Brunton 26 Watt Foldable Solar Array
Representing the next generation of solar panel technology, the Solaris 26 maximizes performance while taking up virtually no space at all. The unit’s multi-section design folds up into a compact footprint that’s just a bit larger than a DVD case, while still delivering an impressive 26 watts of power, more than enough to charge a laptop or digital video camera or power a satellite or cell phone. In addition, the unit’s high-performance CIGS solar cells–the most efficient thin-film solar technology available–are extremely reliable, with a design that instinctively converts incident sunlight into an electrical current, even in low-light conditions. The combined functions make this an ideal panel for camping trips, hikes, power outages, and other occasions when it helps to have a portable power source on hand.
The Solaris 26, which measures 21.5 by 37.5 inches when open and 11 by 8.5 inches when folded, includes a battery clamp cable for charging car batteries, along with vehicle outlet and multi-linking cables. It’s also backed by a one-year warranty.
What’s in the Box?
Solaris 26 foldable solar panel, vehicle outlet cable, multi-linking cable, battery clamp cable, storage sack, user’s manual.
Customer Reviews:
This is a very useful product. I’ve used it to power essentially any low-draw 12V equipment that I normally charge via my car’s cigarette lighter. I live in Georgia (not a tremendously strong solar area) yet I was able to run anything I wanted to with moderate cloud cover. I used it today to charge my cell phone with a dead battery to full
charge in less than an hour (as advertised). I haven’t used it to charge my boat/auto battery yet but I have purchased the Brunton Solar Controller to utilize it. The panel is very easy to use and comes with multiple adapters. I’m not an electrician but I was able to open the box and use the product in less than five minutes. I’m excited to take it camping and on my boat. It’s just a really, really useful product all the way around and comes with the Brunton name.If you want to buy these panels, I highly recommend you by them through Amazon here. You won’t find them cheaper anywhere else.
I am a nature photographer, and spend significant intervals a long ways from a power outlet. I recently used this solar charger to keep lithium ion batteries charged for my digital camera. I am pleased to report that it works even better than specified. I was able to charge two Olympus BLM-1 batteries simultaneously, in a couple hours in sunny conditions and in six
hours in cloudy conditions. Even when the temperature fell as low as 25 F, the charger worked just fine.The units folds up into a small comparatively small bag. You wouldn’t use it for ultralight backpacking, but it worked fine for me, and is comparatively light in relation to my camera gear. The charger got rained on, got mud splashed on it, and was stepped on my a small child, and survived it all just fine.
Sturdy, durable, portable, powerful and effective. Highly recommended.
(I saw one review complaining the unit wouldn’t power a laptop computer. That’s true. You’d need two. It won’t power a refrigerator or a dishwasher, either. But if you need to charge batteries, this works great,they are currently on sale at Amazon for close to 52% off through this link.)
In: folding solar panels · Tagged with: foldable solar panel, Folding Solar Panel
USB + AA Folding Solar Panel Charger
ltra compact, ultra lightweight and yet very durable, the PowerFlim USB + AA Solar Charger is ideal for everyday use. The USB + AA Solar Charger charges most small USB devices.
Proprietary charging circuitry maximizes charge into the batteries. It provides full charge in four hours of full sun, and with a charging light on the side of the enclosure, indicates charging status.
Six grommets are built into the charger to allow for secure fastening to a pack or to the ground. Direct integration of the PowerFilm flexible solar panels onto the fabric allows for easy storage into a pocket.
Operating Voltage: 3.6
Operating Current: 0.4
Weight (Ounces): 4.9 (Without batteries)
Folded Dimensions: 3.25 x 5Ǒ x 1.38
Unfolded Dimensions: 24 x 5.5
If you want to buy these panels, I highly recommend you by them through Amazon here. You won’t find them cheaper anywhere else.
MY reviews:
I know solar chargers aren’t that powerful and can be fragile, but I decided to gamble on this one because I really like the concept. I could not be more pleased! Very very versatile. Rugged design, super light, folds up small enough to fit in your pocket, charges AA’s AND USB devices (using AA power). I hang it in my window before I go to bed and by the time I’m leaving for work, the batteries are fully charged. I’ve been experimenting with it to see how good it is –I mainly bought it for camping and when I travel for work (all too often I find myself sitting in airports for hours).
Here’s some random info that I would have found useful in a review:
1) Folds up to about the size of a large men’s wallet.
2) This thing works waayy better than those Radio Shack solar chargers (which you have to buy charging tips for, I might add).
3) I was planning on making a MintyBoost, but now I’ve got no need as this is essentially a MintyBoost that charges itself!
4) The extra flap next to the battery compartment can be wrapped around something (like a pole) and it fastens to itself with velcro. In other words, there is usually no need to use bungees or string to tie it up to something if you’re outdoors on a camping trip or whatever.
5) The solar panels themselves are flexible, really flexible, like you could fold them in half (though I wouldn’t recommend doing that).
6) Battery compartment is NOT waterproof, but it is on the underside (from the solar panels), so a light drizzle isn’t going to harm it.
7) Charges 2 AA’s at a time (I wasn’t 100% certain of this when I bought it).
I charged my Android phone from it and got about 50% extra battery power from it before it stopped –note, it did not drain my phone afterwards (I think that only is an issue with iPods). This is pretty impressive considering the amount of power a smartphone uses.
For those interested in it for “alternative power”:
You could use this to take your phone off the grid, BUT not easily. Either charge the batteries before you leave in the morning (I don’t leave at the crack of dawn) or if you have a long commute, you could at least partially charge them by putting it on your dash or whatever. Then charge the phone partway. Hang the solar panel in a window or something (facing the sun!) until it charges them fully again, then charge your phone again in the evening. Turn your phone off at night so it keeps at least some reserve power. Tadaa! (This really only works if you’re sedentary like me.)You can get these panels cheapest online through Amazon.com here.
For people who have no experience with solar panels:
Don’t expect too much out of solar. This is NOT more efficient than plugging your phone/pmp/etc. into a wall outlet. You need full sun and hours of patience.
In: folding solar panels
Sunforce 22005 12-Volt MotoMaster Eliminator Folding Solar Panel review
The MotoMaster Eliminator 12Volt Folding Solar Panel, also called the Sunforce Folding Solar Panel is ideal for hiking, camping, sporting events, on campus and at the beach. This solar panel is a flexible, foldable and durable solar product that produces enough power to charge rechargeable flash lights, lanterns, cell phones, GPS units, satellite phones, Ṃ players and portable games. Just about anything that is capable of being charged through a standard cigarette lighter adapter (CLA -car charger) can be charged by SUNLINQ. SUNLINQ solar panels made with PowerFLEX technology are lightweight, flexible, weatherproof and durable CIGS (copper indium gallium diselenide) solar cells. It provides higher efficiency than other flexible solar cell technologies, including amorphous silicon, and has been proven to be stable. The 6.5-watt portable solar panel offers a unique solution for reliable and portable solar power for cell phones, PDA’s, and other small personal electronics. The SUNLINQ 6.5 watt solar panel weighs less than half of a pound and when folded is compact, lightweight and easily stored and transported. The SUNLINQ product line is designed for low maintenance and rugged durability. The SAE plug provides simple attachment to a load. Built-in grommets allow for hanging, mounting or laying in any position.If you want to buy these panels, you can get them cheapest online through Amazon here.
Product Features
- Made of Durable Nylon with a High Efficiency Thin Film Solar Cell
- Works with Automobiles, RV’s, Boats & Small Electronics
- Bu
ilt-in Blocking Diode Protects Battery Discharge at Night - Works in all weather conditions
- Maintenance Free / Easy Installation
Joey Rush:I often go Gold & Gemstone hunting and use quite a bit of 12volt equipment, including a forgotten 12v cooler plugged into the dash. Upon leaving the car for a day to prospect a small stream, the cooler drained our battery dead. We returned with only about 2 hours of daylight left, found the battery dead and I immediately removed the charger from my backpack and began charging the battery with direct sunlight. As the sun was setting we “tried it” and there was just enough charge to start us up and we drove the 12 miles out of the forest instead of having to walk it out for help.
Not only does the product work, but it has changed the way I think about solar energy. Needless to say, since it saved us that day in the forest, I am rating this product with 5 stars.They are currently on sale at Amazon for close to 20% off through this link.
In: folding solar panels
Folding Solar Panels
Folding Solar Panel is excellent choice for powering up electronic devices through solar energy in the remote area or on the road. It has already been effectively tested for powering up handheld radios, trickle charging, GPS devices, IPOD, power rechargeable flashlights, cell Phone, MP3, running Bilge pumps, Fish finders, lanterns, CB radios, Satellite phones, small color Television, Portable XM satellite Radio and Portable games.
Most of the Folding Solar Panel, Flexible Solar panel models are light weight and quite flexible. The new Folding solar panels are said to be build with weather proof durable technology. Not only are these flexible solar panels rugged but also very compact and lightweight. All these miniature Folding Solar panels can fit on the backpack at least the compact models and some of the model can fold down to very small size that can fit into small area. Few models have Built-in grommets that allows for mounting or hanging.
It’s application can be increased manifold by hooking up with power pack, on 100 watt inverter and high output battery that is charged by the folding solar panels, generates usable AC power supply, which can be used for powering many electronic devices like laptop or any other devices that can be easily plugged into built in socket or use power pack USB charge port to charge IPOD or cell phone.
In: folding solar panels
10 Tips for maintaining Folding Solar panel.
1.) For Durability reasons, Fold the folding solar panel along the pre-defined creases.
2.) Keep the solar cells facing inwards while folding.
3.) Bending panels improperly can cause cells to break out.
4.) Bending could also cause plastic layers to crease or bubble.
5.) Washing though special process like dry cleaning, machine drying or machine washing can cause permanent damage.
6.) Charge the lead acid based batteries only in a ventilated area.
7.) Charging no-chargeable batteries can blow up.
8.) Do not keep it inside water; wipe the product with dry cloth. Always clean the product with dry cloth and let it dry before keeping it in storage.
9.) Always be careful about the polarity of the connections.
10.) Optimize utilization of folding solar panel for outdoor activities, when not using, keep it at the cool and dry place for long life.
In: folding solar panels
and