Real-world testing can reveal how solar upgrades perform beyond the spec sheet. In this Renogy Community post, SunPod180 shares a late-afternoon field test after adding two 100W Flex ShadowFlux solar panels to an existing rigid-panel array. The result: a meaningful increase in solar input, even under cloud-filtered light.
I finally tested my two new 100W Flex ShadowFlux solar panels alongside my four existing 120W rigid ShadowFlux panels. The original setup ran in 2S2P. By wiring the two new flexible panels in series and combining them with the original array using Y-adapters, I built a 2S3P array.
Matched perfectly, this system would rate at 680W; however, because the new 100W flex panels operate at a slightly lower voltage than the 120W rigid panels (0.09V), the higher-voltage strings are pulled down to match the lowest string in parallel. This Voc mismatch caps the theoretical combined rating closer to ~670W.
To test, I temporarily mounted the flexible solar panels with suction cups on the side of SunPod and took before-and-after readings. Safety first: the panel breaker was switched off before disconnecting or connecting MC4 terminals. Testing took place around 3:30 PM under cloud-filtered late-afternoon sunlight. Array open-circuit voltage (Voc) measured 65.7V.
The readings showed significant performance improvements:
- Solar Watts jumped from 160.6W to 234.8W — a 46.2% increase!
- Battery Charge Amps increased from 11.6A to 16.2A — a 39.7% increase!
The side-mounted panels benefited directly from angling toward the low setting sun, which helped maximize performance in late-day light. These thin, lightweight panels delivered an impressive power boost to SunPod’s system despite the minor voltage mismatch. Now to figure out the permanent mounting setup!
— SunPod180
This story is based on one community member’s field test. Actual solar performance varies with sunlight, panel angle, system configuration, temperature, shading, and equipment compatibility.
