*100% best **Generater.Systems** I have used. A test for hurricane prep here in Louisiana: three AC units, 5000, 5000 & 8000, 3 fridges, 2 device power setups, 4 flat screens....AND I had 40% of the power meter to spare.*
Hey Brain, I was searching the internet for information on a 100 to 200 watt emergency solar power system as a backup on RUclips when I came across your video! I looked two three times at the video and couldn't believe it was you, my cousin Brian! I then saw 'RV with Tito' and I knew it for sure! Really great thorough review so I went ahead and purchase the 200watt kit through your link! Anyway hope you all are doing well. Thanks Brian for the info and keep up the great work! Eddie S.
Hey! I did a double take when I saw your comment pop-up. Is that...!? Yup 😊. My next thought was the fact that Cousin Eddie from the Christmas Vacation movie is a legendary figure in the RV world. Too funny. Great to hear from you and glad the review helped you out. Take it easy! Brian.
FANTASTIC idea and great timing. My house sold yesterday!!! I'm that much closer to full time RV living. This is a good option IF they fix the loops on the sides. Thanks for sharing.
Very neat, I like the fact that it has everything you need included, but can also just link into your existing system easily either. I have a 160W framed kit and its very heavy and bulky to store. A good spot for it might be to hang it from the cab overhang and down onto the bonnet using your suction cups. It would shade the cab then too and give quite a good angle to the sun.
I visited the LENSUN website and according to them the MPPT controller IS compatible with lithium batteries, BUT it is default set for gel cells. That leads me to believe that there is a way to change the battery type settings. Maybe you could read the instructions and do a follow up video, if it turns out that it WILL work with lithium. Or maybe your unit is defective. It would be a big no-go for most people if this very expensive setup didn't accommodate lithium.
Thanks for the suction cup mounting. I'm going to apply that to two Renogy 160w panels on a Lance 2285. I can then park as desired / needed and point the panels to the sun. Solar power will go into a EF Delta which will feed the RV via the 30 amp socket for a/c power in the trailer. Judicious management REQUIRED!! All up costs about $1,600. . . . I hope.
Great video. By the way the current with the higher voltages coming from the panels equates to the higher current with the regulated lower voltage from the mppt controller. Ohms law.
Good review, probably not connected in series though the voltage would be higher it’s probably a combo of parallel and series. Remember series is not shade tolerant at all block one panel and you would see very little. Also on the controller that’s not an “auxiliary” it’s a load output for say a light.
Definitely a series/parallel setup. Based on my shading test, I'm thinking each column of three were paralleled from the others. BTW: I don't know anyone who uses those "load" outputs. I don't since you can't charge anything with them.
Great review! For under $300.00 it would be a worthy consideration but at the current price point, absolutely no way!!!!!! The use of 50 amp power-pole connectors is overkill for a 200 watt panel. They would have been better served with the smaller and much less expensive 30/40 amp connectors. I recently purchased 2 E-bikes even though I was not in the market for them because the company came in at at a price point 50% below other similar bikes. At the low price point, Lectric XP bikes sold 6000 bikes in 5 months, many to RVers while their competitors were selling 2-3 a week at double the price.
UPDATE - CHARGING LITHIUM BATTERIES - Good News! Lensun provided a Lithium compatible MPPT charge controller that charges Lithium/LiFEP04 batteries. I tested it out and it works fine. See the picture I posted in the community section of my channel. GROMMETS: I also added grommets to each side. Those also work fine for hanging the panel and support the weight well. They should last a long time.
I think I have heard of people having to configure the voltage in the controller directly (not auto) to get around that issue. I don't have Li so I am not up on the details.
Thanks for the video Tito, I went to the website and it says that you need to let the company know that you will be using them for lithium batteries so that they can put the correct controller on your order.
@@mv.m5438 What do you have to do if you order this now and upgrade to Lithium later? Any idea whether they would have to send you a new controller or is it a software or setting that needs to be adjusted?
Controller appears to be designed for Lead-Based Batteries. Lensun needs to offer a Charge Controller that has a Microprocessor built into to it to automatically adjust for EITHER Lead, Gel, or LiFePO4 Batteries!
Looks like you had fun doing all this testing. Curious if it would work if you go "solar direct" into a lithium battery. Curious if the battery's BMS will prevent overcharging, overcurrent, overvoltage conditions with an 18v (or 21v) solar panel directly connected to it. Lithium batteries are expensive to "play with" for experiments...would def su*k if it destroyed a perfectly good small lithium battery like yours. Thanks for making this video...always inspiring and helpful for others to DIY solar
Yes, probably not a good idea to bypass a charge controller and use the BMS as a controller. The BMS doesn’t do anything except monitor to see if something goes out of specification. Then it activates and shuts down the loads and charge source.
Nice review Brian! As I was watching how you were mounting the panel, I was thinking that you could probably make an adjustable frame out of PVC pipe that would be easy to maneuver and easy to set up and take down. Does the controller quit sending current to the battery once the battery is fully charged?
The battery will eventually stop accepting a charge. When that happens, there is no load to draw any current at which point, the solar stops producing current (even in full sun).
If it's mppt I'd like to see a higher voltage so it could do 24v also like I have built a couple of the (solar generator) type things and I'm using lithium ion so it's 7s which works well at 24v but with most of the portable solutions I'd need to use a boost converter or possibly get 2 panels and run them in series
I didn't see any UV data. All I know is the ETFE top layer which holds up well. There's also a fiberglass backing on each of the 12 sub panels for strength.
Cool video! I have couple questions. Why are you using Anderson connectors istead MC4 connectors ? Cool you have both of them but can you connect the MC4 directly? What is the ETFE coating for? Does it help to take more sun power?
Great review, thanks. What if you get a Renogy 20A MPPT to use with these panels so you can get lithium charging? And then transfer Anderson connectors from Lensun MPPT to Renogy.
hey can you test a brand new product that doesn't even have any reviews yet - the MEGSUN 200W mobile solar panel? it looks cool but I don't want to order one until someone has reviewed it.
Great video, very interested. Amateur question. When the battery bank gets full capacity where does excess power go from the panel? Does the controller just turn down the panel? General panels and controllers...
Imagine an air compressor inflating a tire. As long the tire can accept air, the compressor will push air into the tire. When the tire is fully inflated the no air can flow into the tire. At that point the regulator maintains a tiny bit of pressure to keep air from leaking out of the tire. Now imagine the tire is your battery, the compressor motor is the solar panel, and the air pressure regulator in the compressor is the charge controller. I hope that makes sense. If not then let me know.
Brian, I have been researching solar panels for my Outfitter soft side truck camper. I have been looking for something lightweight like flexible panels but this foldable may be better especially the 360 watt version. I have two BattleBorn batteries and a Renogy DCC50S DC-DC MPPT charger. Do you think the 360 version would be a good match for what I already have. Price may be high, but not having to have any more weight to crank up on the roof will be worth it and the alternator can keep the batteries up while driving so that I can run the fridge off of the inverter.
Also Brian can you post voltage at the battery. If its 16v like you show in the video, its of course too high for battery charging and probably why the LIPO bms is rejecting it..
Can you attach an additional length of extension charge cable to the 15 ft of cable that comes with the kit. I would like to see if I could get an additional 15 ft with Anderson connections, so I could have at least a total of 30 ft if needed. Also, how is Lensun 200 Watt foldable portable solar panel holding up so far?
You could add more cable. It may lower your efficiency a little. It's holding up fine but I've never been able to get more than 150W out if it...still trying.
It's a Voltcraft I got on Amazon (amzn.to/2ZNM4j6), but they are often out of stock. You could try to find it somewhere else. I like it though because it's very small.
Great vid. Nice job. This thing is just too big and impractical. Its either going to be flat on the horizontal or vertical surface. No way to effectively and efficiently angle. Standard 200 watt panel is 50-75% smaller. The sun continually moves...this is just too cumbersome....compact, no....its silly actually
@@RVwithTito you may laugh, but I have a chains and padlocks on my spare tire, step support and surge suppressor. When parked at the storage yard, I have a chains and padlocks on my traffic cones! The cones developed feet and moved one space over! Yes, the storage yard is in a cheaper part of town.
@@slister45 It's actually a good question. Yes, you *can* affix panels to the roof safely with high-strength tape and people do it that way sometimes. The bigger question is whether or not it's a good idea from the panel's point of view. Reasoning: panel temperature affects panel power output, so cooler panels make more power than hotter ones. This is why framed (mounted in hard frames) panels are mounted with an airgap under them; cooling breezes pass under the panel and remove excess heat. Surface mounting either prevents this cooling, or transfers the heat into your van.
People, there's no need for all this complexity with separate controllers, batteries, inverters, meters, displays, etc. Just buy solar generator that puts all that stuff in one power station. Simply plug the solar panel into the power station. Easy and simple.
We have used the ruclips.net/user/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
I bought this and I am happy to report that Lensun took your suggestion and added grommets to the blanket. Mine arrive with grommets intact and ready to hang. Thanks for reviewing this.
This is my favorite portable panel whenever I'm away from home, on Amazon: amzn.to/3wBPke7 You can also read the review here: vpsolarpanels.com/best-portable-solar-panel/
hello from the Ozarks!!! how do you keep your solar blanket from growing legs!!! I carry a elecrict portable fence that goes around my camper to keep critters away. cheers!!
Thanks, Brian! Great timing, we’re starting to research solar options for truck camping so we can do more boondocking. I like the ability to move and hang it from a variety of surfaces. Great video. We appreciate your knowledge!
That's what I was thinking too. I'll have to look into that further. I couldn't find any references for the controller blinking indicator light either.
It should have charged the Lithium battery initially as the charge controller just “sees” voltage and a load. It doesn’t know what chemistry it’s connected to. The Lithium battery might be fully charged so the bms is not connecting to the charge controller.
@@paulbaker3144 That's possible. But I don't know for sure. Lensun is sending me a different controller suitable for Lithium batteries. So I'll give that a test.
Only issue that concerns me with with this is how easy it would be to steal. Grommets strategically placed MAY be a better design so that at least a cable could be used to keep passer-by from walking off with it. LOVE the portability!
Mr. Brian , I am soooo thankful for all the amazing and helpful information. It was thoroughly explained and you have a great tone of voice that makes it easy to pay attention to your description video. Thanks Angelina
I just stumble onto ur foldable solar system. Thank u for taking the time to shoot the video. Informative and love the suction cup idea. I'll be buying some for other usage. The Lensun foldable solar system has the potential for great concept and usage. However the price is to much for what u r getting. The mppt is low end tech. And Amazon reviewers 4 out of 9 say didn't work, hot spot or failed after some time. I would be interested in buying the connectors. They look to be great quality! To bad the panels have poor reviews and high cost. I would buy it if not for that and the item is no longer in Amazon at this time.
Hi, Brian. I just watched your video on the Lensun 200 Watt Foldable Solar Panel with MPPT controller. It was a very good video, and it is intriguing to be because of the size and low weight. I was not able to find the 200 Watt using the Amazon link provided. Is Amazon not offering the 200 Watt anymore? Just wondering since this video is a few months old if you were able to find any other benefits or faults in this solar panel? Initially, I thought that this would be a deal breaker for me as I just installed Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries, but I saw on Lexsun website that this has been added to the controller. I would jump on this right away if the cost was closer to $300-350.
Nice unit and I like the way it handles partial shade. But you have to wonder why they chose those giant Anderson connectors. Big overkill for 11 or 12 amps. .
@@RVwithTito Although most are the 100 watt, there is an entry for the 200. watt.. It appears that you didn't include the Amazon link, or any link for that matter, because of the negative reviews.. Good Bye..!!!
@@pjf7943 You're assumption would be incorrect. I actually published this video by accident without finishing the writeup. My mistake. The links are there now. Cheers...and good bye.
@@RVwithTito Amazingly, you didn't pay any attention to all the other people questioning you as to 'WHERE ARE THE LINKS' to these products.!! LOL! But, it does appear that I am the only person questioning the reliability of these 'LENSUN' products.. !!! Of course 'click bait' is 'click bait' and the product and consumer be damned.. Tostito Puente, I've got your number.. LOL!
@@pjf7943 Yeah. I didn't realize until 5 hours later around 1AM that I messed up and published the video. That's when I responded to the initial comments updated the description and went to bed 😑
Interesting product. Those Anderson connectors make it easy to interface with other systems. I'd have to make my own extension cables though. Those look a little small and short for our set-up. I agree that grommets would have been a better choice for attachment points. How about heating with a black panel laying directly on the ground or on the RV? Pretty slick though. Nice entry into the folding panel fray. It'll be interesting to see how it holds up. Have fun. Safe travels.
Who else is here in 2024, still looking for this kind of alternative to the super heavy, bulky portable suitcase (400W) panels that go with the Ecoflow products? Im in a conversion van with a funky roof that won't accommodate any panels up top. 🤷♀️
I am currently I the middle of a warranty claim on a 200w flexible panel from these guys (Lensun Solar) that I had mounted to the roof of my RTT since may2023 (its AUG 2023 @ time of writing). Maybe it will get better but currently I have not been impressed, my issue hasn't been resolved, and the panel just up and quit working. No visible damage. Just stopped working.
Have you considering CTEK PRODUCT CTEK D250SE- The D250SE is a fully automatic, 5 step charger that supplies up to 20A of power to any 12V lead acid or lithium* service battery from 40-300Ah. It has selectable charge algorithms for AGM and lithium* batteries and can use power through its dual input from alternator, solar panel and wind power. When the service battery is fully charged, the D250SE will automatically redirect maintenance charge power to the starter battery. The D250SE can maintain a stable output up to 20A to vehicles fitted with smart ECU controlled alternators and also has a temperature sensor for optimized charging, regardless of weather conditions. CTEK SMARTPASS 120S- SMARTPASS 120S is a 120A Power Management Solution which distributes, controls and maximizes the available energy from your alternator to power service batteries and consumers. SMARTPASS 120S handles all 12V batteries between 28-800Ah. The SMARTPASS 120S’s Battery Guard function ensures that critical equipment such as radio, emergency lights and n avigation systems always have power and take priority when the voltage on the service battery is low disconnecting non-critical consumers. The unit’s Battery Guard will protect your service battery from total discharge and built in over temperature protection reduces charge current before the battery temperature gets too high. SMARTPASS 120S is compatible with the D250SA and D250SE 20A on board chargers.
Can you help me , please ! IHave a 22 Wh portable Generator (powerstation ) and i want to charge it with a Foldable 5V 14W and 2,33A solar panel , i understand that if i buy a 5 -15 volt step up convertor will work , what do you thynk , will start ? I thank you in Advanced
How many watts solar to run a small ac? Like 5000btu that uses 500 to 600 watts? And how much battery would you need? Could you do a video on that? Thumbs up handsome!!
Interesting about solar blanket. Nice taco double cab. What year 01-04. Have two of the toy taco. 00 xtra & 03 double. Always ppreciate your informative videos.
Nice review. Will you be making your own patch connector from the Anderson clip to attach the blanket directly to your existing external fitting to your 3rd Victron MTTP controller or will you continue using the supplied MPPT controller?
I already have an MC4 adapter that connects to my external port. So after connecting the provided Anderson-to-MC4 adapter, I'm good to go. I've already tried it out connecting it to that Victron MPPT via the external fitting. Works like a champ.
Tito like view, wondering if you have any recommendations on a outside security system for rv. Had my catalytic converter stolen last night. But good news the police caught then with a converter in the car, Thanks Rick Ps. At storage yard I do not have outside power source
Get a motion sensing LED light. Also look into a front/rear dashcam that records both to a memory card. Both of those will run off of 12v. So it'll drain your battery unless you have solar to recharge it.
Thanks Brain another well thought out and executed review, also added an interesting tip of this solar panel not working with my Battle Bourne system. I always look forward to your videos as they always provide great information in a clear concise format.
Thanks Brian. We started full timing last May and we are currently looking for a portable solar solution to keep the batteries up. This blanket looks interesting but I am concerned about the loops breaking and that it doesn’t use a stand to be able to angle it to line up better with the sun. Do you have a favorite, tried and tested 200 watt portable solution? I would love to hear your input.
I don't have a favorite. I've always made my own. I know lots of folks have the Renogy ones though. I like the blanket idea and will experiment with different uses. I'll install grommets on mine though. You could arrange the blanket thing in lots of different ways to maximize solar. I'll probably hang it and move it around as the sun moves.
![Tee Grizzley - Blow for Blow (feat. J. Cole) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wNLN5xsx5dc/mqdefault.jpg)
*100% best **Generater.Systems** I have used. A test for hurricane prep here in Louisiana: three AC units, 5000, 5000 & 8000, 3 fridges, 2 device power setups, 4 flat screens....AND I had 40% of the power meter to spare.*
Hey Brain, I was searching the internet for information on a 100 to 200 watt emergency solar power system as a backup on RUclips when I came across your video! I looked two three times at the video and couldn't believe it was you, my cousin Brian! I then saw 'RV with Tito' and I knew it for sure! Really great thorough review so I went ahead and purchase the 200watt kit through your link! Anyway hope you all are doing well. Thanks Brian for the info and keep up the great work! Eddie S.
Hey! I did a double take when I saw your comment pop-up. Is that...!? Yup 😊. My next thought was the fact that Cousin Eddie from the Christmas Vacation movie is a legendary figure in the RV world. Too funny. Great to hear from you and glad the review helped you out. Take it easy! Brian.
FANTASTIC idea and great timing. My house sold yesterday!!! I'm that much closer to full time RV living. This is a good option IF they fix the loops on the sides.
Thanks for sharing.
Congrats on the house closing! I do like this setup. I plan to retrofit the one I have with some grommets and carabiners.
Very neat, I like the fact that it has everything you need included, but can also just link into your existing system easily either. I have a 160W framed kit and its very heavy and bulky to store. A good spot for it might be to hang it from the cab overhang and down onto the bonnet using your suction cups. It would shade the cab then too and give quite a good angle to the sun.
Yeah. That would be a good spot. I'll have to give it a try.
I visited the LENSUN website and according to them the MPPT controller IS compatible with lithium batteries, BUT it is default set for gel cells. That leads me to believe that there is a way to change the battery type settings. Maybe you could read the instructions and do a follow up video, if it turns out that it WILL work with lithium. Or maybe your unit is defective. It would be a big no-go for most people if this very expensive setup didn't accommodate lithium.
Very nice portable setup. One of the best I've seen so far.
I agree. With a couple minor improvements it would be perfect.
Good video Brian... (Yes his name is Brian, not Tito!) Lensun does describe you can order the solar panel with a special mppt controller for lithium.
👍Thanks. You're right. I heard that from them last night. They are going to send me one. I'll give it a quick test and follow up.
Nice video and very useful for outdoor! Wrote from Taiwan.
Thanks for the suction cup mounting. I'm going to apply that to two Renogy 160w panels on a Lance 2285. I can then park as desired / needed and point the panels to the sun. Solar power will go into a EF Delta which will feed the RV via the 30 amp socket for a/c power in the trailer. Judicious management REQUIRED!! All up costs about $1,600. . . . I hope.
Glad to help. Good luck with your setup.
@@RVwithTito BTW.. who is Tito?
@@h2osmokey He's our little mascot on the dash.
Very thorough video, great job! Didn't know Jason Kidd is into DIY.
Great video. By the way the current with the higher voltages coming from the panels equates to the higher current with the regulated lower voltage from the mppt controller. Ohms law.
Hello Brian, so after about a year do you still use and like the Lensun 200w solar blanket ?
Good review, probably not connected in series though the voltage would be higher it’s probably a combo of parallel and series. Remember series is not shade tolerant at all block one panel and you would see very little. Also on the controller that’s not an “auxiliary” it’s a load output for say a light.
Definitely a series/parallel setup. Based on my shading test, I'm thinking each column of three were paralleled from the others. BTW: I don't know anyone who uses those "load" outputs. I don't since you can't charge anything with them.
Great job
Great video! Always cool to hear about new products. How about a video on how to operate a circuit tester? Maybe suggest your favorite one?
Thanks for the suggestion.
Great review! For under $300.00 it would be a worthy consideration but at the current price point, absolutely no way!!!!!! The use of 50 amp power-pole connectors is overkill for a 200 watt panel. They would have been better served with the smaller and much less expensive 30/40 amp connectors.
I recently purchased 2 E-bikes even though I was not in the market for them because the company came in at at a price point 50% below other similar bikes. At the low price point, Lectric XP bikes sold 6000 bikes in 5 months, many to RVers while their competitors were selling 2-3 a week at double the price.
UPDATE - CHARGING LITHIUM BATTERIES - Good News! Lensun provided a Lithium compatible MPPT charge controller that charges Lithium/LiFEP04 batteries. I tested it out and it works fine. See the picture I posted in the community section of my channel. GROMMETS: I also added grommets to each side. Those also work fine for hanging the panel and support the weight well. They should last a long time.
Have you tested the panels with a different (Victron) controller?
I think I have heard of people having to configure the voltage in the controller directly (not auto) to get around that issue. I don't have Li so I am not up on the details.
Thanks for the video Tito, I went to the website and it says that you need to let the company know that you will be using them for lithium batteries so that they can put the correct controller on your order.
@@mv.m5438 What do you have to do if you order this now and upgrade to Lithium later? Any idea whether they would have to send you a new controller or is it a software or setting that needs to be adjusted?
Everything RV by Pat, the company sells solar controllers for lithium batteries I saw the cheapest starting at $99.
Controller appears to be designed for Lead-Based Batteries. Lensun needs to offer a Charge Controller that has a Microprocessor built into to it to automatically adjust for EITHER Lead, Gel, or LiFePO4 Batteries!
I think the latest one comes with a lithium compatible controller.
Looks like you had fun doing all this testing. Curious if it would work if you go "solar direct" into a lithium battery. Curious if the battery's BMS will prevent overcharging, overcurrent, overvoltage conditions with an 18v (or 21v) solar panel directly connected to it. Lithium batteries are expensive to "play with" for experiments...would def su*k if it destroyed a perfectly good small lithium battery like yours. Thanks for making this video...always inspiring and helpful for others to DIY solar
Direct is probably not a good idea, but I'll bet the BMS over voltage shutdown would kick in anyway like you said.
Yes, probably not a good idea to bypass a charge controller and use the BMS as a controller. The BMS doesn’t do anything except monitor to see if something goes out of specification. Then it activates and shuts down the loads and charge source.
Nice review Brian! As I was watching how you were mounting the panel, I was thinking that you could probably make an adjustable frame out of PVC pipe that would be easy to maneuver and easy to set up and take down. Does the controller quit sending current to the battery once the battery is fully charged?
The battery will eventually stop accepting a charge. When that happens, there is no load to draw any current at which point, the solar stops producing current (even in full sun).
thanks for the review. can you test it with better sunlight & see if it puts out what it's supposed to?
I'll try when I can...when the sun comes back to the Pacific Northwest.
@@RVwithTito chemtrails block the sun (as well as poison us)
I like it. Goid job. I agree that grommets would be best. Can you also add a link to the suction cup things you used? Thank you
I added them to the description. Here's the link if you need it now: amzn.to/2ogaEZM
I notice that the charge controller is waterproof, but how about the rest of the system? Thanks. Always Great!
That I don't know. I would imagine it's at least water resistant, but I haven't drenched it with a hose or left it in the rain yet. 😀
If it's mppt I'd like to see a higher voltage so it could do 24v also like I have built a couple of the (solar generator) type things and I'm using lithium ion so it's 7s which works well at 24v but with most of the portable solutions I'd need to use a boost converter or possibly get 2 panels and run them in series
Really thought there was going to be more vodka involved. Liked and subscribed anyway :-)
You mean RVing With Tito's? We usually have a bottle of that around too :)
Extension cable looks like ~10 feet, not 49 feet (you said 15 meters)
How much? Don't see a link.
Oops. It's 5 meters. Sorry. Screwed that up didn't I : )
499.99 on Amazon
Great video! Thanks!
Make a hinged portable plywood surface mount..
Any uv data , or dry environment data i live in Arizona as you know and things don't last long in sunshine
I didn't see any UV data. All I know is the ETFE top layer which holds up well. There's also a fiberglass backing on each of the 12 sub panels for strength.
Cool video! I have couple questions. Why are you using Anderson connectors istead MC4 connectors ? Cool you have both of them but can you connect the MC4 directly? What is the ETFE coating for? Does it help to take more sun power?
Great review, thanks. What if you get a Renogy 20A MPPT to use with these panels so you can get lithium charging? And then transfer Anderson connectors from Lensun MPPT to Renogy.
They now come with a lithium compatible MPPT controller.
hey can you test a brand new product that doesn't even have any reviews yet - the MEGSUN 200W mobile solar panel? it looks cool but I don't want to order one until someone has reviewed it.
Great video, very interested. Amateur question. When the battery bank gets full capacity where does excess power go from the panel? Does the controller just turn down the panel? General panels and controllers...
Imagine an air compressor inflating a tire. As long the tire can accept air, the compressor will push air into the tire. When the tire is fully inflated the no air can flow into the tire. At that point the regulator maintains a tiny bit of pressure to keep air from leaking out of the tire. Now imagine the tire is your battery, the compressor motor is the solar panel, and the air pressure regulator in the compressor is the charge controller. I hope that makes sense. If not then let me know.
They should just put grommet holes and include carabiners.
Brian, I have been researching solar panels for my Outfitter soft side truck camper. I have been looking for something lightweight like flexible panels but this foldable may be better especially the 360 watt version. I have two BattleBorn batteries and a Renogy DCC50S DC-DC MPPT charger. Do you think the 360 version would be a good match for what I already have. Price may be high, but not having to have any more weight to crank up on the roof will be worth it and the alternator can keep the batteries up while driving so that I can run the fridge off of the inverter.
Also Brian can you post voltage at the battery. If its 16v like you show in the video, its of course too high for battery charging and probably why the LIPO bms is rejecting it..
Sorry I didn't show that. The controller lowers the voltage to the battery to between 13.4 - 14.8 or so.
RV with Tito DIY Thanks Brian.
Can you attach an additional length of extension charge cable to the 15 ft of cable that comes with the kit. I would like to see if I could get an additional 15 ft with Anderson connections, so I could have at least a total of 30 ft if needed. Also, how is Lensun 200 Watt foldable portable solar panel holding up so far?
You could add more cable. It may lower your efficiency a little. It's holding up fine but I've never been able to get more than 150W out if it...still trying.
So could you use it with a renogy 30 amp mppt charge controller?
Yup. That'll work.
wow the prize!!!!
Brian. I am interested in that DC amp meter you were using in this video. Do you have a link for it. TIA
It's a Voltcraft I got on Amazon (amzn.to/2ZNM4j6), but they are often out of stock. You could try to find it somewhere else. I like it though because it's very small.
Thanks
Excellent presentation, thank you! It looks like your results were skewed by Chemtrails though.
Could I potentially use this product to charge an electric vehicle? I'm looking for a portable solar charger so I don't need to find a public charger.
No. It wouldn't work. You'll need a lot of power to charge an electric car.
@@RVwithTito I would either need 8 amps or 12 if I could do that. 120 volts
Watts?
@@moocow2oo426 That's the equivalent of 80 or 120 amps at 12 volts. That solar panel will only output a max of 8-10 amps at 12v.
@@moocow2oo426 Multiply volts x amps.
Great vid. Nice job. This thing is just too big and impractical. Its either going to be flat on the horizontal or vertical surface. No way to effectively and efficiently angle. Standard 200 watt panel is 50-75% smaller. The sun continually moves...this is just too cumbersome....compact, no....its silly actually
200 watts is great for 1 person.
but 500 Euro is too much for 200 Watt ...
oops, still available at Lensun, with and without the controller.
Unfortunately anything "portable" in the RV world means they will probably develop feet.
Yeah. Maybe I'll put a bicycle chain on it.
and be overpriced
@@RVwithTito you may laugh, but I have a chains and padlocks on my spare tire, step support and surge suppressor. When parked at the storage yard, I have a chains and padlocks on my traffic cones! The cones developed feet and moved one space over! Yes, the storage yard is in a cheaper part of town.
This might be a dumb question but could you affix the panels to the roof with some kind of adhesive?
@@slister45 It's actually a good question. Yes, you *can* affix panels to the roof safely with high-strength tape and people do it that way sometimes. The bigger question is whether or not it's a good idea from the panel's point of view. Reasoning: panel temperature affects panel power output, so cooler panels make more power than hotter ones. This is why framed (mounted in hard frames) panels are mounted with an airgap under them; cooling breezes pass under the panel and remove excess heat. Surface mounting either prevents this cooling, or transfers the heat into your van.
U
Very pricey
That's a ridiculous price.
Great idea, however, Way overpriced, and too many compatibility issues.
People, there's no need for all this complexity with separate controllers, batteries, inverters, meters, displays, etc. Just buy solar generator that puts all that stuff in one power station. Simply plug the solar panel into the power station. Easy and simple.
We have used the ruclips.net/user/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
Is this compatible with the new Jackery 1000?
Yes, if you get an MC4 to Anderson Powerpole adapter (amzn.to/39wusK4)
I bought this and I am happy to report that Lensun took your suggestion and added grommets to the blanket. Mine arrive with grommets intact and ready to hang. Thanks for reviewing this.
This is my favorite portable panel whenever I'm away from home, on Amazon: amzn.to/3wBPke7
You can also read the review here: vpsolarpanels.com/best-portable-solar-panel/
hello from the Ozarks!!! how do you keep your solar blanket from growing legs!!! I carry a elecrict portable fence that goes around my camper to keep critters away. cheers!!
If I leave it overnight, I'd probably lock it down.
The controller has been updated to be set for either lead acid or lithium
Thanks, Brian! Great timing, we’re starting to research solar options for truck camping so we can do more boondocking. I like the ability to move and hang it from a variety of surfaces. Great video. We appreciate your knowledge!
That's great Molly. Not much solar happening around here lately though. Maybe in May :)
Price and link ?
Ooops. Messed up and published the video before finishing the description. The price is $499 and the links are there now.
Great idea with the suction cups! Gonna steal that one!
I've used those for several projects. They work pretty well. Just got 4 more.
Ridiculous that it won't charge a LIPO battery. Maybe it didn't like the bms in you test lithium battery.
That's what I was thinking too. I'll have to look into that further. I couldn't find any references for the controller blinking indicator light either.
It should have charged the Lithium battery initially as the charge controller just “sees” voltage and a load. It doesn’t know what chemistry it’s connected to. The Lithium battery might be fully charged so the bms is not connecting to the charge controller.
@@paulbaker3144 That's possible. But I don't know for sure. Lensun is sending me a different controller suitable for Lithium batteries. So I'll give that a test.
Five hundred bucks. Kinda steep if you ask me...
Who’s Tito?
The little guy on my dash.
Only issue that concerns me with with this is how easy it would be to steal. Grommets strategically placed MAY be a better design so that at least a cable could be used to keep passer-by from walking off with it. LOVE the portability!
I'll add some grommets and run a locking cable through it.
Loved the video! Could you include a link for the suction cup clips? Thanks!!
Glad you liked it. Here's the link to the suction cups (amzn.to/2ogaEZM). I've picked up lots of these and they work great.
RV with Tito DIY thank you! Just clicked and bought two.
Mr. Brian , I am soooo thankful for all the amazing and helpful information. It was thoroughly explained and you have a great tone of voice that makes it easy to pay attention to your description video. Thanks Angelina
Thanks so much for the feedback Angelina. I appreciate it 👍😊
I just stumble onto ur foldable solar system. Thank u for taking the time to shoot the video. Informative and love the suction cup idea. I'll be buying some for other usage.
The Lensun foldable solar system has the potential for great concept and usage. However the price is to much for what u r getting. The mppt is low end tech. And Amazon reviewers 4 out of 9 say didn't work, hot spot or failed after some time. I would be interested in buying the connectors. They look to be great quality! To bad the panels have poor reviews and high cost. I would buy it if not for that and the item is no longer in Amazon at this time.
Hi, Brian. I just watched your video on the Lensun 200 Watt Foldable Solar Panel with MPPT controller. It was a very good video, and it is intriguing to be because of the size and low weight. I was not able to find the 200 Watt using the Amazon link provided. Is Amazon not offering the 200 Watt anymore? Just wondering since this video is a few months old if you were able to find any other benefits or faults in this solar panel? Initially, I thought that this would be a deal breaker for me as I just installed Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries, but I saw on Lexsun website that this has been added to the controller. I would jump on this right away if the cost was closer to $300-350.
I can't find a 200 w panel, only the 💯 Watt , where did you get that 200watt system?
The links are in the description now. Sorry for the delay. BTW: Lensun sent the product to me for review and testing.
Nice unit and I like the way it handles partial shade. But you have to wonder why they chose those giant Anderson connectors. Big overkill for 11 or 12 amps.
.
I suppose the connectors will come in handy if you chain a few together. Oh well. Overkill is better than underkill I suppose.
You always do a great job! I do like how compact it is for 200 watts.
Thanks Jared. Yes. 200W in a little bag is pretty handy.
Thanks for the great information! This looks like the one for us! Just ordered from your link. Thanks!
Hope you like it!
I know just enough to get into trouble, but I’m asking anyway.....I have a 24v system in my Ambulance.....could I still use this to charge my system?
Great review as usual Brian!
Would these Lensun systems be compatible with the factory installed Zamp input jack on the side of our Sunseeker class C?
I think Zamp uses an SAE plug so you'd need an Anderson to SAE adapter like this amzn.to/2qPZsnA.
Here is a cheaper link for the Anderson connectors:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08312DNRC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_10?smid=A1TASJVMSL9BGL&psc=1
Although I appreciate your review, as is usual for chicom panels, it's love or hate as described at Amazon.. Muchisimas gracias..
Thanks for your input. I don't like that the comments on the Amazon listing aren't for this specific product either.
@@RVwithTito Although most are the 100 watt, there is an entry for the 200. watt.. It appears that you didn't include the Amazon link, or any link for that matter, because of the negative reviews.. Good Bye..!!!
@@pjf7943 You're assumption would be incorrect. I actually published this video by accident without finishing the writeup. My mistake. The links are there now. Cheers...and good bye.
@@RVwithTito Amazingly, you didn't pay any attention to all the other people questioning you as to 'WHERE ARE THE LINKS' to these products.!! LOL!
But, it does appear that I am the only person questioning the reliability of these 'LENSUN' products.. !!!
Of course 'click bait' is 'click bait' and the product and consumer be damned..
Tostito Puente, I've got your number.. LOL!
@@pjf7943 Yeah. I didn't realize until 5 hours later around 1AM that I messed up and published the video. That's when I responded to the initial comments updated the description and went to bed 😑
Interesting product. Those Anderson connectors make it easy to interface with other systems. I'd have to make my own extension cables though. Those look a little small and short for our set-up. I agree that grommets would have been a better choice for attachment points. How about heating with a black panel laying directly on the ground or on the RV? Pretty slick though. Nice entry into the folding panel fray. It'll be interesting to see how it holds up. Have fun. Safe travels.
Yeah. I'll let you know if there's any heating issue. I'm definitely adding some grommets. Thanks for the comments.
Lensun have now updated the controller to work with lead-acid AND lithium cells - you can set the battery type via bluetooth from your phone.
Yes. They sent me the new controller, I tested it and it works with both.
Great Review And Thanks For Sharing My Friend!
Who else is here in 2024, still looking for this kind of alternative to the super heavy, bulky portable suitcase (400W) panels that go with the Ecoflow products? Im in a conversion van with a funky roof that won't accommodate any panels up top. 🤷♀️
You should be needing less solar with the battleborns. Is this not the case?
True...when there's plenty of sun overhead. I still like to carry an extra 200w especially this time of year when it's difficult to get sun.
@@RVwithTito gotchya. Are you seeing higher overall production with them since they dont need to go into absorb?
I am currently I the middle of a warranty claim on a 200w flexible panel from these guys (Lensun Solar) that I had mounted to the roof of my RTT since may2023 (its AUG 2023 @ time of writing). Maybe it will get better but currently I have not been impressed, my issue hasn't been resolved, and the panel just up and quit working. No visible damage. Just stopped working.
Have you considering
CTEK PRODUCT
CTEK D250SE- The D250SE is a fully automatic, 5 step charger that supplies up to 20A of power to any 12V lead acid or lithium* service battery from 40-300Ah. It has selectable charge algorithms for AGM and lithium* batteries and can use power through its dual input from alternator, solar panel and wind power. When the service battery is fully charged, the D250SE will automatically redirect maintenance charge power to the starter battery. The D250SE can maintain a stable output up to 20A to vehicles fitted with smart ECU controlled alternators and also has a temperature sensor for optimized charging, regardless of weather conditions.
CTEK SMARTPASS 120S- SMARTPASS 120S is a 120A Power Management Solution which distributes, controls and maximizes the available energy from your alternator to power service batteries and consumers. SMARTPASS 120S handles all 12V batteries between 28-800Ah. The SMARTPASS 120S’s Battery Guard function ensures that critical equipment such as radio, emergency lights and n avigation systems always have power and take priority when the voltage on the service battery is low disconnecting non-critical consumers. The unit’s Battery Guard will protect your service battery from total discharge and built in over temperature protection reduces charge current before the battery temperature gets too high. SMARTPASS 120S is compatible with the D250SA and D250SE 20A on board chargers.
Can you help me , please ! IHave a 22 Wh portable Generator (powerstation ) and i want to charge it with a Foldable 5V 14W and 2,33A solar panel , i understand that if i buy a
5 -15 volt step up convertor will work , what do you thynk , will start ? I thank you in Advanced
Süper 👍 çok portatif ,
How many watts solar to run a small ac? Like 5000btu that uses 500 to 600 watts? And how much battery would you need? Could you do a video on that? Thumbs up handsome!!
Interesting about solar blanket. Nice taco double cab. What year 01-04. Have two of the toy taco. 00 xtra & 03 double. Always ppreciate your informative videos.
Thanks. It's an '02.
Hi. I bought a camper in England and It came with something that I think is the charge controller. Is there a blog where I can send you a picture?
Late to the party as usual 😂, great bit of kit!, but I got a different mppt ( lensun type), suppose it does the same ???
Nice review. Will you be making your own patch connector from the Anderson clip to attach the blanket directly to your existing external fitting to your 3rd Victron MTTP controller or will you continue using the supplied MPPT controller?
I already have an MC4 adapter that connects to my external port. So after connecting the provided Anderson-to-MC4 adapter, I'm good to go. I've already tried it out connecting it to that Victron MPPT via the external fitting. Works like a champ.
Tito like view, wondering if you have any recommendations on a outside security system for rv. Had my catalytic converter stolen last night. But good news the police caught then with a converter in the car,
Thanks
Rick
Ps. At storage yard I do not have outside power source
Get a motion sensing LED light. Also look into a front/rear dashcam that records both to a memory card. Both of those will run off of 12v. So it'll drain your battery unless you have solar to recharge it.
I think battery clamps for the solar blanket would work better than the weak stitched loops.
Thanks Brain another well thought out and executed review, also added an interesting tip of this solar panel not working with my Battle Bourne system. I always look forward to your videos as they always provide great information in a clear concise format.
Thanks for the comment. I'll have to test it with a battleborn too.
I bought the 220 lenson blanket with controller. I’ll post an up date when I use it next month.
Great video and an interesting product.
Where is the link? It isn’t under the link for your gear.
Sorry I hadn't added them yet. They should be there now. Give it some time and it will update.
Good job as always Brian!
Thanks!
Thanks Brian. We started full timing last May and we are currently looking for a portable solar solution to keep the batteries up. This blanket looks interesting but I am concerned about the loops breaking and that it doesn’t use a stand to be able to angle it to line up better with the sun. Do you have a favorite, tried and tested 200 watt portable solution? I would love to hear your input.
I don't have a favorite. I've always made my own. I know lots of folks have the Renogy ones though. I like the blanket idea and will experiment with different uses. I'll install grommets on mine though. You could arrange the blanket thing in lots of different ways to maximize solar. I'll probably hang it and move it around as the sun moves.
I just tow a cargo trailer with 1150 watts of panels, batteries, inverter, motorcycle, kayak, mtn bike, along with my tools.
Is it rain proof?
Does it have the ability to connect to a 2nd solar blanket for 400 watts?