7/16/2011

Brunton SOLARIS 52 CIGS Foldable Solar Panel (Black/Silver, 12 Volt) Review

Brunton SOLARIS 52 CIGS Foldable Solar Panel
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm a bit of a technophile, and gadgets like thin film solar panels really raise my eyebrows. Aside from the WOW factor, there is the practical application of the device.

I'm in the Army, and two things are important to me. Portable power and ease of transport. I have owned Brunton Solar products before, namely the Solaris 25,and it did a terrific job providing me power but at the cost of size and limited use for high power consuming devices. The Brunton Solaris 52 was the answer.

Other solar products tell you that they can charge portable devices....but how many of them can actually RUN them. The answer is a resounding zip....zero....nada. The Solaris 52 can power your device, and provide a trickle charge to other applications. It is voltage regulated once devices are connected, so while the panels can produce upwards of 28 volts....it is paired down to 12 volts for your devices.

The Solaris 52 is about the size of a regular textbook. The folding cover has a Velcro closed pocket for the three types of cables provided with the device, and even with those cables in the front pocket the device presents a minimal profile in your pack. The panels are applied to a thin type of waterproof canvas. It's a sturdy material which retains the folding pattern of the panels so set up an tear down are a snap.

I tested this unit late on an overcast day. I live in Kansas, so I am not in one of the peak sun belts, and I tested this unit during one of the coldest months in this region. The panel was completely unfolded, I connected it to my Solo 15, and even with a considerable amount of cloud cover the device kicked out the promised 12 volts of DC. I watched the charged device closely to see how much tinkering I would have to do to get maximum output from the panels....the answer...NONE! I was amazed by just how simple, elegant and effective this device truly turned out to be.

I continued to run tests with my voltmeter and found that on top of the steady 12 volts I was able to use the available second power adaptor port to charge my cellphone at the same time. This additional flow was no where near what was being drawn by my Solo 15, but it was still more than enough to charge my phone very quickly.

What Brunton has produced here is an efficient, lightweight and extremely capable portable power plant that will require no maintenance from the user due to the self-healing qualities of the newly developed CIGS cells. All the device needs is a little cleaning with a cloth every now and then to remove dirt or debris...that's it!

The price is a little halting for most. I Realize that, but rest assured you are paying for quality and the assurance that you will have electricity anywhere you need it as long as the sun is in the sky. That kind of reassurance is truly worth he price. As the CIGS technology becomes more mainstream, which it will, expect prices to drop. Or just be a savvy consumer....I picked my Solaris 52 up here on Amazon for around $680. A steal in my opinion.

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Product Description:
Using solar energy to recharge or revitalize your electronic equipment is a great way to go, especially since you're going to be outside anyway. Brunton's Solaris 52 foldable solar panel features high efficiency S (Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide) solar cell arrays--the most efficient thin film solar technology available. This model can produce up to 52 watts of voltage regulated solar power, and its 12V output can charge devices such as cameras, laptops and DVD players.
Features and Specifications:

    Multi-section folding panels for ease of storage and use
    Link up to three units together for more output
    Charge vehicle batteries with battery clamp cable
    Works in all types of weather, even in low light conditions
    Built-in blocking diode prevents reverse battery discharge
    Dimensions: 54 x 32 inches
    Weight: 3 pounds, 6 ounces
    Warranty: 1 year



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