DOKIO 300w Portable Solar Panel Kit (41x21inch) Folding Flexible Monocrystalline(HIGH Efficiency) Include Charge Controller and Cable for 12v…

Given that there were no reviews on this one, I took a bit of a chance. The panel is foldable and flexible. A bit larger than I expected, but I should have read the description more closely. I bought this to keep our Goalzero Yeti 1000 Lithium charged when camping. This panel was much cheaper than the Goalzero panels per watt, and folds up nicely for travel. It comes with a small charge controller with input from the panel, outputs for battery connection, 12v light, and two USB outputs. In an initial test, I hooked it to a car battery and it seemed to work well. However, since I bought it for the goalzero, I later modified the cable from the panel with Anderson Power Pole connectors. On a clear day around 2pm in mid September in NC, I was getting over 180 watts going into my Goalzero. That’s of course using Goalzero’s built in PWM controller, not the optional MPPT controller. I figure 60% of stated output is par for the course with flexible panels. I have a rigid Renology 100W panel that I tested on the same day and was only getting 65 watts. May spring for the MPPT controller for the Goalzero later. I doubt I’ll ever use the Dokio charge controller.

All in all, the panel performs well, and folds up very neatly for travel. We’ll see how it durable it is long term.

Best I could get was 150 watts under intense Arizona sun trying to bulk charge low batteries. That’s with an MPPT controller as well.

Also, the D-ring grommets are very weak. 4 of them have torn off under the panel’s weight. Very flimsy. I haven’t found any way to angle these panels correctly on the ground. If you lean them against anything at 45 degrees or so they sag under their own weight. Lots of luck managing these things on a windy day. I would advise anyone to get “rigid” portable suitcase panels instead (like Renogy). They are only rated at 200 watts max but will get you more than this Dokio. I have one of these now and consistently get 13-15 amps from it. I leave it set up 24/7 and just reposition it 3-4 times during the day. They’re heavy yes, but can handle just about any wind.

I wanted so much to love this solar panel but it just doesn’t come anywhere 300w so I feel compelled to share my experience so future buyers can size their expectations accordingly. My max output I can get from the panels is about what the other reviewer took on their screen shot at 116w. This is high noon and playing with angle to get the max output. I never expected 300, knowing the output relies on a variety of conditions and you get some loss through the controller etc… But at 70-90 watts most of the time, in full sun, aimed at the sun, I’m a little disappointed…

It’s unfortunate because the panels pack up nice, look great and will charge a battery. If I hadn’t dirtied up the case so much in my daily testing for a few weeks I’d probably look into a refund or exchange on a new set, maybe I got a bad one…

Mine came with foot prints, ordered a month ago but haven’t been able to take it out yet. Finally did and it has 3 footprints and NO CHARGE CONTROLLER!!! I’m very upset as now I have not way to use this product unless I go out and buy a charge controller….. but the footprints on it reall?!?!?!?! And yes, I do have pictures of it!