Last time we covered the Renogy 100-Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel, one of the most highly rated solar panels on the market. Today we will review the entire Starter Kit. There are some important things to be aware of.
Not only do you get the solar panel, but the starter kit also comes with the Renogy Wanderer 30A PWM Charge Controller. This can expand your system up to a maximum of 400W!
Stick around for bonus tips that could save you time and hassle!
Overview:
With the help of the Charge Controller, this panel offers an ideal output of 500Wh per day, capable of fully charging a 50Ah Battery from 50% in 3 hours!
Contents:
This kit includes a Renogy 100W Solar Panel, a Wanderer 30A PWM Solar Charge Controller (negative ground), solar panel connectors, an 8 ft. 10AWG Tray Cable, and a set of Mounting Z-Brackets. The Wanderer includes a RTS port for an optional temperature sensor and a RS232 Port for an optional communication module (such as the Renogy BT-1 Bluetooth module).
Pros:
Here is a summary of the positive things real customers are saying about the Renogy 100-Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Starter Kit:
The Solar Panel works great and as advertised.
Easy setup.
Keeps the battery topped off. Most customers were very impressed.
Charges even on overcast days.
Silent system.
The charge controller can be user-configured for different output settings for secondary output.
Expandable controller for up to 4 Solar Panels.
Very little maintenance required, if any.
Cons:
We summed up the customer negatives reviews, saving you research time. Here's what customers have complained about:
Several customers have said that the charge controller is made of low-quality materials, especially the connection points.
Doesn't come with a hard copy instruction manual. (Online manuals are available from Renogy's website. See below!)
Optional, but recommended fuse for the panel, and fuse between the charge controller and battery (also inline fuse holders) are not included in the kit.
Bonus Tips:
Do not overtighten the screws of the charge controller to prevent stripping.
Some extra accessories you might consider adding to the kit include: battery temperature sensor, volt meter, inverter, fuses, fuse holders, cable entry gland, butyl tape for the bottom of the brackets and lap sealant (for RVs).
The Rover MPPT Charge Controller accepts sealed, gel, flooded, and deep cycle lithium batteries only. The Wanderer PMW accepts the above, but not lithium batteries.
Do not try to snap in the power connectors before you are ready. They are reportedly extremely difficult to separate again.
If your charge controller is not working as expected, make sure it is not in debugging mode; switch the setting to "normal" for continuous output.
Summary:
Although some customers say that the charge controller is less than ideal, many of these same have said that for the price, they are very happy with their purchase. The Renogy Wanderer should not be an issue so long as you don't have to keep moving and reinstalling it.
Note: An alternative to the Wanderer 30A PWM Charge Controller is to upgrade to the Rover 20A MPPT Controller Solar Panel Kit. Very few have complained about this charge controller and nearly everyone loves their Solar Panel!
Helpful Materials and Options:
Purchase the Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit with the Wanderer 30A PWM Charge Controller here:
Purchase the Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit with the Rover 20A MPPT Charge Controller here:
Manual for the Renogy Wanderer PWM Charge Controller:
Manual for the Renogy Rover MPPT Charge Controller:
Manual for the Renogy Solar Panel Starter Kit:
Manual for Renogy's Solar Panels: