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Excel Power 100W Lightweight Solar Panel - MC4 Reviews

4 Rating 1 Reviews
IF you're looking for a medium-sized panel for camping or festival use, this Excel offering would be a great choice. The description doesn't do it justice: the lightweight ETFE (fibreglass) backings makes it much easier to manage than a glass panel; the integral stands are easy to collapse but robust so you can angle it for maxium sun; and it folds along its centreline to stash neatly in a nice cordura carrier, about the size of an art portfolio, that is shipped with the product at no cost. How come I didn't give it five stars? Two reasons. Firstly, the MC4 connectors are a poor design decision. They snap on easily but are difficult to remove without a special tool, so you'll have some trouble breaking the panel down at the end of your stay. Secondly, the power rating is over-generous. The full spec says 3.32A at 18.8V. That means you'd get 60w if you set the panel up at noon in Death Valley, and less in real-world situations. Well, most of us have had to learn to take panel manufacturer's statements with a pinch of salt. You won't get 100w out of it, but this is a great way to harvest 30 or 40w.
1 Helpful Report
Posted 8 months ago