The BougeRV 100W portable solar panel is a lightweight, suitcase-style solar panel that excels in converting sunlight into usable energy. It comes equipped with 9BB monocrystalline technology to increase performance efficiency and charge your devices faster under any type of sun conditions.
Shop BougeRV.com
Get 18% OFF with Code: FTF18 18%OFF
The BougeRV 100W 12V 9BB Solar Panel is powerful, modular solar panel that delivers high-performance energy capture, for a very affordable price tag.
It’s also optimized for camping and off-grid living, with a lightweight, ergonomic design that makes it easy to carry around and setup.
In this review, we’ll provide an in-depth analysis of the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel design, setup, compatibility, monocrystalline technology, 9BB half-cut solar cells and real-world testing with a portable power station.
Key Takeaways:
- The BougeRV 100W 12V 9BB is a high-efficiency portable solar panel, and uses advanced half-cut cell design and monocrystalline technology for greater sunlight capture and conversion efficiency.
- The solar panel is compatible with 12 volt chargers, making it ideal for home, boat and RV use.
- The BougeRV 100W 12V 9BB features a lightweight, folding-suitcase design that can quickly be setup to capture energy, and is certified to be waterproof and dust-resistant.
BougeRV 100W Solar Panel Review
Disclosure of Product Sample: We want to be fully transparent with our readers. In the course of creating this review of the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel, the manufacturer provided us with a sample product for testing in order to write an honest review. This sample product was provided to us at no cost.
Pros:
- Made with Monocrystalline Silicon for superior performance and conversion efficiency
- Features innovative 9BB half-cut cells to increase energy absorption, reduce power loss and extend the solar panel lifespan
- Constructed with durable ETEF material, which is a more sturdy alternative to glass that’s more resistant to extreme heat and cold
- Lightweight design that’s easier to carry than many competitors
- Quick installation and setup with built-in kickstand legs and 4-corner mounting holes
- Certified at the highest IP67 rating to be dust, dirt, and water resistant
- MC4 connector works with the majority of modern portable power stations
Cons:
- Does not include adapters
- Does not have a built-in usb to directly charge small devices, like a mobile phone or tablet
Unboxing the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel – What’s Inside?
- 100W Solar Panel
- MC4 connector cable
- Protective sleeve (attached)
- User manual
Hardware Specs
- Maximum power: 100W
- Cell type: 9BB
- Solar cells efficiency: 23%
- Maximum power voltage (Vmp): 19.8V
- Open circuit voltage (Voc): 23.7V
- Maximum power current (Imp): 5.05A
- Short circuit current (Isc): 5.33A
- Maximum system voltage: 1000V DC
- Compatibility: Anderson, DC5521, DC5525, DC7909
- Operating Temperature Limits: -40 to 185 degrees F (-40 to 85 degrees C)
- Weight: 4.5kg / 10lbs.
The BougeRV 100-watt is a foldable, suitcase-style portable solar panel that weighs 10 pounds (4.5kg), making it one of the lighter models in this category. Apart from conversion efficiency, weight is one of the most important features of a portable solar panel – and this is one of the device’s most appealing features.
The BougeRV 100-watt is composed of two linked solar panels, and their total dimensions when unfolded is 3.55 x 2.15 x 0.12 feet (1082 x 655 x 35 mm).
Foldable, Lightweight Design
Portable solar panels need to be as light as possible, especially when you’re carrying lots of camping gear. One of my favorite features of the BougeRV 100-watt is its light weight of only 10 pounds (4.5kg). In comparison, many solar panels in this category weigh 15 to 20 pounds, or more.
Weighing a sleek 10 pounds and folding into a compact suitcase-style, the BougeRV 100W is one of the lightest portable solar panels on the market, with many comparable panels weighing about 15 – 20 pounds.
In addition to being light, portable solar panels also need to be easy to carry. Thus, the BougeRV 100-watt folds in half into a very narrow suitcase, with dimensions of 1.77 x 2.15 x 0.21 feet (538 x 655 x 63 mm), encased in a water-resistant fabric exterior shell. There are also large orange handles on either side of the panels that come together for an easy grip, in addition to magnetic elements embedded into the sides that ensure the panel won’t come open when you’re in transit.
Shop BougeRV.com
Get 18% OFF with Code: FTF18 18%OFF
- 【COMPATIBILITY】: Compatible with various brands of energy storage available on the market, the converter needs to be prepared separately to connect. It supports the connection of multiple solar...
- 【23% Higher Efficiency】: BougeRV foldable solar panel was made of 9BB batteries, it is lighter, smaller in size, and more convenient to carry when going out.
- 【Durable and Waterproof】: The portable solar panel adopts ETEF-integrated pressure-bearing shell technology, which is dustproof and dirt-resistant. With IP67 waterproof function.
- 【Better User Experience Upgrade】: The handle design position is more user-friendly and convenient to use. The four-corner hanging hole design provides customers with more DIY options (such as RV,...
- 【18-month Warranty】: Backed by an 18-month warranty and lifetime technical support, we will help you solve any product problems. Please feel free to contact us through your Order Number, User...
Easy Setup
Everything about the BougeRV 100W portable solar panel is optimized so that it’s fast to setup. The four-corner hanging hole design also makes it easy to place the BougeRV 100 watt wherever you need, such as on RVs, SUVs, fences, windows, and roofs. I easily attached the solar panel to my wooden fence, where it can capture maximum sunlight.
Thanks to the lightweight design and built-in, fold-out kickstand legs that stand the panels up at a 45-degree angle, the BougeRV is ready to go in a matter of minutes. The construction is solid and the solar panel doesn’t feel flimsy, despite it being very thin.
The handles are placed on top of the panels, rather than on the side, which makes it easier to open and close. This foldable suitcase design is preferable to the carry bag that many portable solar panels come with.
Compatibility
The BougeRV 9BB 100W comes with built-in MC4 cables, which makes it compatible with more than 95% of portable power stations, including Anderson, DC5521 and XT-60. The MC4 connector cable is folded into a storage pouch on the front of the suitcase, and extends out to connect to the power station.
Monocrystalline Solar Cell Technology
The BougeRV portable power stations are made with monocrystalline cells, designed to provide higher efficiency and improved performance as compared to traditional polycrystalline solar panels.
👉 Using mono solar cells increases the receiving surface of individual cells by 30% to capture more sunlight and increased efficiency.
What is Solar Conversion Efficiency?
“Conversion efficiency” tells you how much of the sunlight that a solar panel absorbs is actually converted into usable energy. The average range of conversion efficiency is between 15% – 20% for most solar panels. Anything above 20% is considered “high conversion” efficiency.
The BougeRV 100-watt solar panel has a conversion rate of 23.5%, which makes this solar panel one of the highest efficiency models available.
Monocrystalline versus Polycrystalline and Thin-Film Solar Panels
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are the two most common types of solar panels.
Monocrystalline solar panels offer a higher efficiency rate than other types of solar cells, such as polycrystalline and thin-film panels. They also use half-cut or multiple ribbon technologies that increase the conversion rate of sunlight to electricity.
| Type of Solar Panel | Efficiency | Color | Manufacturing Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | 17% – 22% | Black | Single silicon crystal |
| Polycrystalline | 15% – 17% | Blue | Multiple silicon fragments melted together |
| Thin-film | 10% – 13% | Varies | Photovoltaic material deposited onto a substrate |
Polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are created by melting of multiple smaller fragments or crystals together into a single larger panel form, which is more cost-efficient than producing individual cells from silicon wafers.
These types of solar panels are more affordable, but have a much lower efficiency range of 15% to 17%, which means they convert less sunlight into usable energy. In addition, polycrystalline panels usually deliver lower power output; which means that you may need more panels to reach your desired energy goals.
Additionally, polycrystalline PV components can look visually different due their uniform grainy appearance when stacked side by side with mono-modules since they possess no prefabricated cell structure within them like mono does, thus it’s much easier and cheaper to produce these.
Thin-film solar panels
Thin-film solar panels are the newest and most advanced type of photovoltaic technology on the market today. They are created using a single layer of incredibly thin, semi-conductor material that is extremely flexible yet also highly durable in extreme temperatures.
Compared to traditional crystalline solar cells, thin-film offers superior flexibility which makes installation easier and faster than ever before. Additionally, the lightweight design allows for larger units to be mounted with minimal effort.
Thin-film solar panels also have lower up front costs due to their efficient manufacturing process and small individual cell sizes. On top of that, they generate more energy per square meter due to their superior temperature performance and long lifetime expectancy making them an ideal choice for many renewable energy projects or situations where space constraints may exist.
9BB Half Cut Solar Cells
BougeRV’s utilize the modern 9BB half-cut cell technology, instead of the older 5BB cells that many older portable solar panels use.
“9BB” stands for “9 Bus Bars”, which each connect to individual solar cells within the panel. Conversely, 5BB panels have “5 Bus Bars”. The more bus bars, the more efficient the solar panel is at conducting energy, and the less power is lost, even at high temperatures.
9BB cells also have less shadow obstruction and more working area on the solar panel to absorb sunlight. Overall, 9BB cells are more stable than 5BB and tend to have a longer lifespan because they are more resistant to micro-cracks.
The 9BB solar cell design also eliminates weak elements on two sides of the cell which extends the solar panel’s life and allows to to operate at peak performance for longer.
Shop BougeRV.com
Get 18% OFF with Code: FTF18 18%OFF
Durability
The BougeRV solar panel is constructed with an ETEF (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene) integrated pressure-bearing shell, which is a material often used in roof construction because of its durability, especially in harsh weather conditions like extreme cold, heat and wind. ETEF material is also dust and dirt resistant.
Weather Resistance
BougeRV solar panels have the highest IP67 rating, which certifies that the panel is resistant to dirt, dust and shock impact. This rating also guarantees that the solar panel is water resistant and will not be damaged if it’s sprayed by something like a water hose or jet spray, for limited amounts of time.
“IP” stands for “Ingress Protection” and tells you how dust and water resistant a product is. The (6) certifies that the product is completely dust-proof and is shock-resistant to objects larger than 1mm in diameter. The second digit (7) means that the device can be placed underwater to depths of 150mm to 1000mm without getting damaged, for a short amount of time.
Expandability
BougeRV 100W are scalable and can be expanded to multiple solar panels, allowing you to double and triple your energy capture.
- 【COMPATIBILITY】: Compatible with various brands of energy storage available on the market, the converter needs to be prepared separately to connect. It supports the connection of multiple solar...
- 【23% Higher Efficiency】: BougeRV foldable solar panel was made of 9BB batteries, it is lighter, smaller in size, and more convenient to carry when going out.
- 【Durable and Waterproof】: The portable solar panel adopts ETEF-integrated pressure-bearing shell technology, which is dustproof and dirt-resistant. With IP67 waterproof function.
- 【Better User Experience Upgrade】: The handle design position is more user-friendly and convenient to use. The four-corner hanging hole design provides customers with more DIY options (such as RV,...
- 【18-month Warranty】: Backed by an 18-month warranty and lifetime technical support, we will help you solve any product problems. Please feel free to contact us through your Order Number, User...
Real-World Testing the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel
The BougeRV 100W solar panel charged a 500-watt portable power station with 80W max input from 0% to 95% in five hours in both partial and full sunlight.
Test #1: BougeRV 100W Solar Panel in partial and full sunlight
👉 In test #1 it took the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel 5 hours in partial and full sunlight to charge a 500W power station to 95%, reaching 73-watts of a total 80-watts max input.
- Cloudy, partial sun
- Charge Level: 0% – 54%
- Charge Time: 2 hours
- Input power: 7-watts
I live in Southern California where we get a lot of sunlight, but the skies were partially cloudy when I started charging in the morning. This gave me the opportunity to test the solar panels in limited sunlight.
I connected the BougeRV panel to the power station’s PV 80-watt input using the MC4 cable adapter, setup the panel at a 45-degree angle facing the sky using the kickstands and left everything for 2 hours to charge. When I returned, the Grecell portable power station had charged to 54%, and the PV input power level was only at 7-watts.
- Full Sun
- Charge Level: 54% to 95%
- Charge Time: 3 hours
- Input power: 73-watts
Once the clouds cleared, I started charging again with full, direct sunlight, and adjusted the panel to make sure it was facing the sunlight at a 45-degree angle. The PV input power eventually reached 73-watts, and the portable power station charged to 95%. Success!
Test #2: BougeRV 100W in full sunlight
👉 In test #2, the BougeRV 100W charged the 500W power station from 0% to 72% in 3 hours in full sunlight, reaching 48-watts of a total 80-watts max input.
- Full Sun
- Charge Level: 0% to 72%
- Charge Time: 3 hours
- Input power: 48-watts
Once my portable power station was depleted to 0%, I setup the BougeRV 100W and the power station again in full sun, hanging the solar panel from its corner loops on my fence, so that it was flat and facing the sun. Within 3 hours the power station was charged to 72%, reaching a PV input power level of 48-watts.
Competitor Comparison
| BougeRV | Renogy | DOKIO | EBL Solar Apollo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 23.5% | Unknown | 23% | 23% |
| Portability | Foldable Suitcase | Foldable Suitcase | Bag | Foldable Suitcase |
| Wattage | 100 watts | 100 watts | 100 watts | 100 watts |
| Compatibility | 12-volt | 12-volt | 12-volt | 12-volt |
| Battery Cells Type | 9BB | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| Temp Limits | -40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C) | -40°F to 194°F (-40°C to 90°C | -40°F to +185°F (-40°C to 85°C) | 68°F to 140°F (20°C to 60°C) |
| Material | Monocrystalline Silicon | Aluminum | Monocrystalline | Monocrystalline Silicon |
| Connector Type | MC4 | MC4 | MC4 | MC4 |
| Built-In USB | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Max Operating Voltage (Vmp) | 19.8 volts | 12 volts | 18 volts | 18 volts |
| Open circuit voltage (Voc) | 23.7 volts | 21.6 volts | 23.7 volts | 20 volts |
| Weight | 10 lbs. | 16.5 lbs. (7.5 kg) | 27 lbs. | 11.97 lbs. |
| Waterproof Rated | IP67 | IP66 | IP65 | IP65 |
| Price | $219 | $159 | $144 | $219 |
Final Verdict
The BougeRV 100W 12V 9BB Portable Solar Panel is an excellent choice for those looking for a durable, high efficiency portable solar panel, featuring innovative half-cut cells technology designed to maximize performance.
We love the high conversion rate of 23.5%, 9BB cell technology, and weatherproof construction to survive any type of weather or environment that you throw at it. The solar panel charged a hefty 500-watt portable power station from 0% to 95% in five hours in both partial and full sunlight.
Our only critiques are the lack of a USB port to directly charge small devices and cable adapters in case you want to connect to a power station in other ways beside an MC4 connector.
All in all, the product delivers a lot of functionality, in a lightweight, affordable package that’s easy to take with you anywhere on the go.
BougeRV 100W Solar Panel FAQs
1. What is BougeRV?
BougeRV is a brand that specializes in producing high-quality solar panels and portable refrigerators for various applications, including camping trips and RV travel.
2. What is the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel?
The BougeRV 100W Solar Panel is a portable solar panel that can be used to charge batteries and power devices in off-grid locations. It features a unique 9BB Cell Design to prolong cell service life, as well as Half-cut cell technology to enhance performance efficiency.
3. Can I use the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel to power a portable refrigerator?
Yes, the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel is suitable for powering portable refrigerators, including BougeRV’s own portable fridge models. It provides a reliable and eco-friendly power source for maintaining the desired temperature inside the refrigerator compartment.
4. What is the power output of the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel?
The BougeRV 100W Solar Panel has a power output of 100 watts, which allows it to generate a substantial amount of electricity from solar energy. This is typically sufficient to power small to medium-sized portable refrigerators or other compatible devices.
5. Does the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel come with a control panel?
No, the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel is a standalone solar panel and does not come with a separate control panel. However, it is compatible with solar power stations and other devices that have built-in control panels for managing the charging and power distribution.
6. How does the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel work?
The BougeRV 100W Solar Panel works by capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity through the photovoltaic cells embedded on the panel’s surface. This generated electricity can then be used to charge batteries, power appliances, or store in a power station for later use.
7. Can I use the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel for other applications besides portable refrigerators?
Yes, the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel can be used for various applications that require a reliable and eco-friendly power source. It can be used to charge 12V batteries, power small appliances, run lights, or provide electricity for camping equipment during outdoor trips.
8. What are the dimensions of the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel?
The BougeRV 100W Solar Panel measures 39.17 x 21.26 x 1.38 inches.
9. What is the weight of the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel?
The BougeRV 100W Solar Panel weighs 16.97 lbs (7.7 kg).
10. What is the peak power of the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel?
The peak power of the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel is 100±3% W.
11. What is the open circuit voltage of the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel?
The open circuit voltage of the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel is 21.4±3% V.
12. What is the voltage of the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel?
The voltage of the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel is 18.15±3% V.
13. What is the amperage produced by the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel?
The current generated by the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel is contingent upon the voltage of the panel. For instance, a solar panel with a power output of 100 watts and a voltage of 12 volts will yield around 8.3 amperes.
14. What is the warranty on the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel?
The BougeRV 100W Solar Panel comes with a 12-month warranty.
15. What is the Shop Solar Kits returns policy for the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel?
For information on the Shop Solar Kits returns policy for the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel, customers can contact the company directly at 1-877-242-2792.
16. Is the BougeRV 100W Solar Panel compatible with most portable power stations?
Indeed, BougeRV solar panels equipped with MC4 connectors are compatible with the majority of portable power stations available in the market. In case you have any inquiries regarding compatibility with a particular model, feel free to reach out to BougeRV for further details.
Helpful Resources:
[1] https://shopsolarkits.com/products/bougerv-100w-12v-9bb-portable-solar-panel
[2] https://youtube.com/watch?v=om-BWqikyuY
[3] https://youtube.com/watch?pp=ygUTI2JvdWdlcnZhbm5pdmVyc2FyeQ%3D%3D&v=om-BWqikyuY
[4] https://www.bougerv.com/products/100w-9bb-cells-mono-solar-panel
[5] https://www.amazon.com/BougeRV-Efficiency-Monocrystalline-Technology-Off-Grid/dp/B09BQZVNFG
[6] https://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/Tx153AUJC3MMKNV/
Related Posts:
