I've been diving into solar panels for my van and off-grid setup, and I'm puzzled about something: Renogy panels often sell for over €200 for 250W on Amazon, while you can grab Jinko or JA Solar panels, offering 445-450W, for just €68-€110 each (shipping included). Financially, the Jinko and JA Solar options seem to be a steal, especially since they use high-efficiency N-type TOPCon cells and come with long warranties. So, what's the deal? Why do so many people still go for Renogy on Amazon? Is it mainly due to brand recognition and easier return policies, or is there more to it like compatibility with Renogy products or support for smaller off-grid setups? I'd love insights from anyone who's bought panels from these brands or has thoughts on what factors swayed their decision.
3 Answers
For me, the smaller size of Renogy panels makes them easier to manage. Plus, there's definitely a sense of brand recognition. That said, I think they can be pricey compared to larger panels. In the U.S., unless you’re buying multiple large panels at once, the 200W range panels can end up being cheaper with shipping included!
I bought some 590W panels recently, and Amazon had just the quantity I needed—4. Other retailers wanted me to buy a whole pallet or a minimum of 10 panels, which I didn’t need. Honestly, I just didn’t want the hassle of reselling any extras, so Amazon worked out perfectly for me!
Renogy's prices seem consistent globally, especially since they're based on U.S. costs which include tariffs. This makes the price per watt somewhat comparable to the bigger panels. I think a lot of buyers are misled by American-centric pricing guides or they simply need smaller panels that fit better on RVs or sheds.