Renogy solar panels

Have only heard positive comments on Renogy.

I,ve used their lithium batteries and chargers. All good so far.

marron,
I think Renogy panels are quite ok. Seeing you asked for any info, I have two Renogy solar chargers a 20amp MPPT and a 40 amp Elite mppt with bluetooth addition. While the panels work well and so do the chargers, the Bluetooth they have has poor range, typically 80 ft stated, in reality around 20ft or less. The bluetooth is problematic and stops connecting using the BT2 app which requires LOCATION data to be switched on in your viewing device. The Renogy DC Home app, a newer version, also uses LOCATION data to be able to load and use the app for solar monitoring. Of course we all know a direct Bluetooth connection does not require monitoring of you via the internet, but Renogy claims it is so it can provide after sales support to customers. However, the data IS definitely harvested and allegedly sent to USA, but the programming and production of gear is CHINA. Who do you think also sees data from your device/s?
Be aware, if not just using any Renogy charger by itself, monitoring of you can be happening if device bluetooth is used.

Anyone CAN register with Renogy site if they wish to, I have with my purchases, and if bought from their site they have your info etc, for any after sales issues or info which is the way it should work. Not hidden in the background without you ever knowing or providing permission to be monitored. ONLY in fine print somewhere will you find what they really do with Device/Bluetooth connections. Comprehensively READ their PRIVACY section is VERY informative. Most don't and they do their thing. When communicating with them over the issue they will try to bamboozle you or ignore what you complain about. There are plenty of unhappy people in the world regarding Renogy Bluetooth use situations. Mostly good in chargers, but be aware of Bluetooth and their data harvesting.

I was directed to use the DC Home app, because they know the BT2 app is very troublesome and while my phone is still compatible, my newer tablet suddenly isn't compatible with the DC Home APP, it seems because they have not included a slightly older version of Android in the programming. So now my tablet, my main monitoring device is useless for this function. Thanks Renogy! the costs go up for the customer IF they still want bluetooth.
So, unless you meticulously check ALL devices and their compatibility with the Renogy APP "BEFORE" purchase you may get zapped out.

I will not buy Renogy anymore.

Cheers
RMD

thank you . I am only interested in the panel as the ones I have at the moment stop charging with the smallest amount of shade on them .

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The problem of losing output when shade falls on part of a panel is because the shaded cells present a high resistance to current flow and the output from the remaining illuminated cells is unable to pass. It is rather like a broken link in a chain.

To overcome this, bypass diodes can be placed in the panel construction to allow the current to continue by passing around the shaded section. Even the shading of an just one cell can stop the entire output if no diodes are fitted. In an ideal panel, a diode would be fitted to each individual cell but for manufacturing economy it is usual to fit a diode only across a string of several cells. In cheaply manufactured panels there may be no by-pass diodes at all, or perhaps just one across the panel output terminals. This would only be of benefit when operating panels in series connection.

Even when diodes are fitted across groups or strings of cells, the loss of contribution from a shaded string will reduce the panel's output voltage and this may be sufficient when solar contribution is low to cause the panel output voltage to fall below the charge threshold and cease current flow altogether. An MPPT controller is more able to cope in this situation albeit with reduced charge current.

So the answer is to purchase panels that contain an adequate number of by-pass diodes. The problem is determining which panels on offer contain an adequate number. Manufacturer's technical specifications may contain this information, but it is unlikely. I can only suggest that cheaper panels are more likely to omit them. And I offer 'good luck' of obtaining a reliable answer from asking a supplier as to his diode population.

Do not confuse by-pass diodes with "blocking diodes". The latter are fitted to panels to prevent current flowing back from the battery when the panel is shaded or at night. Every panel would be fitted with a blocking diode.