BougeRV CIGS 100w vs Optivolt 100w vs Renogy 100w

BougeRV CIGS 100w vs Optivolt 100w vs Renogy 100w - High Cloud Testing

Рет қаралды 5,262

Jasonoid - Solar Power, Batteries, and More!

Күн бұрын

High cloud testing on these panels? Partial shade testing....yes please! Short solar video this week breaking down the performance in mixed conditions.
Below are the THREE panels featured in the video
BougeRV Yuma 100w CIGS: amzn.to/49xdTNz
Optivolt 100w: optivolt.com/100-watt-solar-p...
Renogy 100w Panel: amzn.to/3v2Mrbw
Disclaimer BougeRV sent out their panel for testing, Optivolt sent out their panel for testing, I purchased the Renogy with my our money. Each panel was tested in the most equal conditions as possible.
Do you think it's worth purchasing a panel built for partial shading? Let me know in the comments section.
The use of affiliate links provide a small commission for me when you use them. Thanks for supporting my channel content and allowing me to do future comparison videos! More videos coming soon!
#jasonoid #bougerv #renogy #optivolt #solar

Пікірлер: 72

@Werkar27 3 ай бұрын

I'd like to see that CIGS panel rolled up in an awning for the ultimate RV charging solution at camp.

@Jasonoid 3 ай бұрын

I don't think it will roll up quite that tight, i've gotten it down to about a 10 to 8 inch circle.

@henrymorgan3982 3 ай бұрын

And be able to change angles!!!

@litnoregrets7551 3 ай бұрын

Yay! Thank you for reviewing the CIGS panel. I love mine. It does better in almost all conditions, including super hoy. I also love the durability and, in my case, small folded size. Thank you for doing. I keep waiting for a great deal on the BougeRV panels. I hope this technology takes off and prices can come down.

@Jasonoid 3 ай бұрын

I'll be doing a more in depth testing video again soon!

@litnoregrets7551 3 ай бұрын

@@Jasonoid Great. Look forward to it.

@kevinholland4156 3 ай бұрын

Excellent video Jason; good explanation and not too many panels to look at. I like the output on the CIGS but it would be nice if Bouge would make a glass panel with CIGS or at least a more rigid panel.

@Jasonoid 3 ай бұрын

Great suggestion! I think a glass version of the GIGS would be very interesting!

@johntate5284 3 ай бұрын

Another channel had a good review of the CIGS and extreme shading. He shaded multiple areas of the panels using smaller pieces of cardboard. Generally all panels will drop 100% of their output if you shade a small percentage of each of the sections of a panel with a blocking diode (typically 3 sections or a third of the total number of cells). The CIGS just keeps on going just dropping the percentage of the shaded area. With about 90% of the panel covered (just a couple of open areas open for sunlight), the panel gave the 10% output. These panels really are game changers and very forgiving for poor or non optimal placement (real world). Some may think that CIGS are expensive, but consider that one CIGS output more than 5 of the Renogies under shading. It would be interesting to see if the Optivolt would behave similarly to the CIGS with multiple smaller shading over the panel. Thanks for reviewing!

@Jasonoid 3 ай бұрын

I've seen some great videos on these cigs panels. I plan to do another more in-depth video when the conditions aren't garbage. I want to break down the partial shading tests vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.

@mosler302 3 ай бұрын

$600 for one 200w panel is indeed expensive. Not only that but the actual lifespan of the CIGS panels is unknown. I'd love to have them if I knew more about the actual lifespan, but Jason's earlier comments expressing concern about their lifespan doesn't give me much confidence. I did research the lifespan of the ETFE coating on the surface of the CIGS panels, & ETFE plastic DOES NOT DEGRADE in strong sunlight, but what about the base layer that's underneath everything? That I don't know. I do know fiberglass degrades in constant sunlight.

@Jompany 2 ай бұрын

@@mosler302 cigs arent fiberglass

@mosler302 2 ай бұрын

@@Jompany... you misread my comment. I have a CIGS panel from Bouge RV & I have 6 Renogy semi-flexible fiberglass panels in addition to other types. I've been impressed by the CIGS panel but the cost is prohibitive. And Renogy just increased the cost of the flexible fiberglass ones which were already too expensive. They're now $460! Fortunately I found a source that's still selling them for $329 but don't think that'll last long.

@Jasonoid 2 ай бұрын

I saw the recent price increase! Ridiculous! They won't sell them anymore...

@minceym 3 ай бұрын

Another great video Jason keep up the great work. I'm always waiting to see what is coming next 😊 Stay Blessed!

@Jasonoid 3 ай бұрын

Thanks! You too!

@twloughlin 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for this comparison. I had never heard of Optivolt. Interesting that they do not recommend connecting their panels in series. The BougeRV CIGS is still the winner IMO.

@Jasonoid 3 ай бұрын

I have a full video on the Optivolt, with the 48v option, putting them in parallel works well for most RV / camping setups: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rreDm62f3bnJpo0.html

@twloughlin 3 ай бұрын

@@Jasonoid Hahahaha I am getting way too old! I Saw that video and even left a comment!! 🙄

@greensavant2573 2 ай бұрын

This is a great start! Yes, a panel built for partial shading will pay for itself, just like a MPPT controller will (v. a PWM one). I would be interested in seeing how the Renogy 150w CIGS does. I could only test it laying flat next to the 200w BougeRV CIGS, but (compensating for the wattage difference) the Renogy produced less. Maybe it was more susceptible to misalignment?

@Jasonoid 2 ай бұрын

In my follow up video I'll test these laying flat to see the power difference 👍

@greensavant2573 2 ай бұрын

@@Jasonoid I couldn't take it any longer, curiosity got the better of me, and I ordered an Optivolt...thanks for the discount code!

@Jasonoid 2 ай бұрын

@@greensavant2573 the Optivolt panel is built really well, it reminds me of the larger 400w residencial panels. You'll enjoy it!

@greensavant2573 2 ай бұрын

@Jasonoid A couple I got in last week really impressed me, HQST (Renogy) 10BB 100w. So small and lightweight, and great build quality plus only 13lbs. Oh, and way under $100!

@jimdaly5077 3 ай бұрын

Good job thank you 👍🐝🌞

@bobjones9727 3 ай бұрын

Good video. Surprised on the much lower shaded output of the Renegy as compared to the other two.

@Jasonoid 3 ай бұрын

The Renogy was the control in the experiment. That's actually how most solar panels will perform with any shading. The Optivolt and CIGS are designed to still put out power, even while shaded!

@bobjones9727 3 ай бұрын

@@JasonoidGuess that's what you're paying for. I already have 24 plain vanilla 100 watters. Oh well.

@arthurwolfram3632 2 ай бұрын

Your reviews are awesome and I watch your channel all the time! I would love to see your reviews of the newer fiberglass panels like this one ...Renogy 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase. It seems like the technology is really improving on these portable panels - with improving warranty as well, making these a viable alternative to heavier traditional rigid solar panels.

@Jasonoid 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the recommendation!

@marcfruchtman9473 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video. I suppose the fact that the BougeRV is such a large panel that shading it with the chair doesn't actually cover it left to right completely... so, I am on the fence about how fair that is... Nevertheless, I suppose it makes sense to allow it since a shadow will might have a small footprint, so a nice big panel would get more sun. On the downside, that panel is substantially bigger than the other panels. Would really like to see the Optimus 430 tested... if you can get your hands on it.

@Jasonoid 2 ай бұрын

You're right the shading was exactly equal on each model. Maybe in the next testing video I need to get a larger chair to make the coverage exactly the same.

@ClarkyMalarky Ай бұрын

I have the yumas, can you parallel these with Mono’s? ( if the same voltage of course)

@bobseguin2195 2 ай бұрын

Hey, I have a question if you could help me with. I have the bluetti ac200p. On the display for incoming solar power it shows the volts and amps coming in, as Well as total watts. If I test the panels with a multimeter, should the amps and volts be close to the bluetti display, then times them for watts. If you can help, thanks

@Jasonoid 2 ай бұрын

They should be similar results but no meters are created equal. I have tested three meters next to each other and each one gives a different number. Having the numbers off a little bit is not an issue, as long as they are in the same ballpark. Usually the more expensive of the meter, the more accurate it is. A $200 meter will be more accurate than a $20 meter.

@johndelabretonne2373 3 ай бұрын

I'm curious what kind of performance you could expect from these flat on the ground? Especially the BougeRV CIGS panel...

@Jasonoid 2 ай бұрын

I'll do that test in an upcoming video.

@livingsimpleandfun9812 Ай бұрын

I know you said the Renogy was the control but it seems to be the big name and they do have panels with more advanced tech so I am looking for people comparing their good stuff against other peoples good stuff. Hard to find it seems. Too many people in the market makes it hard to pick one unless I pick random. I kind of want Renogy because they sell full systems.

@jimoray3 2 ай бұрын

Hello Jason! This is Jim Ray one of your winners for drawing of BougeRV 300 which I thank you. On another note I have (4) 100 watt Renogy Panels and I just bought a new RV Travel Trailer. My question is mounting them on my RV roof in both Series Parallel to connect to my 60a Renogy Charge Controller and 3000 watt inverter. So do I have the configuration correctly thought out? Any tips would be appreciated. I really think you, Will, and Ben do the best job of the details. You are the man. Thank you always.

@Jasonoid 2 ай бұрын

If you are charging a 12v battery, running all those panels in parallel will give you the best shading performance. Each panel will provide around 5 amps of power, so 20 amps combined. If you wire them in parallel with 10 awg wire (supports 30 amps continuous), you should be good and have the best shading performance.

@jimoray3 2 ай бұрын

@@Jasonoid thank you so much. So all in parallel not 2 series + 2 series and parallel to the charge controller. You are the man. Yes it’s for 12v configuration as I have 4 LiFePO4 batteries. Since we live on a ski resort here in Eden, Utah I really can’t do anything until iy stops snowing for a minute. So I’m planning my attack. lol

@Jasonoid 2 ай бұрын

@@jimoray3 you could also do a 2s2p config but any shading will kill power input on half the array. So if you have trees or shading I'd recommend the 4P setup.

@jimoray3 2 ай бұрын

@@Jasonoid, I like and trust your recommendation. Thank you

@leeswenson7893 3 ай бұрын

I noticed you have the Bouge mounted to a pallet - in the summer is there going to be a heat issue - I know the angle would be bad but could the Bouge be mounted directly to a wood fence

@Jasonoid 3 ай бұрын

The BougeRV panels are meant to be mounted to trailer and RV roofs with plenty of heat. You'll be fine mounting yours to a fence.

@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk Ай бұрын

Correct me if I am wrong, but the optivolt can only be configured in parallel? I don’t see the same limitation for the cigs

@Jasonoid Ай бұрын

Correct, the Optivolt cant be wired in series, but it's also a higher voltage panel. These panels are meant for small / medium arrays. Nothing huge. The cigs can be wired in any configuration.

@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk Ай бұрын

@@Jasonoid to be fair in a high shade environment I wouldn’t want them in series, but I think it’s a unnecessary limitation.

@MrLarz420 2 ай бұрын

Any recommendations on some rigid panels that I could mount on my RV or rooftop tent for the E1500 LFP? I Don’t wanna use flexible or portable folding ones. Your videos have helped me so much! Thanks!

@Jasonoid 2 ай бұрын

I've tested a bunch on the channel. Usually the cheaper brands fail sooner than others. Renogy makes great glass rigid panels. HQST is a sister company that has very similar panels for a cheaper price but still good quality.

@MrLarz420 2 ай бұрын

@@Jasonoid if I bought two 200w Renogy panels would that be enough?

@Jasonoid 2 ай бұрын

@@MrLarz420 depends what you are trying to charge. 400 watts is a decent setup.

@MrLarz420 2 ай бұрын

@@Jasonoid I’m trying to find some panels for my pecron E1500lfp for my rooftop tent. I have racks on top and don’t really want to mount a flexible panel with glue or use the portable folding ones from pecron. I have a 60x80 in space for mounting.

@MrLarz420 2 ай бұрын

Any suggestions? Thanks for responding man!

@mosler302 3 ай бұрын

I have a Bouge RV 200W CIGS panel, 6 Eco-Worthy 200W standard panels, & 6 Renogy 200W semi-flexible fiberglass panels. The Bouge panel puts out 28 volts under full sun, all the others put out 23 volts each. Right now under either wispy high clouds or scattered cumulus clouds, I get amazing output from all the panels. I have the 6 Renogy & 6 Eco-Worthy in series (in 2 different inputs on my inverter) & they're putting out 2.3kw when cloudy compared to 1.6kw under full sun & no clouds. This only happens in the months of February to March, never in the fall during similar cloudy conditions. My batteries charge up real fast @ 2.3kw. I initially was worried I was going to overload my inverters but the mfg said it was ok as long as I don't add any more panels to each circuit. All this verbage is only to point out that clouds aren't necessarily bad, but depends on what kind of clouds & other conditions are involved.

@Jasonoid 3 ай бұрын

The worst clouds are the clouds dropping rain. I get around 10 to 15% output of rated power. Most thinner clouds I still get decent power. Partial shading is the worst though. In the winter months I get trees and buildings casting on my panels and I loose most power output (since my arrays are wired in series).

@rage801 Ай бұрын

Based off that mountain in the background it looks like Riverton or South Jordan area

@Jasonoid Ай бұрын

Close guess! Little more east though

@gonzalez7805 3 ай бұрын

Nice

@Jompany 2 ай бұрын

I just added my 100w Cigs to my Thule Motion LG Cargo Carrier, on my Rav4. Havent tested it out yet; but it sure went on easy & I cant see it budging. Cant even see the thing on my Thule! 😂

@Jasonoid 2 ай бұрын

That's an awesome idea!

@igorkvachun3572 3 ай бұрын

Yes video👍. ☀⚡🔋💡

@macdaddykwm1 3 ай бұрын

Well the BougeRV advertises 12 diodes and the Optivolt advertises 6 shade areas which are both higher than the Renogy which I believe has 2 diodes which would provide 2 shading zones. However I believe the Renogy strings are top to bottom which when shaded across the bottom as you did, would cut off both strings. Perhaps had you shaded half the panel in the opposite direction, you would have had more power output.

@Jasonoid 3 ай бұрын

I'll do another video when conditions are ideal, this one was kinda a warm up video. I'll test multiple shading scenarios to see how it goes 👍

@simon359 3 ай бұрын

I think most people are buying in the range of 300 to 400 W solar panels these days!

@Jasonoid 3 ай бұрын

These smaller format panels are best for camping setups like over-landing, RV installs, trailer roof installs. Luckily, theres a panel size for anyone right now :) For larger installs, I totally recommend the 400w panels as they are DIRT CHEAP right now!