On the budget end of portable solar panel options the Eco-Worthy products feature a slightly less efficient panel technology that is polycrystalline.
While the power ratings are similar to monocrystalline panels you’ll see a slight drop in efficiency which can exceed 20% in some circumstances. Most noticeably during low light and partial shade conditions.
If you intend to use your panels infrequently or having max power isn’t critical for you the Eco-Worthy may well give you freedom from your generator while also putting some money back in your pocket.
At 120 watts the system can handle moderate power consumption such as moderate LED lighting use as well as moderate use of 12v pumps, fans and accessories like tvs and radios.
As the most budget friendly option for portable solar you can expect some sacrifices in other areas.
The wiring provided is quite a bit smaller than comparable models at 16 awg. The issue here is that under full power smaller wire tends to heat up and this results in even more inefficiency.
You’ll also be sacrificing wire length and connection options. The included cable is just 9’ which severely limits your freedom to park where you like and still access the sun. Think SHADE!
The only offered connection type is classic clamps. Adding to the sacrifices the clamps are nickel plates which is a slight difference, but results again in less efficiency over copper.
The included 15 amp NON-LCD PWM charge controller does not have a display to give you any information about the charging current, battery voltage or projected amps/hour as you’ll find on other models. This information may not be useful for some folks and so may not represent much of a loss in features.
No carrying or storage case is provided so you’ll need to take special care when storing the panels so as not to damage the exposed glass.
While the panel (like AUKEY SOLAR CHARGER ) gives up many bells and whistles, it will surely help reduce or eliminate generator use for budget sensitive folks. The overall cost savings was hard to justify for our family since we heavily rely on our solar to give us max power all day long as well as many other features.
That’s why we opted for the Go Power! 120 watt array. So far we’re very happy with the power output and all other features offered.
SPECS
Panel type: Polycrystalline
Watts: 120
Max amps: 6.6
Controller: 15 amps PWM No Display
Travel case: No
Cost per watt: $1.95
Voltage: 12 volts
Connectors: Nickel plated clamps only
Cable Length: 9’, 16 AWG
Weight: 28 lbs
Dimensions: 34″ x 40.5″ x 1.4″
