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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Brunton SOLARIS 52 CIGS Foldable Solar Panel (Black/Silver, 12 Volt)

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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HQRP 50 Watt Solar Panel 50W Power 12V Monocrystalline PV Module plus HQRP Coaster Review

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(More customer reviews)Initially, I want to warn people who are amateurs like me that the MC (Multi Contact) cables that Amazon recommended for this solar panel WILL NOT WORK and the correct cables, apparently, are not available on Amazon. What you need is referred to as Multi-Contact Solarline 2 on some sites or MC4 on other sites. Yes, confusing for a newb. Fortunately, I found adapters on eBay that will link the newer cables from the solar panel to the older cables Amazon recommended. They are called: Solar Panel Power Cable Adapter MC3 Female to MC4 Male - you'll also need male to female.
Hope this saves others an expensive le$$on.
I'll update this review when I receive the adapters from eBay....

UPDATE: These are good little panels at about $53/amp. I chose these instead of the 85 watt panels because I am making a portable power setup - these are about 10 inches smaller. The 85 watt panels are almost twice the amps for about $100 more.
http://www.amazon.com/HQRP-Mono-crystalline-Anodized-Aluminum-Mousepad/dp/B002OSAB2I

Just be aware the connectors on this panel are the new MC4 Solarline 2, not the old MC3 Solarline 1 that Amazon was selling.
If you bought the old cables as I did, the adapters to connect the old cables to the newer connectors of the solar panel can be found on eBay here:
[...]

The male to female adapters are further down the page. If you don't find it there, the seller for the above eBay link sells both. You would need both male and female.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HQRP 50 Watt Solar Panel 50W Power 12V Monocrystalline PV Module plus HQRP Coaster

Product Description:
Products trademarked HQRP® are marketed and sold exclusively by Osprey-Talon. HQRP 50 Watt (50W) Solar Electric Power Panel. The solar cells are encapsulated beneath high transmission tempered glass. The rear surface of the module is completely sealed from moisture and mechanical damage. Construction of the module minimizes weight while providing a durable, protective environment for the solar cells. Considering the fact that solar panels are supplied with MC connector, You will need to buy aditionally cable adapter (not included into the set).

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American Hunter 12 Volt Solar Panel with Mount Review

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(More customer reviews)when you purchase something like this, you would want to have all the technical specifications IN ADVANCE so you are not surprised.... so this is what you would really get if order this one:
FeederMax#20578 12-volt solar charger.It is NOT the one pictured with the clips, but it does have a protective flex conduit around the cable.It is sold as a solar pannel (which it is of course) but what it is really made for is a very low power charger- specifically it is only 1.26Watts.... ya just can't do much with that.with no load on it, in bright sun it generates 20 volts (so be careful with small devices) but the box says max 18V.
So if you are a hunter and need a to charge something small for low use, this might be great, but other applications- not so much.

Click Here to see more reviews about: American Hunter 12 Volt Solar Panel with Mount

Product Description:
American Hunter 12 Volt Solar Panel with Mount

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HQRP KIT (85 Watt Solar Panel 85W Power 12V Monocrystalline 12 Volt, Solar 10A Charge Power Controller / Regulator 12V / 24V 10 Amp) + HQRP Coaster Review

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(More customer reviews)Excellent price and well built solar panel and charger. As good as my BP panel. Liked the Led display on charger. Did not like the connectors and cut them off and fed wires direct from panel to charger. Installed on my RV and works perfectly in February in Arizona only used generator a couple of times. Delivered ontime.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HQRP KIT (85 Watt Solar Panel 85W Power 12V Monocrystalline 12 Volt, Solar 10A Charge Power Controller / Regulator 12V / 24V 10 Amp) + HQRP Coaster

Product Description:
Products trademarked HQRP™ are marketed and sold exclusively by Osprey-Talon.HQRP 85 Watt (85W) Solar Electric Power Panel. The solar cells are encapsulated beneath high transmission tempered glass. The rear surface of the module is completely sealed from moisture and mechanical damage. Construction of the module minimizes weight while providing a durable, protective environment for the solar cells. Considering the fact that solar panels are supplied with MC connector, You will need to buy aditionally cable adapter (not included into the set).HQRP Solar Charge Controllers are high quality, efficient and reliable Solar Power Regulators. They are perfect for rural electrification system. They offer a lot of possibilities and benefits. Regulations point: 14.4 Volts; Low voltage Disconnect: 11.1V Volts; Low voltage Reconnect: 13.1 Volts; Microcontroller digital accuracy; Type of Charging: Series PWM & stat of charge(SOC); 4 Stages: equalization, PWM, Boost and Float, temperature compensated charging; Electronic protections: Short circuit and over current-solar and load; Reverse polarity-solar, load, battery; Reverse current at night; Limits high voltage to protect loads; Lighting protection; Tropicalization: Conformal coated printed circuit board; Self-consumption: 6mA maximum.

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HQRP KIT (20 Watt Solar Panel 20W Power 12V Monocrystalline 12 Volt, Solar 10A Charge Power Controller / Regulator 12V / 24V 10 Amp) + HQRP Coaster Review

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(More customer reviews)HQRP 10A Solar Panel Power Battery Charge Controller / Regulator 12V / 24V 10 Amp 150W with PWM Type of Charging plus HQRP Mousepad
I bought two of these and both were defective or incorrectly designed in that they both did not cut off the charging at 14.4 V as specified but took the batteries to over 16 V -- a good way to destroy batteries.
No technical help available --- do not buy!

Click Here to see more reviews about: HQRP KIT (20 Watt Solar Panel 20W Power 12V Monocrystalline 12 Volt, Solar 10A Charge Power Controller / Regulator 12V / 24V 10 Amp) + HQRP Coaster

Product Description:
Products trademarked HQRP® are marketed and sold exclusively by Osprey-Talon.HQRP 20 Watt (20W) Solar Electric Power Panel. The solar cells are encapsulated beneath high transmission tempered glass. The rear surface of the module is completely sealed from moisture and mechanical damage. Construction of the module minimizes weight while providing a durable, protective environment for the solar cells.HQRP Solar Charge Controllers are high quality, efficient and reliable Solar Power Regulators. They are perfect for rural electrification system. They offer a lot of possibilities and benefits. Regulations point: 14.4 Volts; Low voltage Disconnect: 11.1V Volts; Low voltage Reconnect: 13.1 Volts; Microcontroller digital accuracy; Type of Charging: Series PWM & stat of charge(SOC); 4 Stages: equalization, PWM, Boost and Float, temperature compensated charging; Electronic protections: Short circuit and over current-solar and load; Reverse polarity-solar, load, battery; Reverse current at night; Limits high voltage to protect loads; Lighting protection; Tropicalization: Conformal coated printed circuit board; Self-consumption: 6mA maximum.

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Brunton New SOLARIS i6 Foldable iPod? Solar Charger Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First off, I live in Sacramento, CA.So it's not the sunniest location, but still pretty dang sunny.

I purchased the Solaris i6 with the intention to be able to charge any of the following: Ipod Video, Ipod Shuffle, Treo Smartphone, Garmin GPS, Bluetooth headset, & AA or AAA batteries.Usage would be mainly around the house, but I am an outdoor enthusiast that would disappear into backcountry whenever possible taking my trusty Ipod as my only real tie to civilization.Therefore, portability, simplicity & durability would be paramount for my outings.

At first tests, the Solaris was TECHNICALLY capable of charging everything EXCEPT the Ipod Video.The shuffle, phone, GPS & Bluetooth were fabulous - no problems there.The AA & AAA batteries were close to impossible.Majority of chargers out there are just not able to work with the current that's created from these panels.I did find a charger that could, however the limit was a single battery at a time!If 2 batteries were placed in the charger, the lights would flicker a little -- but charge.The SECOND a cloud, haze, or anything (possibly even a ladybug!) passed over the sun, the threshold was broken & the battery charger would flash "error."Unfortunately, the charger would either sit there flashing error (& no longer charging) until I came back later thinking my batteries are charged, or I would have to reset the charger by either removing the batteries & re-inserting (or unplugging & re-plugging the charger to the solar panels).So... technically, there probably is a charger out there that can work off of the current that the i6 produces, but in my experience -- I'm as close to finding that charger as I am to finding a cure for Mad Cow Disease.So, expect the stated "3-4 hrs to charge 4 AA batteries" to actually read, "3-4 hrs PER AA battery."As for the Ipod... IMPOSSIBLE as well using the provided Ipod cable.I figured I had a defective Ipod cable -- as the terminal contacts were too small for me to test with my voltage meter.Concluding so, I exchanged the Solaris for another one hoping that the Ipod issue would be resolved.Well, the problem was not resolved.

I can only conclude 1 of 2 conclusions, either: 1) I have terrible luck, & got 2 units with defective cables, or 2) the i6 is not capable of creating enough juice to charge the Ipod Video (at least in my 95 degrees, full-sun early September conditions here in Northern CA).I'm assuming scenario #2.That said, I think it's terrible to tout a product specifically for the Ipod -- yet it can't deliver.As a manufacturer, I'd have tested the product against available generations of Ipods that use the connection that you are providing.There is no disclaimer (except that the lighting conditions may vary from our test type deal, etc.), so it really is disappointing.If you have a USB car adapter however, you can use this with the normal Ipod USB cable & the Brunton provided Female Cig adapter.This WILL charge the Ipod -- but you now have to use 3 items vs. the 1 Brunton Ipod cable.For some this may be insignificant, but for me -- this feels a little jacked-up when you consider the Ipod cable is about $10... which means some of my purchase price is completely wasted.Not to mention the fact that I now have to carry more bulk when outdoors.

So bottom-line, this product is capable of charging an Ipod -- as well as a good majority of SMALL electronics.UN-intentional deception aside, I like the Solaris for what it is capable of delivering in such a portable package.I will however grade them hard, as I believe in delivering on a promise or claim.

On a side note, I am impressed with the Solaris line to the point that I am currently contemplating purchasing the 26 as well for larger electronics (digital SLR batteries & portable DVD players), for longer comfortable basecamps away from power.

One last point to consider... if you are purchasing these units SOLELY for emergency power (cell phones), you might want to consider the 12 or 26 watt Solaris instead.The 6 watts work beautifully under sunny conditions, & at about 25%-50% under light to moderate overcast conditions (but still enough to activate my phone charger).I would doubt though that enough current would be produced under heavier overcast (conditions typically associated with emergency situations) to initiate charging for most cell phones.For those of you thinking, "it's for situations like car trouble on a sunny day (not natural disasters)," let's face it, why would you need something as expensive as solar?... why not go with something like an extra battery... easier & cheaper to buy & carry.With a larger Solaris, there is a greater chance that the panels will collect enough energy to trigger your chargers, as a 10-15% output from the 26 would be most likely enough to activate charging.Just something to think about...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Brunton New SOLARIS i6 Foldable iPod? Solar Charger

Product Description:
Can't bear to live without your favorite tunes while on the trail or at the campsite? Turn to the Solaris i6 iPod solar charger, which keeps your iPod fully juiced using the power of the great outdoors. The i6 bundle is outfitted with a 6-watt CIGS solar panel, along with a direct-connect iPod power cable, a vehicle outlet cable, a multi-linking cable, and a battery clamp cable. The end result is a package that includes everything you need to charge up and stay in tune everywhere you go. The vehicle outlet cable plugs into your car's 12-volt cigarette lighter for listening to your iPod behind the wheel, while the multi-linking cable also lets you charge digital cameras, MP3 players, PDAs, cell phones, and more. You can even increase the power output by linking compatible solar panels to the i6 panel. Also equipped with a handy storage sack, the i6 bundle measures 29 by 9 inches, weighs 7.1 ounces, and is backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box?
i6 solar panel, iPod cable, vehicle outlet cable, multi-linking cable, battery clamp cable, storage sack, user's manual

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Brunton SolarFlat Rigid Solor Panel Review

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(More customer reviews)Seems well constructed.Has an aluminum frame as mentioned in the description.My only suggestion to make it truly weather proof would be a slightly better seal on the rear terminal block housing.I may silicon it or do something to better seal it for the environment I will be using it in.I considered sealing around the frame but this would seem redundant.The frame appears to just provide physical as opposed to environment protection for the panel.The panel itself seems to be sealed by virtue of how it is constructed.

It also comes with a nice selection of adapters(Cigarette Lighter, Alligator clamps, bare ended pigtail), and an LED adapter plug to check function.I will be using it to trickle charge a battery in a 16KW Backup Generator at a vacation property.The battery is normally charged by the supplied power but only when in Auto Mode.I turn the unit off typically when not occupying the home and therefore the battery runs down.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Brunton SolarFlat Rigid Solor Panel

Product Description:
Use the sun to maintain your batteries when you camp, boat, or travel. The Brunton SolarFlat Rigid Solar Panel comes in three wattages for different needs. The 2-watt panel maintains a charge in your boat or car battery, while the 5-watt panel charges small electronics such as cell phones, GPS, and digital cameras as well as trickle charges a car battery. The 15-watt panel charges everything from a cell phone to laptop, charges vehicle batteries, and runs small appliances like radios, lights, and TVs.

Product Features

Dimensions: [15W] 14 x 48 x 0.75in (35.6 x 122 x 1.9cm); [5W] 16 x 14 x 0.75in (40.6 x 35.6 x 1.9cm); [2W] 7 x 12 x 0.75in (cm)
Power Output: 15, 5, or 2 Watts
Weight: [15W] 10lb 2oz (000g); [5W] 3lb 15oz (g); [2W] 1lb 15oz (g)
Recommended Use: Camping, boating, traveling
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year

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