Sunforce 22010 12-Watt Folding Solar Panel

by Sunforce

Product Features

• works with automobiles, RV's, Boats and small electronics
• maintenance free, easy installation
• works in all weather conditions
• Built-in Blocking Diode protects battery discharge at night
• max output 12watts 800 mAmps

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000S2CPTE
• Item model number: 22010
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #87,601 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

12watt Folding Solar Panel

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very useful, January 30, 2011

By 

Margaret K. La Pointe - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sunforce 22010 12-Watt Folding Solar Panel (Misc.)

I use this folding solar panel to recharge my battery-powered equipment when I am camping and sea kayaking. So far it has worked very well. I have recharged my portable DVD player, my cell phone, my camera batteries and my VHF radio. All you need is sun, which can be a little iffy here in the Pacific Northwest. The good news is that the panel still charges even when the sky is lightly overcast, although not at the rate when it is receiving direct sunlight. It has been durable, and is compact. Definitely recommended!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars No, I don't own one, but..., May 5, 2011

By 

Stargeezer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sunforce 22010 12-Watt Folding Solar Panel (Misc.)

This is another example of Amazon's tendency to toss all reviews into the same pot in a "close enuff is good enuff" kinda way.

Just thought I'd point out that there are two models of this product - 6.5 watt and 12 watt. The 6.5 watt model is named "12-VOLT". 12 watt is named "12-WATT" and costs about twice as much (logical, since it is has twice the panel surface). You can tell which one is being reviewed, if you happen to notice "Volt" or "Watt", but it is easy to miss unless you previously stumbled onto the "option" button on the product page.

The "12-Volt" fella producing 6.5 watts puts out a little under half an amp current. A nice trickle charge for smaller gadgets. The "12-Watt" model puts out almost one amp. This would charge smaller gadgets faster and provide a reliable charger for, say, a motorcycle battery. Either would get a car battery to a useable level after a while, and keep a charged battery topped off safely, but would not to provide a (car battery) full charge in short time.

Personally, I am glad I stumbled onto the difference, because I think perhaps it would be worth the extra money, and weight, to be able to charge things a little quicker.

I'll have to come back with a "real" review when I have owned one for a while. For now, I give it 4 stars just because 7 of the previous 8 reviewers gave it at least that.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lives up to its promises., February 26, 2011

By 

W. Gobel (Charleston, SC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sunforce 22010 12-Watt Folding Solar Panel (Misc.)

This solar panel is a very capable and compact power source. In the cold February sun I measured 14.96 volts DC at 890 milliamperes, well in excess of rated power .. and I can only imagine what June's sunshine will deliver. The unit folds well and lies flat when unfolded once it's been allowed to warm a little in the sun. Doesn't appear to 'crinkle' when folding or unfolding as I've read some will do. The connector is very secure and the supplied cables well made. I haven't yet determined if the supplied 8ft extension cord causes any line loss.

This panel fits nicely into its carrying bag, goes in easily but can be difficult to pull out .. owing to an inside seam that catches the panel; you soon learn to curl the array a little to facilitate removal from the bag. I would also advise against putting any real weight on the folded panel as the electrical connector is contained inside when folded and can create an impression on the cells. I'm looking for a small clear plastic bag, perhaps a garment bag, to protect the unfolded array from dust or debris when in use .. to cover it and protect it. Shouldn't be too hard to find one.

The fabric is a texturized plastic resembling ballistic nylon .. it may actually have nylon fiber inside the plastic. Cleans easily. Grommets well made. I'm quite satisfied with it.