A detailed analysis of this portable/packable/folding solar panel from Big Blue. I have mixed feelings about it. It could be right or wrong for you, depending on what you need.
I would recommend it based on the one that I have. Have used it for months and it's still all good. Like I said in the video, the newer version with the ports which are oriented vertically might be better for extending the panels out of a tent or from under a tarp/umbrella in the rain etc. But I personally would consider Big Blue again because I like the sturdiness of the product and the power output I found impressive.
Thank you for this video. It is now 2 years old. Do you have an update on how it performed during your tip? How did you hang it on your bike while you are riding?
It performs very well to this day. It’s easy to hang over a backpack etc. Basically you just tie it onto whatever you want to use. I mainly used it at camp hanging from a tree etc.
That's true. When there are clouds it will basically not charge, but given that most capital cities in Europe have between 7 & 9 rain days a month you can actually keep a phone and laptop charged as long as you have an external battery which you can charge on the sunny days.
@@ashrodders you have to check the input/output voltages. I don't know if this produces enough watts to charge a laptop - most laptops are over 45 watts. So you'd need to find a power bank (battery) which can take the low input voltage (5 volts +-26 watts) and output it to the laptop. I think a tablet which charges via USB might be a better option. But I don't know if you can - it could be possible. Are you planning to travel by foot, car, bicycle, motorcycle? Edit1: I've seen a few powerbanks which are designed with an AC outlet to power laptops. I don't know if they have an option for a USB input. Normal solar panels use an MC5 or MC4 power jack - you might want to get a normal solar panel with that connection which would give you more options in regards to which power banks you can input the power to. But have a look, if you find a laptop power bank with a 5 volt USB input let me know.
@@mpireoutdoors5274 i will and thank you for the knowledge bro im just prepping getting some ham radios and torches im actuallly looking at night vision but it looks like crap the stuff i can afford this solar energy is mindblowing but i understand it more from what you said il probably use this to usb chard the radios and torches ect
@@ashrodders I have some experience with a generation 1 night vision unit with an inbuilt infrared flashlight which runs off a CR123 battery and sits on a head mount - I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this for movement in open field at night. Gen 1 means about 15 times light amplification which means as long as there's a quarter moon and your eyes are adjusted it let's you see pretty well in field. However, for a general use long term option I would suggest Gen 2 minimum because it has an extended tubelife, better light amplification and often have autogating etc. You can charge the CR123 with a small USB charger via a portable solar panel which basically gives you permanently powered night vision - a single charge lasts a few hundred hours of use and takes only about an hour to charge.
