200W CIGS Solar Panel

Oh man I’m so happy with these. Purchased two 200-watt CIGS with tape. Got them at a screaming deal also, for around $440 each. I was so tired of lugging around a portable panel to keep our battery charged while RVing, but also was not into placing multiple holes in our roof. One hole, to run the wires, is enough for me. These have been installed on our roof (in parallel) for just over two weeks and they’re already impressing us. It’s only been parked in our driveway (in Southern California end of august), but it’s been a great test so far, as we’ve had all kinds of weather. 2 x 200-watt panels connected in parallel: HOT, sunny weather (95°+): averaging around 260 - 300 watts. RAINY/CLOUDY: Even in complete cloud cover or actual rain, we saw as high as 150 watts. COOLER (not cold), sunny weather (by SoCal standards - which is around 80°f or less): We are actually getting in excess of 400 watts (as high as 427) around noon. This keeps our batteries (200 Ah lithium) topped up almost everyday. It fell to around 90% on days when there was 2 days of consecutive cloud cover. Admittedly, we aren’t running any high power demand appliances, but am happy to know it’ll keep the fridge, lights, water pump, and water heater running almost indefinitely, if required. Install was incredibly easy and they ain’t budging with that tape.

For those who don't want to drill holes in the roof of their RV, this is a very good option. There are four adhesive strips on the back and the backing strips come off easily without mess even in hot weather. The adhesive is some sort of roofing cement like Henry's or something. Once the panel is laid down, it is not coming up. The panels are very flexible and durable. You can walk on them with no problem. I installed four 200W panels and at high noon. I am getting a total of 670W. Decent. My only real gripe with these are the price. They are spendy. However, Bouge often has deals on these and if you are patient, you might be able to pick these up in the low four hundred range. For me, the BougeRV Yuma 200W CIGS Thin-Film Flexible Solar Panel were a solid winner.

Failed in less than a year!!

When I finally saw someone selling CIGS panels I went all in. Two 200w panels mounted to the front of my camper for optimal panel angle. On a partly cloudy November day in Texas, still producing over 400 watts. The panels themselves, if you do a little bit of maths with the specs, are actually 285 watt panels in a perfect world. I guess BougeRV oversized them considering most people would mount them horizontal, to offset the 20-25% loss of horizontal mounting and their customers could still get the 200w advertised output. Genius! Even better for me with an optimal mounting angle! I paid for 400w, and got 500w!

Good output, even on cloudy days!

This replaced a GoPower OEM 100w panel on my Rockwood GeoPro. Getting the old adhesive off roof after removing old panel was hardest part, but came off with patience and serrated kitchen knife. Getting a good 8 amps off this panel even though Fall has begun. The GoPower panel lasted <8 years. Hoping this one holds up longer. I like fact that it still produces when partially shaded. Bouge makes good stuff. I also have their wonderful T1 telescopic light.

I was hoping that this would work after the dismal performance of the other 200w CIGS panel I bought on Amazon (that company is no longer there, so I cannot leave a review...the slate has been wiped clean). The BougeRV unit arrived on time, well packed, and in good condition. It was overcast, and I first hooked up an ALLPOWERS solar generator to test it...zero watts. Then I hooked up a 400w SUAOKI SOL-GEN and it showed 72 watts. Next a Bluetti 268w SOL-GEN, which showed 172w! The ALLPOWERS is a very mediocre unit in all ways. so I wasn't surprised. It probably has a cheap PWM contgroller. The SAUOKI has either a good PWM, or a weak MPPT charge controller. The Bluetti obviously has a top-notch MPPT controller. Remember this when you test a new panel or other device...a system is only as good as its weakest link! This 200w BougeRV CIGS panel will be mounted on my motorhome roof to replace an 8yo one that has degraded. I have high hopes that it will make a big difference, for a long time. I will update after a few years.

I am not stoked with this panel, but especially not happy with the company. Applied 2 panels to my Casita, one on the forward part of the roof, one on the side. The one on the front, within the first 100 miles of driving with it on, came off and was flapping on the highway, completely destroying the panel. This was not an installation error, because as you can see in the photo, their mastic adhered to the camper just fine, but completely seperated from itself. I contacted BougeRV about it, and they are replacing the panel, but only after several emails of jerking around. The one installed on the side was also lifting off, the mastic seperating in half. They refused to replace this one, and initially told me just to glue down the edge with "glass glue". Since there is no such thing, I asked for clarification, and they said to glue it down with Silicone. Since silicone is not an adhesive, I asked again, and they came up with another non-sensical answer. They completely refuse to stand behind this one that is lifting off the camper. Anyway, this stuff is junk. Its coming off the camper, I wouldnt trust it.