Brunton 26 Watt Foldable Solar Array

8 February 2010 No Comment

Manufacturer: Brunton
Customer Rating:
List Price: $619.99
Sale Price: $306.99
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Product Description

Representing the next generation of solar panel technology, the Solaris 26 maximizes performance while taking up virtually no space at all. The unit's multi-section design folds up into a compact footprint that's just a bit larger than a DVD case, while still delivering an impressive 26 watts of power, more than enough to charge a laptop or digital video camera or power a satellite or cell phone. In addition, the unit's high-performance CIGS solar cells--the most efficient thin-film solar technology available--are extremely reliable, with a design that instinctively converts incident sunlight into an electrical current, even in low-light conditions. The combined functions make this an ideal panel for camping trips, hikes, power outages, and other occasions when it helps to have a portable power source on hand.

The Solaris 26, which measures 21.5 by 37.5 inches when open and 11 by 8.5 inches when folded, includes a battery clamp cable for charging car batteries, along with vehicle outlet and multi-linking cables. It's also backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box?
Solaris 26 foldable solar panel, vehicle outlet cable, multi-linking cable, battery clamp cable, storage sack, user's manual.

Product Details

Foldable 26-watt solar panel folds up and stores in portable sack
Instinctively converts sunlight into electrical current even in low light
Ideal for charging laptops and digital cameras or running cell and satellite phones
High-performance CIGS solar cells are ultra-efficient; reverse flow protection
Measures 11 x 8.5 x 1 inches (W x H x D) when folded and weighs 28 ounces; one-year warranty

Video Reviews

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Customer Reviews

Even Better Than Advertised

Review Date: June 18, 2008

Reviewer: James D. DeWitt, Fairbanks, AK United States

I am a nature photographer, and spend significant intervals a long ways from a power outlet. I recently used this solar charger to keep lithium ion batteries charged for my digital camera. I am pleased to report that it works even better than specified. I was able to charge two Olympus BLM-1 batteries simultaneously, in a couple hours in sunny conditions and in six hours in cloudy conditions. Even when the temperature fell as low as 25 F, the charger worked just fine.

The units folds up into a small comparatively small bag. You wouldn't use it for ultralight backpacking, but it worked fine for me, and is comparatively light in relation to my camera gear. The charger got rained on, got mud splashed on it, and was stepped on my a small child, and survived it all just fine.

Sturdy, durable, portable, powerful and effective. Highly recommended.

(I saw one review complaining the unit wouldn't power a laptop computer. That's true. You'd need two. It won't power a refrigerator or a dishwasher, either. But if you need to charge batteries, this works great.)

Great Product!

Review Date: September 22, 2007

Reviewer: Volthead, Athens, GA United States

This is a very useful product. I've used it to power essentially any low-draw 12V equipment that I normally charge via my car's cigarette lighter. I live in Georgia (not a tremendously strong solar area) yet I was able to run anything I wanted to with moderate cloud cover. I used it today to charge my cell phone with a dead battery to full charge in less than an hour (as advertised). I haven't used it to charge my boat/auto battery yet but I have purchased the Brunton Solar Controller to utilize it. The panel is very easy to use and comes with multiple adapters. I'm not an electrician but I was able to open the box and use the product in less than five minutes. I'm excited to take it camping and on my boat. It's just a really, really useful product all the way around and comes with the Brunton name.

Works well even in cloud cover...

Review Date: May 9, 2007

Reviewer: Sean Richardson, Texas

I bought this mainly to power my satellite radio boom box by the pool and when camping... and it works great.

Even with moderate cloud cover it can power the boom box (which needs 12V 1900mA)... and in full sun I can run the boom box and charge a cell phone.

Its also great to just have around as an emergency power supply for cell phones, radios, etc. should the power go out for an extended period.

Very good product, exceeded expectations...

Review Date: October 27, 2008

Reviewer: Nicholas Krebs, Chicago, IL

I am a ham radio operator and I have been operating Picnic Table Portable all summer long from a city park in the middle of Chicago. I have added the Brunton 26 watt solar panel to my portable station and it has been a tremendous asset. It folds up into the size of a sheet of paper, and in full sun I am able to get about 1.65 amps out of it. Even in partly cloudy and ambient light it can produce enough power to keep my 9aH gel cell battery topped off while I operate.

See pictures of my setup at http://www.kg9e.net

[...]

This weekend we had wind gusts of 50MPH. I was operating portable again, and had the solar panel bungee corded down and it withstood the wind very well. Before I set up, I measured the 9aH gel cell battery voltage across the terminals it read 12.42v (about 75% charged). After operating for about 3 hours in cloudless skies while having the solar panel attached, I measured the voltage across the terminals and it read 12.9v (easily 100% charged). I've been able to stay on the air for about 12 hours, drawing a maximum of 7.5 amps from the battery. 8 hours during the day, and 4 hours after sunset. It makes a big difference in the amount of time I can stay on the air with a single battery.

This is one durable and fun solar panel. It has been the subject of much curiosity and an invaluable to my portable/disaster communication radio station.
[..]

Safari Power

Review Date: October 3, 2008

Reviewer: M. OBrien,

This is a GREAT product. Took it to Kenya for a photo-safari. We tied it to the top of the Land Cruiser and with an Impact universal charger was able to charge all of my batteries and most of the others' in the group. Could have sold several over the course of three weeks.

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