Friday, October 28, 2011

Brunton 26 Watt Foldable Solar Array

The next generation of Solaris foldable technology is here. CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide) is the most efficient thin film solar technology available. By maximizing performance while optimizing portability, it makes the Solaris 26 the most compact high output model available. The built-in blocking diode prevents reverse battery discharge. Provides a lightweight, compact design that includes; Storage Sack, Vehicle outlet cable, Multi-link cable, Battery clamp cable. One Year Warranty. Contact us for Customer Service, Technical and any other question at 1-800-443-4871 (or) support@brunton.com

Amazon Sales Rank: #8372 in Sports & Outdoors Color: Silver/ Black Brand: Brunton Model: F-SOLARIS26 Number of items: 1 Dimensions: 3.10" h x 9.70" w x 11.50" l, 2.00 pounds 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

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.

Most helpful customer reviews 391 of 392 people found the following review helpful. Good panel with one problem (4th Update) By D. Driscoll I like this panel, I like it a lot. Right now I use it to charge a all of my electronics. It folds up nicely, and doesn't weigh much. I agree with the other posters on the positive things about these panels. These panels as individuals (not linked) are serving me and my teams very well in Iraq. We use them to power everything from MP3 Players and cell phones to advanced GPS tracking systems. There's only one problem I have, and that is linking more than two panels together. The instructions and box say it can be done, and the box says it includes a linking cable, but there is nothing that says how. You are supposedly able to link up to three panels together, but I am unable to accomplish this no matter how I configure the cables. I've written directly to Brunton's service department for guidance, but after a month I've only gotten the read receipts from them. No answer so far. No one on any blog or forum can tell me how this is done. They are expensive, so finding someone that has bought more than one is rare. All three panels came with the exact same cables, so I don't think I'm missing anything. There are two connection ports on each panel (it will charge two small items at the same time). As far as cables go you get one with clamps (like the kind that connects to a car battery), one female car cigarette lighter-style outlet, and another cable that has four adapters on one end and a single adapter (for plugging into the panel) on the other. You have to use the four-ended cable to link panels. The problem is that when you plug the end with four ends into a panel there is no more room to plug in another cable. The two prongs sticking out of the sides prevent this. Anyone with one panel could see what I mean. Try plugging both ends of your linking cable into your one panel, as would be the case on the middle panel in a series of three. Then consider how you would link three of them together. I would love to hear from anyone that has accomplished linking more than two of these together. Linking them together would allow us to power (real time) our field laptops and mini-satellites, we could even recharge our military satcom radio batteries. Unfortunately this isn't the case yet. The panel is excellent and I like it a lot. I gave it a three star rating because it claims to be able to do something that it cannot (link three panels). The instructions are also lacking in this area. Brunton's customer service also leaves something to be desired, which should be your only negative consideration if you're buying only one. Update: I finally got a reply from Brunton concerning linking the panels. Here it is: "To your question... The four-pronged linking cable can make the connection between panels a bit tight. Admittedly, the design isn't the best, but I've got three of our 26s here, hooked them up, and read increased amperage. On the panels where you're forced to use both the single and multi-tipped wire, I've found it's best to turn the four-tip plug perpendicular to the flat ground, making it easier to fit the single wire. I'll be the first to say it isn't pretty. It creates a slight fold in the panel, and doesn't allow it to sit completely flat, but it does make the connection, and since there's no solar receiver over the output, it doesn't affect the efficiency. As I said, the multi-prong cord isn't the best design. It's something I'm trying to get them to change in the development department. Keep in mind that hooking multiple panels together doesn't increase the total voltage coming out of your last panel, but rather simply increases the amperage. " Update * Click on "See customer Image" underneath the main product pic to see what this looks like * So I broke out my panels and gave it a try. Yes, by bending the panel you can make the two fit. This causes me some real problems. My initial

0 comments:

Post a Comment