Solar energy is now preferred by a good number of people due to its sustainable qualities. It is a source of energy that is clean and friendly to the environment as well. In case you are interested in this source, you will easily discover that there are companies who are now offering lines of solar panels.
If you want to use solar energy for off-grid purposes though, you can make do with smaller, 100-watt products. In this comparison and review article, I will discuss Windynation vs Renogy.
The brands provide individual 100-watt solar panels plus a starter kit version too. These brands are known in the solar energy industry and I aim to give you a rundown on products coming from those companies.
I also wish to make decision-making easier for you by providing needed information about the two.
Renogy and Windynation 100-Watt Panel Feature Comparisons
To begin, I will show you what makes up a panel from each brand.
| Feature | Windynation | Renogy |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 40 x 1.4 x 26.4 inches | 47 x 1.5 x 20.9 inches |
| Weight | 25.12 lbs. | 19.84 lbs. |
| Wattage | 100 watts | 100 watts |
| Type of panel | Polycrystalline | Monocrystalline |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Renogy and Windynation Panel and Kit Option Reviews
In this part of this article, I am going to talk about various models from both brands. These are short reviews which will provide the essentials of every product.
[p_box] [p_title]#1: Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Panel [/p_title] [p_content] [image_align align=”left”]
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Renogy is one of the industry’s most recognized solar energy product brands and the company often churns out formidable, weather-resistant panels. These panels can either be grouped as a series or matched with expansion kits from the brand.
The panels have a general weight of 17 lbs. and it can give off 100 watts max output. Each panel produces a maximum output of 5.29 A so this means users will be provided with good energy source even on overcast days.
The product also comes with anti-reflective properties and the panels are composed of monocrystalline cells that have a compacted design, making it lots more energy-efficient compared to similar models. The panels are also pretty compact and portable, weighing less than 17 lbs. so users can easily use them on their vehicles.
Apart from being lightweight, the product is also a breeze to install. The panels were built perfectly and it is made of a sturdy design and durable materials which will help them last longer.
It comes with enough company support and backed by a great warranty too. A lot of nice things have been said about this product and I couldn’t agree more.
[su_box title=”Special Features” radius=”0″ class=”pros hf”][su_list icon=”icon: arrow-right” icon_color=”#329d40″]- Ideal for multiple panels or 12-volt battery charging
- Has preinstalled diodes
- Has 31-inch cables with MC4 connectors
- Has strong aluminum frame
- Can endure snow and high wind
- Ideal output of 500WH each day
- Backed by 5-year material and craftsmanship warranty and 25-year transferable power output warranty
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This model from Renogy is ideal for a good majority of off-grid applications. In case you want energy source for your boat, shed, cabin, trailer or RV then this is a nice option. It brings users power production without the noise and is a beginner-friendly product to boot.
The kit comes with an 8 ft. 10AWG tray cable which links the battery and the charge controller. In addition, the latter has been moved up to the brand’s new negative ground 30A PWM controller called the Wanderer.
It has an ideal output of 500WH and it can charge a 50Ah battery completely from 50 percent within 3 hours based on the sunlight resource. The panels are well-built and dependable pretty much like its tilt mounts. It is a nice partner for your cabin, trailer or RV.
As mentioned earlier, this is a beginner-friendly kit and it is pretty simple to mount due to the helpful instructions and videos the brand has made available for users. If you want direct replies, you can also ask questions through the company’s customer representatives who all provide excellent service and assistance.
Users can expand the setup up to 400W plus it has a great deal of module conversion effectivity, too. So if you are new to solar panels, you might be interested in this one.
[su_box title=”Special Features” radius=”0″ class=”pros hf”][su_list icon=”icon: arrow-right” icon_color=”#329d40″]- Includes LED indicators
- Has negative ground controller
- Matches gel, flooded and sealed batteries effectively
- Can be expanded up to 400W
- Has pulse-width modulation advancement
- Comes with monocrystalline solar cells
- Kit does not come with battery
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Windynation is a company based in Southern California in the US which specializes in the manufacturing and wholesale of alternative energy products. This product in particular is pretty lightweight, with the panels only weighing around 18 lbs. so users can easily carry them around with minimal effort.
The panels have a sleek look to them and its high-efficiency solar cells are complemented by busbars. The frame meanwhile is composed of a sturdy yet lightweight, anodized aluminum. There are diodes located under the panel which also come preinstalled by way of the junction box. The connectors for this unit are all MC4 and it also includes two 35-inch cords.
The product has a 5-year labor and parts warranty plus a 25-year warranty on power for the panels too. The panels are built solidly and are ideal for home power backups and for 12-volt battery charging procedures. Because of their portability, users can easily stow them on their RVs, trailers or position them on their off-grid residences.
Another advantage of this model is the fact that the panels are primed for use outside the package and this makes all the process of mounting and connecting it easier for users.
[su_box title=”Special Features” radius=”0″ class=”pros hf”][su_list icon=”icon: arrow-right” icon_color=”#329d40″]- Gives 100 watts sustainable, clean power output
- Ideal for homes, cabins, RVs, trailers and power backups
- Great for 12-volt battery charging
- Provides 300-600WH each day based on sunlight source
- Has strong, reliable aluminum frame
- Backed by 5-year warranty on labor and parts and 25-year power warranty
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This product is something that can be described as a whole off-grid solar setup. One advantage of having this one around is that users won’t feel the need to deal with electrical services in their area and they can be completely independent in terms of power sources.
However, you do have to spend more on batteries and other items for storing energy. It gives excellent performance and the power it releases and provides users is pretty remarkable.
Another great selling point is that this product is ideal for trailers, RVs, backup power for homes and boating trips.
When it comes to assembling and installing the kit, the steps needed for this product is simple and straightforward compared to similar models being sold right now. The parts that make up the system are fuss-free and they fit well jointly. The parts are also composed of strong, dependable materials.
It has an affordable price as well which makes this an attractive system for beginners and budget-conscious folks. The kit comes with simple instructions too which are a snap to follow, even by new users.
Furthermore, the product operates excellently even during overcast days. Lastly, it is backed by a 5-year warranty which is another plus.
So if you are on the lookout for a solar panel kit to cut back on those utility bills or you want sustainable energy around for eco-conscious reasons, this is something you might be interested to try out.
[su_box title=”Special Features” radius=”0″ class=”pros hf”][su_list icon=”icon: arrow-right” icon_color=”#329d40″]- Has 30-amp, adjustable P30L LCD display solar charge controller plus battery temperature sensor
- Includes all required tools for complete system
- Gives off standard 350WH or 33 amp hours based on sunlight resource
- Gives off up to 100W of free, wholesome and renewable power source
- LCD display shows voltage, amp hours, system amperage, DC load draw and temperature
Renogy and Windynation Feature Comparisons
To continue our talk about Renogy vs Windynation, we will now proceed to a comparison of both products. We will discuss the differences and the resemblances of the products from both brands.
Resemblances
[su_list icon=”icon: arrow-right” icon_color=”#329d40″]- Both products give off 100 watts
- Both are great for 12-volt DC battery charging
- Both have nearly identical maximum operating currents
- Both items are lightweight
- Both come with excellent warranties
- Both are ideal for trailers, RV’s, cabins, short boat trips, vans or for home power backups
- Both come with parts needed for installing the setup
Differences
[su_list icon=”icon: arrow-right” icon_color=”#329d40″]- Renogy has a monocrystalline panel while Windynation comes with a polycrystalline one
- Windynation’s panels are bigger in terms of dimensions compared to the Renogy model
- Windynation is more affordable compared to Renogy
Which is Better for Users; Renogy or Windynation?
Between the two, which do you think will benefit you more?
Both panels from those brands pretty much give off the same value all in all regardless whether you purchased them as individual panels or you invested in the starter kit version. Both items are made from prime materials and given durable construction hence it can tolerate even weather extremes.
In terms of performance though, this aspect will be individual due to the presence of certain factors which can lay down the amount of amps users acquire by means of the product.
You have to consider the kind of panels too, its size and its effectivity when it comes to output. The Windynation model is of the polycrystalline kind and has a surface area of 1056 sq. inches, which is bigger compared to the monocrystalline panel of the Renogy brand at 1001 sq. inches. Working under load though, the Renogy performed better compared to the Windynation model.
In addition, you have to check the weather and availability of sunlight in your area. Considering a unit’s system and its accompanying charge controller is something you need not forget to examine as well.
When it comes to starter kits, the one from Windynation includes a 30 amp, adjustable P30L LCD solar charge controller plus a battery temperature sensor. The kit from Renogy includes the brand’s Wanderer charge controller.
On the whole, both panels did perform well since both are largely similar and do not really come with serious downsides which can hamper regular energy production. Both panels from the brands are great investments and if you want more bang for your buck, you can always invest in either starter kit from your chosen brand.
In case you want something that is smaller for your vehicle, you can look for products from Renogy. The panels, as mentioned earlier, are more compact and smaller compared to the ones from Windynation.
If you want something more affordable though, you can rely on Windynation products. However if you are after solar power accessories that are compatible and easily accessible, you must consider Renogy since this is the bigger, more well-known brand. You will have better chances finding items that will best fit the Renogy system.
[su_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rf4_UKy1lNQ” controls=”no” rel=”no” modestbranding=”yes” https=”yes”]Final Verdict
To close our Windynation vs Renogy product review and comparison, we still think that what you need best is the product that will match and correspond to your needs very well. We have tallied all of the essentials you need to consider the products from both brands so now you might have a better idea of what product to choose.
It is also important to tackle whether you need individual panels or a complete starter kit. As discussed previously, both brands fared well in terms of performance. However, if price is of utmost concern, you can opt for products from Windynation.
The cost of a product is a critical factor for a lot of consumers. If you are a beginner in the solar power field, an affordable option in the beginning is a good idea. You can learn the ropes of solar power maintenance and production by means of dependable Windynation panels.
However, if money is no object and you want something accessible and reliable for travel or home use, you can opt for Renogy. Then again, what you choose between the two brands will be up to you.
Excellent accessment. Thank you.