100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel by RENOGY
The Renogy 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel is the subject of my hands-on review.
I spent weeks putting it through its paces on its own and with other top 100 watt solar panels. On a sunny day, I tested it with a multimeter, examined its build quality, and measured its power output.
After considering all of this, I believe the Renogy 100W Mono panel is the finest 100 watt solar panel for the majority of people. It’s my favorite size, build quality, and power output combination.
The only real drawback is the cost. It costs a little more than other 100 watt panels.
Review of Renogy Solar Panels
First Impressions & Unboxing
Upon arrival, I took the panel out of the package and gave it a quick rundown. It arrived well-packaged and in good shape. The package was robust and the panel was properly protected.
100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel by RENOGY The first things that stuck out to me were its size and weight. It was substantially smaller and lighter than previous 100 watt panels I’ve tested. I really appreciated its robust frame.
Everything looked in order, so I took it outdoors for some multimeter testing.
100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel by RENOGY
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Comparison
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Multimeter Testing
I turned the panel toward the sun, supported it at the appropriate tilt angle and took some measurements with my multimeter.
First I recorded the open circuit voltage (Voc) (Voc).
I obtained a Voc of 22.2V. The panel claims a Voc of 22.3V at STC.
Next I measured the panel’s short circuit current (Isc) (Isc).
I obtained an Isc of 5.66A. The panel claims an Isc of 5.86A at STC.
These are totally fine results for a multimeter test. The open circuit voltage was spot on. The short circuit current was a little less than claimed, but I did this test in December when the sun isn’t as strong, so that’s to be expected.
Installation & Mounting
Of the five 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel by RENOGY Mono is the easiest to mount out of the box.
It has the most pre-drilled mounting holes of any panel I tested, which gives you a bit more flexibility in how you mount it.
Plus, its frame is 35mm thick. Many 100 watt panels have thinner 30mm frames. 5mm doesn’t sound like much, but in practice it makes a panel easier to mount.
100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel by RENOGY
US Product is better for US Consumers
100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel by RENOGY
Renogy makes the most trusted and efficient solar panels for residential and commercial applications. The 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel is an easy choice for cost-effective solar power.
Power Output Testing
To test power output, I connected each solar panel to a battery via an MPPT charge controller. Then I used a watt meter to measure each panel’s output in watts.
Here are the results:
The Renogy Mono output a max of 71.6 watts. The only panel that performed better was the WindyNation Poly, which output a max of 72.7 watts.
Note: I tested the panels at 33.7° latitude in early December
Build Quality
The panel seemed well-built and held up just fine during my testing.
Its MC4 connectors were my favorite of all panels tested. I gave them a little tug test to test the crimps, and found no looseness.
I do think Renogy skimped a bit on their cables. This panel has 2-foot, 14 gauge (2.5mm2) cables, as opposed to the 3-foot, 12 gauge (4mm2) cables I’ve seen on other 100 watt panels. In practice these are negligible differences, though.
Everything else — from the panel glass to the junction box — looked solid.
100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel by RENOGY
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Size & Weight
Here’s how the 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel by RENOGY size (length * width) compares to other top 100 watt panels:
And here’s how its weight compares:
The Renogy Mono is the most compact 100 watt panel I tested. It’s also the second lightest, weighing only 0.1 pounds more than the Newpowa Mono.
Its compact size makes it a good option if you have space constraints, such as when mounting to a van, boat, RV, or small roof. It lets you generate the same amount of power in less space.
Key Specs
Solar cell type: Monocrystalline
- Max power (Pmax): 100W
- Max power voltage (Vmp): 18.6V
- Max power current (Imp): 5.38A
- Open circuit voltage (Voc): 22.3V
- Short circuit current (Isc): 5.86A
- Dimensions: 42.4″ x 20″ x 1.38″ (1077mm x 508mm x 35mm) (1077mm x 508mm x 35mm)
- Weight: 13.6 lbs (6.2 kg) weighed, 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) listed
What I Like
It’s an all-around great 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel by RENOGY. Its combination of build quality, power output and size made it my favorite of the five 100 watt panels I tested.
It’s small and compact. It’s the most compact 100 watt panel I tested, and the second lightest.
It has good power output. It placed second in my power output test.
What I Don’t Like
It’s a bit pricey. Renogy is one of the most popular brands in DIY and mobile solar power. As such, many of their products come with a small but noticeable price premium.
Who This Solar Panel Is for
You have space constraints. Its compact size makes it great for mounting on vehicles and small roofs.
You want a top 100 watt solar panel. After testing five of the best 100 watt solar panels, this panel was my favorite. I think it’s the best 100W panel for most people.
Who This Solar Panel Isn’t for
You want a cheap 100 watt panel. As of this writing, it has the highest retail price of the 100 watt panels I tested. For a cheaper option, look at the Newpowa Mono or Rich Solar Poly.
You have lots of space to mount your panels. In this case, I’d recommend looking at a polycrystalline panel. They are bigger and heavier, but cheaper.
100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel by RENOGY
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Top Alternatives
Newpowa 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel. This is the best 100W mono panel for those on a budget. It’s nearly as compact as the Renogy Mono, and a tad bit lighter. Its power output lagged a bit behind the Renogy panel’s, though. Read my full Newpowa 100 Watt Solar Panel Review.
Windy Nation 100W 12V Polycrystalline Solar Panel. A top option for those looking for the most power output. It placed first in my power output test, beating the Renogy Mono by a watt. It’s also a great value if you buy directly from Windy Nation. It is the biggest and heaviest panel tested, though. Read my full Windy Nation 100 Watt Solar Panel Review.
Rich Solar 100W 12V Polycrystalline Solar Panel. This is my budget pick for 100W panels. It had good power output, generating only 0.7 watts less than the Renogy Mono. Its average price on Amazon is also among the cheapest. Read my full Rich Solar 100 Watt Solar Panel Review.
The Bottom Line
After testing five 100 watt solar panels side by side, I think the 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel by RENOGY 12V solar panel is the best 100 watt solar panel for most people. It has the best combination of size, build quality and power output.
100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel by RENOGY
US Product is better for US Consumers
It’s best suited for people who want a monocrystalline panel or have space constraints, such as those mounting panels on a vehicle or small roof. If you have lots of space for mounting, I’d recommend looking at a cheaper polycrystalline panel.
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