Renogy 100W 12V Eclipse Portable Solar Suitcase: features and who it suits

The Renogy 100W Eclipse is a portable solar charging kit that folds into a suitcase. It combines two 50W panels, a charge controller and cabling in one carry case, so you can recharge a 12V battery at a campsite, in an RV or in an off-grid setup without installing anything permanently. Here is what its specs mean and what to check first.

What is in the suitcase

Renogy describes it as a complete plug-and-play kit. It has two 50W monocrystalline panels that fold together, a 20A waterproof charge controller with an LCD screen, and a 10 ft tray cable with alligator clips for connecting to a battery. The case has a carrying handle, industry-standard latches and fold-out legs that give several tilt angles.

SunPower cells and efficiency

Renogy says the Eclipse uses SunPower solar cells with efficiency of up to 24%, compared with a typical 18% to 21% range for most panels. Efficiency is how much of the sunlight landing on the panel becomes electricity. A higher figure means more power from a smaller area, which matters when the panel has to be carried. The panel is built with low-iron tempered glass and a rugged canvas protective case.

What 100 watts means in practice

The 100W figure is the output under ideal laboratory conditions. Real output usually falls short because of cloud, heat, a low sun angle and shading. Aiming the panel at the sun, using the kickstand to adjust tilt, and moving it as the day passes all help. Over a sunny day, a panel this size can top up a battery or run small loads, but it is not a way to power large appliances.

The charge controller

The controller uses PWM (pulse width modulation) technology, which Renogy says has multiple protections. A charge controller sits between the panel and the battery to regulate the charge and prevent overcharging. PWM controllers are simple and well suited to small 12V systems; MPPT controllers can extract more energy in some conditions but are generally used in larger setups. It is rated at 20A and has an LCD for status.

Batteries and compatibility

Renogy says it works with multiple kinds of 12V batteries and can be added to an existing system. Different battery chemistries, such as flooded, AGM, gel and lithium, have different charging requirements, so check the controller's supported types and settings in the manual.

Size and conditions

The listed dimensions are 21.1 x 21.5 x 3.1 inches closed, and the weight is given as 19.4 lb on the listing (20.3 lb in the description). The operating temperature is listed as -40°F to 140°F.

What to check before you buy

• Battery type and voltage: confirm that you have a 12V battery and that the controller supports its chemistry.
• Your daily energy use: add up the watt-hours your devices use and compare with what 100W can supply in your location.
• Weight and carrying: about 20 lb with a handle; try lifting something similar.
• Mounting and cable length: the 10 ft cable limits how far the panel can sit from the battery.
• Power stations: check that your power station accepts the connection type and input voltage; this kit is supplied with alligator clips.
• Wiring: follow the manual, connect the battery to the controller first, and follow local electrical codes.

The short version

• 100W, 12V foldable suitcase with two 50W monocrystalline panels.
• SunPower cells, rated by Renogy at up to 24% efficiency.
• 20A waterproof PWM charge controller and 10 ft cable with alligator clips.
• Handle, latches and fold-out legs for several tilt angles.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.