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Solar Panels 101
Solar Panels 101:
A Beginner's Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Solar Charge Controllers
Solar Charge
Controller Sizing and How to choose one
Solar Energy
Solar Energy:
A Guide to Understanding Solar Batteries
The Ultimate Guide to
The Ultimate Guide to
DIY Off-Grid Solar Systems
The Ultimate Guide To
The Ultimate Guide To
Installing Solar Power In Your Van

Latest Posts

Jun 2nd 2021

How a Solar Inverter System Works

If you have a solar panel system in your home, you may benefit from a solar inverter system. There’s a lot more to installing a solar panel system than just putting up some solar p…
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May 13th 2021

DIY Solar Panels Installation

Installing solar panels can help you reduce your long-term energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint. It's no wonder then that every year more and more Americans are transit…
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May 13th 2021

What to Know About Inverter Batteries

Solar power allows you to create a lifestyle that's not tied to the grid. It can give you the freedom to travel in a van, or the peace of mind that you'll always have power in an e…
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Apr 9th 2021

Solar battery charger guide

All-Encompassing Guide to Solar Battery Chargers Solar battery chargers allow you to have a reliable source of power at home or on the road. Solar energy can charge your phone…
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Mar 25th 2021

A Guide to Inverters

Going off-grid is a great choice for many individuals, from people living in RV’s and vans to those in remote areas. Off-grid solar systems utilize batteries to store energy pro…
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Mar 4th 2021

You've Gone Solar...Now What?

You’ve Built a Sweet Solar Powered System & You are Ready to Roll…Now What? You’ve been lured into the idea of living on the road by those…
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Jan 19th 2021

7 Things I Love About Solar

After Living Off the Grid In A Tiny Home For 9 Years I’ve been living off the grid for a long time. I don’t remember what city water tastes like anymore, a…
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Dec 15th 2020

What is a solar inverter charger?

Deciding on an inverter charger for your solar installation You may know by now that inverters perform a key function of turning DC output from your solar panels into AC…
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Dec 15th 2020

Renogy Holiday Sale

Charging up laptops and mobile devices, Keeping the lights on while outside it ices, No need to plug in or find full hook-ups, Check out the great deals on RENOGY STUFF!…
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Dec 7th 2020

DIY, The Tools You Need

Necessary DIY Solar Tools: Add These Items to your Holiday Wishlist! Just in time for the holidays, we’ve come up with a comprehensive tool list you’ll need to…
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Nov 12th 2020

What to Know about Gel Batteries

Should I purchase a gel battery for my solar installation? When shopping for a battery bank for your solar installation, there’s a lot to consider, inclu…
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Sep 4th 2020

What to look for in solar packages

What to keep in mind when shopping for solar kits If you’re looking to install solar on your van, RV, cabin, or tiny home, solar panel kits are a great way to easi…
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Aug 24th 2020

What can a 300 watt solar panel run?

From a small 50 watt portable solar panel to keep your devices charged to powerful 300 watt panels to mount on the roof of your tiny home or cabin, there’s a solar panel…
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Aug 7th 2020

What to Know About Marine Batteries

As you shop for batteries for your solar installation, there’s a good chance you may come across marine batteries and wonder if they are a viable option for your system. Espe…
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Jul 27th 2020

220 amp hour batteries explained

What to know about deep cycle batteries and amp hours Adding battery storage to your solar installation is a great way to take full advantage of the benefits of renewable energy…
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Jul 27th 2020

How to Wire an Off-Grid Inverter

Configuring an inverter in your off-grid solar installation Off-grid solar installations are a great choice for many individuals, from those living in RV’s and vans to people est…
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Jul 26th 2020

How does a 6 volt battery work?

What to know about using 6 volt batteries in your solar installation When most people talk about purchasing batteries for their solar installation, they’re typically talking…
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Jul 26th 2020

Is a 24v inverter better than 12v?

12v vs 24v vs 48v solar inverters Choosing an inverter for your solar installation When it comes to sizing a solar installation, there’s two main things to consider: watts and…
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Jul 9th 2020

Celebrating the Ren-gineers!

An Interview with the Folks at Renogy Who Create the Products You Love Let’s be honest, we love our solar gadgets , right? We love how they power our lives, and…
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Feb 19th 2020

Common Challenges to Going Solar

How to Set Yourself Up for Solar Success Navigating the process of going solar, from technology to permitting The process of going solar can involve a roller coaster of e…
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Jan 28th 2020

How Much Solar Do I Need for My RV?

How do I size a solar panel system for my RV? Tips for going solar on the open road With the countless benefits of going solar, the decision to add solar panels for yo…
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Jan 9th 2020

Basics of an On-Grid Solar System

Basic Components of an On-Grid Solar System Should you stay on the grid for your energy needs? If you’ve ever told friends or family that you’re thinking of installing…
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Dec 5th 2019

Winter RV Living with Solar

What’s it gonna be this winter? The desert? The beach? Are you staying put in a northern climate? Or, some mixture of all three? Where you plan to store, or even travel,…
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Nov 18th 2019

How Much Does RV Solar Cost?

Key components of a motorhome solar installation and what it costsIf you live on the road and travel in an RV, you may have considered adding solar panels to your motorhome at one…
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Nov 8th 2019

Overlanding Basics!

Have you ever wanted to go car camping but wanted to stay away from crowded campsites? Or is renting or buying an RV out of the question? The following is an introduction to car…
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Oct 23rd 2019

Solar System Maintenance

What Maintenance Can you Expect with your Solar Powered System? Whether you dove head first into a full DIY solar install or hired a professional solar contractor,…
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Sep 6th 2019

Charge Controllers Demystified!

Every off-grid solar power system has 4 major components. The first two, solar panels and batteries, seem obvious -- one collects energy, the other stores it. But charge co…
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May 15th 2019

Boondocking With Solar

Oh the places you can go…with SOLAR!“Travelers don’t know where we are going, tourists don’t know where they’ve been.” -Paul TherouxWe rarely know where we are going – not bec…
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Feb 18th 2019

Valentine’s Day Sale Spotlight

Valentines Day- you either love it or hate it. We’ve met few that have neutral feelings towards it. Valentine’s Day is of course, meant to honor St. Valentine. However, nobody kn…
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Jan 9th 2019

How To Use Solar Panels For Camping

As nice as it can be to unplug while you’re out in nature, sometimes you just really need a charge. Cellphones, GPS devices for geotagging, LED lanterns, electronic coolers, ebo…
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Dec 30th 2018

Green Tips for the New Year

Yet again, another year has passed us by. 2018 was filled with fun, adventure, and new experiences. No doubt, it will be hard to beat, but we’re up for the challenge. The New Yea…
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Dec 5th 2018

Cold Weather Tips: Plan Ahead

     Yet again, another fall has turned into winter. Winter is a time for many celebrations with family and friends, good food, and staying warm by the fire. After t…
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Nov 25th 2018

Black Friday Deals

The Friday immediately following Thanksgiving is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. After a day full of thanks and happiness, surrounded by friends and family, comes a j…
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Nov 12th 2018

6 Sunny Campgrounds for Snowbirds

If you spend all winter dreaming of blue skies, clear streets, and an outdoor temperature that doesn’t cause extreme discomfort every time you set foot outside, you aren’t alone. T…
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Nov 11th 2018

Making Solar Work for Tiny Homes

Tiny homes are all the rage lately. You see them on the road, near campsites, and perhaps most often on large plots of land. All are generally less than 1000 square feet, while som…
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Aug 19th 2018

The Fall Road Trip Guide

Its almost Labor Day, the holiday we’ve come to know as the unofficial end of summer. Labor Day, and fall, are just around the corner. The kids are back in school and something a…
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Aug 11th 2018

Choosing a Solar Suitcase

Summer is wrapping up, but that doesn’t mean that camping is over for the year. Fall foliage and a cooler breeze simply mean that you’ll have to pack heavier to prepare for the u…
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Jul 22nd 2018

Favorties: Renogy Camping Gear

       Cool summer nights are perfect for camping, even in your own backyard. If you’re anything like us, you love a good campfire (safety first), storytellin…
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Jul 3rd 2018

4 Uses for Your Portable Solar Panel

Here’s why a portable solar panel can come in handy.We’ll put it simply: in this day in age, power is important. It’s what keeps a lot of the gadgets we use operating. La…
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Jun 25th 2018

Renogy Product Spotlight: June

Summer is heating up around the country, and right now it is a great time to purchase solar products. This month, Renogy is unveiling a number of new product options, right in ti…
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May 6th 2018

Introducing Renogy Tool Kits

The Intro:The US is slowly beginning to slip into the dog days of summer. You know, that time of the year when school’s out, its too hot to sit outside for any extended period of t…
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Apr 29th 2018

Renogy Flex Panels are Back

A few years ago, Renogy released a 100W flex panel. It quickly sold out, and we realized it was a hit. Instead of restocking, we started redesigning to make it even better. After…
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Apr 15th 2018

Solar News: April 2018

Chinese Solar HighwayScientists and engineers in China are developing the blueprint for a high-tech road, complete with solar panels and charging stations. This new “prototype” i…
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Feb 2nd 2018

Meet the Renogy Rugged Power Pack

If you’re checked out our PowerDeal Sale, you’ve already taken a sneak peek at the Renogy Rugged Power Pack. Here at Renogy, we’re always working hard to create user friendly, po…
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Jan 15th 2018

Solar in the News: January 2018

It seems like nothing exciting happens in January. The holidays are over, your waistline is recovering, and the lousy weather across much of the US means lots of time spent indoo…
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Jan 1st 2018

Solar News Recap: 2017

2017 is another year in the history books. At the close of every year, most of us sit back and reminisce about all of the new beginnings, losses, and successes of the preceding y…
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Dec 15th 2017

Save Big: Renogy Holiday Deals

Last minute shoppers: we have some great news for you! Instead of parking miles away, braving subzero temperatures, and pushing your way through crowded stores, you can shop 24/7…
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Nov 26th 2017

Coming Tomorrow: Cyber Monday

More likely than not, you’ll be back in the office tomorrow to start a new week. If you’re especially lucky, you’ll even get to eat some Thanksgiving leftovers for lunch. We’re w…
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Nov 19th 2017

The Holiday Guide 2017: E.SERIES

Let’s face it: the day after Thanksgiving we haul out the Christmas decorations and start listening to holiday tunes. If you’re anything like us, you started listening to the hol…
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Oct 27th 2017

Why Install Solar on a Van?

I think its pretty safe to say that all of us have a favorite blog; that one that can capture your attention and keep you reading for hours on end. Some of us like tech blogs, wh…
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Sep 16th 2017

Making Your Purchase Easier

Solar power systems are a big purchase, and we understand that you need to do as much research as possible before handing over any money. That’s why Renogy is committed to making…
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Sep 15th 2017

Product Financing at Renogy.com

Purchasing your first solar power system is a huge undertaking, particularly if your plans include an on-grid system. First comes the hassle of researching how many panels you ne…
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Jul 30th 2017

Midwestern Camping Destinations

So you’re thinking of going on a summer road trip but can’t think of anywhere specific to go. The northeast has the coastline, history, and big cities. The southeast has pictures…
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Jul 23rd 2017

Product Spotlight: Phoenix Generator

Let’s face it: we’ve all been through a power outage. Regardless of where you live in America, at least a few times a year, you will lose power. Severe weather, utility updates a…
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Jul 16th 2017

Southeast Camping Destinations

Rolling waves, powder soft sand, and beachfront campfires make a visit to the southeast and gulf coast well worth the time and money. Its mid July and while temperatures are high…
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Jul 1st 2017

Red White and Blue Savings

We can’t deny our love for fireworks and beachside barbeques. We can, however, deny our enthusiasm for traditional grid power. Everyday across America, homeowners and RV enthusia…
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Jun 11th 2017

East Coast Camping Destinations

Its no secret that Renogy loves camping, especially at scenic campgrounds. We love to camp because it’s a great way to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature. If you have child…
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Jun 4th 2017

Exciting Summer Road Trips

Summer brings a host of amazing opportunities that just aren’t there during the colder winter months. As soon as the ground begins to thaw and the temps get above freezing, we’re…
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May 26th 2017

Renogy Memorial Day 2017

In the spring, most of America is still slowly defrosting from the harsh winter chill. Flowers begin blooming and the sun comes out just a little bit more, with April showers sur…
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Mar 23rd 2017

Take a Look: Eclipse Solar Suitcases

Efficiency and portability have never looked this good. The new Eclipse Solar Suitcases are a Renogy exclusive, and a new favorite. If you own or have tried an Eclipse 100W Monoc…
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Jan 13th 2017

This Week in Solar News - Jan 13, 2017

There have been several big changes in the solar power industry over the past week. Let Renogy keep you updated with our Top 3 news stories this week!1.Hawaii announced plans thi…
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Dec 30th 2016

Happy New Year!

We wanted to take a moment and thank you all for making Renogy such a success this year! We have made so many good memories including making the Inc 500 list of top successful pr…
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Dec 14th 2016

Twice the Power….

…with the same portability! We are excited to introduce our newest product: the 200W Eclipse Solar Suitcase. This suitcase is modeled after our original suit case series, but off…
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Dec 9th 2016

'Tis the season!

This holiday season give back to your household with solar powered Christmas lights! Many people love decorating for the season, but are worried about decorative lights blowing u…
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Dec 2nd 2016

This Week in Solar News - Dec 2, 2016

There have been several big changes in the solar power industry over the past week. Let Renogy keep you updated with our Top 3 news stories this week!1.This week a very important…
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Nov 30th 2016

12 Days of Solar

Our 12 Days of Solar has finally arrived! Shop 12 days of deals to get the perfect gift or that kit you’ve had your eye on! You can take a sneak peak of the deals below!Dec. 1st…
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Nov 23rd 2016

The Road Chose Me Update

By Dan GrecFor my first night I make my way to the coast, aiming to stay at a hotel/restaurant run by an Italian that was aiming to sail around the world. When he arrived in Guin…
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Nov 18th 2016

Renogy Gift Grab: Part 4

Black Friday is almost here and we’re here to help you be prepared with info on our best deals! This year we are very excited to announce the release of our brand new solar suitc…
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Nov 16th 2016

Not your average flashlight!

We have officially added another incredible product to our line of E.SSENTIALS! The E.LUMEN is a flashlight and multi-tool combined into one. You’ll never be left in the dark wit…
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Nov 11th 2016

A Short History of Veteran’s Day

In 1938, November 11th was declared Armistice Day. This day was originally dedicated “to the cause of world peace to hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.” Its purpose…
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Nov 9th 2016

Renogy’s Gift Grab: Part 3

This week we’re talking about big ticket items for those special people in your life! If you’re looking for a high-quality gift for the renewable energy lover in your life, consi…
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Nov 4th 2016

Sponsor Update: BG Captures Love

By Brandon and GabiBrandon and I have had a crazy summer that led into a crazy early fall. We launched our wedding photography business, BG Captures Love, planned our own DIY we…
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Nov 2nd 2016

Tech Q&A: Mounting Renogy Panels

By Stephen CliftonSolar panels are used in many different applications and making sure that the panels are mounted properly is necessary for your system and for your safety. Ther…
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Oct 28th 2016

Renogy Gift Grab: Part 1

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s never too early to start picking out your gifts. For those of you having trouble thinking of what to buy, Renogy is here to help…
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Oct 26th 2016

Tool time!

Renogy’s Multi-Purpose Toolbox is perfect for assisting you in the installation and maintenance of your panels. Read more about the included products below!Crimper and Wire Strip…
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Oct 19th 2016

​Next Stop: Fiji!

You might remember the incredible journey of the SeaCharger across the Pacific Ocean we shared with you back in July, now this autonomous boat powered by Renogy is making its way t…
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Oct 14th 2016

How to Troubleshoot your Solar Panels

If you think your panels are having trouble producing optimum power, we have some troubleshooting tips that might help out!In order to troubleshoot your panels, you will need a m…
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Oct 12th 2016

Your New Solar Sidekick: the E.FLEX5!

Built for the adventurer in all of us, the new E.FLEX5 can take you farther than you ever thought possible. This 5-watt portable panel is both water-resistant and has a durable ext…
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Oct 5th 2016

How to Fuse your Solar System

By Stephen CliftonTechnical RepresentativeWhen hooking up your Renogy system, the best way to add protection is by using fuses or circuit breakers. Fuses and circuit breakers are…
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Sep 30th 2016

Around Africa

by Dan Grechttp://theroadchoseme.comAfter years of planning, dreaming, and saving money, I have built my Jeep Wrangler into a house on wheels and have set out to circumnavigate t…
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Sep 29th 2016

Permanent Never Felt So Portable

RV camping has quickly become popular for families, adventurists, and outdoorsmen alike. Many people enjoy camping in areas with little or no access to the grid, often called “Bo…
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Sep 23rd 2016

This Week in Solar News - Sep 23, 2016

There have been several big changes in the solar power industry over the past week. Let Renogy keep you updated with our Top 3 news stories this week!1.This week Elon Musk rocked t…
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Sep 19th 2016

This Week in Solar News - Sep 19, 2016

There have been several big changes in the solar power industry over the past week. Let Renogy keep you updated with our top 3 news stories this week!1. IKEA may be known as one of…
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Sep 9th 2016

This Week in Solar News - Sep 9, 2016

There have been several big changes in the solar power industry over the past week. Let Renogy keep you updated with our top 3 news stories this week!1.Can solar power trees be…
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Aug 14th 2016

Tiny Home Tradeshow: November 18th

Move over conventional homes! Tiny homes are all the rage these days, as retiring baby boomers and millennials flock to more flexible and affordable home accommodations. Even if…
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Aug 8th 2016

This Week in Solar News - Aug 8, 2016

There have been several big changes in the solar power industry over the past week. Let Renogy keep you updated with our top 3 news stories this week!1. Apple is getting a h…
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Aug 1st 2016

Solar and Aquaponics

We depend heavily on electricity in our day-to-day lives. From the moment we wake up in the morning, to the moment we fall asleep at night, chances are there’s a nearby wall outl…
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Jul 17th 2016

Our Values at Renogy

If you’ve been following Renogy for the past few years, you’d know that we’re a somewhat newer company. Unlike many of the other solar companies out there, we don’t have a parent…
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Jul 10th 2016

Outdoor Retailer Show: August 3-6th

Take a deep breath of fresh, crisp outdoor air. Close your eyes and let the sun gently warm your face while a cool breeze blows across your back. Some of the best moments in life…
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Jul 3rd 2016

Solar Roadway: Fact or Fiction?

Some sci-fi movies are so realistic, that you may sometimes sit and wonder “what if?” Solar panels are one of those pieces of equipment that maybe 120 years ago, people thought “…
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May 22nd 2016

So Many Uses: Solar Cabin Kits

Perhaps you’re the kind of nature lover that prefers watching the stars and breathing in the warm summer air as opposed to sleeping indoors in a tiny structure we like to call a ca…
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May 21st 2016

Memorial Day: Monday, May 30th

If you’re anything like me, you love 3-day weekends. When Friday rolls around, you feel a rush of exhilaration followed by an ultra relaxed afternoon, knowing that you’ll see your…
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May 2nd 2016

Handy Go-To Solar Products

We’ve all been trapped at a public event or even an airport where it is impossible to find an electrical outlet. If you are the outdoors-y type, you’ve likely found yourself in the…
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Apr 17th 2016

Support Renogy with IndieGoGo

If you’ve recently visited any of the Renogy websites, you’d know about an exciting new product that is set to launch later this year: the Lycan Powerbox. The Lycan is a solar powe…
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Jan 24th 2016

Hydropower: The Forgotten Renewable?

Growing up in northern Illinois, I remember taking class fieldtrips to historic farms, many of which lined the outer suburbs of Chicago. While each farm had its own unique charms,…
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Jan 9th 2016

Need to Know: Solar Tax Credits

So you may have made a 2015 new year’s resolution to install solar panels on your home or office. Between the hustle and bustle of kids, play dates, office fiascos and events, your…
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Aug 30th 2015

Make Your Home Eco Friendly Today

Going greener doesn’t have to be expensive, nor does it have to be time consuming. While solar panels are a great way to take that next step into greener living, there are many oth…
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Aug 16th 2015

Great Tools for Solar Panel Systems

Preparing to put together your first off-grid or on-grid system can seem especially daunting. Though we can’t build the system for you, we are standing by to help you select the pe…
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Jul 12th 2015

Solar Presence in Chile

Renogy is a global supplier of solar panels, mostly in the US, but also abroad. Though many customers recognize Renogy for selling panels under 100W, the Company also sells 240W, 2…
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Jun 27th 2015

My Fourth of July

Take some time this weekend to stop and ask yourself, what does the Fourth of July really stand for? American flags will sway in the summer wind during the day, and colorful firewo…
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Jun 21st 2015

Solar in Low Light Regions

It is no secret that many homeowners and businesses in the sunbelt are taking advantage of solar installation to lower their monthly costs. Where sunlight is abundant, solar panels…
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Jun 2nd 2015

Adding Solar to Your Plate

It isn’t everyday that you hear the words “solar” and “dinner” in the same sentence, particularly because solar panels have been traditionally employed in residential or permanent…
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May 30th 2015

A Greener Greenhouse

As mentioned before, the old adage that April showers bring May flowers is not true for many states across the US. Particularly, in the southwest, rain is especially scarce this ye…
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May 18th 2015

Solar Landscape and Urban Sprawl

Urban sprawl is an unavoidable consequence of population growth, especially in poor, urban areas in developing countries. In 1789, Reverend Thomas Malthus predicted that the human…
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May 3rd 2015

Green Laws, Greener Horizons

At the end of each year, people across the country make resolutions. For some, those resolutions involve weight loss, saving money, or becoming more charitable. Few, however, make…
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Apr 26th 2015

What is Geothermal Energy?

In today’s day and age, it may be easy to forget about some of the great renewable energy products on the market. After all, there are so many new options for both homes and commer…
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Apr 5th 2015

Solar Panels on Water

During our years of youth we were told to keep electrical appliances away from the water for fear of electric shock. It is a simple notion that water, not in its purest form, but w…
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Mar 15th 2015

Anchors Away: Renogy Boat Kits

Forget about a weekend downtown. Here at Renogy Solar, we love spending time on the water! It doesn’t matter where the water is- it could be a river, lake or ocean, a day away from…
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Mar 8th 2015

Invite Renogy on a Camping Trip

While it doesn’t get too cold here in Chino California, the same can hardly be said for the rest of the United States. With record snowfall, below average temperatures, and d…
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Feb 23rd 2015

Solar Energy in College Education

Solar panels weren’t nearly as popular 20 years ago as they are today, and maybe that is why most of us do not remember learning about them in school. Science classes seemed…
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Feb 16th 2015

Why Choose LED Light Bulbs?

In many regions of the US, the winter season consists of cold days, cloudy weather, and long, dark nights. Even if you live in an area that rarely gets cold, the days will still be…
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Feb 3rd 2015

Warm in the Winter- Cool in the Summer

All of the recent snowstorms in the Midwest and New England may have got you thinking about staying safe and warm during the long winter months. In many rural communities, people a…
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Jan 25th 2015

A Long-Winded Explanation

If you’ve gone on a cross-country drive, you’ve likely noticed the large white wind turbines among the fields of the Midwest and deserts of the southwest. According to the Wi…
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Jan 19th 2015

Progressive LA Boat Show- See You There!

Do you currently own a boat? Are you interested in learning more about boats and solar? If you’ve answered “yes” to either of those questions, then the Progressive LA Boat Show is…
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Jan 11th 2015

A Solar Investment: Multi-Family Homes

Perhaps you’ve added solar panels to your home, but have you thought about adding panels to an investment property or business? In recent years, the general public has become incre…
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Jan 9th 2015

New Year, New Resolutions. [Contest]

First and foremost, Happy New Year! We’re a tad belated, but we hope that you’ve all had a splendid holiday season. 2014 was a great year, not only for Renogy, but in terms of the…
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