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).

Charge Controller Articles:

USA Website Products Highlighted:

Canada Website Products Highlighted:

U.K. Website Products Highlighted:

Australia Website Products Highlighted:
2. 1000 Power Station - Not Available

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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!

[kevinholland]

I bought one about a month ago. I bought mine on eBay at the Renogy Store. It came and I immediately took it to the backyard and pointed it at the sun. I plugged it into my Bluetti AC180 and was pulling in 390 watts on the kickstand, not lowered for the season Azmith. It's a little awkward for this 74-year-old man, but it's doable. I built my own extension cable too. Looks like a winner for me.

[ThreeDayRV]

These panels are no joke! Very solid with strong performance.

[TKPAWARRIOR]

Great review nice job you did thanks and a very good looking fold able suitcase 400w panel!

[betweenthepines]

I have the 200 series. Been very happy with it charging my 100ah battery. I see 150 watt consistently on sunny summer day but initially on a cool panel I was seeing 170 watts.

[marilynmcdermott]

Thank you for all these videos!! I've spent most of my day watching them as I try to figure out solar, as I am going to be dry camping in a week and a half for a week. My biggest concern is powering my fridge. What are you all able to power with this 400w package? And did you need one 100AH battery? Or a 200AH battery?

[Robinnickybooks]

If the battery is fully charged but still connected to the panels will it automatically stop charging so it doesn't ruin the battery?

[briandale]

I thought you need around 50 amps to charge 200 to 250 amp hour battery for a healthy life .