If you love having solar panels at home but wish you could take them on the road, Renogy might be the perfect solution. This Californian brand specializes in mobile solar power, catering to campers, sailors, and off-grid adventurers. But are Renogy solar panels worth the investment? Let’s dive into the details in our 2025 Renogy solar panel review.
The origin of Renogy: A student project turned solar giant
Renogy’s journey began in 2010 as a small student project at Louisiana State University. With support from the Louisiana Business and Technology Center, the company rapidly grew into one of the most reputable manufacturers of mobile solar equipment. Today, Renogy is headquartered in California, with its solar panels produced in Thailand.
The company offers a wide range of products, including solar panels, batteries, charge controllers, inverters, and complete portable solar kits. Unlike conventional rooftop panels, Renogy’s products are primarily designed for off-grid applications such as RVs, boats, and camper installations.
Renogy solar panels: specifications and pricing
Renogy panels are tailored for mobile solar systems, which means they have lower power ratings than traditional residential panels. The wattage of Renogy solar panels ranges from 5W to 200W, making them ideal for small-scale energy needs like lighting, charging devices, and powering appliances in RVs or boats.
Renogy manufactures two main types of solar panels:
- Rigid Monocrystalline Panels: These panels offer higher efficiency and durability.
- Flexible Thin-Film Panels: Lightweight and adaptable, these panels can be installed on uneven surfaces such as boat decks and curved RV roofs.
Efficiency and performance
The efficiency of Renogy’s rigid panels ranges from 15% to 17%, while their flexible panels have an efficiency of 13% to 15%. Although these numbers are lower than premium residential panels, they are standard for mobile solar solutions. It’s important to differentiate between cell efficiency (often listed in datasheets) and module efficiency (actual energy conversion rate).
Pricing
Renogy solar panel prices vary based on type and wattage. The cost per watt ranges from $1 to $2, which places Renogy in the mid-range of mobile solar panel manufacturers. While some competitors offer lower prices, Renogy is recognized for its reliability and performance.
- Small panels: $20-$50
- 100W panels: $150-$200
- 200W+ panels: $200+
Warranty and durability
Renogy offers a 5-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty on most of its solar panels. The expected degradation rate is around 1% per year, meaning Renogy panels will still retain 80% or more of their original power output after 25 years.
Pros and cons of Renogy solar panels
Pros:
Good Reputation: Renogy is a trusted name in the mobile solar market.
High-Quality Products: Renogy panels receive mostly positive reviews from customers.
Wide Product Range: The company offers rigid and flexible solar panels, batteries, charge controllers, inverters, mounting kits, and monitoring systems.
Portability: Lightweight and compact designs make them perfect for off-grid adventures.
Cons:
High Demand: Some Renogy products can be difficult to find due to their popularity.
Limited Focus on Home Use: While Renogy offers a few high-output panels, it primarily caters to mobile solar users.
Higher Price for Flexible Panels: Thin-film panels tend to be more expensive than their rigid counterparts.
Notable Renogy solar panels
1. RNG-50D-SS (50W Rigid Panel)
This 50W monocrystalline panel is a compact version of traditional residential solar panels. It’s ideal for 12V and 24V off-grid installations, offering excellent durability with a 5-year material warranty and a 25-year performance guarantee.
- Size: 22.9 x 20.0 inches
- Weight: 7.2 lbs
- Efficiency: 15-17%
2. RNG-50DB-H (50W Flexible Panel)
A thin-film alternative to the rigid 50W panel, this module is 90% thinner and 2.5 times lighter, making it perfect for curved or uneven surfaces. It’s typically installed using silicone adhesive, offering a flexible energy solution.
- Thickness: 0.08 inches
- Weight: 2.87 lbs
- Efficiency: 13-15%
3. RNG-100DB-H (100W Flexible Panel)
One of Renogy’s bestsellers, this panel is great for RVs and boats. It uses MC4 connectors, making it easy to integrate into existing solar systems. While its datasheet claims 21% cell efficiency, the actual module efficiency is 14-15%, which is standard for thin-film panels.
- Size: 48 x 21 inches
- Weight: 4.2 lbs
- Efficiency: 14-15%
Renogy’s portable solar suitcases: A game-changer
Renogy’s foldable solar suitcases are a standout product. The 200W solar suitcase includes a 20A waterproof charge controller and alligator clips for easy battery connection. Designed for 12V battery charging, it’s an ideal solution for campers who need portable solar power.
Recently, Renogy introduced a 400W solar suitcase in 2024, offering double the power. Weighing 30 lbs, this new model is often paired with a portable battery for extended off-grid use.
- 200W Solar Suitcase: Includes charge controller, wires, and clips
- 400W Solar Suitcase: Standalone panel (battery sold separately)
- Warranty: 2-5 years for materials and workmanship
Final Verdict: Is Renogy a Good Choice?
After evaluating Renogy’s solar panels, here’s what we can conclude:
- Renogy is a well-established brand with headquarters in California and production facilities in Thailand.
- It specializes in solar solutions for RVs, boats, and off-grid systems.
- The product range includes rigid monocrystalline and flexible thin-film panels, charge controllers, batteries, and full solar kits.
- Efficiency ranges from 13% to 17%, which is standard for mobile solar panels.
- Pricing is mid-range, with products balancing cost and quality.
- Customer reviews are mostly positive, praising durability and ease of use.
- Warranty: 3-5 years for materials and 25 years for performance.
Final score: 8.5/10
Renogy is a top-tier brand for mobile solar energy users. While it may not be the best choice for large-scale residential installations, it’s a fantastic option for travelers and off-grid enthusiasts looking for reliable, portable solar power.
If you’re planning an RV adventure, setting sail, or embracing van life, Renogy solar panels could be the perfect power solution for you!