Van Life Essentials: I Bought Cheap Folding Solar Panels on Amazon 

I have waited a LONG LOOOOONG time for a video like this on “your” channel. Not everyone has big rigs & budgets for the traditional setup. I thank you BOB for this.

Just bob buying these solar panel systems and eventually giving them away to people who genuinely need them helps others in need which will encourage others who can to do the same which can only benefit everyone

I have the Dokio 100W panel for my campervan. I'm a big fan of the Dokio panels. I have the solar controller wired into the van and then have a 10m cable which allows me to place the solar panels in the best location around my van. One thing I do advise though is to place a thin piece of soft material in between the panels when folded to prevent each panel slightly scratching the other when in contact.

I bought the Dokio 200 watt panel from Amazon after watching this and I have not had any problems. It does a good job.

Bob you’re an ANGEL!!! Thank you so much for EVERYTHING that you do and of course for everything that you do for the Van Life Community. Much love from NEW YORK!!!! ❤️

Make sure to read reviews for these products. According to a Dokio customer, it took them 4 months to get Dokio to honor their warranty after their panels fell apart. As for Renogy, three unanswered emails from one customer. Beware. For me, customer service is almost as important as the product they produce. Solar is the future but don't let yourself get ripped off by shoddy products.

This is fantastic! I’m not on the road at this time, but I’m gathering knowledge for the future. You just never know what’s around the corner in life. Thanks for the video. I imagine the people who get to test these will be so thankful to have them. 😎

You just did what I thought couldn’t be done...you convinced me that I DO want portable soar panels as opposed to mounted ones. I’ve been trying to figure out how to mount solar on my contoured fiberglass roof, But, you are so right...with portable panels I can park my van in the shade and still charge my panels!!

Wow, you have made solar look so doable! Thanks, Bob!

Yes but they are still flexible solar panels, just packaged in a suitcase.,subject to the same in and out of vehicles and campers. The size is definitely an advantage for many in cars or vans as you mention. My opinion only, you still get what you pay for. So some inexpensive ones shown here may still have a high failure rate regardless if the flex or not. Can’t go wrong with companies that back their products with great warranties. I have the larger independent flexible 100w you mention but I take care of them, stored in the great box and protective foam pads that they were shipped in. Thank you for your very informative videos Bob, they are so valuable to so many people who can’t afford to do the research themselves!

I think it would be cool if you checked in every 3 months the first year and every six months thereafter. This is an exciting development! Thank You!

I'll be watching for your results. Also, for those who are on social security, it's easier to save for these.

Whoa! Wonderful. So many great uses for these - a great intro to solar too. Thank you Bob.

Very useful information and helpful testing of these units. Thank you, Bob! 🐯

Many thanks for the info, and I am looking forward to long term reviews again. My thanks never seem enough...Mr. Wells, you do so much in service of others. It is my hope that one day I will learn to do so again myself.

Thanks Bob for taking the time to do some research. And following along to watch how each one compares will help a lot of people see which one is a perfect match for their needs.

Bob, you are the best! No one else is so informative on solar and the other aspects of nomadic life. Your videos are what piqued my interest in a different lifestyle. Keep up the great work you do!!

Can't wait for the results. Thank you for doing this.

Thanks Bob. These are right on time. Just getting ready to buy some solar. I have been looking at these and know nothing about them. These videos really help.

I have had the Dokio 200w for awhile now. I absolutely love it ❤️

Very helpful - it is taking the mystery out of solar and resolving a problem for me as I really didn't want solar on my van roof.

Thank you! This video is just what I needed to see as I'm getting my camper ready for solar. I really appreciate what you do, Bob!

I can't wait to see what the comparisons are to what you had bought Bob! You give me so much information, and I keep saving it, for when I go on the road!

Thanks, Bob. Amazingly useful information exactly when I needed it!

Hello Bob, thank you for taking the time to do this. I learned this past January that I needed a solar kit that could handle temperatures below freezing. Brrr. Will be watching to see your reviews when the season changes. Keep up the great work.

This is a great video Bob! Thanks! We have two 100 watt panels on the roof of our van and wanted to add another 100-200 watts. These might work well for us without taking up much space!

Thank you for showing us this new category of solar! 😁Would love to see stress test results and see how they hold up to weather, packing and unpacking over months.

Thanks you so much for all the information that the common person can understand! Keep up the good work. Greatly appreciated. Also love it that you share your wealth of knowledge. And find it amazing that in this day and age you are giving so much to other people! There is a great place for you

Bob, I recently found your channel, and I must say that you have given me a great deal to think about. Myself and my wife will be going full time RVing in a few months (got tired of the city life), and listening to the advice you give will help us in setting up our Class C. Thanks for all the help and advice you give!

Love this!!! Please do not wait 6 months for each review, As we are anxious to see their progress, and will probably start purchasing them regardless. No long video needed, how about 3 months? I hope you understand why, I am chomping at the bit so I am probably not the only one.

Thank you, Bob, for doing this! I learned something very valuable from the first of this series, and that was the weight of the suitcase panels. I’m 62 with very bad arthritis in my hands (actually had thumb joint removed) so there is NO way I could lift 50 pounds! I am learning a lot about connectors and such, too!

Thank goodness for people who keep searching to make things like this more accessible to the average person. Thanks, Bob!

thank you Bob.Im learning alot from you.Im finding my best deals to get started on the road this spring.

I have the Dokio 150w that I use to charge the battery for my trolling motor. Works GREAT and charges quickly. Ordered the 300w for my motorhome that should be here tomorrow, thoroughly expect to be just as happy with it. Awesome product, great pricing.

I enjoy listening to all your informational videos, I’ve learned a lot from them.

Thank you Bob, for doing this....it helps those of us who cannot afford to try them all out to find out which one is the best quality!

Hi BOB! I really enjoyed this video as well as all the others. Can’t wait for the next one

Thanks again Bob for helping us out!! Looking forward to results :) xoxo Cody

I especially appreciate the information in this one as well .... I cannot wait to be able to seriously binge watch every one of your videos because it's only in recent times I've discovered you and your RU-vid along with other RU-vidrs and I'm in Northern Wisconsin so I really have quite the mix of weather and it gets miserably and dangerously extreme up here ... so I need things that are quite durable, reliable and long lasting because the weather especially in Winter can be quite deadly if we are out camping ... on the road... or in any such situation. Myself and Friends really appreciate all of the incredible information you have to offer and I will be sharing this link thank you so much for taking the time to teach all that you do and really provide so much information!!

I really like your headkercheif !!! It looks to be "scenic" in nature. Colors graduate from green grasses to sunny sky to mountains far away! That is what I see in this video. The products are great as well...thank you for all you contribute to the lifestyle...

Thanks Bob for doing this testing on these solar panels. I and my wife are converting a cargo van at this time to live in, and being low income and my wife retired we don't have a lot of money to spend on the solar system so this will help show us what we need and will be a great learning tool. Thanks

Wow....I'm excited for the future results!!!!

Great video Bob great information you always give out great information and I thank you and I hope many others do too I look forward to your videos

Just started watching and I love it. I've dreamed of that life since I was a kid. Great job !

Thank you Bob, for your continual education

Bob, thank you so much for the side-by-side comparisons. I am in the planning phase of my eventual, highly anticipated van life and how to power the few things I might have is a huge question mark for me. I know carpentry but I know nothing about powering things. Now, I know there are user-friendly options. I'll be looking for the follow-up reviews. Thank you, Bob and the testers.

Thank you Bob for researching these.. Sure can use one of those right now, Just bought our RV & we have to gut it, it was bad, & remodel it, so yeah sure can use one of those... LOVES/HUGS to you & Cody!!

Thank you Bob. This has been informative and most useful information on this subject that I have seen. New subscriber looking forward to seeing more.

Thank you so much for looking out for us all we are #grateful for everything you do

Awesome videos Bob!!! You got me thinking.

Bob, you are the best! I have been waiting a long time to get solar because of the size and weight issue. This is very helpful!

What a great addition for the Vanlife and camping crew. Would also make a great backup to your existing hard mounted panels. Nice catch, TY for the information.

Thanks Bob! And Co! (Great video/audio work.)

Thank you Bob!!!! I didn't even know these exist! Thank you for putting time into researching these

This is a brilliant & really informative video.. Gratitude.

Hello Bob! First I just have to tell you how much I sincerely appreciate ALL you do for the vanlife community...and for humanity in general. I am not exaggerating when I say that you have *saved my life* by helping me to see that vanlife is the way forward for me to rebuild my life in a way that includes my healing my tattered spirit and nervous system AND making my objectives into realities AND living closer to my values....you (and those you have interviewed too) have shown me that I CAN do it! I I would be SO grateful and honored if you would consider me when you decide who to give these solar suitcases away. I have been wanting to begin collecting some of the necessities for me future van build...but I am a middle-aged, ill with a chronic pain condition, living on an inadequate disability income...still working on figuring out HOW I'm ever going to get a van....but watching your channel EVERY DAY..keeps my hope alive! Having one of these solar suitcases would help me so much even just symbolically, but also, due to the fact that I remember how beautiful it was after hurricane Sandy, a few residents of my neighborhood came out with tiny little portable solar set ups and allowed neighbors to charge phones and tablets/laptops so we could contact friends and family and also coordinate to provide emergency assistance to elderly and disabled living in highrises without electricity for the elevators. We saved thousands of lives and we couldn't have done it without the communications that these few ppl with portable solar equipment made possible. If we ever have another such disaster, I want to be one of the neighbors with a solar set up that I can make available! I know you'll get thousands of requests to receive one of these, of course I understand if you cannot give one of them to me, but I thought you might feel good about my plans for it if you ARE able to choose me to receive one of them! Thank you for EVERYTHING you do to make the world a better place Bob! I can't wait to meet you at the RTR...if not this year...then next year!

Just found your channel, looking forward to part 3... I am starting a small solar boat project.. and these look promising... Love your enthusiasm!

thank you, I'm just getting started on batterys and solar panels, lots of research, good video!!

Totally awesome! Thanks for sharein 😁 🌻 and lookin forward to the next video,,,

Thank you for the INFO on good solar products .I live in an RV .

These power set ups could also work in off grid fixed structures.

Well I just found your channel and I must say you give a very informative and clear presentation. My wife and I do a lot of truck camping in Northern Maine and have been looking at solar to keep truck batteries charged. Thank you Sir.

Thanks Bob for the info. I never knew these existed. Will be interesting to see how they work out for ya. Good luck and travel safe.

Love it, so inspiring 🙌 thank ya much Bob❤❤

Part 3 is crucial to me. Cant wait.

Thanks for the info / great video Bob Thanks for sharing all this

This should open up solar to everyone….thanx for making this and looking forward to the follow up videos...

Thank You 😄 for all you do to help us be SUCCESSFUL💓

A blessing of a video to a beginner.

Thanks Bob for all the information, great job and public service for like minded people. ✌

Thanks Bob!! Just what I've been looking for!

Have you posted a follow-up someplace in regards to the longevity of these solar panels?

I was just in Winslow, Arizona! Took pics on the corner & visited the gift shop! Love your video's. Keep up the good work. 😃

Good video and awesome of you to give stuff away too. I subscribed and look forward to more video's to learn. Researching solar to go off grid.

If you break them, don't throw away, but recycle ... probably some cooper/aluminium in the units, as well as recyclable plastic. Thanks for the Solar Panel Analysis & subsequent long-term testing Bob! This will help many in their buying decisions.

Thanks Bob this answered my question to your live video yesterday about solar 😁

Excellent video, looking forward to the follow-ups!

This is really good to know ,I'm getting stuff t o gather for next spring 2021 going to take the whole summer and go, I have a 97 dodge van I'm going to do been watching your video s. And others once again thank you for all you post

I purchased one of these (100 watt) to charge my 500 watt generator. It is unbelievable! Charges my generator and my on board RV batteries. It is light, compact and easy to just slip behind my couch. Love it!

Great vid with very useful info. Thanks so much, Bob. I have solar on my RV’s roof but it isn’t connected 😥. One of the smaller and lighter (and less expensive!) units looks like it might solve my power problems. Will be watching for the test results. Thanks again. Appreciate how you share and teach. Fabulous!! 💕

A word regarding Dokio's panels...the panels are great. The charge controller that it comes with is downright scary. It is not fused, which you may think is no big deal. Anyway, for whatever reason, it shorted, and nearly started my truck on fire. I happened to be standing next to it, heard my smoke alarm and ripped the alligator clips off of my battery just in time. Anyway, when I attempted to contact them to tell them what had happened, asking for a simple FUSED replacement? Not a peep from them. It's been 2 months. Horrific customer service, POS charge controller that's dangerous. Buy at your own risk. Note that in the product description, it was described as fused...

Thanks Bob ,am getting ready to sale my mobile home ,can't afford it ,and get on the road hopefully by fall .love all your videos full of much needed info .but I think I will love this new life style

Very helpful. Thanks. We need this for our cabin in Oregon... off grid all the way.

You always share useful information.

Thank you for taking the time to explain the products that you are testing . You do a great job ,thank you . I would love to try this out ,it looks so cool. My iPad and iPhone would like it ....

Thank you for this information. It was very useful for me to make a decision about which panel to buy

Congratulations from Spain . Your videos are very useful and instructive .

You are extremely good at testing. Thank you.

Thanks Bob for the great info. ✋👍 all the best

Great intro to comparing solar options

Can hardly wait for the updates. In the meantime, time to start purging my stuff.

I have had mine for 6 months already. It is hooked up with a 700w inverter and had given me the best results. I use it daily to run my TV at night and my frig during the day. has its own USB port to charge my phone. The best investment I have made for my small trailer. Great video. Thank you

Cant wait to see the results..by that time I'll have enuf in my solar envelope😉😉to decide which to buy✌❤😊

Thank you for doing this video. Looking forward to the follow ups.

I purchased the 200 watt DOKIO set over a year ago. I’ve used them for occasional camping and so far it works great. I did make a stand to secure the panels so they don’t blow over.

great info,thanks for sharing,hugs from MN

Great review Bob! Thanks

Your long term testing plan sounds great. I need to buy a panel in the next two weeks for a trip starting late July so looking forward to your first test comparing actual output in watts to stated output.

I’m so glad you brought up the durability issue. I’ve seen them and it’s really hard for me to believe these panels are durable. I would go for a stiffer panel not a flimsy fabric one. A Jackery panel is a high priced portable but has a five year warranty. There are other portable panels built much stronger with better ROI. Thanks for the solid review!

Darn, I'm just catching this for the first time. I missed out on the solar panels lol. Anyway I love what you're doing keep up the good job. I'm starting to learn quite a bit from you. And I think I'll be seeing you pretty soon LOL! Somewhere on the road.