“There are many foldable solar panels in the stores these days. But what is the best? That’s the question we all get when we are going to purchase one. There are few facts to consider in a foldable solar panel. After extensive research, I selected one foldable solar panel to test out.”
ROCKPALS SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel for Jackery Explorer/Flashfish/BALDR/Goal Zero Portable Power Station Generator and USB Devices, Portable Solar Panel Charger with 3 USB Ports
The foldable solar panel I selected was ROCKPALS SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel. I have been testing it for some time now. These are the reasons for me to say Rockpals 100W Foldable Solar Panel is the best.
This Foldable Solar Panel is Ideal For
- Camping trips
- Fishing trips
- For RV
- Outdoor gathering
Package Included
I ordered the ROCKPALS SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel through Amazon. These are the things I found in that package.
- 1 x ROCKPALS 100W foldable solar panel
- 10 x dc connectors
- 1 x MC4 cable
- 1 x user manual
Dimensions and Weight
The solar panel came in folded like a suitcase. Folded dimensions of the solar panel are 20.5 x 14.2 x 2.6 inches. The weight of the solar panel with the default accessories is roughly 10.8lbs (around 5kg).
Suitcase Design
I have to say although the solar panel is the main component of this device, ROCKPALS has done an excellent job with the foldable suitcase design. Just a glance at the suitcase is enough to be impressed with its build.
You can carry this suitcase with a comfortable handle placed on the top end. ROCKPALS has made the exterior of this suitcase with durable waterproof material. There are two strapped clips to keep the solar panel in the folded position.
There is one pocket on this suitcase which you can find the junction box inside it. I find this pocket very useful because I can put my smartphone in it when connected for charging. Note that the junction box is not waterproof. Always keep it dry.
There are two iron loops at one end of the suitcase, which you can use to hang the solar panel.
But I would love it if I could carry this as a backpack instead of a suitcase.
Solar Panel Design
When you unfold the solar panel, dimensions are 64.5 x 20.5 x 1.2 inches. There are four flaps to it. According to ROCKPALS, solar panels are waterproof. But you have to make sure to keep the junction box safe.
There are few layers included in the solar panels to increase durability and efficiency. Another layer is there to reduce the effects of heat. These layers consist of PET, EVA, Cells, and fiberglass. The solar panels are monocrystalline-type panels.
Technical Specifications of the ROCKPALS 100W Foldable Solar Panel
- Solar Panel Wattage: 100 Watts
- Solar Panel Type: Mono-crystalline
- DC Charging Output: 18V/5.4A (Max)
- USB Charging Port: *2 (Max.Output Power: 10W)
- QC3.0 USB Port: 1*9V 2.5A MAX
- Open Circuit Voltage: 16 – 18V
- Operating Temperature: 0 – 120 F
High Efficiency
Efficiency is one of the main factors you should consider when buying a solar panel. There are few reasons for this. Simply high efficient solar panels can charge your devices much faster. But another solar panel manufacturer can promise the same speed charging. Then you have to check the dimensions of those solar panels. Because to provide the same charging speed, size may have increased.
As I mentioned before, ROCKPALS SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panels use monocrystalline solar cells. These are highly efficient compared to the polycrystalline solar panels used in other products. In numbers, while other solar panels achieve 15%, ROCKPALS Foldable Solar Panels can reach up to 23.5% efficiency.
I’m using a Rockpals 250W portable generator, and it took around 4-5 hours for a full charge under full sun.
3 Types of Outputs to Charge Your Devices
In ROCKPALS 100W Foldable Solar Panels, you can find three types of power outputs. Each of these outputs has these safety mechanisms to protect the devices you connect to them.
- Overcharge protection – This unit’s IC chip can smartly prevent any overcharging accidents.
- Over Current Protection – Solar panels current output can change with the amount of sunlight it is getting.
- Over Temperature Protection – Heating can cause damage to the charging devices. ROCKPALS Foldable Solar Panels provide reliable protection for this as well.
2 x USB Charging Ports
The best thing about ROCKPALS Foldable Solar Panels is the ability to charge up devices without a solar generator. In other words, if your aim is only to charge your phone and tablet while traveling, this is the best choice for you. No additional costs on solar generators.
These 2 USB ports provide 10W output. You can use them to charge your smartphones that do not have a fast charging facility.
QC3.0 USB Port
Who wants to spend hours charging a smartphone when you are going on a camping trip. Not me.
With this USB port, charge the devices extremely fast with fast charging capability. According to the manufacturer, you can charge up the devices four times faster using this port.
DC Charging Output
Having a quality foldable solar panel, you can buy a solar generator to get the full potential of the product you have.
One main selling point of ROCKPALS Foldable Solar Panels is its compatibility with many solar generators. This solar panel comes with 10 DC connectors. Because of this, you can connect many industrially available solar generators to the solar panel.
I didn’t receive 100W output at any time of charging my solar generator. But I expected this 100W is the output that this solar panel can give under perfect conditions. At home conditions, you can reach 50W – 60W range output.
Life Cycle and Warranty
For sure, you don’t want to buy a solar panel that will break down after the first camping trip you go on. ROCKPALS 100W Foldable Solar Panels have a life cycle that exceeds ten years. Not only that, their warranty is valid for two years.
Conclusion
I hope it’s quite understandable why I call ROCKPALS 100W Foldable Solar Panels are the best. They excel at every department there is. Better efficiency, fast charging, durability, compatibility, and the long warranty period are highlights of this foldable solar panel. The money you spent on this will be worth every bit of it.
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