Great for my solar Meshtastic nodes
This 20W solar panel has proven to be a reliable power source for my Meshtastic node. The built-in charge controller is particularly valuable for this application, preventing overcharging of the battery without needing additional components. I’m getting consistent power output even in partial shade, which is crucial for maintaining node uptime in less-than-ideal locations.The panel’s physical construction is appropriately weatherproof – I’ve had it outdoors through several rainstorms without issues. The included mounting O-rings are sturdy and make it easy to secure the panel to poles or other structures. While the cigarette lighter adapter isn’t particularly useful for Meshtastic applications, the alligator clips work well for connecting to standard battery terminals.For Meshtastic users specifically, I found the voltage output to be very stable, which helps prevent node resets. The 20W capacity is actually more than needed for a basic node setup, but this overhead is helpful on cloudy days or when running additional sensors. You’ll want to add appropriate connectors for your specific battery setup, but the included wiring is of good quality and easily adaptable.One minor consideration is the somewhat limited length of the included cables, so factor in some extension wires if you’re planning to mount the panel any significant distance from your node. Also, while the frame is sturdy, you might want to add additional UV-resistant coating if deploying in extremely sunny locations for long-term installation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Panel and accessories are wired backwards to SAE standards, leaving +12v on the exposed pin. Danger.
As the built-in charge controller comes with indicator lights, if find the LED on the 12 volt plug to be redundant and an energy drain. The unit comes with a blocking diode, which is good, but the plug LED is not blocked and uses juice 24/7 making a net daily charge very slow. I took the plug apart and cut out the LED. That way I can leave the charger plugged in continuously with little overnight loss. A magnetic strip would be nice to help anchor it to the vehicle. Seems well built and bullet proof. Slow to charge, discharged batteries, I don’t there will be any problem in overcharging them.Revised: On further research it appears having the SAE plug reversed is often used, to the extent that SAE polarity reversal adapters are commonly available.I just figured out that the panel and the supplied accessories are wire backwards to SAE normal. This means for example, that when you attach the battery clips to your car battery, you risk having the exposed SAE pin, now positive, to ground out on any part of the car. This will cause sparks and possible burns and even explosion due to battery hydrogen. Plus the accessories won’t work, possibly dangerously, with other SAE products like battery chargers.

Not bad for the price
I bought 1 to try out on my SxS for a trip to Arizona. Unfortunately for me, this one was working so well recharging my marine battery backup (I have 2 of these batteries for my lights) I purchased another 1 and hooked it up to the other battery. Now both batteries are charging at the same time when I am running around in the desert (and at home) and at night (depending upon how many lights I have on, the SxS headlights are separate from the other lights) I will have between 4 to 8 hours of battery usage longer if I use only 1. Then during the day, they are recharging. They are completely waterproof which is good because I did buy 1 and it was water resistant (not the same thing, it did stop working won’t mention the product). I found out because I wanted to know how water resistant it was, so I left it outside during some local rain storms we had before going on my trip and that’s how I found out the difference between water resistant to waterproof. I did the same thing with these and I had no issues yet. While on my trip we had very good and hard downpours. However I did bring my battery chargers (just in case) to help out if I had problems with the panels. During this part we had a storm move in and it was agully washer of a storm. The storm lasted 2 days and at times it was pretty dark during the day so charging was hampered. If you ask me would I get another 1, “YES” would be my answer even as a gift. I hope this helps you, I am always trying to find ways to just get another panel but the 2 I have are doing the job. No regrets

Waiting for 25 below to see how it goes. So far it is for sure keeping my very old struggling battery topped right up. Everything you need in the box is good materials.

This solar panel is slow charging my truck battery and is able to keep it maintained. I am running 2 Garmin dash cams (front and rear) while the truck is parked. I leave these cameras running 24/7 for the security of my truck when parked outdoors. The cameras will save the video if there is any disturbance. The two cameras when standby and simply monitoring pull about 1/2 Amp from the battery. Over a number of days when the truck is parked the battery can start to run down because of the dash cams.This panel in full sun light is putting out about 2.4 Amps. On a bright cloudy day it is putting out anywhere from about 0.8 Amps to about 1.8 Amps depending on the density of the clouds. In most cases during the day this panel is maintaining the cameras to prevent the battery from being run down. When it is putting out more than about 1.5 Amps it is trickle charging the battery. The vehicle phantom current from its own electronics is about 0.06 Amps average. The user manual indicates after about 2 weeks of vehicle non use the battery may be run down. When parked for more than a few days the battery should have a charger connected to it.–In most of the Japanese vehicles the 12 Volt cigar lighter socket turns off with the key. With most of the US vehicles the 12 Volt cigar lighter socket remains live. In some of the Japanese SUVs and trucks they offer both a switched 12 Volt cigar lighter socket, and one that is always on.In my truck I have an always on 12 Volt cigar lighter socket. Also, you can have your dealer wire in a fuse protected auxiliary 12 Volt socket for you. They can also wire in a pair of 12 Volt wires and you can custom connect them to the panel or operate any other type of 12 Volt devices.–I would recommend this solar panel for battery maintenance. I found with the proper adapters it would be possible to put a number of these panels in parallel to have higher current.I have a friend with a large mobile trailer home and he wired up 20 panels in parallel to charge a bank of 12 Volt Lithium ION batteries. He is able to run his lighting, a computer, an RV fridge, and an HD TV with a sound system. All is using 12 Volts. His cooking and grilling is using propane.

Plus grand que je pensais, mais il entre bien dans un toit ouvrant standard (placé entre le verre et l’entre-toit interieur de mon VUS), vendeur très honnête ❤️ les accessoires et le panneau sont bien construit, facile a assembler et connecter 🙂 pas eu le temps deverifier l’efficacité, a suivre 😉