If you are looking for a great solution to power your adventures on and off the road, then you should take a look at the Atem Power 200W Monocrystalline Portable Solar Panel from VicOffRoad. This suitcase-style panel is lightweight and durable, making it perfect when living and traveling in a van or RV.
It also includes the necessary cables to connect the solar panels with your battery bank, which will provide enough power to run lights, charge laptops and cell phones, and play music on speakers. You can even plug in directly to the 5V 1.5A USB port on the panel’s attached controller to charge portable devices like smartphones directly.
This solar panel is compatible with most types of batteries, including the popular lithium, AGM, gel, and lead-acid batteries.
Full Disclosure: Vicoffroad.com sent us this solar panel free of charge for our review
Features
This solar panel is packed with just the right amount of features. These features include a grade A monocrystalline solar cell, which is a higher quality and more efficient type of panel. This means that your batteries will get charged faster than a lower-grade panel of the same size.
We also love the fact that this panel has an MPPT controller built into it. The Maximum Power Point Tracker system can capture up to 20% more power from the sun than alternative PWM controller types, making sure that your batteries are always getting a full charge.
This solar panel also has some great safety features. It includes short circuit and overload protection, as well as voltage regulation. This means that even if there are fluctuations in the power coming from the panels, your batteries will still be protected.
Using diode bypass technology, the panel protects shaded cells from overheating. It also uses an auto-optimization function for immediate reconnection after an interruption, so you can be sure your batteries are always charging when hooked up to this panel.
What’s included
The Atem Power 200W Monocrystalline Solar Panel Foldable Suitcase includes
- 1 x ATEM POWER 200W Monocrystalline Folding Solar Panel
- 2 x Adjustable Legs with Anti-Slip Rubber Feet
- 1 x MPPT Solar Controller
- 2 x Junction Boxes
- 1 x 16 ft Cable with 50A Anderson Plug & Alligator Clips
- 1 x Carrying Case
Installation and Use
This solar panel is very easy to use and can be set up in just one minute. Slip it out of the durable vinyl carry bag and unclip the secure steel latches to unfold the solar panel.
Tip the panel up on its side and unravel the connector cables with alligator clips from the convenient storage clips on the back of the panel. Extend the two aluminum legs to position the panels at the optimum angle for charging.
Simply connect the red positive clip to the positive terminal and the black negative clip to the negative terminal on your battery. The built-in charge controller will automatically manage the battery without needing to program in the battery type.
You’ll see the lights on the solar charge controller, which is conveniently mounted directly to the back of the panel, light up once connected. There are indicator lights for whether there is solar input, whether there is a load on the battery, and three lights to show the level of battery charge.
Durability and Construction Quality
This is a highly durable solar panel that also manages to be lightweight! The panel is not made with any glass, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking. The panel frame is constructed from anodized aluminum with reinforced corner protectors. The kit also includes a durable vinyl carry case to further protect it while in storage and during transport.
The latches that hold the panel folded closed are made from strong steel and satisfyingly click open and shut to secure the panel. The adjustable aluminum legs make it easy to find the perfect angle for charging, while the anti-slip rubber feet keep it in place.
With temperature operating ranges from -40℉ (-40°C) to 131℉ (55℃) for the panel and charge controller, you can charge in any climate or conditions!
The panel also comes with a 1-year warranty to ease your mind and ensure your outdoor adventures are worry-free.
Portability
You can take this solar panel with you wherever your adventures take you, as it folds up into a compact size that can be easily transported. It weighs a little over 15 pounds and comes with a convenient handle, so it is not difficult to carry.
It comes with a durable case for protection during storage, and can also be removed from the case and carried with the attached carry handle.
When it is folded in half for storage and carrying, it measures 36 inches by 28 inches and is just over 2 inches thick. When opened it is twice as long and can be supported by the fold-out aluminum legs.
Possible Improvements
There isn’t much we could think of that could improve this solar panel. Our only thought is that the aluminum legs were a tiny bit wobbly and could be better reinforced. However, this would not affect the overall performance of the product, which we are very happy with.
It is also slightly bulkier than Atem Power’s other foldable 200 Watt solar panel that we own, though there are ways this panel is definitely superior. This 200W panel is more sturdy, durable and it is easier to set up and angle towards the sun than the more compact panel.
If you are searching for a smaller, more compact, and lighter weight 200W panel, consider this packable panel.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for an excellent portable travel solar panel, then the Atem Power 200W Monocrystalline Portable Solar Panel is definitely the right choice for you! It is perfect for charging your batteries while on the go and includes all of the features you need to keep your devices powered up. Plus, it is durable and easy to transport, so you can take it with you wherever you go!
