Nice for Swift Getaways, March 19, 2008

This is actually a pretty nice solar charger. It only has two negative aspects. First, it only has an energy efficiency rating of about 7%, and even with tender loving care, you can forget about it lasting more than about 3-4 years.

Originally touted as “weatherproof,” this Global Solar device actually can be ruined by rain. As for the sun, it tends to dry out and crack when exposed to long sessions and the materials break down with sustained use. Even when pampered, a 3-year lifespan is all that can be hoped for, and this according to the manufacturer. It’s great for the camper or hunter, who needs to pack it in a backpack, but somewhat lacking for the survivalist, who anticipates a 25+ year service life.

The 6W or 12W might be the way to go unless money is no object. Sadly, there is no other option except heavier glass paneled portable units, which weigh about nine pounds. If cared for, though, the heavier glass unit will provide significantly longer, if still indefinate, use.

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2 seasons and going strong!, May 24, 2010

By 

Cordain A. Lucas (Washington, D.C.) – See all my reviews

  

Product Manufacturer: Global Solar Energy

Model Indication / Branding: Sunlinq 25 Watt folding solar panel

Manufacturer Model Number: PN 22127A

Weight: 26 ounces / 737 grams

Output Unloaded: 15.6 VDC

Rated Output: 12 VDC

Nominal voltage: 14.3 VDC(Averaged)

Power: 1500mA

Connector type: SAE 2 Pin Connector “Junction”

Sunset Anti-Feedback Diode: Yes

Cell composition: Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide (CIGS)

[...]

Open size: 34″ x 20″ / 86.36 cm x 50.8 cm

Closed size: 8.5″ x 10.5″ x ~2.5″ thick / 21.59 cm x 26.67 cm x 6.35 cm

This panel is my first foray into folding portable solar storage. The outer shell material appears to be a plasticized ballistic “rip stop” type nylon material [pattern] of at least a few mils thickness. (I will break out the micrometer if anyone is truly interested)

This product does not technically fall under the mil spec construction guidelines as identified by the manufacturer. The mil-spec units begin at 30 Watts (or 62 Watts) and do not include the “accessory kit” . The accessory kit is only included with the 25 Watt and below units. I have not verified the low end of the scale for the accessory kit being included. But the buyer would be wise to ensure that if the kit is not included, that they have it.

This product material is stiff below 75F / 23C and prone to maintaining a memory. If granted to be stretched out during daylight hours it will mostly conform to the flat or mildly curved surface below it, however below this temperature one will experience some mild displeasure at attempting to fold it when the following to conditions have been met. The materials has a core temp of >75F / 23C and it has been granted to cool in a open/unfolded position. To create the least amount of stress on the panel one must think about folding these panels when warm. Unfolding the panel does not pose the same challenge as they will conform to the open position once warm.

This solar panel creates voltages that can be unhealthy for sealed/maintenance free batteries/ gel batteries and other types of batteries that do not grant the replenishment of water/acid levels. While the amperage levels are well below the unsafe levels, overcharging batteries by applying high voltages over long periods of time can produce undesirable performance characteristics in the batteries. The optional voltage regulator / charge controller is HIGHLY recommended.

This is a casual use panel. The intended purpose is to suit the qualifications of being ultra portable, mildly rugged and super cool.

The efficiency falls in between that of a rigid glass /silicone panel and above the older amorphous technology. Under peak/ideal conditions somewhere around 19%.

This panel is capable of charging smaller electronic devices directly so long as its output is regulated. On extremely bright days with low load is easily capable of producing voltages that have the potential to severely damage most consumer electronics.

In my setting I use it to keep several gel cell batteries (in parallel) topped up while automobile camping. This is easily enough power to run many strings of LED lights, a moderate sized automobile based audio system and the 12VDC margarita blender occasionally through a night and easily for 5-7 days of automobile camping with no outside input.

I can’t talk to survivalist purpose, but I must state that given proper care and conditions I would anticipate these panels to work as well as any other glass / silicone unit without the weight. Perhaps even longer for the mil-spec version.

As far as bang for the dollar is concerned. If you are looking for large power outputs. These are not the panels you are interested in. These panels are built solely for the purpose of being lightweight, rugged and portable.

And with that purpose in mind I must state that i highly advocate them!

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Satisfied!, June 26, 2010

Used this product only a few times so far. It has not let me down. I would advocate using the charge controller with it. I hooked up two 7A-hr batteries (from a personal UPS). My system filled my backpack, but was not too heavy for our hike. This system worked great to keep my sat-phone charged as well as power left for charging some dry cell batteries.

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