Renogy 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase Review [Perfect for Solar Ready RV's & Vanlife]

In this video we're reviewing Renogy's 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase. It is the lightest, most powerful solar panel in Renogy's lineup of portable solar suitcases.

At just around 30 pounds it's lightweight enough to carry around, still powerful enough to add some extra punch to your solar powered system. It's a really good compromise between high power output and portability.

Here's what we like about it:
1. High power to weight ratio - easy enough to fold up and move around and store away in your vehicle or RV gear locker.
2. High voltage, low amperage - less voltage drop over the distance from panel to controller.
3. In full sun we saw 300 - 375W of power to our 200Ah LFP battery bank.
4. Allows you the flexibility of keeping the RV, van or tent, in the shade while still having the panel out in the sun.
5. Works with integrated controller and battery installations as well as portable solar generators like the Renogy 1000 Power Station.

Limitations:
1. When open this panel is difficult to maneuver - best to just fold it up before moving,
2. Strong winds could affect it - we recommend weighing the kickstands down.
3. Kickstands have two positions, all the way in or out.
4. No built in charge controller - unlike other portable panels you'll need to connect this panel into a charge controller before being able to charge a battery bank. People looking for an easy plug and play panel will need to add that component before using (unless using the power bank which includes a charge controller, battery & inverter in one portable unit).

Learn more about Solar Ready RV's, and Solar Ports:    • How to Install Solar Panels on Your "...  

Charge Controller Articles:
1. Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Charge Controllers - https://renogy.sjv.io/rQ4PVj
2. Do You Need a Solar Charge Controller for an RV? - https://renogy.sjv.io/BXmoE1

USA Website Products Highlighted:
1. 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase - https://renogy.sjv.io/xkdn7O
2. 1000 Power Station - https://renogy.sjv.io/anAVyq
3. Extension Cables (single) - https://renogy.sjv.io/gbYEyO

Canada Website Products Highlighted:
1. 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase - https://renogy.sjv.io/NkA37K
2. 1000 Power Station - https://renogy.sjv.io/y2GQ7W
3. Extension Cables - https://renogy.sjv.io/Py1N7Y

U.K. Website Products Highlighted:
1. 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase - https://renogy.sjv.io/XYz37a
2. Camping 1000 Power Station - https://renogy.sjv.io/oqQZ7m
3. Extension Cables (single) - https://renogy.sjv.io/3ebrgB

Australia Website Products Highlighted:
1. 400W Compact Mono Portable Solar Panel - https://renogy.sjv.io/zN19YM
2. 1000 Power Station - Not Available
3. Extension Cables - https://renogy.sjv.io/nLDJY7

If we've helped you find something here, please be sure to purchase your Renogy gear through our affiliate link, http://renogy.sjv.io/LPEyNY and use promo code "CANLIFE" to receive an additional 10% off your Renogy order. This gives us a small commission and helps us keep our content free to all!

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Disclaimer: Most of the videos we make include affiliate links and paid sponsorship, this helps keeps our information free and us on the road (11 years and counting!).

This video is intended to help users plan, organize, calculate, and install a personal DIY solar powered electrical system. We, Shari & Hutch (Freedom in a Can, LLC), are neither professional electricians nor solar installers; we are educators who have learned to install our own system and to empower others to do the same. If you have questions, reach out in the comments section and we'll get back to you.

If you need further assistance beyond our advice, consult a solar professional or certified electrician. Electricity is dangerous, so do your homework, take it one step at a time, and good luck!