The Solaris 12 Foldable Solar Power Array by Brunton is the most compact model in the Solaris line. Choose between 6 and 12 watt outputs. FEATURES of the Solaris Foldable Solar Power Array by Brunton 12V output for video and digital cameras, satellite and cell phones Flexible high performance CIGS solar cells Multi-section folding panels for ease of storage and use Link up to three units together for even more output Reverse flow protection Lightweight compact design SPECIFICATIONS: Weight: 11 oz. Max output: 12 Watts Panel type: CIGS Overall dimensions: 29" x 17.5" Warranty: One-year Included: Storage sack, Vehicle outlet cable, Multi-linking cable and Battery clamp cable
Buyer beware! I know it's silly, but when I spend $100-160 (plus shipping!) for what I think is a solid solar USB charger, I kinda expect it to actually work. As large as this set of solar panels is, it is too weak to charge most iPods and newer cell-phones, even in very direct sunlight. I really did have high hopes for this product, and I really did not expect to leave poor feedback for it. As far as the seller is concerned, the product shipment was slow and was initially sent to the wrong address entirely in another state. I would definitely NOT purchase from this seller again.
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Just got back from 8 days on Kilimanjaro using the Brunton Solaris 12 and the Brunton Solo 7.5 to keep our GPS, laptops etc charged so we could blog while on the mountain. The Solaris 12 worked well; the Solo 7.5 did not.
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This review is from: Brunton Solaris Foldable Solar Power Array (Spring 2010) (Misc.)
First, thanks to the few reviews that had detailed reviews up for this item. Really made my decision easier.
I was very, very surprised on how light and portable this item is. The very low weight and flexibility of this makes for easy backpack carrying.
Tested it this last weekend with several 12v accessories I have around the house cell phones, portable DVD player, DeLorme GPS, and was even able to directly power a ULV laptop directly from the panel (25W TP). Also tested it for charging both NiMH batteries through direct 12v and USB adapters, as well as some CR123 and 18650 lithium ion recharables, with no issue. Finally hooked it up to my newly purchased Xantrex XPower Powerpack 400 Plus Portable Backup Power Source (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000157TP8/ref=oss_product) and it was (as expected) able to provide a charge for that gel battery backup. Not sure how long it would take to completely fill its power reserve, but it was able to charge up several 10% blocks in a few hours.
I would have liked to have gotten the 52W version of this, but it was sold out. You can supposedly link two 26W panels, however, as other reviewers have pointed out, it is not a terribly easy process, and should have come with an extra or dedicated cable to work for this feature.
Overall I am quite pleased with this purchase.
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