CIGS Solar Panel Review - BougeRV CIGS Compact 100W
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- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
- Today we're taking a closer look at the BougeRV CIGS series of flexible solar panels. The build quality and performance on these panels are hard to ignore, that's why they were the first upgrade made to the new Hiker! Check them out for yourself via the links below:
BougeRV Factory Direct (best price!)
www.bougerv.co...
Use code "AFF16" for 16% off!
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Amazon Links (money for Bezos)*
CIGS 100W Panel w/adhesive- amzn.to/3VvRCKe
CIGS 100W Panel w/hole mounts- amzn.to/4c4g8tg
(200W panels + Long panels also available!)
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#bougerv #solar #rvsolar #solarpanels #hikertrailer #squaredroptrailer #teardroptrailer #teardropcamper #tinycamper #bushwhacker #freesolo #braxtoncreek #overlanding #camping
We love the CIGS panels! Have installed quite a few for customers and it amazing how much power they put out in the shop under a LED light!
They're definitely all stars!
Yeah! Nuts and bolts videos!! Looking forward to hearing about all your new toys on the hiker!
These are my favorite videos to make, I'm gonna have to keep getting new campers... lol
I'd agree with most commenters here in saying a standard solar panel might not be a good idea 😏 BUT a CIGS solar panel might be worth investigating. 🤓 They are thin, lightweight, flexible, & don't need direct light to work. 😎 I first saw them on the Hobotech YT channel & have been saving up for them for my motorhome since they are not cheap to invest in initially but the weight & convenience of them will be worth the added cost IMHO. ☺️ I currently have two standard 200W panels & a power station that I use for markets & have as backup when I need it. I'm parked at a park right now (Texas summers are BRUTAL! 🥵) but when I hit the road, that power station will be vital to my boondocking until I can get a full solar panel system in. 😍 Home improvements are neverending no matter where you call home. 😎 I lived out of my 1998 Toyota Corolla off & on for a year & the RV I have now is my 4th rig in my adult life so I understand "unconventional" living better than most. ☺️ If you want any harsh truths or helpful tips, let me know! 💜
I hope you find a great system that you love! There are some amazing sales that happen if your patient. I have seen CIGS panels going for around the same price as glass panels during some of the sales events!
Love that they started making them more compact. I have been holding off because the previous generation were so long and bulky I didn't know if they would fit my trailer roof, particularly around the MaxxFan. Also love how shade resistant they are.
Exactly, the first iterations were that long ribbon shape, not very practical to use for tiny campers.
I have the long version installed on one side of the roof vent fan. I filled in extra lap seal for an area where mine overlapped each other, so I used Tape on the outside edges. That way I can get underneath the panel. I have another 100-watt CIGS panel for the other side that I haven't installed yet.
I have the narrow 100-Watt CIGS panel and it works very well. Mine is paired with an MPPT controller and power is going to the battery until the sun fully sets. It's been through a couple of hailstorms and an ice storm on the interstate. Shade tolerance is very good.
You're set up seems to be perfect for that 12 SK, definitely a great panel.
@@DIYOutdoorLife Congratulations on your new Hiker trailer. It looks like a good layout. Lube the hubs and be safe.
@@davidelliott400 let the maintenance begin! Thank you!
I installed (2) 200 watt CIGS on my Bushwhacker 15RE. I definitely recommend. They work great. A little tricky with the adhesive install but if you take your time it’s definitely DIY.
That's a solid set up! I might make a video where I show how to prep the surface and use masking tape to help line it up. Like anything, once you've done the first one they become pretty easy.
@@DIYOutdoorLife I found a tall son with long arms really helped me do my rooftop install :)
@@J4Julz tall people come in handy sometimes 😂
Ooooh Mr Fancy Pants with his new Hiker Trailer and CIGS panels. I'm assuming there's more than one because no way 100W is enough for you!!! Joking aside, great to hear your feedback on the newer technology!!
Lots more solar videos coming…lol
Your video convinced me to buy this compact CIGS version for my new Mid XL Hiker Trailer (pick it up in a few weeks). Question: Did you have to make any modifications to the trailer (specifically the Maxx fan) or the solar panel during installation? Was it a relatively easy DIY?
You can do it with zero mods.
It is nicer if you take a knife and shave just the smallest portion on the panel where it sits up against the fan housing. It allows the panel to drop in there very snuggly.
Ah. That explains a lot 😄! Thanks for the expert tip 😊
Hi. What is the difference between the CIGS and the flexible fiberglass panels that BougeRV sells?
Same things discussed in video. They have a fiberglass panel that has superior duration to their silicon, but their silicon is just like every other one on the market.
Perfectly fine for temporary use , keep a cover on the camper or store inside and they last very long time. If you keep them outside all the time, silicone panels dont last long.
I am considering one of these for my hard shell wedge style RTT. Any concern of the heat from the panel causing damage?
This is a great question. My short answer is no, I've attached to all sorts of things without problems.
It is important to remember that it's black and designed to collect sun. They will get hot, sometimes it's hard to hold your hand on it. Without knowing your exact set up, the heat thresholds for things like rooftop tents should absolutely be built to handle these temperatures, after all they sit out in the sun for hundreds of thousands of hours.
I would not think twice about attaching one on my stuff, but I'm always very cautious making recommendations to other people in these situations.
Sorry, I couldn't be more clear, I hope this helps !
Understood, appreciate your feedback!
Question for the group. I want to use these CIGS panels on my Bushwhacker 10HD. What would be better the 100 watt long going from the edge of the galley door over the top to the front. Or should I go with the 100 watt compact and go on the front from the diamond plate up to the roof vent? I’m connecting them to a Rengoy waterproof 20A PWM. Should I connect in parallel or series?
Whichever one has the least shading. My guess is the front will be better because the roof rack will shade the long panel.
You only have to worry about parallel and series if you're connecting multiple panels . With a single panel, just plug it into your charge controller.
Hope this helps!
@@DIYOutdoorLifeI would be installing 2 of the CIGS panels, one on each side so would parallel or series be better?
@@davidpitcock8228get a branch connector and do parallel. Youll get better results in parallel for that application.
It was 107F yesterday, my Hiker is in direct sunlight. I went with a glass panel. I was worried that the other panel would goo off in the heat. I just had an idea, is that the MC4 connection on the roof? I could unhook the fixed panel and hook up a portable panel and then set the portable panels out.
VHB type can handle 200°F. It's pretty incredible stuff. They actually use VHB to fasten some things to skyscrapers!!
It is an MC4 box, I've already been playing around with running panels in parallel and series and combining my portable set ups . Very handy!
Hiker owner here - how are you installing them exactly? Not the panel but penetrating the camper with wires. - Thanks!
My Hiker came with an MC4 junction on the roof, it couldn't be any easier, I just plugged it in.
If you do not have that option, look through my solar playlist for where I installed the rooftop solar and charge controllers on the Bushwhacker . Use 3m wire management clips and wire loom to run it neatly down the face of the camper. This is a fast and easy way that doesn't involve drilling.
Speaking of solar, is there any reason I couldn't use my small trailers 7-pin connector as a solar on the side connection? I mean, if I take a spare connector (like what's on the back of the tow vehicle) and make a short adapter cable out of it (using just the 2 pins Battery/ground) to change it to my portable solar kits SAE connecter, wouldn't that be like making my own solar on the side connector? Thanks, Chris
Yes, it's not perfect, but it will absolutely work. If you can easily access your battery, using a plug like this is even better. It's fused, heavy gauge, and very easy to install as solar on the side. If you're battery is in a larger box or container, you have to get the pass-through option.
amzn.to/3Xt9nwq
Awesome. I need to learn about the wiring. Is it universal or product specific? Can the panels hook into one another?
I will get into this into a bit of a 202 video.
These panels have MC4 connectors, this is the industry standard and most common. Solar panels can hook to each other in series, or in parallel by using branch connectors. It's very easy to do. it requires just a little bit of information to know how to maximize the performance of combined panels and to not overload a charge controller. we will definitely cover that soon, thank you for asking!
@@DIYOutdoorLife Thank you! 😁
The real issue here……..
Is Ripple looking a bit ‘porky’?
Hahaha, she just went to the vet Monday, they said her weight was perfect. I think the camera adds a few pounds… LoL
nice
Thank you, we're excited 👍
Those CIGS panels look awesome. Nice to see you putting yours to use!
Definitely some impressive technology, thanks for watching!
Glad you're making this review of the compact 100W CIGS. I'm so glad that I found the compact CIGS from BougeRV- they are the size that fits my BW+ 17FD- the long 200W CIGS just wouldn't fit in a way that I thought was most effective for catching the best rays. I'm saving that big one for another application, maybe the bed of my truck? Thanks for your help in setting up my system Brian :)
It's great to hear how well your system is working, the CIGS is an all-around solid way to go solar!
I use that VHB tape for a lot of automotive trim pieces and it works amazing! How does it hold up to all that surface area under the panel? any issues with the panels flapping off? I've got one of those membrane roofs too.
I have never had an issue with VHB, except when you try to remove it. I actually have a friend who works on skyscrapers, they use VHB to attach devices where the wind speed is incredible and the risk is high. Quick to find out the way to prep your surface, you might even want to get VHB primer made by 3M. Check online, you'll find info on the best way to prep the surface for your membrane.
I like your new trailer rig! Thank you for showing us the new panel. Slightly off-topic question, but how do the monocrystalline cells in the Goal Zero Boulder 200 briefcase solar panel compare to BougeRV’s cells in their rigid 200w panels?
They are both fantastic, they are built to last for decades. There are nomad series is convenient, but it is silicone based and is best used for temporary applications.
All this is great, BUT I don't think I heard you talking about their best feature - shade tolerance. So now I have to ask this question: on his channel, Jasonoid tested a new ShadeStopper 100W flexible solar panel with shade tolerant technology similar to CIGS, and which I can currently buy for $119 (list price $159). That's far cheaper than the CIGS panel. It would seem that the competition is beginning to catch up to CIGS. I'd be interested in your impressions. Jason does a really good job testing solar panels and PPSs of all kinds. BTW, it's currently 91 degrees as I write this with a heat index of 109. Watching you in your long-sleeved flannel made me long for cooler weather.
You're always one step ahead of the game. I have a whole video dedicated completely to shade tolerance, comparing different panels. I hope to get it out in the next couple weeks.
CIGS is actually not proprietary, it's fair game for any company to construct panels this way. Although companies are doing a good job adding more diodes for shade tolerance, the CIGS is still in the league of its own for its longevity and toughness.
Thanks for the video! What charge controller do you recommend for my Wacker?
If you can get it inside, out of the weather, an MPPT is the way to go. My preference is definitely Victron. If it's going to be outside, you're gonna have to get a waterproof option, and it will likely be PWM. Let me know where you want to install it and how much you have, and I'll send you a direct link.
Also, check out the videos on my channel featuring charge controllers, I install them on a Bushwhacker. They should be in the solar playlist.
So what are the flexible panels that come from Hiker directly?
They have a few options, but they're flexible panel is a renogy and silicon based. I hope they're able to start sourcing these panels.