My Cheap DIY Solar Suitcase vs the Best Portable 400 Watt Solar Panels

Are DIY solar suitcases really worth the effort and cost? In this video, we dive into my DIY solar suitcase build, made for just $350, and compare it to two of the top portable solar panels on the market: EcoFlow and Renogy 400W panels. I'll walk you through my build process step-by-step, show the pros and cons of each setup, and test how they perform in real-world conditions. Whether you're prepping for an emergency, looking for portable power, or just interested in solar solutions, this comparison will help you decide which option is best for you!

🔋 **Key Topics:**
- DIY 400W solar suitcase build tutorial
- EcoFlow 400W solar panel review
- Renogy 400W portable solar panel review
- Bifacial solar panels vs traditional panels
- Cost comparison: DIY vs pre-built solar panels
- Portability and ease of use analysis
- Solar power performance in different conditions

📋 **DIY Solar Suitcase Parts List:**
-3/4" X 10' PVC Pipe (need two of these)
-Screws for PVC
-"X3/4" PVC Tee (need 4 of these)
-3/4" PVC Elbow 90 degrees (need 4 of these)
-Broad Utility Hinge 2.5" (need 2 of these) with associated nuts and bolts (must be flat head)

**Tools Needed for assembly**
-PVC Cutter
-Drill
-Heat gun or hair dryer

**Instructions for building a solar suitcase**
-Cut PVC to size to fit across the width of the solar panel as a crossbar.
-Slide the PVC Tee connectors onto the PVC crossbar.
-If needed, heat the ends of the PVC to shape so that it fits within the frame.
-Screw PVC onto the frame.
-Cut PVC legs to size. Connect the legs to the PVC Tee connectors on the cross bar and connect the end of the legs using elbow connectors.
-Once you have made two solar panel stands, place them face-to-face with a spacer and install the hinges. Be sure to use flat-head bolts.

Disclosure: This video is not sponsored. Ecoflow had sent us their solar panels in the past. Purchases made through our affiliate links may offer a commission that goes towards supporting this channel and our websites.

[ron]

Great presentation...Love your low cost designe and implementation.

[TheDurrard]

I am a fan of building the DIY route. being able to get more power output and have a stronger frame is more appealing.

[johnrichardson]

Awesome video. Thanks for dropping this very informative video. I'm currently working on a solar setup for my garden and pond irrigation system. Great and very timely video.

[dresmart]

DIY solar kit masterpiece bro !! Simple, Cheap & Efficient :-)

[WillofNewZealand]

My roof experience. Leaves and garbage builds up under panels.
Possums squeeze under and damage cables.
Cleaning panels was a pain, Never wipe with wet cloth in sun, crazy cracks appear damage all over panel doh.
My 5c opinions.
Ground based or near Ground I find way easier to deal with.
400w may require a variable amp euc charger so you can charge at
1.5 amps maybe.
I run 900w onto 100amp mppt regularly to a 100ah lithium to a 3000w pure sine wave inverter.
I do like the look of the new power stations.

[KING_OF_FARTS]

I like yours the best, but I'd probably just make 2 of them. Then you got double the power of all of them but utilizing the same amount of space, just taller. I think I might try this. How much does yours weigh? I'd probably drill a couple holes & do a rope handle. Then you can carry one in each hand when setting up.

[buzz]

All Powers 400w portable panels are the most affordable and best imo. I use them all the time with zero issues. Get close to 400w every time on a sunny day

[perkunast]

I love it, but I think you need a detachable pin mechanism. That way you only need to carry each panel. In this way you can create a much bigger system. Also those 200w panels are just to big to take camping. I would use multiple 100w panels.

[pr]

Your diy one is best and stronger, I made it myself by using free pvc pipes

[arlenem]

Two rigid solars are a little heavy to be carrying around, even for a short distance. I would have added wheels for easier transport. I also would have made a pvc stand for the Eco flow flexible panels. Nice diy stand build.

[georgedarr]

What is the VOC of the two panels? thanks

[SnowFireInvestments]

@freshlycharged Great video. What lengths did you cut your 3/4" pvc pipe? Do you remember and if so can you share. Thanks.

[paulmitchellphoto]

Could this be folded backwards to put on top of an SUV to use one panel while driving, then unfold when stationary at a camp site? I'm setting up a dual battery system in a Honda Pilot.

[ph_king]

If its bifacial, isnt it bad to have your pvc mounts cover the bottom portion of the solar panel?

[davi]

The problem with the diy is that in a strong wind it’s likely to easily break