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

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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Solio H1000 Universal Hybrid Charger (Orange) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had been looking at this unit for a bit and finally decided to get one.The unit is small and thin and looks pretty cool.In the box you get three adapters (more on that in a minute) and a USB attachment.

The three attachments are for the most common cell phone(s) (nokia) as well as an attachment for blackberry type units and then finally the iPod.

Charging the unit takes some time.It needs DIRECT sunlight.You can tell if its getting good light by a red LED light on the front.It will stay lit up when its getting full on light.The sun light charge was "slow" so I decided to USB charge the unit the next day at work.That took about 2.5 hrs (the unit probably needed a full charge).After that I connected my iPod and began the "charge".It was slow and took a few hours to get the iPod back to a full charge.

Solio has a web site that can get you all the connections you might need. (PSP to Phone/camera etc).I could not find my phone so I emailed them and got a response about 24hrs later. (not too bad).The attachments appear to be about 9.95USD.

If you are looking for "fast" charges I'd say just use your wall outlets/usb's etc.I leave he Solio in my car during the day and get the sunlight..then I'll charge my iPod or my phone (when I get that attachemt) during the ride home.

A cool device and I feel like I am doing the right thing.

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Product Description:
When on-the-go power for your gadgets is key, plug into the Solio Hybrid 1000, which boasts a powerful solar panel and battery in an incredibly compact and slender case. Simple to use, the Hybrid 1000 is geared for outdoor adventures with its compact, high impact plastic shell and built-in rugged carabiner and cable. Solio also limits your need to purchase and carry around multiple chargers for all of your gadgets and is your one-stop charging solution for all of your products from cell phones and iPods, to digital cameras, game players, and GPS.
Plug into the Sun, and charge Solio through its solar panel--it's free and green. The Hybrid 1000 also accepts power from the USB port of any computer, using the energy to power your gadgets at the same rate as if they were plugged into the wall. Solio will also hold its charge for up to a year. You can also use the optional Solio Global Wall Adapter to charge from the wall.
Features

A full Solio H1000 will charge a typical mobile phone once or give 10 hours of MP3 music. Just 1 hour of sunshine provides approximately 14 minutes talk time or 40 minutes of MP3 music.*
Provides an emergency power source when away from power outlets.
Adapter tips allow you to power multiple gadgets with a single charger (tips for most products included in pack)
Works with multiple gadgets, including mobile phones, iPhone, Bluetooth headsets, smartphones/PDAs, MP3 players, portable gaming devices, digital cameras, GPS and much more.
Reusable--use it again and again.
Compact lightweight design--convenient for travel or emergency use.

Specifications:

Nominal DC Output: 3V 1.2A
Maximum Wattage: 3.6 Watts
Battery: Rechargeable Lithium Ion 3.7V 1A cell
DC Input: 5-6V 0.4Ah
Dimensions: 7.8 x 0.71 x 2.6 inches (LxHxW)
Weight: 4.6 ounces
Temperature Range: -4F to 131F (-20C to 55C)

What's in the Box?
Solio Hybrid 1000, adapter tip system cable, USB Port Replicator tip (powers iPhone, iPod, MP3 players), Mini-USB tip (powers Motorola, Blackberry, Garmin, iRiver), Nokia tip, instruction manual.
*Performance times may vary slightly depending on type of device and intensity of sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Solio compatible with my iPhone? The USB port replicator tip--included in the box--is also compatible with iPods, MP3 players, and many digital cameras. A separately available adapter is required for the iPhone 3G and second generation iPod touch.
Can I charge Solio on a cloudy day and can it be left outdoors? Yes, Solio will charge on a cloudy day, although less efficiently than when under clear skies. Cloud cover can also be too thick to allow enough sunlight through to the solar panels. Solio is engineered to be rugged and weather resistant, but it is not entirely weatherproof. Solio should not be left out in wet, rainy, or snowy conditions without a protective covering.
Can I charge a device while charging the Solio? Yes, providing that the Solio has a bit of power on it. Please note that as the Solio is transferring power to your device it will not gain much of a charge, if at all. If the current drawn is greater than the amount that sunlight conditions allow the Solio to charge it's internal battery, you may not significantly receive a charge from the Solio.
About Solio
Solio is made by Better Energy Systems, a company that develops and markets portable clean technology products for travel, work, and play. Their award-winning designers and engineers think 'outside the grid' to develop new technologies for the eco-mobility market, creating true energy independence for people around the world. With products engineered to the highest technical and environmental standards, BES enables customers to take a meaningful step on the path to sustainability.
Founded in 2001 in London, BES envisions a massive shift in energy delivery and infrastructure to combat global warming. They believe that making renewable technology accessible to the average person will speed this shift. Solio, the company's flagship product, was conceived as a 'trojan horse' for the renewable energy market; a versatile hand-held charger that opens the lives and minds of consumers to the potential of solar. BES also stands for energy equality: the belief that all people - regardless of geography or economic standing - are entitled to clean energy and light. BES is engaged in the fight against poverty by finding new ways to bring sustainable power and light to people at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

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