs and think they should have done away with them long ago. If I get a hole then off to insurance , and I’ll rip everything off and coat it and start over. Maybe try something else. I love playing with stuff !!

@MikeJordanUnCamplicated

Ай бұрын

@@johnnysweekends I have seen lots of dead grass under panels in an hour or so. . Thats concerning enough. But last summer when it had been dry for weeks and I laid panels on long already dead grass, it started to smolder with smoke coming around the edges of the panel. Scared to tape that to my roof

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

@MikeJordanUnCamplicated wow,never seen grass smolder. Yea if you have concerns then definitely dont do it. Piece of mind is always better than worrying.

Sounds like you're in or around Redding

@johnnysweekends

Күн бұрын

🤫🤫😂😉

I just bought cigs for my van. Should I return? Why did you remove yours? Thx

@johnnysweekends

29 күн бұрын

I took it off because I had all the renogy and they match up so needed the room. Plus with the big downward curve up front it just wasn’t performing very good. But like mentioned in the video I didn’t think it would. But again keep flex panels as flat as possible if you can

The micro pump will be solar panel.

I saw KZreadr who posted a video of one of his panels melting/burning under the heat of the sun and damaging his RV roof, I have been wondering if this is a one off or a possibility with these panels.

@johnnysweekends

27 күн бұрын

I have seen rigid panels catch fire….there are many reasons for solar panels to burn or hot spot. One coulple who I saw maybe the same video used the cheap PET panels probably from sun power which are junk. Probably a sponsored thing originally. And who knows how they were handled when installed or if they walked on them. People think they can just walk on flex panels and you shouldn’t walk on any of them. You can micro fracture the cells. Not to mention did the have the panel being used and plugged in or sitting idle and no loads. This can cause a lot of heat soak and raise panel temps. I know several using the original 175 renogy panels and now more using these 200s. Will they last 15 years..?? Who knows. all depends how they were treated and more. So many things can contribute to a burnt panel. Rigid or flexible.

@rvnut1133

26 күн бұрын

Those are very good points, hard to decide but I guess it all depends on preference and cost.

@johnnysweekends

26 күн бұрын

@rvnut1133 all in what works for you better. Ill do another update if anything changes

i dont get why you even use flexible panels when you got so much almost flat space for regular panels which are way more efficient while a fraction of the cost and even longer lasting... would be a win-win-win situation :D

@johnnysweekends

17 күн бұрын

I can’t, already tried. Residential/commercial even if 335 watt would only allow 3-4 panels on the rear at best. With the vents and more this is a problem with a lot of RVs so most times you can only do about 3. Hence the renogy 200 rigid or the new 220s but they are bi facial so the gain is really not gonna do much of anything only 2.5 inches from the roof. Everyone’s set up is different. And I have options to get most any panel I want but again they don’t fit my setup. One off the back area they don’t fit anywhere and gives me at most 1200 watts roughly. So far these are doing very well for what I need and no weight or maintenance. No checking sealant, no checking screws. Nothing just go. I’m on my roof normally once a month unless it doesn’t move then about every 3, checking the panels or holes from what ever, branches, flying rocks, birds, who knows.

@Heinz76Harald

16 күн бұрын

@@johnnysweekends so you can just fit 3 regular sized framepanels. ok thats a pity, because the vents are blocking, i see. oh well

@johnnysweekends

16 күн бұрын

@Heinz76Harald yea I already tried and measured and it just wasn’t gonna happen unless I did 3 residential type and then another array with smaller panels or the flex but then it would have been to many panels on the next input

I fitted 4 flexible on my boat, had to scrap them after 3 years as they had become cloudy and the surface damagd from seagull poo. Now have latest hard panels, only needed half as many for the same output, and the weight has dropped to around 8kg per panel, a lot less than a few years back so is now an option.

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

Do you remember the brand and watts of the panels you had? Gopower or?

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

Sea life is hard on everything

@johnhayford5946

Ай бұрын

@@johnnysweekends Yep, found the invoice, they were 80W Lucis TPT A Series, purchased beginning 2020.

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

@johnhayford5946 ahh. Yea many flex panels just didn’t last more than a couple years and now it seems we may start seeing a true 5-7 years before they start to degrade but that also depends on conditions and how they are treated plus if they are being used or not

those darn haze trails.... it was clear when you started... just saying

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

Yea nothing I can do. I’m under the air highway for Portland and Seattle to Sacramento

That haze from the chemtrails will make about a 10- 20-watt loss. This happens to me just about every day we have full sun

@johnnysweekends

Ай бұрын

Definitely will! 👍🏼

The very best advice was if one came off on the road . Seriously, how would you feel if someone got killed, not to mention your insurance company is most likely going to fight you and you get sued

@alexdrockhound9497

Ай бұрын

these are very light and soft. it wouldnt be any worse than a tarp ripping free.

@jamesgreen1857

Ай бұрын

@alexdrockhound9497 That's what I mean, his advice for these as opposed to solid ones

You are seriously risking a fire up on your roof. I strongly recommend removing those panels and redoing the whole thing. That thermal imaging camera is just showing confirmation... those temps are way too hot all around and there was more than one hot spot. Flexible solar panels are just not designed for that kind of abuse. You also have major wiring issues up there. * All of your cabling and MC4 connectors are exposed to the sun and the hot roof. That is not a good idea. You are risking an ARC-gap fire as the sun makes the MC4 plastic brittle (particularly the retention tabs that hold the MC4s together). That much sun will destroy the MC4's environmental sealing as well. * The panels are exposed to extreme heat. This not only vastly reduces panel efficiency, it also vastly reduces the life-span of the materials making up those panels and the cells themselves will start to develop micro-cracking and begin to short. * Flexible panels in general can't stand up to the elements for very long compared to hard-framed panels. It isn't even close. The brand doesn't matter. It's plastic verses glass and aluminum. Again, you are risking an ARC-gap fire as the cells degrade from the abuse. * Hard-framed panels with an air gap have many advantages, not just in terms of fire hazard, but also simply in terms of the amount of heat transmitted through the roof into the cabin. A hard-framed panel will be vastly more efficient. You spent a lot of time downplaying the differences between flexible and hard panels in terms of temps, but that just isn't reality. While it is certainly possible for a hard-framed panel to get just as hot, flexible panels are going to be hot pretty much all the time whereas hard-framed panels will not. The vast majority of the time, hard-framed panels with an air-gap will be far, far cooler. Flexible panels are far more fire-prone in a directly-on-roof configuration. People have only been using them a few years and it is already obvious that it is a seriously bad idea. In anycase. I strongly recommending you rip out the whole thing and chuck the panels into the trash-can. Use hard-framed panels, leave an air-gap, put the wiring underneath the panels, don't expose cabling directly to the sun (outdoor ratings != extended periods of hot direct sun). -Matt

@johnnysweekends

14 күн бұрын

Matt several good points and I dont think I have down played anything but maybe didn’t go in depth as there is tons of info when it comes to PV components and more. *All cabling and connectors are UV solar rated, which they say serves a 25yr life span in outdoor environments, direct sun included. I don’t believe that but 15 years should be acceptable. I am on my roof regularly inspecting the panels and wires to monitor the setup. One for myself and viewers who want updated info. MC4 connectors also have a very high temp rating. Up to 194F outside temp and higher for inside connector temp. I have never seen temps even remotely close to that. One I try to keep my amps lower. I also feel 303 UV protectant may help keep the wires and cables extend there life. And maybe even the panels but i dont know if the panels suffer from the protectant being applied and total output. * All panels are exposed to extreme heat, even in the dessert which suffer even higher temps for longer periods of time. Now I did do a comparison of a rigid panel on my roof and a flex and did temp readings but nothing recorded. But maybe it would be a good video and I could try a couple different scenarios for fun. But good info. * Yes heat reduces output. Glass or flex, but I have never disputed that rigid do perform better. Pros and cons to all. Do mine suffer in the extreme heat? Oh yea but I also advise people whole live in extremes such as the temps I see to look into rigid. Unless its short durations. But in normal temps so far these have been performing well along with others im in contact with who run the older 175 for over 3 years and also using 200s as well. * Every build is different, if someone asks me about there build I advise them about options, and what would be better for their build. If you are a long term and full timer in a rv then rigid is a better option. For weekend warriors and people who are looking for shorter term options then these offer a solution. If they are not comfortable with solar and being on a roof constantly which you have to anyway if you use your rv, “hole inspections” then an installer should be used. *While I see cheap flex panels having failures which when you buy the cheapest I can see why. But the renogy have a very good track record. Many using them, direct on the roof. * I have seen fires from way more rigid panels than flex, but because the obvious of more installs and more diy stuff and people tend to set and forget. But also some of the old rigid were also junk. I do appreciate the comments and discussion. And I will bring more info as it comes. Because I dont mind being a test pilot for stuff. That is what my RV is for. And no one else is bringing this much info so I guess I will. The only reason if I change anytime soon is all dependent on how many holes I get in my roof. I already had a couple pin holes from trees at certain locations but eternabond and im on my way. But I dont like that either nor do I like the rubber roof. Hate the fact they are even still doing that verses a RV Armor of some type. Which Im looking into. And with the holes already insurance could possibly cover a roof replacement or the armor coating. Or I’ll just do it. Rubber roofs are old tech waiting to hide water leaks. -Johnny

@junkerzn7312

14 күн бұрын

@@johnnysweekends You can bond rails to the roof, and then mount the panels on the rails. The rails offer a very large bonding area verses trying to drill mounts directly into the roof. People are doing lots of no-drill / minimal-drill mounts these days. Nor do hard panels really have to be too far off the roof. There needs to be air-flow, but there doesn't need to be huge amounts of air-flow so people do air-dam the front. The panels overhang the rails so air-flow basically goes under the panel and then up and over the rail on the long-side. Hard panels are not nearly as fire-prone as you make them out to be, particularly not compared to flexible panels. Generally speaking, though, it is hard to get statistics because it isn't really a distinction made in accident investigations. In anycase, I think you are going to find out in the next year or two just how bad an idea it was. The only question is whether the experiment will end with you ripping the panels off the roof before the it burns, or after it burns. -Matt

@johnnysweekends

13 күн бұрын

@junkerzn7312 for sure many ways to mount. I have done a couple on other RVs as well. There are new mounts all the time but I do like rail setups if you can utilize for your Rv. As far as burning goes, well so far one year down and really no difference from the roof with no panel to what was under one of the panels I moved. Will they burn up… I guess we wait and see. May never find out if I have to recover my roof which that may be likely soon. Will see.