6V 2W bargain panel?
I have been searching for a solar panel to power some of my standalone ESP8266/32 projects and I have evaluated a bunch of panels. This particular panel got my attention because of its clamied power output and efficiency.
This is what the manufacturer/seller claims:
Specifications
Maximum power: 2W
Working current: 0.35A
Operating Voltage: 6V
System current: 6V
Open circuit voltage: 6.6V
Short circuit current: 350A
Parallel resistance: 0(ohm)
Series resistance: 1(ohm)
Conversion efficiency: 18(%)
Of course the short circuit voltage is wrongly provided at 350A. Surely its 350mA?
Test & Application
I did the tests for open circuit voltage and short circuit current using a Fluke 87 Multimeter.
Sunlight was at 30degree incident for Voc test. Came in at over 6V.
However disappointingly, the first short circuit test came in at a mere 64.9mA!
Second test with panel facing the sun directly came in at 73.9mA.
As you can see its nowhere near the claimed 350mA.
Very disappointed….
Verdict
Poor performance for size. Avoid.
Reference to panel