Going Green with Reuben: Rollable Solar Panel Charger- 28W- by PowerFilm

Rollable Solar Panel Charger- 28W- by PowerFilm product image

Rollable Solar Panel Charger- 28W- by PowerFilm
Description:

The Rollable Solar Panel Charger- 28W- by PowerFilm, It's the perfect portable solar solution for waterlogged environments, and works and low-light conditions. Can easily power laptops, cell phones, and many other devices.

This solar panel does not consist of cadmium but does consist of silicon, which is abundant and a natural resource. The solar panel is durable and does work very well in diverse environments.

Basically, you can use this solar panel in very hot areas, and it will not be harmed by overusing or wasted voltage. The package includes a 15-foot extension/power cord and a RA-2 cigarette lighter adapter. This solar panel charger weight is 3 pound when it is shipped.

From PowerFilm

The PowerFilm Rollable solar charger can go anywhere, do anything, and stand up to the toughest punishment, while being the lightest, most flexible, waterproof solar panel on the planet.

The 28W rollable is the perfect portable solar solution for waterlogged environments when you need to keep medium to large electronics powered-up or you want to supply a trickle charge to the battery a boat without worry about the water. Unlike other thin-film solar technologies, PowerFilm solar chargers do not need to be "sun soaked" after storage to produce peak power; you have critical power to moment you need it.

How the charger works:

Place the charger solar-side up in the sun.
Connect the charger using either the female CLA or 15' O-ring terminal extension cord (both included) to your device or 12V battery.
Note - unlike the USB+AA and AA solar chargers there is no storage mechanism, meaning the charger will only produce DC power while in the sun.

About PowerFilm Solar

PowerFilm was founded in 1988 by Dr. Frank Jeffrey and Dr. Derrick Grimmer, former 3M research physicists with a combined 65 years of experience in semiconductor and solar energy research and development.

PowerFilm, Inc. is a leading global developer and manufacturer of thin-film solar products and modules. The company utilizes a unique and proprietary technology platform, enabling the production of low-cost solar modules on a high volume basis. PowerFilm is positioned for growth through strategic partnerships and identification of complete solar solution opportunities that are carried to market through partners existing branding and distribution channels.

Thin, Flexible Solar Panels

Since 1988 PowerFilm has focused on developing thin-film solar module technology through an industrial scale manufacturing process. Elements of the company’s low-cost technology and manufacturing process include the use of:

A durable, flexible plastic substrate
Roll-to-roll manufacturing to minimize handling costs
Amorphous silicon to avoid dependence on the silicon wafer market
Printed interconnection to automate the cell connection process

PowerFilm remains in a strong position within the rapidly changing thin-film solar industry, continuing to acquire new partners and expand production capacity as the competitive landscape weakens.
Corporate Brochure

Rollable Solar Panel Charger- 28W- by PowerFilm
Ratings:

4.5 out of 5 stars
With 8 Reviews

Rollable Solar Panel Charger- 28W- by PowerFilm
Features and Specifications

Rolls up compactly
Lightweight
Waterproof
Economical and easy to use
Works in low light conditions
No “sun soaking” required
Power to charge the widest range of electronic devices

Specs

Operating Voltage: 15.4
Wattage: 28
Current: 1.8 amps
Width (mm): 386.3
Length (mm): 2025.6 unrolled
Width (in): 14.5
Length (in): 79.75 unrolled
Weight (kg): 0.816 kg
Weight (lb): 1.8 lbs

Suggested Accessories:
PowerFilms Accesories PDF

RA1 - male car charger adapter
RA9 - 4.5A Charge Controller for 12V lead acid batteries
RA13 - Anderson Powerpole adapter
RA14 - 12V USB conversion plug
RA16 - Goal Zero solar adapter
All Accesories On One Page

Rollable Solar Panel Charger- 28W- by PowerFilm
Review:

5 out of 5 Stars
Great panels!
By B Miller on September 29, 2014
Verified Purchase
The R-28 panels are exceptional panels. They are reasonably small, light, and waterproof. I currently own two of them and I am considering a third.

However, the jury is still out on longevity. My first panel just turned 3 years old.. It has only been used twice for two, weekend-long RACES events where it was used to maintain charge on 12v batteries. I noticed this Summer that it is only generating 14 watts instead of 28. I am working with PowerFilm to see if it can be replaced. If not, these are going to be very expensive disposable panels.

[Update: 16 October, 2014] Powerfilm replaced the defective panel so I am upgrading my rating from 3 to 5 stars. Thank you Powerfilm!

Rollable Solar Panel Charger- 28W- by PowerFilm
Frequently Asked Questions

Question
Can it charge a 5V 2A lithium ion battery ?
Answer
These panels are designed for 12 Volt systems. With the proper controlling circuit you would be able to charge the 5V lithium battery. If you have the correct car adapter for your USB 5V battery this can directly hook up to the panel as the controlling circuit is built into the car adapter.
By Solar Made on November 19, 2014
Answer
This panel produces 15V to charge 12V battery systems. You would need a charger that is capable of handling that in order to charge your 5V battery.
By PowerFilm Solar on November 19, 2014

Question
If I do not completly unroll it (on car dashboard or rear window) will I still get the same voltage (but less current and less wattage)?
Answer
As more of the product is covered (or rolled up) less current is produced but the voltage should stay fairly constant until very little of the solar material is showing. So, yes that is possible to keep part of it rolled up.
By PowerFilm Solar on August 12, 2015

Question
Guys, what is the rolled dimensions? I mean, diameter of the roll...
Answer
Hi Vasiliy,
The inner roll diameter is a minimum of 3 inches (7.6cm). The outer roll diameter will depend on how tight it is rolled and which product you have. For the R-28, the outer diameter is typically 5 inches (12.7cm).
Hope this helps,
Pat
By PowerFilm Solar on May 19, 2015

Solar Time Lapse Video Crystalline Solar Panel vs. PowerFilm (video)

Published on Aug 7, 2012
We used an 80 watt crystalline panel alongside our 45 watt amorphous silicon panel to see what the effective power output over the course of one average day with minor shadowing would be for each. Interestingly the lower wattage "less efficient" PowerFilm panel produced more power to the battery under the same conditions as the crystalline panel. Showing that the panel efficiency isn't the most important consideration when rating solar panel effectiveness.