Renogy 220W Bifacial 12V Solar Panel: features, specs and who it suits

The Renogy Bifacial 220W is a rigid 12-volt monocrystalline solar panel designed for off-grid power. Renogy points to uses such as RVs, rooftops, cabins, boats and sunrooms. Its main difference from a standard panel is that it can collect sunlight from both its front and its back.

What bifacial means

On an ordinary panel only the front face generates power. A bifacial panel also has active cells on the rear, which can pick up light reflected from the ground or nearby surfaces. Renogy says this can give up to 30% more energy than a conventional panel. In general, the extra yield depends heavily on how it is mounted: light-coloured or reflective ground, and a panel raised off the surface, help the rear side. Flat on a roof, the back gets little light, so gains will be smaller.

Cell technology

Renogy lists several cell technologies:

• PERC: a rear-surface layer that helps the cell capture more light.
• Half-cut cells: cells cut in half, which reduces electrical losses and typically helps when part of the panel is in shade.
• 10 busbars: more thin conductors on each cell to collect current.
• Bypass diodes: these let current route around a shaded section.

Renogy says the combination helps in partial shade and protects cells from overheating. The description mentions Grade A+ monocrystalline cells.

Snow and weather

The brand says the bifacial design helps snow to shed and the panel to warm up sooner, while the rear side keeps generating. The junction box is IP68-rated, and Renogy rates the panel for wind loads up to 2400Pa and snow loads up to 5400Pa. Warranty terms are a 10-year workmanship warranty and output of over 80% at 25 years.

Size and mounting

The panel measures about 60.9 x 30.0 x 1.2 inches (155 x 76 x 3 cm) and weighs 28 lb (about 12.7 kg). There are 20 pre-drilled holes on the back for mounting. Renogy recommends its Tilt Mount Brackets, ground mounts, Z-mounts, corner mounts or pole mounts for the best results. It is a 12V panel, so it is aimed at 12V battery systems through a charge controller.

Who it suits

It suits RV, marine and cabin owners building or expanding a 12V system, and people who can mount panels off the surface and want to use reflected light. It is less suited to anyone with only a flat roof space who can't tilt panels.

What to check before you buy

• Space: the panel is about five feet long, so measure the roof or mount area.
• Mounting method: raised mounting gets more from the rear side.
• Charge controller and wiring: you will need a compatible controller, cables and connectors; the listing doesn't list these as included.
• Weight: 28 lb matters on a vehicle roof; check the roof's load limit.
• System size: work out your daily energy use before deciding how many panels you need.
• Local codes: follow the manual and local electrical rules for installation.

The short version

• A rigid 220W, 12V bifacial monocrystalline solar panel from Renogy.
• Renogy says it can produce up to 30% more energy from its rear side.
• PERC, half-cut cells, 10 busbars and bypass diodes for shaded conditions.
• IP68 junction box; rated for 2400Pa wind and 5400Pa snow loads.
• About 28 lb with 20 pre-drilled mounting holes.

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