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Renogy Solar Learning Center
Welcome to Renogy's Learning Center!
Here we offer variety of content that will help you address your Solar needs and guide you through the installation process. You can access items ranging from our solar calculator to our video library collection. We are constantly updating the Learning Center with new features that will be available to all interested in Solar Energy.
SOLAR 101
There is so much information that exists around solar, and with solar becoming more and more available to the consumer and for DIY projects, understanding how it works is a big first step to having your own solar project. Solar 101 is a series of videos that will go over many concepts in a very basic way which is perfect for people just starting to learn about solar.
Learn MoreSOLAR PANELS
Solar Panels in the basic sense work by converting available sunlight into usable electricity. The way we define this power is by watts. Watts are made up of amps and volts. Different panels have different ratings for amps and volts, and it is helpful to understand what these numbers mean when you are looking at a system. You can imagine amps as the amount of electrons, and the voltage the amount of pressure pushing those electrons.
Learn MoreHow To Set Up Solar Kits
The complete solar kit consists of all the components that you will need to charge and discharge your battery bank. In this section you will learn how to setup the complete system.
Learn MoreENERGY and POWER
One of the most important concepts to understand when sizing a system or figuring out how much your panel produces is Energy and Power. Below you will be able to find a description about each along with some examples.
Learn MoreSolar electricity basics
Knowing how to relate energy and power together is a very important concept, but it is also important to have a more in-depth understanding of electricity as well. This section will go over what electricity is made up of along with different forms of application.
Learn MoreSERIES AND PARALLEL
This section will go into more depth on series, parallel and series-parallel connections. The purpose of this section is to explain why certain connections are utilized, how to set up to your desired connection, as well as going over what is the most beneficial connection to utilize based on your situation.
Learn MoreCHARGE CONTROLLER TYPES
This section will go over charge controller types and their purpose. We will look at the benefits of each controller and why one is better in a certain situation that another. We will also look at sizing different kinds of controllers. The charge controller is an essential component to every off-grid system. In fact, we do not recommend using an off-grid system unless you have a controller, and there are a lot of good reasons why. Charge controllers generally come in PWM and MPPT.
Learn MoreBatteries
This section will go over battery types and their purpose. We will look at the benefits of each battery and why one is better in a certain situation than another. We will also look at sizing different kinds of batteries. The Battery Bank in the system is the main component in the system that gives you the capability to store and use energy.
Learn MoreINVERTERS
The inverter gives you the ability to run AC powered devices through your 12V battery. The inverter charger acts as an inverter and gives you the ability to charge your 12V battery from an AC power hookup. This section will talk about the purpose of each, along with how you would setup and run the inverter in your system.
Learn MoreSYSTEM SETUP
This section will go over how to properly set up a basic system. We will make sure to include the inverter, battery, charge controller, panel and wiring in this set up.
Learn MoreSYSTEM SIZING
This section will go over how to size your system. We will learn how to figure out how many panels and batteries you need, along with which controller and inverter will fit for your set up.
Learn MoreWhether you are new to solar power systems or want to brush up on your knowledge of solar panels, Renogy's FAQ is a great place to find information on solar basics. We offer answers to questions on general topics, panels, off-grid applications, and on-grid applications.
On-Grid Systems tie directly to your utility grid, offering an alternative source of energy in addition to what your utility company provides. By utilizing on-grid solar systems, you can greatly or completely reduce your electricity bill. In addition, depending on the size of your on-grid system, you may receive monetary returns.
Off-grid systems do not tie to the utility grid and are sustained using a battery bank. The battery bank can be hooked up to an inverter, which converts DC voltage to AC voltage allowing you to use any AC appliances or electronics. Common off-grid applications include cabins, Off-Grid vehicles, boats, and dry camping. Off-grid systems can also be used in a variety of other applications, including emergency power backup during a power outage.
There is a difference in the manufacturing technique, and as a
result monocrystalline cells are more efficient. The monocrystalline
cells can produce more power in a smaller space. Also,
monocrystalline panels have a darker blue color, almost appearing
black, and are usually higher in price due to the increased
efficiency. Polycrystalline panels on the other hand are less
efficient and require more space. However, the difference is size
and efficiency do not impact power. A 100 Watt monocrystalline panel
and a 100 Watt polycrystalline panel will both output 100 Watts,
neglecting power loss in the system, but a monocrystalline panel
will output 100 watts with a smaller surface area.
Renogy Framed Solar Panels have a performance warranty of 25 years.
After 5 years they should output more than 95% of the rated power,
after 10 years it is 90% and 25 years it is 80%.
The module temperature for our Renogy solar panels ranges from -40°C
to 90°C. Whereas our charge controllers have an operating
temperature of -35°C to 55°C. The majority of our solar panel are
water proof and do fare well in extreme conditions however, our
charge controllers are not water proof. We recommend storing and
securing the charge controller in a well ventilated dry space.
This will also depend on the conditions. If it is cloudy and
overcast, likely not. If it is cloudy and bright still, then it
probably will charge but it won’t be very much.
For an off-grid system, the solar panels with continue to generate
power as long as the sun is still out.
We recommend cleaning the solar panels on a weekly or bi-weekly
basis in order to keep their performance high.
We have nominal 12V and 24V panels. These panels actually produce
20+V and 30+V, respectively. Whether it will work with a 12V, 24V,
and 48V will depend on the controller that you use. All the
controllers we offer will work with 12/24V systems. The MidNite
Classic controllers will work with 48V systems.
Framed/Rigid panels 10w-150w (mono and poly) is 25 Year Transferable Power Output Warranty and 5 Year Material and Workmanship Warranty.
Framed/Rigid panels 240w-300w (mono and poly) is 25 Year Transferable Power Output Warranty.
Lightweight panel 50w and 100w is 3 Year Material Warranty.
Warranty
Solar Panel Kit Manual
Mounts Manual
Charge Controller Manual
- PWM 10Amp/20Amp w/LCD
- PWM 20Amp Waterproof – Voyager
- PWM 30Amp - Wanderer
- PWM 30Amp w/LCD
- PWM 30Amp w/ LCD - Adventurer
- PWM 10Amp/20Amp/30Amp ViewStar
- PWM 10Amp/20Amp Duo Battery
- Commander MPPT 20Amp/40Amp
- Commander MPPT 60Amp
- Rover MPPT 20Amp/40Amp
- MT-5 Tracer Meter
- MT-1 Tracer Meter
- MT-50 Tracer Meter
- BT-1 Bluetooth Module