Thank you Rick and Linda, your humor, honesty, and hard work are so appreciated! Thanks for making the decision process easier for me. You’re a God send!
Thank you for your kind words! I completely agree with you, Rick and Linda did an amazing job in testing those portable solar panels and making our decision process easier. By the way, have you heard of the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's a versatile powerhouse with a whopping 5kWh capacity, powerful output, and super fast recharging. It's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts like us who value quality and reliability. Check it out if you're in need of a reliable power source during your camping adventures or for home backup power!
I had to re-upload this video because there was a mistake in the format of the first one making it appear small on your tv screen. We did read all of your comments on the first video and we're sorry for any inconvenience. To get the discount on the Itehil 100watt panel use the discount code "Gonagain"
For those in danger of Summer power outages these panels can directly power USB fans even in very low light. Heat stroke was the number one killer after the last hurricane hit New Orleans.
@@ZxAMobile That`s all I use now 24/7 even in Winter to help circulate the heat from my oil heater. And I always keep a battery solar charged to power them and Onite USB light bulbs. I`m slowly getting all the parts and learning all I can to build my own real solar power system for my small window air conditioner. I have a 300ah Ampere Time battery, 2000w inverter, 60 amp MPPT solar charge controller, cables, etc, and I`m waiting on one more 190w solar panel and a few other parts for safety like switches and fuses. Then I can rig it all up. I need a battery meter and maybe a few more minor things and later I can add more panels using some cool little simple in-line 10 amp MPPT chargers I found to add individual solar panels or even connect my folding panels easy. This is one of my dreams....solar power for air conditioning! Take THAT hurricanes and power companies!!! I hope I don`t screw up.
@@baneverything5580 I am extremely obsessed with solar power, and I think it is absolutely the future I have lived with strictly solar power and no electricity, other than that for over three years, and I had absolutely no issues other than like you said air conditioning, which was completely out of my wheelhouse. I have theorized about running air conditioning off of solar panels, but it has become almost impossible task to even imagine. I was able to stay cool in my RV in 120° weather with no air conditioning I did it by running five small USB fans and putting two cooling towels on my legs in my chest. By doing this, you are essentially creating an air conditioner as long as you have a way for that humid air to escape to the outside which you could achieve by cracking a window. A mini air conditioner would be a dream though I would assume with around 1500 W of solar panels you could run like a 500 W mini air conditioner in charge everything else quite easily. Xtar right now is dominating the folding solar panel market. They actually push more watts than they are even rated.
@@ZxAMobile Here in Louisiana my panels produce equal to or more tha the rated wattage. I`m starting with two 190w and two 100w panels and adding one more with a small, simple controller, and I`ll be using a 350 to 500 watt Frigidaire window air conditioner. Gonna see how well this works and then it will be much easier to add more single panels as needed going forward expense-wise on a fixed income by growing much of my own food. I hope to run a 400w heater next Winter during the day and some at night to supplement my main heater plus run my freezer, fridge, cookers, and lights too, maybe full time when possible. I already use solar cookers...350w griddles, 520w sandwich maker, and two 100w 12v rice cookers that can cook one dry cup in about 35-40 minutes with a 10 amp cigarette lighter port on even my tiny power stations, and I heat bathing water in my camper in a 5 gal bucket with a 600w immersion bucket water heater. My 300ah battery can power my air conditioner 7 hours on high per charge and solar should keep it topped up during the day. At night its thermostat kicks off half the time so running it all night should be doable in emergencies. A timer to turn it on and off will be added later to be sure the battery doesn`t deplete too low at night. I wanted two large batteries but only had enough for one and the inverter and charge controller. But it`s a huge step forward.
@@ZxAMobile The issue in Louisiana is near 100% humidity so evaporative cooling is near impossible. It gets dangerously hot here too. 100 degrees and 100% humidity and you start dying.
I use a Baldr 120 folding solar panel and it works great! I use to charge up my Bluetti EB70 and EB3A. I've actually got 118 watts from it. Panels don't usually put out their full rated capacity. Thanks for the video.
This is the only informative video I found so far on portable solar panels, that actually tests the panels and doesn't just repeat the stats from the website. Thank you so much!
Rick and Linda, this was a superb video. I enjoy all your videos, but the amount of work here is going to save so much time and money for your viewers. I want to thank both of you for your hard work..really exceptional !! God bless...mike
I have the Goal Zero, Boulder 100. It's the best One I have owned. And you can leave it out in rain and snow!!! It Never blows Over!!! It is the best one I have owned!!! Thanks for doing the test!!! That was alot of work for helping us!!! 🤗
Thanks! Great side by side comparison. I'm totally new to solar but recently got a WattFun 300w power station as my first endeavor into solar. After watching your video I ordered the Itehil panel for $139.95 to keep it charged. Seemed like the most bang for the buck. I'm planning on making a lightweight/adjustable folding frame to better support it.
Hey Rick I wanted to let you know Bouge is running a Facebook ad featuring you doing your review on their portable solar panel! You've hit the BIG TIME now you're a celebrity!!
Thanks so much for doing this video. It is great that you have invested in all these different brands of portable solar panels. So often, when buying, it's just a shot in the dark. Not many head-to-head evaluations out there with real world figures and prices shown clearly. I appreciate it!!
1 min in i appreciate you having and testing all these together to see. Great idea. I live in arizona so im doing research to see how efficient this will be. I appreciate it. I wish you had one of them sponsor you since you show and bring interest.
I watched your review over a year ago on the Itehil 100 watt panel and bought one. After I received it and saw the quality and used it for a week I ordered a second one. It’s easy to set up bc of quality velcro and canvas cover and the legs let you set a low angle. Bc it’s four panel it is compact when folded. I’ve used them for ten days on the Gulf Coast beach east of Freeport,TX and they only blew over a couple times. I did have to brush off the blowing sand at least once a day. Then up to NW & central Arkansas. They’ve been in temperatures 26* to 100* and have work great with my Energizer 240, Go Lab 300 and Oupes 600. I would have to move the panels across a park road in NW Texas and Arkansas bc of tree shade morning sun then afternoon sun. I would fold the two outside panels in and pick it up with the smaller battery pack and carry them across the road, easily. The heavier Oupes would require a second trip. If I had clear skies it would output a 100 or more watts but usually 80 to 95 watts. I’m very please with these panels and the price was right!
Very proud of both of you and your channel. You are quickly becoming the authority on solar panels, E-bikes and portable power stations. Truthful and accurate reviews are hard to find online, everyone always seems to have a dog in the fight. I like how you will speak up and tell everyone that something is sub-par or of lower quality. It saves your viewers time and money plus forces manufactures to produce higher quality products. Loved the video and a power station is on our list before we head west on vacation.
Thank you for your most kind words, Larry. We try our best to be fair in the reviews and not do reviews on products that we wouldn't use in this lifestyle. How far west are you going?
@@largelarry2126 Funny and Nice. I moved out of NYCity on my way to Beverly Hills in 87, Never made it to Cali, been here ever since. That's 35 years & I'm here till the Fat Lady Sings. Oh Boy. 🥴👏👏👏👏👏
🍂 I was not aware that they had portable solar panels available until this week. And then I saw your channel. Your channel was informative. Your review of these panels is greatly appreciated! Gracias!
That’s an incredibly thorough test. Thanks for the comparison. I think buying 2 of the Itehils would be the ideal scenario and use a y-cable. It would give you 200 watts for about the same price as the other panels
I got very lucky to get 100 and 120 watt folding panels with ETFE coating and Sunpower cells for 99 each. They both have the orange handles. They actually produce nearly 100% of rated output here in Louisiana.
Bought a no name panel last year and only getting 70 or so out of 100 watts, BOO. Didn't pay much though so that's okay. Also, no legs, no eyelets. I needed to pay more attention! Thank you for a new, better option. I'll use what i got for now and when I can, get the Itehil.
Rick, thanks for all the work you and Linda do in bringing us the facts on which to make these purchases. You definitely provide me with a sense of better understanding before I spend my monies. For the money and performance combined, IMO, you can't beat the Itehil. Could buy 2 units for almost the price of 1 of the others.
The best way to test out several solar panels at the same time is to just lay them down on the ground flat next to each other. This way you have the EXACT same angle giving you the most accurate way to compare the panels for efficiency. Yes, it is not a total wattage output test, but it is a great way to compare several panels’ efficiency. If you want to check using angles, then just set up one panel, then test it, then just place the next panel right on top of it (you do not need to buy a separate stand). Now you have an angle test with all the panels again at the exact same angle. This way you do not have to be using angle adjusters or be tilting the panel back on forth, much easier and more accurate. And because of the time saved, you have tested all the panels out with a more common sun angle (sun has moved less, ok, really the earth has moved less).
Great work Rick and Linda! Bob Wells did a review over a year ago, your review was much better. But what he also did was he gave the panels people who used them every day and after the year was up checked them again. They all were falling apart - all of them! There was not a hard case one like the BoughRV you had. I think that would be the way to go, Just a 'seems to me". Again TY both.
Thank you for sharing that bit of info, Dan. I can see where if these were used everyday, opening and setting up, closing up again, etc--they would fall apart. If used when your house panels were in the shade (like we use ours), they would last.
Excellent review Rick. The Bouge RV solar panels are the ones that I suggested in one of your previous videos that the manufacturer put a simple sliding bar on the top that would sturdy it up and make it a one-piece unit.
I have the Itehil panels based on your recommendation. They are great for charging the smaller power stations. I've gotten over 100 several times. The hardest part is trying to connect 2 of them in parallel. The instructions are confusing and they didn't come with the connectors to do it. Figuring out what the right ones are is hard for us inexperienced people. I do love the size and the ease for my Bluetti EB70. I also got the BougeRV rigid panels. I really like that they are waterproof and hard but not heavy. I really like that they have MC4 connectors. I'm thinking that I can use different sized PVC pipe with a T on the top to prop at the right angle. They could store inside. They do advertise that they are 120W and didn't reach that. Still, for ease of hooking up more than one to the bigger Bluettis that require higher voltage, they are best for portability and efficiency.
Hi Patty, Sorry for confused you, pls contact support@itehil.com, we will help you to solve your issue asap. In the days to come, if you have any questions during outdoor life, just feel free to contact us, we always still here.
I actually set the 2 of mine up over a couple of the $2-3 dollar silver-Crome Mylar space blankets/survival blankets. Only to reflect any sunlight that’s in the couple feet infront of the panels that would be hitting the ground to reflect that light back up. Also it gets so hot in Louisiana. To keep the panels cooler to run the best they can. I connect a battery operated water misting thing to the top an bottom. It’s a long stretch of about 10 misters along the top than down an around the bottom. With the misting heads directed to spray over the panels. With it by remote any time it seems they may lag from heat. The misting system can be turned on by remote I leave by the solar generator an will click it on for 10-20 minutes. An the mist is so fine it basically evaporates sook as it touches the panels. Being the most is to like string around an umbrella shade that people would sit around under. To cool people since it’s so fine of mist without everyone getting wet. So they get an evaporative cooling here an there if there being beat by the sun pretty bad. Just to lower the temp of the cells to keep producing the best possible.
I see a lot of complaints about Jackery panels producing much less than the rated wattage. That`s why I was very surprised when the similar looking panels I got great deals on new actually produced very near rated output.
Thank you so much for a lot of work! Loved your video .. One more idea for your chart ... dollars per actual watt produced. Example: Itehil ... $1.48 per actual max watt produced, Jackery $4.67 per actual max watt produced, everyone else was in between
Nice review! I just received my Oupes 1200w with a Oupes 240w panel and the support leg is on the outside beside of a smaller zippered cable pouch now!!
Very good video. I know they work better when it's cooler and apparently you had a pretty cool day I would love to see that test on a hot day with a laser thermometer
Great real world review 👌 Really good to see some of these giving at least the stated power output and couldn't believe some gave more.👌 The only thing for me missing from this review is the items weight. Portable panels with a handle so you don't want to be lugging these things far if you can help it, especially if it's heavy! Assume the bouge one is heaviest as sturdier construction. Two seem more compact (the Itehill and can't remember the name of the other) and fold down more compact. I'm thinking at a push, could any be light enough to carry on a back packing trek? 🤔 Probably not, more suitable for RV's eh. Maybe 30-60 better for treks. Getting that balance between portability, size, weight and power is always a trade off. More power = more weight, more bulk etc. by
Excellent test on the panels. Reminds me I need to check my 10 year old panels to see if they are doing any good and redo the connections, been pretty lax on it and the batteries are paying the price for it. Be safe.
Well you do go through a lot of poop for us! 😉 I understand that they even pulled the nails and even packed the window glass. Those items were expensive! Good pie is hard to find, so thanks for the heads-up on the Shade Tree café. Thanks for the ghost town tour and for taking me along.
Some of the newer panels now are using magnets to close the legs. This make it MUCH easier to setup the panels, especially the 4 sectional panels as you mentioned. Magnetic closures are much nicer than Velcro.
I got 125w from my Jackery solar saga 100 this summer in San Diego. My HQST flexible panel put out 86 when laid on the Jackery. HQST panel was $92.00, the Jackery was $299.00
Since we're drydocked, I have much, much more time to complete my power system. Thanks for the real life test. I see the advantage of the portable panels compared to the roof-mounted panels. We generally don't sit in camp during daylight. My concern is securing the portable panels so they don't go hiking without us. Any thoughts, gang?
We never leave ours out while we're out hiking or exploring. It'll be interesting to see if other folks have a way to keep those panels secure and not go hiking themselves.
Thank you so much for a wonderful job that you two did I was really impressed with the effort and the education and help me to make a decision to what I need to purchase yes was kind of disappointed in the Jackery!
It is $150 currently on Amazon. It was $110 last week after coupon but I waited too long to order and the coupon dissapeared. Now I'm worried we won't see that coupon again after this test.
Hello David, I see that. I sent Itehil a message, but I would hear from them until this evening. If you're still interested in the panel for $139.99 please check back tomorrow and it should be fixed.
Did not test long enuf to see overheating losses, did not do shadow testing to see how it recovers, still good testing tho for instantaneous results for whats its worth, , probably should test accumulated wh over a few hrs for each
I have to point out, if you have these out in the front yard there's a much higher chance of them getting stolen than if you had them say in a backyard. Especially high up would also reduce chance for theft but not eliminate it entirely. Many places are experiencing higher crime rates now. Good luck.
for the 4+ panel blankets try setting it up 1 panel at a time so set the first leg while its all still folded then unfold one more panel set the leg then unfold once again set leg etc etc
Appreciate the overall review and readings of Watts output. But wondering if the working voltages need to be compared also, so as to be able to understand total amps being output? Not sure if this matters to the controller or battery being charged, but it would seem the total amperage output, might matter as much as measured watts alone.
Your comparison is phenomenal I have a question the panels that you have, can you use them to charge any device or do you have to use their brand unit with their panels just curious
I feel like you should send this to Jackery, you must have a defective panel. I've cut a pool noodle longways and velcroed it to the outside of my panel to create a false bottom when the folded panel is set down... protecting it from any rough handeling by the kids and creating a seat for the bottom edge to protect it.
I have a panel very similar to the Itehil that you demonstrated. I like the panel for its ease of transport but our Southwest heat causes the panel to get a bit droopy. I saw your thumbs partially covering the cells as you adjusted the angles, could this affect the test? That Xtar panel really appeals to me. Anyway, thank you guys for doing these demonstrations, they really help.
I wonder if a sun sight used for solar cooking might help to align the panels for the maximum time before moving them (again...lol). I also wonder if one could pair a folding panel with a solid one, or does that not really matter? I also wonder... just kidding (I am made of questions)! This was such a super helpful video!
You probably got better than expected because of the temp. They tend to spike when cold in full sun.
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Most precise way to set up solar straight to sun is get a beer can... Place it flat side on panel and when it does not cast any shadow, panel is set straight into sun.
Interesting suggestion and I'd have to give it a lot of thought. I guess my favorite brand is Bluetti, but I've had so many that test out so well. Also, it depends on what each one is selling for, like you said.
OK Nice, this was something we all have been waiting for And Needed. Nothing Better than a First Rate review on the must have equipment we nomads need. Rick, I have two stupid questions I almost Don't want to ask, but where else can I go??? How important is it to use the Same make of panel when plugging in 2 ?? I only have one Saga for my Jackery, but have two Itehil's I use for the Bluetti. I need another to balance it out, and Jackery is expensive. How much does it matter I keep thinking. And the Dumbest question of the year, what is the difference in parallel to sequence??? Both get plugged in, right??? Well now I've Shamed myself, but please bail me out. Thank You So much. And the info on the 'claim' is still being gathered up but coming soon. 🌝
Hello Eric, I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you on this, I went camping for a couple of days. You can use two different panels as long as they are the same wattage. When you hook them both together in parallel, like you will for most portable power units (not all), your total wattage will be twice what the lower output panel is putting out. Like if one panel is producing 70watts and the other is putting out 80watts, you will get 140watts total, not 150watts like you think you would. I think that for what we do, hooking them up in parallel makes the most sense because if one panel gets shaded a little you will still get power, but if they are in series and one gets shaded you lose most all of it. Sometimes you need to hook up in series if your particular portable power station (like my Bluetti AC200P) needs more voltage to run (36volts) because a series connection puts out more volts while the amperage stays the same. It's just a simple matter of hooking up the leads differently is all.
Hi Rick. I watch all kinds of utube videos and I learn more from yours then all the others put together. I just referred back to your Bougerv cooler video because I’m thinking of buying one. What do do think of them.? Your friend Ken.
Thank you Rick and Linda, your humor, honesty, and hard work are so appreciated! Thanks for making the decision process easier for me. You’re a God send!
Thank you for your kind words! I completely agree with you, Rick and Linda did an amazing job in testing those portable solar panels and making our decision process easier. By the way, have you heard of the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's a versatile powerhouse with a whopping 5kWh capacity, powerful output, and super fast recharging. It's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts like us who value quality and reliability. Check it out if you're in need of a reliable power source during your camping adventures or for home backup power!
I had to re-upload this video because there was a mistake in the format of the first one making it appear small on your tv screen. We did read all of your comments on the first video and we're sorry for any inconvenience. To get the discount on the Itehil 100watt panel use the discount code "Gonagain"
You're so accommodating Rick🌟
Thank you for the gorilla tape advice for water protection and thank you for the discount code
Did you try all of these on the same generator ? (are they cross compatible ? )
Thanks, I've just discovered my portable isn't working 100%, time for a new one. You may have just saved me some time and money.
For those in danger of Summer power outages these panels can directly power USB fans even in very low light. Heat stroke was the number one killer after the last hurricane hit New Orleans.
USB fans will keep you cool even in the hottest world record temperature ever recorded even if you are inside of a car.
@@ZxAMobile That`s all I use now 24/7 even in Winter to help circulate the heat from my oil heater. And I always keep a battery solar charged to power them and Onite USB light bulbs. I`m slowly getting all the parts and learning all I can to build my own real solar power system for my small window air conditioner. I have a 300ah Ampere Time battery, 2000w inverter, 60 amp MPPT solar charge controller, cables, etc, and I`m waiting on one more 190w solar panel and a few other parts for safety like switches and fuses. Then I can rig it all up. I need a battery meter and maybe a few more minor things and later I can add more panels using some cool little simple in-line 10 amp MPPT chargers I found to add individual solar panels or even connect my folding panels easy. This is one of my dreams....solar power for air conditioning! Take THAT hurricanes and power companies!!! I hope I don`t screw up.
@@baneverything5580 I am extremely obsessed with solar power, and I think it is absolutely the future I have lived with strictly solar power and no electricity, other than that for over three years, and I had absolutely no issues other than like you said air conditioning, which was completely out of my wheelhouse. I have theorized about running air conditioning off of solar panels, but it has become almost impossible task to even imagine.
I was able to stay cool in my RV in 120° weather with no air conditioning I did it by running five small USB fans and putting two cooling towels on my legs in my chest. By doing this, you are essentially creating an air conditioner as long as you have a way for that humid air to escape to the outside which you could achieve by cracking a window.
A mini air conditioner would be a dream though I would assume with around 1500 W of solar panels you could run like a 500 W mini air conditioner in charge everything else quite easily. Xtar right now is dominating the folding solar panel market. They actually push more watts than they are even rated.
@@ZxAMobile Here in Louisiana my panels produce equal to or more tha the rated wattage. I`m starting with two 190w and two 100w panels and adding one more with a small, simple controller, and I`ll be using a 350 to 500 watt Frigidaire window air conditioner. Gonna see how well this works and then it will be much easier to add more single panels as needed going forward expense-wise on a fixed income by growing much of my own food. I hope to run a 400w heater next Winter during the day and some at night to supplement my main heater plus run my freezer, fridge, cookers, and lights too, maybe full time when possible.
I already use solar cookers...350w griddles, 520w sandwich maker, and two 100w 12v rice cookers that can cook one dry cup in about 35-40 minutes with a 10 amp cigarette lighter port on even my tiny power stations, and I heat bathing water in my camper in a 5 gal bucket with a 600w immersion bucket water heater.
My 300ah battery can power my air conditioner 7 hours on high per charge and solar should keep it topped up during the day. At night its thermostat kicks off half the time so running it all night should be doable in emergencies. A timer to turn it on and off will be added later to be sure the battery doesn`t deplete too low at night. I wanted two large batteries but only had enough for one and the inverter and charge controller. But it`s a huge step forward.
@@ZxAMobile The issue in Louisiana is near 100% humidity so evaporative cooling is near impossible. It gets dangerously hot here too. 100 degrees and 100% humidity and you start dying.
I use a Baldr 120 folding solar panel and it works great! I use to charge up my Bluetti EB70 and EB3A. I've actually got 118 watts from it. Panels don't usually put out their full rated capacity. Thanks for the video.
This is the only informative video I found so far on portable solar panels, that actually tests the panels and doesn't just repeat the stats from the website. Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful! Hope you watch our other videos too. Thanks for watching this one, Punocchio.
Rick and Linda, this was a superb video. I enjoy all your videos, but the amount of work here is going to save so much time and money for your viewers. I want to thank both of you for your hard work..really exceptional !! God bless...mike
Thanks, Mike.
Appreciate the indepth review of the main panels out there. Thanks Rick and Linda!
I have the Goal Zero, Boulder 100. It's the best
One I have owned. And you can leave it out in rain and snow!!! It Never blows
Over!!! It is the best one
I have owned!!!
Thanks for doing the test!!! That was alot of work for helping us!!! 🤗
Thanks! Great side by side comparison. I'm totally new to solar but recently got a WattFun 300w power station as my first endeavor into solar. After watching your video I ordered the Itehil panel for $139.95 to keep it charged. Seemed like the most bang for the buck. I'm planning on making a lightweight/adjustable folding frame to better support it.
it could use that because it's a little floppy.
Hey Rick I wanted to let you know Bouge is running a Facebook ad featuring you doing your review on their portable solar panel! You've hit the BIG TIME now you're a celebrity!!
Ha ha! I don't think so.
Thanks so much for doing this video. It is great that you have invested in all these different brands of portable solar panels. So often, when buying, it's just a shot in the dark. Not many head-to-head evaluations out there with real world figures and prices shown clearly. I appreciate it!!
1 min in i appreciate you having and testing all these together to see. Great idea. I live in arizona so im doing research to see how efficient this will be. I appreciate it. I wish you had one of them sponsor you since you show and bring interest.
I have two XTAR panels and am well pleased with them.
I watched your review over a year ago on the Itehil 100 watt panel and bought one. After I received it and saw the quality and used it for a week I ordered a second one. It’s easy to set up bc of quality velcro and canvas cover and the legs let you set a low angle. Bc it’s four panel it is compact when folded. I’ve used them for ten days on the Gulf Coast beach east of Freeport,TX and they only blew over a couple times. I did have to brush off the blowing sand at least once a day. Then up to NW & central Arkansas. They’ve been in temperatures 26* to 100* and have work great with my Energizer 240, Go Lab 300 and Oupes 600. I would have to move the panels across a park road in NW Texas and Arkansas bc of tree shade morning sun then afternoon sun. I would fold the two outside panels in and pick it up with the smaller battery pack and carry them across the road, easily. The heavier Oupes would require a second trip. If I had clear skies it would output a 100 or more watts but usually 80 to 95 watts. I’m very please with these panels and the price was right!
Very proud of both of you and your channel. You are quickly becoming the authority on solar panels, E-bikes and portable power stations. Truthful and accurate reviews are hard to find online, everyone always seems to have a dog in the fight. I like how you will speak up and tell everyone that something is sub-par or of lower quality. It saves your viewers time and money plus forces manufactures to produce higher quality products. Loved the video and a power station is on our list before we head west on vacation.
Thank you for your most kind words, Larry. We try our best to be fair in the reviews and not do reviews on products that we wouldn't use in this lifestyle. How far west are you going?
@@gonagain from Indiana to Utah
@@largelarry2126 Once you discover Utah, it will be Hard for you to return home.👍🌝
@@vencenzodemarco4393 Been there done that, loved it and going back. We love riding ATVs on the Piute trail. Last time we covered almost 400 miles.
@@largelarry2126 Funny and Nice. I moved out of NYCity on my way to Beverly Hills in 87, Never made it to Cali, been here ever since. That's 35 years & I'm here till the Fat Lady Sings. Oh Boy. 🥴👏👏👏👏👏
Best solar panel review I’ve ever seen by far! Thank you
🍂 I was not aware that they had portable solar panels available until this week. And then I saw your channel. Your channel was informative. Your review of these panels is greatly appreciated! Gracias!
That’s an incredibly thorough test. Thanks for the comparison. I think buying 2 of the Itehils would be the ideal scenario and use a y-cable. It would give you 200 watts for about the same price as the other panels
Great Video testing those solar panels !! I bought the Itehil a year ago on sale . Works well. I bought it after I saw you test it . Thanks Rick
You're welcome, and thanks for watching.
I got very lucky to get 100 and 120 watt folding panels with ETFE coating and Sunpower cells for 99 each. They both have the orange handles. They actually produce nearly 100% of rated output here in Louisiana.
You lucky bastard!
Bought a no name panel last year and only getting 70 or so out of 100 watts, BOO. Didn't pay much though so that's okay. Also, no legs, no eyelets. I needed to pay more attention! Thank you for a new, better option. I'll use what i got for now and when I can, get the Itehil.
gas prices are keeping us home.. again.. BOO.
I hear you and totally understand your sentiment. It sure is taking a bite out of us too, and if it goes to $6 a gallon, we will be dead in the water.
Good information. I currently run a Dokio panel. It was reasonably priced and performs well. Other RUclips channels have tested it and it does well.
Rick, thanks for all the work you and Linda do in bringing us the facts on which to make these purchases. You definitely provide me with a sense of better understanding before I spend my monies. For the money and performance combined, IMO, you can't beat the Itehil. Could buy 2 units for almost the price of 1 of the others.
Thank you, Jimmy Jones. Glad we are able to help with the reviews.
The best way to test out several solar panels at the same time is to just lay them down on the ground flat next to each other. This way you have the EXACT same angle giving you the most accurate way to compare the panels for efficiency. Yes, it is not a total wattage output test, but it is a great way to compare several panels’ efficiency. If you want to check using angles, then just set up one panel, then test it, then just place the next panel right on top of it (you do not need to buy a separate stand). Now you have an angle test with all the panels again at the exact same angle. This way you do not have to be using angle adjusters or be tilting the panel back on forth, much easier and more accurate. And because of the time saved, you have tested all the panels out with a more common sun angle (sun has moved less, ok, really the earth has moved less).
Great work Rick and Linda! Bob Wells did a review over a year ago, your review was much better. But what he also did was he gave the panels people who used them every day and after the year was up checked them again. They all were falling apart - all of them! There was not a hard case one like the BoughRV you had. I think that would be the way to go, Just a 'seems to me". Again TY both.
Thank you for sharing that bit of info, Dan. I can see where if these were used everyday, opening and setting up, closing up again, etc--they would fall apart. If used when your house panels were in the shade (like we use ours), they would last.
@@gonagain Yes indeed. They have a
purpose and when properly they are great!
Excellent review Rick. The Bouge RV solar panels are the ones that I suggested in one of your previous videos that the manufacturer put a simple sliding bar on the top that would sturdy it up and make it a one-piece unit.
That would be a good addition to help make them steadier in a wind and on uneven ground.
Very helpful and easy to understand. Thanks, Rick and Linda!!
I'm so excited because I ordered the Xtar last night. It will power my Oupes 1200. So glad I chose the this one. Great video.
I have the Itehil panels based on your recommendation. They are great for charging the smaller power stations. I've gotten over 100 several times. The hardest part is trying to connect 2 of them in parallel. The instructions are confusing and they didn't come with the connectors to do it. Figuring out what the right ones are is hard for us inexperienced people. I do love the size and the ease for my Bluetti EB70. I also got the BougeRV rigid panels. I really like that they are waterproof and hard but not heavy. I really like that they have MC4 connectors. I'm thinking that I can use different sized PVC pipe with a T on the top to prop at the right angle. They could store inside. They do advertise that they are 120W and didn't reach that. Still, for ease of hooking up more than one to the bigger Bluettis that require higher voltage, they are best for portability and efficiency.
Hi Patty, Sorry for confused you, pls contact support@itehil.com, we will help you to solve your issue asap. In the days to come, if you have any questions during outdoor life, just feel free to contact us, we always still here.
Thanks for sharing, Patty. I like the PVC pipe idea to hold up the panels.
I actually set the 2 of mine up over a couple of the $2-3 dollar silver-Crome Mylar space blankets/survival blankets. Only to reflect any sunlight that’s in the couple feet infront of the panels that would be hitting the ground to reflect that light back up.
Also it gets so hot in Louisiana. To keep the panels cooler to run the best they can. I connect a battery operated water misting thing to the top an bottom. It’s a long stretch of about 10 misters along the top than down an around the bottom. With the misting heads directed to spray over the panels.
With it by remote any time it seems they may lag from heat. The misting system can be turned on by remote I leave by the solar generator an will click it on for 10-20 minutes.
An the mist is so fine it basically evaporates sook as it touches the panels.
Being the most is to like string around an umbrella shade that people would sit around under. To cool people since it’s so fine of mist without everyone getting wet. So they get an evaporative cooling here an there if there being beat by the sun pretty bad. Just to lower the temp of the cells to keep producing the best possible.
That's very innovative. The best output I've gotten is with the solar panel on snow, but who wants to camp in the snow?! Not me anyway!
I’m glad I have the Itehil. Wow, 108. Great product comparison Linda and Rick. Thanks
I see a lot of complaints about Jackery panels producing much less than the rated wattage. That`s why I was very surprised when the similar looking panels I got great deals on new actually produced very near rated output.
Good info! I’ve been wondering about the different panels.Thanks for the review!
Thank you so much for a lot of work! Loved your video .. One more idea for your chart ... dollars per actual watt produced.
Example: Itehil ... $1.48 per actual max watt produced, Jackery $4.67 per actual max watt produced, everyone else was in between
Thanks Edward. That would have made a good comparison.
Great information...planning on buying panels soon and this definitely helps😁
Glad it was helpful!
Nice review! I just received my Oupes 1200w with a Oupes 240w panel and the support leg is on the outside beside of a smaller zippered cable pouch now!!
Very good video. I know they work better when it's cooler and apparently you had a pretty cool day I would love to see that test on a hot day with a laser thermometer
The panels would still compare the same, but the top readings would be lower. It was 55F that day.
Thankyou. That was a really informative video. Have a great day.
Awesome review! Thank you. Very helpful! I’ll be using this review to purchase mind soon. When I make up my mind.
Great real world review 👌
Really good to see some of these giving at least the stated power output and couldn't believe some gave more.👌
The only thing for me missing from this review is the items weight.
Portable panels with a handle so you don't want to be lugging these things far if you can help it, especially if it's heavy!
Assume the bouge one is heaviest as sturdier construction.
Two seem more compact (the Itehill and can't remember the name of the other) and fold down more compact.
I'm thinking at a push, could any be light enough to carry on a back packing trek? 🤔
Probably not, more suitable for RV's eh.
Maybe 30-60 better for treks.
Getting that balance between portability, size, weight and power is always a trade off.
More power = more weight, more bulk etc. by
Excellent test on the panels. Reminds me I need to check my 10 year old panels to see if they are doing any good and redo the connections, been pretty lax on it and the batteries are paying the price for it. Be safe.
Good tip on checking old connections, thank you Badger Pa.
Thank you! I would've loved to see the sizes folded down for ease of storage and transportation.
Well you do go through a lot of poop for us! 😉 I understand that they even pulled the nails and even packed the window glass. Those items were expensive! Good pie is hard to find, so thanks for the heads-up on the Shade Tree café. Thanks for the ghost town tour and for taking me along.
Thanks for coming along, Bill! You were great company and didn't try to eat the rest of my pie. ~~Linda
@@gonagain Tried but my iPad kept getting in the way. 🤣
.... silly wind! 🌬️🍃
Some of the newer panels now are using magnets to close the legs. This make it MUCH easier to setup the panels, especially the 4 sectional panels as you mentioned. Magnetic closures are much nicer than Velcro.
I agree!
they're honest up, front non-bias Review .Keep up the great work
Thanks, will do!
I got 125w from my Jackery solar saga 100 this summer in San Diego. My HQST flexible panel put out 86 when laid on the Jackery. HQST panel was $92.00, the Jackery was $299.00
Both of my Jackery panels are very poor in output, but I'm hoping their newer ones are better.
Nice job and good info , thank you .
Since we're drydocked, I have much, much more time to complete my power system. Thanks for the real life test. I see the advantage of the portable panels compared to the roof-mounted panels. We generally don't sit in camp during daylight. My concern is securing the portable panels so they don't go hiking without us. Any thoughts, gang?
We never leave ours out while we're out hiking or exploring. It'll be interesting to see if other folks have a way to keep those panels secure and not go hiking themselves.
Great info, thanks for your video
Thank you kind sir and ma'am :)
Nice way to test them out. Great work. Really appreciated.
Thank you so much for a wonderful job that you two did I was really impressed with the effort and the education and help me to make a decision to what I need to purchase yes was kind of disappointed in the Jackery!
Hello Sue. I have a pair of those Jackery panels and they are both like that. I hope they've improved them.
Solar products factory since 2013, welcome custom the similar products with us😊
Price on the Xtar on Amazon is now $299. Huge jump in just a few months.
I think they're on sale right now!
Thank you both for your work on this. 😊
Great video, really informative but natural with it so you're able to take it all in. Good job!!
Just got the Xtar - great idea on the gorilla tape!!
Love that stuff!
Very well done! I'm surprised at Jackery's abysmal performance.
Great information,thank you
I used Itehil link and the 100 watt panel is $199
It is $150 currently on Amazon. It was $110 last week after coupon but I waited too long to order and the coupon dissapeared. Now I'm worried we won't see that coupon again after this test.
Hello David, I see that. I sent Itehil a message, but I would hear from them until this evening. If you're still interested in the panel for $139.99 please check back tomorrow and it should be fixed.
It's fixed now. Just use the discount code, "Gonagain" and the correct price comes up. Do that where it asks for gift and coupon codes.
Love your videos! Very helpful, as always! ✌️
Glad to help, Lisa! Thanks for watching.
Soo good 👍 thank you my friend Exellent review and test!
Did not test long enuf to see overheating losses, did not do shadow testing to see how it recovers, still good testing tho for instantaneous results for whats its worth, , probably should test accumulated wh over a few hrs for each
You buy 4 tent stakes for the 4 panels,it works great.
I have to point out, if you have these out in the front yard there's a much higher chance of them getting stolen than if you had them say in a backyard. Especially high up would also reduce chance for theft but not eliminate it entirely. Many places are experiencing higher crime rates now.
Good luck.
Thank you.
GREAT review! Seems like you owe your wife some flowers & a multitool. 👍🏽
She'd love both of those!
Thanks for the honest evaluation.
thank you, you made me decide for the Itehil. Amzon has it for 149 :) now
Get it through my link for $140.
for the 4+ panel blankets try setting it up 1 panel at a time so set the first leg while its all still folded then unfold one more panel set the leg then unfold once again set leg etc etc
We'll try that, thanks!
Great stuff
Always learn something from watching your videos - thanks
Glad to hear it! And thank you for watching.
thank you good sire for an enjoyable and informative video.
Appreciate the overall review and readings of Watts output. But wondering if the working voltages need to be compared also, so as to be able to understand total amps being output? Not sure if this matters to the controller or battery being charged, but it would seem the total amperage output, might matter as much as measured watts alone.
Great info just ordered the inheri solar panel and used your promo code
Awesome thank you!
Your comparison is phenomenal I have a question the panels that you have, can you use them to charge any device or do you have to use their brand unit with their panels just curious
You can use them with any device, but sometimes you need to purchase an adapter to make the connection. You can find these adapters on Amazon.
I think the jackery was only working off half of panel, maybe a broken wire were it folds. nice test thank you Rick.
Hi Steven, I have two of those Jackery panels and they've always been like that. They could be defective and I hope their newer panels are better.
@@gonagain it just makes sense half the watts only half the panel working. thanks again. i hope the bicycle tip worked out for you.
I feel like you should send this to Jackery, you must have a defective panel.
I've cut a pool noodle longways and velcroed it to the outside of my panel to create a false bottom when the folded panel is set down... protecting it from any rough handeling by the kids and creating a seat for the bottom edge to protect it.
I like your idea of the pool noodle. No, the Jackery panels are disappointing for other folks as well.
Enjoyed the video and information Thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!
testing
like an engineer - nice
it seems only obvious that they should designs the legs to have notches in them like pool lounge beds have
Thanks for the in-depth video!
Use a soup can as a free sundial. Adjust the angle until the can has no shadow.
Thanks a lot
Such an honest and detailed review
Link to the. X one ?
Thanks
Here it is: amzn.to/3A8Zvwr
Very informative review Rick & Linda🤙
I have a panel very similar to the Itehil that you demonstrated. I like the panel for its ease of transport but our Southwest heat causes the panel to get a bit droopy. I saw your thumbs partially covering the cells as you adjusted the angles, could this affect the test? That Xtar panel really appeals to me. Anyway, thank you guys for doing these demonstrations, they really help.
Thank you for all the hard work.
GOD BLESS
Great reviews, much appreciated👍
I wonder if a sun sight used for solar cooking might help to align the panels for the maximum time before moving them (again...lol). I also wonder if one could pair a folding panel with a solid one, or does that not really matter? I also wonder... just kidding (I am made of questions)! This was such a super helpful video!
LOL, glad you liked it, mayaflynnster!
You probably got better than expected because of the temp. They tend to spike when cold in full sun.
Most precise way to set up solar straight to sun is get a beer can... Place it flat side on panel and when it does not cast any shadow, panel is set straight into sun.
Good tip, thank you.
You make it easy! 😁👍❤️
Thankyou.....
Thank you so much for doing this.
Thank you for the information!!!!
You bet!
I would not pay any of those prices. I payed $130 for my Allpowers 100w. Tilt can be done by putting something under the bottom edge.
Awsome review my friend. This was very helpful. So which power pack is you're favourite?And wich one works well but affordable ?
Interesting suggestion and I'd have to give it a lot of thought. I guess my favorite brand is Bluetti, but I've had so many that test out so well. Also, it depends on what each one is selling for, like you said.
OK Nice, this was something we all have been waiting for And Needed. Nothing Better than a First Rate review on the must have equipment we nomads need. Rick, I have two stupid questions I almost Don't want to ask, but where else can I go??? How important is it to use the Same make of panel when plugging in 2 ?? I only have one Saga for my Jackery, but have two Itehil's I use for the Bluetti. I need another to balance it out, and Jackery is expensive. How much does it matter I keep thinking. And the Dumbest question of the year, what is the difference in parallel to sequence??? Both get plugged in, right??? Well now I've Shamed myself, but please bail me out. Thank You So much. And the info on the 'claim' is still being gathered up but coming soon. 🌝
Hello Eric, I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you on this, I went camping for a couple of days. You can use two different panels as long as they are the same wattage. When you hook them both together in parallel, like you will for most portable power units (not all), your total wattage will be twice what the lower output panel is putting out. Like if one panel is producing 70watts and the other is putting out 80watts, you will get 140watts total, not 150watts like you think you would. I think that for what we do, hooking them up in parallel makes the most sense because if one panel gets shaded a little you will still get power, but if they are in series and one gets shaded you lose most all of it. Sometimes you need to hook up in series if your particular portable power station (like my Bluetti AC200P) needs more voltage to run (36volts) because a series connection puts out more volts while the amperage stays the same. It's just a simple matter of hooking up the leads differently is all.
Great informative video thank you guys, bless.
Hi Rick. I watch all kinds of utube videos and I learn more from yours then all the others put together. I just referred back to your Bougerv cooler video because I’m thinking of buying one. What do do think of them.? Your friend Ken.
Hello Friend! We still have our Bouge fridge and it it's doing a great job in our daughter's trailer. There isn't anything wrong with them.
@@gonagain thanks Rick