Renogy E.FLEX 120 User Manual

The Renogy E.FLEX 120 is a portable, flexible 120W monocrystalline solar panel designed for off-grid power applications. It features high-efficiency solar cells, an ETFE polymer surface for durability, IP67 waterproof rating, MC4 connectors, and a lightweight, bendable design (up to 30-degree arc). Ideal for RVs, boats, camping, and emergency power. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Connections 6. Connecting to Charge Controllers & Batteries 7. Operation & Performance 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Flexible monocrystalline solar panel, MC4 Connectors, Junction Box, ETFE surface layer, Reinforced corners with grommets.

Feature	Description
ETFE Polymer Surface	High light transmittance, scratch-resistant, and durable
MC4 Connectors	Standard waterproof connectors for easy series/parallel wiring
Junction Box	Houses bypass diodes to minimize shading loss
Reinforced Corners	Grommets for secure mounting on curved surfaces
IP67 Rating	Waterproof and dustproof for outdoor use
Bendable Design	Can be curved to a 30-degree arc for conformal mounting
Lightweight	Approximately 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg) for easy portability
High Efficiency Cells	Monocrystalline silicon with >22% cell efficiency

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure mounting surface is clean and dry.

Choose Location: Select area with maximum sunlight exposure, free from shading.
Prepare Surface: Clean surface thoroughly. Ensure it is flat or gently curved (≤30°).
Mount Panel: Use adhesive (VHB tape recommended) or secure via corner grommets with zip ties/rope. Do not drill into panel.
Route Cables: Plan cable path from panel to charge controller, avoiding sharp bends.

WARNING! Do not walk on panel. Avoid mounting near heat sources or sharp objects. Ensure all connections are dry before making electrical connections.

First-Time Setup

Connect panel to a charge controller and battery to begin charging.

Connect to Charge Controller: Attach panel's MC4 connectors to charge controller's PV input terminals (observe polarity: + to +, - to -).
Connect Charge Controller to Battery: Connect controller's battery terminals to battery (observe polarity).
Verify Operation: Place panel in sunlight. Check charge controller display for voltage/current readings.
Optimize Angle: Adjust panel angle towards the sun for maximum power output.

CAUTION! Always connect battery to charge controller BEFORE connecting solar panel. Never connect panel directly to battery.

Specifications

Maximum Power (Pmax): 120W
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 21.6V
Short Circuit Current (Isc): 7.22A
Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 18.0V
Optimum Operating Current (Imp): 6.67A
Dimensions: 46.5 x 21.3 x 0.1 in (1181 x 541 x 2.5 mm)
Weight: 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg)
Cell Type: Monocrystalline Silicon
Maximum System Voltage: 600V (UL Certified)
Operating Temperature: -40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C)
Warranty: 5-year material and workmanship; 25-year power output (90% in first 10 years, 80% in 25 years)

Controls and Connections

Panel has no active controls. Power management is handled by the external charge controller.

Junction Box: Contains bypass diodes. Sealed; do not open.

MC4 Connectors: - Male Connector: Positive (+) - Female Connector: Negative (-) Use MC4 extension cables or adapters to connect to charge controller.

Charge Controller Settings (Typical): Configure battery type (e.g., Flooded, AGM, Gel, Lithium) and charging parameters per manufacturer instructions.

Connecting to Charge Controllers & Batteries

For 12V battery systems. Use a PWM or MPPT charge controller rated for panel's current and voltage.

Turn off all equipment and disconnect battery before making connections.
Connect battery to charge controller's BATTERY terminals first.
Connect solar panel to charge controller's SOLAR/PV terminals.
For multiple panels: Connect in series (for higher voltage) or parallel (for higher current) using MC4 branch connectors.
Power on system in correct sequence: Battery -> Controller -> Load.

Tip: Use an MPPT charge controller for higher efficiency, especially in cold climates or with series configurations.

Operation & Performance

Panel generates DC electricity when exposed to sunlight.

Daily Operation: No user intervention required once connected. Charge controller manages charging.
Monitoring: Check charge controller display for: - PV Voltage/Current - Battery Voltage - Charging Stage (Bulk, Absorption, Float) - Daily Power Generated
Performance Factors: - Sunlight Intensity: Output proportional to irradiance. - Angle to Sun: Adjust seasonally for best yield. - Temperature: Voltage decreases as temperature rises. - Shading: Even partial shading significantly reduces output.
Storage: If not in use, cover panel surface and store in a cool, dry place.

WARNING! Do not disconnect under load. Do not attempt to modify or repair junction box. Live wires can cause electric shock or fire.

Safety Features

Bypass Diodes: Integrated in junction box to prevent hot spots and power loss from partial shading. Waterproof Construction: IP67 rating protects against rain and dust. UL Certification: Complies with safety standards.

Care & Maintenance

Periodically clean panel surface to maintain efficiency.

Cleaning: Disconnect panel from system. Use soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or high-pressure spray.
Inspection: Check for physical damage, loose connections, or debris accumulation. Ensure MC4 connectors are fully mated and sealed.
Winter Care: Snow can slide off flexible surface. Gently brush off heavy snow; do not use sharp tools.

CAUTION! Never clean a hot panel with cold water. Do not disconnect MC4 connectors under load.

Regulatory Information

UL 1703 Certified: Complies with safety standard for flat-plate photovoltaic modules. FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; may not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Renogy. All trademarks are property of Renogy. For support, visit www.renogy.com or contact 1-800-330-8678.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power output	Shading, poor connections, wrong polarity	Ensure full sun; check all MC4 connections; verify polarity at charge controller.
Low power output	Dirty panel, shading, high temperature, wrong controller type	Clean panel; remove shading; ensure proper ventilation; verify charge controller compatibility (MPPT recommended).
Charge controller not recognizing panel	Voltage too low, open circuit, blown fuse	Check panel Voc with multimeter; inspect for broken wires; check fuse between controller and battery.
MC4 connectors overheating	Loose connection, corrosion, undersized wiring	Disconnect, inspect for damage, clean contacts, ensure tight connection, use proper gauge wires.
Physical damage (cracks, delamination)	Impact, excessive bending, manufacturing defect	Stop using immediately. Contact Renogy support. Do not attempt to repair.

Reset: Disconnect panel and battery from controller for 5 minutes, then reconnect in correct order.

Service: 1-800-330-8678; www.renogy.com