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.
[WARNING] Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use extreme caution when performing this task.
[NOTE] Indicates a procedure or function that is important to the safe and proper operation of the controller.
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
- Use only sealed lead-acid, flooded, or gel batteries which must be deep cycle.
- 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 panels.
- 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.
[NOTE] The suitcases require an adapter kit, a charge controller, and a tray cable. These components require a separate purchase.
Identification of Parts
A rear view of the folded Renogy 100W Solar Suitcase is shown. Numbered labels point to:
- 1. Junction Boxes: Two boxes are visible on the back of each solar panel.
- 2. Tilt Stands: Folding legs attached to the frame for supporting the panels at an angle.
- 3. Latches: Located on the sides of the suitcase to secure it when closed.
- 4. Handle: A handle on the side for carrying the suitcase.
- 5. MC4 Connections: Cables extending from the junction boxes, typically used for solar panel connections.
Key Parts
- Junction Boxes
- Tilt Stands
- Latches
- Handle
- MC4 Connections
Installation
Step 1: Unlatch and unfold unit
An illustration shows the Renogy 100W Solar Suitcase being unfolded. The two panels are partially open, with arrows indicating the unfolding motion. Checkmark icons [✔️] indicate successful completion of this step.
Step 2: Adjust Tilt Angle
Diagrams illustrate how to adjust the tilt stands. A close-up shows the tilt stand mechanism with a butterfly nut. Another view shows the solar panel tilted at an angle, with an arrow indicating adjustment direction. A side view of the unfolded suitcase standing on its legs at an angle is shown, with a checkmark icon [✔️] indicating correct setup.
To maximize the output, adjust the angle of the suitcase regularly to track the sun's movement throughout the season.
A diagram illustrates the optimal tilt angle (θ) for the solar panel based on the season relative to the latitude. The formulas provided are:
- 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.
[NOTE] Depending on the system size, wire gauge, wire length, charge controller rating, and cable rating can be sized. One 100W Solar Suitcase must use electrical cables and connections rated for at least 10A electric current or as required per the charge controller and battery bank electric ratings. 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.
Step 1: Use tray cable to connect battery bank to charge controller's battery terminals
An illustration shows the connection of a battery bank to a charge controller. A tray cable with an O-ring terminal is depicted connecting to the battery terminals of the charge controller.
Step 2: Connect adapter kit to MC4 connections coming from the suitcase's junction box
An illustration shows the back of the unfolded solar suitcase. MC4 connectors extending from the junction boxes are visible, with an adapter kit cable ready to connect to them.
Step 3: Connect adapter kit to charge controller PV terminals
An illustration shows a charge controller. An adapter kit cable, with bare wires, is depicted connecting to the PV (Photovoltaic) terminals of the charge controller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What type of batteries can be used with this kit?
A. Battery type compatibility depends on the charge controller's specified compatible battery types. Follow the charge controller manufacturer's specifications and guidelines for supported battery chemistries. Deep cycle battery types include sealed lead acid, gel, flooded, and LFP 12V batteries (typically used in caravans, motorhomes, boats, etc.). This suitcase 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 over charge 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 the 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 entering the controller may damage the internal circuitry.
Technical Specifications
Solar Panel Parameters
| Description | 100W Parameters |
|---|---|
| Maximum Power | 100 W |
| Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) | 24.3 V |
| Short Circuit Current (Isc) | 2 x 2.73 A |
| Maximum Power Voltage (Vmp) | 20.3 V |
| Maximum Power Current (Imp) | 2 x 2.47 A |
| Cell Type | Monocrystalline |
| Operating Temperature | -40°F to +185°F |
| Folded Size | 24.8 x 20 x 2.8 in |
| Net Weight | 20.5 lb |
Dimensions
100W Suitcase
Diagrams show the unfolded Renogy 100W Solar Suitcase with dimensions labeled:
- Overall Length: 1334mm [52.5in]
- Panel Length: 1260mm [49.6in]
- Panel Width: 630mm [24.8in]
- Panel Height (unfolded): 509mm [20in]
- Depth (side view): 71mm [2.8in]
- Thickness (folded side view): 27mm [1.1in]
Contact Information
- US: 2775 E Philadelphia St, Ontario, CA 91761, USA | Phone: 909-287-7111 | Website: www.renogy.com | Email: support@renogy.com
- CN: 苏州高新区科技城培源路1号5号楼-4 | Phone: 400-6636-695 | Website: https://www.renogy.cn | Email: support@renogy.cn
- JP: Website: https://www.renogy.jp | Email: supportjp@renogy.com
- CA: Website: https://ca.renogy.com | Email: supportca@renogy.com
- AU: Website: https://au.renogy.com | Email: supportau@renogy.com
- UK: Website: https://uk.renogy.com | Email: supportuk@renogy.com
- DE: Website: https://de.renogy.com | Email: supportde@renogy.com
Renogy se reserva el derecho de cambiar el contenido de este manual sin previo aviso.
Renogy US Official | Trusted Off-Grid Solutions
Renogy US Official | Trusted Off-Grid Solutions
Renogy AU Official | Trusted Energy Solutions
Renogy CA Official | Trusted Energy Solutions
Renogy DE Official | Trusted Energy Solutions
Renogy UK Official | Trusted Energy Solutions
RENOGY如果新能源 | 让每个人拥有独立清洁的能源
