Yargo 100W portable solar panel review

REVIEW – Earlier this yr, this overview workforce loved testing out the Yargo YP100W photo voltaic panel. When Yargo supplied to allow us to take a look at the much more moveable model, the Yargo 100W moveable photo voltaic panel (YB100), we had been completely happy to present it a strive. We discovered that it’s similar to its larger cousin, with only a few notable variations.

What’s it?

The Yargo 100W moveable photo voltaic panel (YB100) is a really gentle, folding photo voltaic panel that comes with a 4-in-1 connector, a carrying case and 4 carabiners for positioning/hanging.

What’s within the field?

• Yargo 100W moveable photo voltaic panel
• Carry bag
• 4-in-1 connection cable
• Cling buckle/carabiners (4)
• Instruction guide

{Hardware} specs

• Model: YARGO
• Materials: monocrystalline silicon
• Dimensions(folded): 11.4 x 8 x 2.7 inches
• Dimensions(unfolded): 53.9 x 23 x 0.1 inches
• Weight 5.5 Kilos
• USB output: output voltage 20.9V; max output present 3A
• DC output; output voltage 20.9V; max output present 4.8A
• Photo voltaic indicator: Inexperienced (regular); Not brilliant (photo voltaic panels aren’t opened or coated or fault)
• Waterproof: IP67
• Weight: 5.5 kilos
• Kind: YB 100W
• Peak energy: 100W
• Photo voltaic cell effectivity: 23%
• Working temperature vary: -20 to 55 levels C; -4 to 131 levels F

Design and options

When the Yargo 100W moveable photo voltaic panel arrived on our doorstep, we had been confused. Or perhaps “pleasantly stunned” is a greater method to put it. That is our 118th overview/article, and we’re not stunned by a lot anymore. We knew from the Yargo brand on the field to count on a photo voltaic panel, however this bundle was completely tiny. And to name it “gentle” is an understatement. We began to query if this was the improper product or maybe an adjunct for the photo voltaic panel we had been anticipating (it occurs!).

However no. This tiny bundle contained our photo voltaic panel in a handy carrying case. This photo voltaic panel might slot in some purses I personal. Critically. It folds up into nothing. And it weighs solely 5.5 kilos.

Setup

After getting over the inial shock on the compact measurement and almost-nothing weight of this, we unfolded it. Certain sufficient, a full-sized photo voltaic panel!

We set about testing it out, connecting it to our favourite energy station, the EBL.

A strong inexperienced gentle lets you realize it’s getting energy.

Our earlier Yargo photo voltaic panel had an hooked up 4-in-1 connector cable with a zip-pouch hooked up to the panel. This one comes with a separate wire (however there’s a spot within the carry bag for it). That is the very same cable as the opposite Yargo panel, with a 5.5*2.1mm connector, MC4 cable, Anderson, and 3mm connector.

For outputs, it has a DC output of 100W (energy stations), a USB-C output of 65 Watts (laptops, tablets), and a USB-A output of 36 Watts (cell telephones, energy banks). The output panel has somewhat cowl that snaps into place, which is a pleasant contact.

While you’re achieved, it’s very simple to fold again up. It has an hooked up strap that you just velcro into place to safe it, after which folded up, it’s in regards to the measurement of a binder. Simple as that.

Efficiency

In contrast to its larger cousin, this moveable photo voltaic panel doesn’t have built-in legs to face it up for ultimate positioning. As an alternative, it has holes in every nook that you need to use to lock in place with carabiners (it comes with 4).

There’s additionally somewhat pouch within the carry bag for these or every other small equipment, cords or chargers chances are you’ll wish to hold useful.

As an alternative of the carabiners, I simply used an current hook on our again shed to prop it into place.

I discovered that hanging it up made an enormous distinction in bettering the charging time, in comparison with simply leaning it up in opposition to the ability station or spreading it out on the grass like a seaside towel.

Yargo markets this as ultimate for RVS and camper vans, and their web site reveals images of this moveable panel hooked up to RV awnings, which makes lots of sense.

The included legs within the larger panel add some weight, so the trade-off depends upon your setup and the way you propose to make use of it. One other distinction between the 2 is that the model not marked as moveable included embedded handles whereas this one doesn’t. The yellow handles on the larger one made it really feel a bit extra strong and simpler to hold, however this one folds up a lot smaller; so once more, it’s a trade-off relying in your supposed utilization.

Climate and angle vastly play into how rapidly this powers up. Even when it’s partly cloudy, the charging time is dramatically slowed. For instance, in two hours on a partly cloudy/partly sunny day, it solely powered up our 1000W energy station by 8 p.c; one other day with comparable climate yielded about 20 p.c over 4 hours; so 4-5 p.c an hour. Nonetheless, it powered up at practically twice that fee hanging on the shed on a totally sunny day in fixed direct daylight over two hours.

Yargo provides a side-by-side of the 2 panels and their charging occasions, displaying they need to have the identical charging occasions to get to the identical power-station wattage; from 160WH taking 2.3 hours, all the best way to 1500WH taking 21.8 hours. It says 14.6 hours for a 1000WH station like ours, which appears correct, however provided that it’s a really sunny day and also you’re constantly altering the panel’s angle to face the solar.

When evaluating these two, I’ve to return to portability. I remarked on how gentle our earlier photo voltaic panel was at simply over 8 kilos, however that is even lighter. If I used to be going back-country backpacking or cross-country biking or one thing like that the place portability was essential, this is able to be my photo voltaic panel of alternative, palms down.

What I like

• Portability
• Simple and intuitive to make use of

What I’d change

• Including a kickstand (however since that will enhance the load, I perceive why they didn’t)

Closing ideas

One other strong photo voltaic panel from Yargo, particularly when you’re searching for a transportable model.

Value: $229.99
The place to purchase: Amazon or Yargo web site (save 17% on Yargo’s website with code: gadgeteer  no expiration date)
Supply: The pattern of this product was offered by Yargo.