S-1116: 12V Briefcase Solar Generator

I own four of these. Got them from another source. I have all of them in a closet waiting for an extended power outage. I purchased Radio Shack #274-1573 adapters so that I can plug them directly into my four Xantrex XPower Powerpack 400 plus units (battery pack power sources). These power packs give me both 12 Volt DC and 115 Volt AC. I keep them fully charged by plugging them in to the wall socket. As for choosing solar panels, If I could afford it (and I was many years younger) I might have purchased the much more expensive monocrystalline solar panels. They retain 80% of original efficiency after twenty five years of continuous use. By contrast, these much cheaper S-1116 briefcase panels will only last about five years of continuous use. Also, the monocrystalline panels are much more efficient and thus smaller while producing higher wattage. A nice portable monocrystalline briefcase is available at much higher cost. It is even somewhat weather proof. The S-1116 is not weather proof. If you want to set up a lifetime solar power source, buy monocrystalline solar panels. But, I assume you are only wanting a portable solar power source for emergencies. If so, I think this cheaper S-1116 is your best choice. It might also be a good choice considering that they do last five years and the scientific community is continuously improving, and reducing cost of, everything electronic. All four of my panels tested better than advertised. Maybe I should have given the S-1116 five stars.

I bought this unit as a low cost way to gain some hands on experience with solar panels, and for possible use to recharge my laptop computer after a hurricane power outage. Via digital voltmeter I found:

Open circuit voltage: ~ 21.5 v

Max charging current: 400 500 ma

Both the voltage and current will vary somewhat depending on temperature and insolation these values are for shirt sleeve temperature and good sky conditions. I've used it to recharge the battery on a motorcycle that's used infrequently, and leave it on the front dash of an Astro van that is also infrequently used. It adds charge in both cases, but at a half amp tops its not a fast way to do it.

The unit is reasonably well built, and the supplied hookup cables are useful. For light duty or maintenance charging, it can do the job. If you want to deliver a more robust amount of power, a monocrystaline panel will deliver a lot more juice for the same physical size, whether its briefcase or regular panel.

Bottom line if you understand its limits, this product is a good way to mess around with solar power at a modest price. But it you want to generate more serious levels of power, look at the mono or poly crystaline alternatives.

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This product works very well and is easy to set up and get started. Excellent compact size. Beware of two things though and if I have any complaints these would be: look out for the shipping (new to amazon and didn't think it would be that much) and it is only a 13 watt solar panel. So if you're new to solar panels like I was, it will not charge a battery very fast and the 13 watt is the MAXIMUM. Expect less.

I use this panel to charge the Duracell 600 power pack (28aH battery basically) and it just never had enough juice to do the job. I did combine it with the Coleman 36 Watt solar panel but I'm still testing it so I'll have to update this review later. So whats good about it? Its a great trickle charger, it won't over charge your battery (blocking diode) Just a little sunlight will start it charging, and it's extremely portable (long cord wraps up inside). The connectors are easy to use and if you're worried about controlling the charge I would recommend the Kintrex (7 amp / 12V) which has matching connectors making for easier hook up and will do the same thing as the Sunforce amp controller (but so much easier to use if you have little to no electrical experience). Overall does as advertised, but if you're not solar savvy I suggest you look through the rest of the solar panels available on Amazon. Sunforce is a good comparison with the same easy connectors.

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Great item to charge my camping battery ( I use the battery to run a small fan at night in the tent). Don't regret purchase at all. You can charge so many household items with this nifty solar panel. Set in front of sunny window and then figure at all your hook-ups and charge away. Nothing happens fast , but that is OK , we all need to slow down and smell the roses.

Valerie

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