Electricity has become our prime need today. Be it to charge your gadgets or to do your dishes up till cleaning your house, electric power is the A to Z. With so many gadgets around us, it has been difficult to keep track of these electricity bills and solar panels are the way to go. Especially when it comes to off-grid applications in RVs or camping trucks, having solar panels will provide you flexibility for your stay and cheaper source of electricity considering its maintenance.
With the popularity of solar power growing day by day, there has been plenty of companies or manufacturers such as HQST, Renogy, Newpowa, Windy Nation, etc. producing some exceptional solar panels. In this comparison, we are going to see how two of the best solar panel manufacturers i.e HQST vs Renogy compete face to face in the category of 100W Monocrystalline Solar Panels.
Lets cut to the point. Make sure to check out the models being compared in this article.
If interested, also check out out our in-depth buying guide on portable solar panels.
First Look
Both HQST and Renogy Solar Panels look exactly the same as if they are clones (I think they are). They house the same diode box and frame quality is exactly the same. They are sturdy and compact. HQST solar panels got additional mounting points at the corners which I feel is pretty helpful for mounting.
Physical Specifications
| Renogy | HQST | |
| Dimensions | 41.6 x 20.7 x 1.4 in | 35.6×25.9×1.2 in |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs | 14.3 lbs |
| Type | MonoCrystalline | MonoCrystalline |
| Mount Ready | Pre Drilled Holes | Pre Drilled Holes |
There is no much difference when it comes to physical specs. They weigh exactly the same and dimensions are somewhat identical. For a 100W solar panel, they are compact. Both these are monocrystalline which are highly energy-efficient and durable. These come with pre-drilled holes and ready to be mounted.
Technical Specifications
Let us look at how both of these solar panels Renogy and HQST stand against each other in terms of technical specifications.
| Renogy | HQST | |
| Max Power | 100 W | 100W |
| Price Per Watt | $1.1/W | $0.8/W |
| Optimum Voltage | 17.1 V | 18V |
| Optimum Current | 6.4 A | 5.58A |
| Open Circuit Voltage | 21.5 V | 21.3V |
| Short Circuit Current | 6.1 A | 5.83A |
Renogy and HQST both are 100W solar panels. The cost per watt of Renogy is slightly greater than HQST but is compensated by the max current output. There isn’t much difference to contrast when you actually try to compare.
HQST vs Renogy Solar Panels: Which one to consider?
Both of these solar panels have got excellent reviews on Amazon and are manufactured by reputed companies. Even the specifications don’t differ much, so I would pick the one based on cost.
Comparing HQST and Renogy, HQST’s 100W panels look more pocket friendly saving you around $35. If you plan to expand your wattage in the future by combining these panels, the HQST solar panels significantly cost less compared to Renogy.
But….Renogy has a good name in the solar panel industry. Their brand has many products including power stations, off-grid solar kits, and whatnot. So, going with Renogy might lose you some money but you may receive better customer service and support in case if something goes wrong.
Don’t forget to check out our foldable solar panel buying guide
Last update on 2024-08-06 / Links / Images from Amazon PAAPI
With the similarity being so high, could I connect these two from the different companies, together in a series?
Yes, you should be able to do that. Your voltage should add up while the current averages.
Hi Steve,
The number of cells and dimensions differs in both of them. But looking at the volt/current, it is a negligible difference. So since you are using for trailer, go with a narrower one which is SS
Re the HQST 100 you tested….there are two available. The HQST-100D-SS and the HQST-100D-SSP. They have different specs. For a single panel 12V system to be mounted on top of a motorcycle trailer would you kindly make a recommendation as to which panel would be a better choice? Both physically fit. I really would appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Steve,
Let me do a bit of research and get back to you on this topic.
Update: Both versions are almost the same in terms of specs but physically, HQST-100D-SSP looks better. It weighs 1kg less than the SS version. Personally, I would choose SSP.
I would thing the P would be a Poly panel
No, both are mono panels. Here is the info
SSP: https://hqsolarpower.com/content/HQST-100D-SSP-Spec.pdf
SS: https://hqsolarpower.com/content/HQST-100D-SS-Spec.pdf