This review dives into the MHPOWOS 110W solar panel, a budget-friendly option for off-grid power solutions. We explore its performance, ease of use, and overall value, considering its suitability for various outdoor applications like camping and caravanning. Our assessment covers aspects ranging from initial unboxing and build quality to real-world testing under varying sunlight conditions, including both hazy and direct sunlight. We'll detail the charging rates observed, highlighting the panel's efficiency and consistency.Particular attention is paid to the panel's foldable design, weather resistance (IP67 rating), and the compatibility of its XT60 connector with common power banks. We address potential compatibility challenges encountered during testing and offer solutions to mitigate any setbacks. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the MHPOWOS 110W solar panel, weighing its strengths and weaknesses to determine its value proposition for consumers seeking a portable and affordable solar power source.
Pros And Cons
- Relatively inexpensive (£84 UK delivered)
- 23.5% conversion rate
- Easy to set up
- IP67 rated (water resistant)
- Mono crystalline construction
- Not sold in the UK (requires shipping)
- XT60 connector may not be compatible with all power banks (incompatible with reviewer's XT90 power bank)
Read more: OUKITEL P2001 PLUS Review: Best Budget Portable Power Station?
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The MHPOWOS 110W solar panel arrived surprisingly quickly, within just three days. The packaging was secure and the panel itself appeared well-constructed, exceeding expectations given its budget-friendly price point of £84. Initial inspection revealed a robust design with durable materials, suggesting longevity and resilience.
The panel's foldable design with Velcro straps and integrated kickstands enhances portability and ease of use. The IP67 rating ensures weather resistance, making it suitable for various outdoor applications. The inclusion of connection cables, although initially raising compatibility concerns, demonstrates the manufacturer’s attention to detail.
Technical Specifications and Compatibility
The MHPOWOS 110W solar panel boasts a 20-volt output and a conversion rate of 23.5%, which is quite impressive for a budget solar panel. The use of monocrystalline cells ensures efficient energy conversion, even in less-than-ideal light conditions. The connection cables are a standard XT60 type, though compatibility with specific power banks must be verified.
This particular review highlighted a minor compatibility issue: the included XT60 connector wasn't compatible with the reviewer's XT90 power bank. However, the reviewer possessed the necessary adapter. This highlights the importance of double-checking compatibility before purchase to avoid potential setbacks.
Performance Test and Results
The initial testing was conducted under hazy sunlight, resulting in a charging rate of just over 70W. The power bank's battery indicator showed a steady increase in charge, indicating successful functionality. The estimated charge time under these conditions was 3-4 hours, which is reasonable.
After approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, the charge level increased to 89%. An hour and a half later, with direct sunlight, the charging rate jumped significantly, reaching 97% charge. The overall charging time aligned closely with the initial estimate, highlighting the panel's consistent performance. Even in partially cloudy conditions, the panel demonstrated consistent charge output.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The MHPOWOS 110W solar panel offers excellent value for its price. Its compact, foldable design, weather resistance, and efficient energy conversion make it an ideal solution for off-grid power needs. While minor compatibility issues might arise depending on your existing power bank, this can be easily resolved with an adapter.
This budget-friendly solar panel is a great option for camping trips, caravanning, or supplementing home power. For those needing faster charging, the manufacturer offers larger, more powerful options. However, for occasional off-grid needs, the 110W model provides ample power at an affordable cost.
