Renogy Solar Suitcase 100W

Version 2.0

Important Safety Instructions

Please save these instructions.

This manual contains important safety, installation, and operating instructions for the charge controller. The following symbols are used throughout the manual to indicate potentially dangerous conditions or important safety information.

General Safety Information

• Read all of the instructions and cautions in the manual before beginning the installation.
• It is HIGHLY recommended to install a charge controller in order to charge your batteries. It is dangerous for unregulated panels to be connected to battery banks.

Battery Safety

• Only use batteries compatible with the charge controller of choice. Follow charge controller manufacturer's specifications. The battery bank must be deep cycle and connected to a charge controller.
• Explosive battery gases may be present while charging. Be certain there is enough ventilation to release the gases.
• Be careful when working with large lead acid batteries. Wear eye protection and have fresh water available in case there is contact with the battery acid.
• Carefully read battery manuals before operation.
• Do NOT let the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the battery touch each other.
• Recycle battery when it is replaced.
• Over-charging and excessive gas precipitation may damage the battery plates and activate material shedding on them. Too high of an equalizing charge or too long of one may cause damage. Please carefully review the specific requirements of the battery used in the system.

General Information

The Renogy Solar Suitcases combines 2 highly efficient 50W monocrystalline solar panels. This system is specifically designed for mobile off-grid applications, where space and weight limitations are abundant. The Solar Suitcase models support 12V deep cycle battery varieties such as sealed, lead acid, gel, and flooded. With built-in tilting stands, these panels can be adjusted at different angles to maximize the power output throughout the seasons.

Key Features

• Monocrystalline.
• Adjustable corrosion resistant aluminum stand.
• Heavy duty handle and latches for longevity.
• Convenient storage case for easy transportation.
• Expandable with other solar suitcases based on space availability.

Identification of Parts

Description of the back of the folded solar suitcase. The image shows two panels connected. Numbered labels point to different parts:

• 1. Junction Boxes: Located on the back of the panels, housing electrical connections.
• 2. Tilt Stands: Adjustable legs that support the panels and allow tilting.
• 3. Latches: Used to secure the suitcase when folded.
• 4. Handle: For carrying the suitcase.
• 5. MC4 Connections: Standard solar connectors for attaching cables.

Installation

1. Unlatch and unfold unit: Release the latches and open the suitcase to expose the solar panels.
2. Adjust tilt angle: Unscrew the butterfly nut on the tilt stands, adjust the panels to the desired angle, and then lock the butterfly nut.

To maximize the output, adjust the angle of the suitcase regularly to track the sun's movement throughout the season.

Diagram showing angle adjustment for different seasons:

• Summer: θ = Latitude – 15°
• Fall and Spring: θ = at latitude
• Winter: θ = Latitude + 15°

Recommended Wiring

The 100W Solar Suitcase is shipped by itself without any additional components. To utilize the suitcase efficiently, it is highly recommended that users assemble their system with the following components:

• Adapter kit: Has an MC4 connection on one end and bare wire on the other end for connecting to a charge controller.
• Charge controller: Regulates the solar panel power to efficiently charge batteries.
• Tray cable: Has a bare wire on one end and a battery "O-ring" on the other end for connecting the charge controller to the battery bank.
• Battery bank: Where power from the solar panels will be stored.

Expanding a suitcase system to add more modules must be done by a series electrical connection. Consult an electrician and follow proper electrical sizing for other system components.

Wiring Steps:

1. Connect battery bank to charge controller: Use the tray cable to connect the battery bank to the charge controller's battery terminals. [Diagram shows a charge controller with battery terminals and a tray cable with an O-ring connector being inserted.]
2. Connect adapter kit to suitcase: Connect the adapter kit's MC4 connection to the MC4 connectors coming from the suitcase's junction box. [Diagram shows the back of the solar suitcase with junction boxes and MC4 connectors, and the adapter kit's MC4 plugs being inserted.]
3. Connect adapter kit to charge controller: Connect the bare wire end of the adapter kit to the charge controller's PV (solar panel) terminals. [Diagram shows a charge controller with PV terminals and the bare wires of the adapter kit being connected.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What type of batteries can be used with this kit?

A. Battery type compatibility depends on the charge controller specified compatible battery types. Follow charge controller manufacturer's specifications and guidelines for supported battery chemistries. Deep cycle battery types include sealed lead acid, gel, flooded, LFP 12V batteries (typically used in caravans, motorhomes, boats, etc.). This suit case can be used with a charge controller and a 12V deep cycle battery bank.

Q. Can this kit charge a 24V battery?

A. No, because this kit is designed to charge a 12V battery. [NOTE] Unauthorized modification to 24V will void the warranty.

Q. Can the kit charge two or more 12V batteries connected in parallel?

A. Yes, it's possible if the batteries have the same type and capacity and are wired in parallel as a single 12V battery bank.

Q. Is there any risk that the solar kit will overcharge my battery?

A. One of the functions of the solar charge controller is to ensure that your battery is not overcharged; therefore there is no risk of overcharge.

Q. Can I extend the battery leads?

A. Yes, it's possible – please choose the same size of cable for extension. However, the longer the extension, the greater the line loss. A bigger gauge will be required for longer runs.

Q. Do I need to clean the solar panels?

A. Yes, it is recommended to clean glass surface for better performance. Dust and dirt should first be swept off the panel surface using a soft brush. When the sweeping is complete, use a wet cloth to wipe the panel surface to remove the remaining dirt and grime.

Q. Can rain damage the solar kit?

A. The solar panels are fully waterproof (IP66 class), the controller is not. We recommend protecting the kit from rain, since water into the controller may damage the internal circuitry.

Technical Specifications

Solar Panel Parameters

Dimensions

100W Suitcase

Diagram showing the dimensions of the folded 100W Solar Suitcase.

Overall Length: 1334 mm [52.5 in]

Panel Length (folded): 1260 mm [49.6 in]

Panel Width (folded): 630 mm [24.8 in]

Panel Height (folded): 509 mm [20 in]

Depth (side view): 71 mm [2.8 in]

Thickness (folded): 27 mm [1.1 in]

Contact Information

Renogy reserves the right to change the contents of this manual without notice.

• US: 2775 E Philadelphia St, Ontario, CA 91761, USA | Phone: 909-287-7111 | Website: www.renogy.com | Email: customerservice@renogy.com
• CN: Suzhou High-tech Zone Science and Technology Town, Peiyuan Road No. 1, Building 5, Unit 4 | Phone: 400-6636-695 | Website: https://www.renogy.cn | Email: sales@renogy.cn
• JP: Website: https://www.renogy.jp | Email: onlinestorejp@renogy.com
• CA: Website: https://ca.renogy.com | Email: onlinestoreca@renogy.com
• AU: Website: https://au.renogy.com | Email: onlinestoreau@renogy.com
• UK: Website: https://uk.renogy.com | Email: onlinestoreuk@renogy.com
• DE: Website: https://de.renogy.com | Email: onlinestorede@renogy.com
• FR: Website: https://fr.renogy.com | Email: onlinestorefr@renogy.com