I have one of these: Page Not Found - Aliexpress.com and added this one: Page Not Found - Aliexpress.com
I didn’t know that this cell needs full sunlight to produce more than ~1.5V, so the converter I have (and the original one as well) ist not really useable here in germany.
There are converters that push 0.9-5V to 5V USB - but my Panel produces ~8V at full power.
So I’m asking if anyone knows a Buck/Boost Converter that begins at <1V and goes up way over 5V?
Also - Does anyone have experience with the two BLitzWolf Solar Chargers from BG?
Blitzwolf BW-L1 20W solar panel with BW-L1 code is now 6$ cheaper. It’s basically a rebrand of Anker 20/21W panel (I’ve seen it called with those two watt designations) - this one: Anker PowerPort Solar . There are some reviews online for Anker but basically it’s same quality as 15W sibling but delivers more current. It charges 10000mAh Xiaomi powerbank with ease in one day even without strong direct sunlight. 15W version seems exactly like Anker PowerPort Solar Lite. Blitzwolf/Anker solar chargers offers incredible value for the price and you will have hard time find anything better out there for twice that price. Anker is slightly more expensive so Blitzwolf with free shipping is no brainer. Blitzwolf 15W solar panel goes for $32,99 and if you have enough BG points you can even drop that to $28.04.
Those AX panels are way overpriced for their performance and low quality cells. Blitzwolf says it uses SunPower cells with over 20% efficiency and performace seems to support that claim. Not to mention the fact you can fold Blitzwolf cells and they are very convenient to carry.
Regarding the question about charging in indirect sunlight - I did not measure the voltage, but if the sky is overcast and still overall bright or the panel is in soft shadow both smartphone and Xiaomi powerbank are being charged but of course at much lower rate. 20W panel can even charge inside by the window. Those SunPower cells are excellent for less-than-optimal sun exposure.
These modules have wide enough voltage range as to safely accommodate and use effectively multiple in-series solar panel arrays (at least as that one you mentioned).
Do the math. The expensive first one should safely manage a 7SnP setup, and allow it to work from a really low per panel voltage (<0'9V).
I’ve been thinking that the BlitzWolf and Anker solar panels were ‘related’ for some time now. Nice to see it corroborated.
I’ve been doing some testing with it, to write a post for my blog.
But surely that 20W is theoretical.
They state 3A output max, so in my book that’s 15W max (because of the 5V it puts out).
I have yet to make a timelapse of a full day on the two outputs combined, but in one day of sunshine (a norlal summer day, not that burning sun) you can recharge 2 10.000mAh powerbanks, even when it’s a bit cloudy.
I did a review for “Archeer” of a similar solar panel.
3 panels (15watts) and 2 USB ports.
I was able to draw 1,8A on both ports in full sunlight.
Output is falling with clouds apparition obviously.
I just hooked up my DMM directly to the solar Panel - it went up over 17V without direct sunlight.
I think, the main Problem is the current and what the Buck/Boost eats from that - if that is too much, the voltage drops too low for the circuit to be able to boost it up.
Why I “need” (want) a solar Panel:
I am planning a part-time-camping tour through Norway and Sweden - half of the time in a tent, half in privat rented rooms.
I just need something to charge my flashlights and mobile-phone - both with one or two powerbanks as temporary storage.
What’s the real maximum power of BW-L2 (15W)? Based on video 7W, well that’s not so bad but not perfect. I would prefer Poweradd 14W, Kingsolar or Solarkingdom (13W) (amazon) similar panels rather than BW. I managed to extract 10W from such type of panels. Smaller pieces of cells is a real disadvantage because during the full cell cutting, micro cracks appearing that reduces output power.
Not really man, not really. There wasn’t a single panel that I mentioned before. All this stuff is the old one and do not worth any attention. May be someone will find it interesting, I don’t know. First of all a decent one solar panel must be made from Sunpower cells.
Could you explain or clarify, what exactly is supposed to be useful? Especially for the users, who’s looking for a good portable panel. I might be wrong and gonna change my opinion.
For one, claims made by many solar products are false, and I found it helpful to understand how solar power is actually achieved to power up power banks.
If you are looking for quick answers on what solar panels to buy, you are an ‘easy touch’ for false claims and assumptions. I was only trying to be helpful, but it was my false assumption that I would be helpful.
