200/400W N-Type Portable Solar Panel Blanket

★☆☆☆☆ Good initial output, but serious electrical-specification and support problems I purchased two Renogy RSP400SB-G3-US 400W N-Type solar blankets directly from Renogy. Initial power output was promising, but my experience trying to obtain basic electrical and safety specifications from Renogy has been extremely frustrating. I first contacted Renogy with technical questions on October 2. Since then I have had to send repeated follow-ups, photographs, corrections, and consolidated question lists because important questions were skipped or answered inconsistently. Among the issues: • Renogy told me in writing that the blanket's maximum system voltage was 60V, while a Renogy-published datasheet lists 600VDC. • Renogy first identified a Y-branch connector as rated 30A and suitable for two blankets in parallel, then later recommended a different Y-connector and said it was rated 50A. • Renogy recommended a 45A fuse for two blankets in parallel, and later specifically called for a 45A ANL fuse on the combined solar output. Their own wiring documentation shows an ANL fuse on the battery side of the charge controller, not as the solar-panel fuse, so I have asked engineering to clarify exactly what type of PV protection they actually intend. • Renogy originally stated that current would not backflow between two blankets in parallel, but later stated that the blanket has no reverse-current protection. • I repeatedly asked for the actual maximum series fuse rating of one blanket. Renogy instead kept giving me a recommended fuse calculation, which is not the same question. • I also asked for the exact specifications of the short factory wiring and connectors, proper branch protection for two blankets in parallel, repair/warranty information, and clear rain-use limitations. Some of those questions are still unresolved. On October 12 Renogy actually apologized in writing for not providing substantive answers and promised to answer my questions. They finally provided a much more detailed response on October 13, but that response created additional contradictions that now require another engineering clarification. These are 400W electrical products intended for outdoor use. Customers should not have to spend this much time trying to determine the correct fuse type, connector rating, cable specification, maximum voltage, rain limitations, and safe parallel configuration. The blankets may perform well electrically, but I cannot recommend them while the manufacturer itself is still giving conflicting safety and installation information about its own product. If Renogy provides clear, consistent, technically supported answers and resolves these contradictions, I will update this review.

Extremely well made and packaged. I bought the 400 watt version and it is working perfectly. I've been buying Renogy products for several years now. I shall continue. Good customer service, fast delivery times and quality, well made components. They are also American made.

Wonderful and easy to use. I was parked next to a camper near Bodega Bay, CA. He had 3 sets of, cheap, folding panels with between 3 and 4 panels each. They were only producing not quite 300 watts. My, one, 400 watt Renogy was producing 250 watts.