Renogy 100-Watt 12-Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Review

Overall Rating 8
Portability 8
Compatibility 8
Durability 7
Ease of Use 8
Value for Money 7

Aniket

Written by qualified solar engineer Aniket. Last updated:

Our Verdict

The 12-volt monocrystalline panel with a 100W rating is Renogy’s perfect mid-level offering in their catalog of solar panels. On the outside, it looks like just another panel, but the attention to quality is noteworthy. There is a guaranteed positive tolerance which means in peak conditions, the panel may even give 105W or more.

The monocrystalline cells sitting inside are top-quality and perform well in most levels of radiation. Rust-free aluminum frame and tempered glass make it considerably durable. The wires are fitted with MC4 connectors that ease the connections. If you are looking for a tough, efficient, and portable solar panel for home as well as moderate outdoor use, this Renogy 100-watt 12-volt monocrystalline solar panel review will help you make your decision.

Compatibility

This 100W panel by Renogy comes with 36 cells connected in series, making it perfectly suitable to connect to any device with a 12V rating. It can be batteries, such as those of Renogy’s Phoenix or Lycan series power stations, or DC appliances which support direct panel connections. Depending on the battery size and weather, the panel can recharge the power stations in 3 to 5 hours. For larger sized batteries or faster charging, multiple panels can be connected together, and the MC4 connectors make that an easy task.

Durability

The largest contributor to a solar panel’s weight is its glass, which is also the most delicate component on it. Renogy employs low-iron tempered glass which is significantly tougher than regular glass and also does away with the colored tinge of regular glasses. The panel’s frame is made of light-weight aluminum which also makes it corrosion resistant — an important characteristic considering the fact that solar panels have to stand in a host of weather types for decades. The junction box is securely attached and comes with a water-resistance rating, again making it significantly weather-proof. At this price-point, it should not be very difficult to include more features related to durability. The corner protection, for example, would have been a good feature to have.

A diagram to show a break down of the Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel and its parts

Ease Of Use

It isn’t one of the lightest models made by Renogy, like the Renogy 10-Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline version that only weighs 3.5 lbs, but being less than 20 pounds, the panel is still not difficult to handle, unlike the larger-sized models. Among its modern features are the MC4 connectors on the wires. These make connecting the panels to other panels simple, quick and safe. It comes with plenty of pre-drilled holes for mounting or grounding, and can be easily mounted using Renogy’s mounting brackets, on homes, on the ground or on your RV. A mounting kickstand could have made the mounting of this panel a breeze, but the makers have not included that in the design.

Features

The monocrystalline cell matrix is probably the most important feature of this panel that increases efficiency and reduces size and weight, a significant difference as compared to its polycrystalline solar panel version. There is a bypass diode which ensures that shade on parts of the panel don’t disrupt the generated voltage. Renogy claims a guaranteed positive tolerance, meaning that the panel capacity is actually higher than 100 watts. Some users have even claimed to have received 105-110W on sunny days. However, since it is labeled a portable panel, we do miss the integrated mounting stand as mentioned before.

Design

The makers of this module have gone with a very basic design, instead of trying to make the panel attractive to the eyes. But thanks to the first-rate build quality, we can’t complain about the looks. It has an anti-reflective glass on the front, a plain white TPT back sheet on the rear and a grey frame surrounding the laminated panel. On some other models, Renogy has gone with a black frame and even a black back-sheet on some. It makes the panels look outstanding, and it would be great to see these design additions in coming versions of this model too.

The Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel vertically stood up

What We Like

The Renogy 100W 12V panel may not be a the most attractive in the series, but its flawless features make it a desirable power generator. Its frame is well-built and the glass is strong. The guaranteed positive tolerance is a promise in quality in its own way. It is light enough to lift or transport and causes no problem with handling although the Renogy 100 watt 12 volt monocrystalline foldable solar suitcase is a better portable option. To summarize, if you want a no-nonsense, good quality solar panel that lasts a long time, this is worth it.

Pros:

  • Superior build quality
  • EL tested cells without hotspots
  • Bypass diode

Cons:

  • No mounting equipment

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