Thanks for the test. This is the second video I’ve watched where the iTech performed miserably. Less than 50% of its rated output in full sun! I was probably going to buy one. You’ve saved me a lot of money. An MPPT charger might improve its performance, but if that’s the case they should supply it with one, rather than making dodgy performance claims.
This panel can put out close to 100 watts ruclips.net/user/postUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.
Apologies for the long message 🥴 but I have to ask and explain to you what I am trying to achieve WOW 😮 I wasn’t expecting that result of The iTechworld 300Watt solar Panel 😔 After many people recommended the iTechworld Solar Blanket I purchased 2 of them 😏 Only concentrating one how many amp hours it would provide ( mine seem to get around 16- 18 amp hour input, per each 300 watt panel and figured that’s rather good - obviously I know nothing about this stuff and hence why I am now here trying to learn more about how I best set up my off grid system for permanent living in the bush with our new caravan ( it’s a second hand on with only 1 solar panel and 1 120 amp hour I think 🤔 AGM battery ) Having said that and never owned a Caravan but seeing your setup in your shed with all the Victron gear you have ❤ I would very much appreciate if I could get some advice and or help from you to figure out what I really need to do and what ideally I should spend my hard earned money on for a lithium setup where I think 🤔 ( that’s me thinking about all the 12 volt stuff I have plus running possibly the Aircon plus Airfryer and all the other 240 Volt stuff we have 🫣) I reckon I should have at least a 480 to 600 amp hour battery capacity and around 1500 watt of solar ( thinking again having 2 x 300 watt iTechworld solar blankets 😢 I might have sufficient room on the 24 foot 2012 Windsor Royal Caravan we have ?) How would I best go about this please? I can’t afford to screw this up and believe there must be a ideal component configuration that would cope easily with any load I might need given our electrical items we have and run and is capable of monitoring everything and keeping everything safe from whatever might cause potential harm to the system . Obviously Victron is the best from what I can tell as you are using those components yourself- but as O don’t understand what does what and what I really need and how to connect everything up - a simple example of how to do this would be incredibly helpful to me to make direction ever will on the end be tasked to install my system I know that they are doing this right and don’t have any issues down the track 🤯 Unfortunately I am not qualified at all to do this and any help you can offer to avoid making purchase decisions mistakes etc etc would be greatly appreciated 🙏 Again thanks for your efforts and videos- I have subbed and continue watching more of your content. Ps: A video of how you have setup your own system and and explanation of what you use and why and how theses components work together and why you made the choice to configure the system you have built that’s a video I certainly wouldn’t want to miss- food for thought 💭 Can you make a video about your setup? Cheers Jim
Interesting results. Did you try with an MPPT controller? I use one with my iTech solar blanket and it pumps out high outputs all the time. Plus is it fair comparing glass panels to non-glass panels?
Dear Craig, Thanks for the effort in creating these informative videos...I have a couple of questions...Are fixed solar panels more efficient than these solar blankets? I am looking for two solar panels, one to put on the roof of my truck and one loose...I have a very simple set up as I have learnt what to take and what to leave behind. My max current draw from my two fridge freezers (EvaCool 47 Litre) is 4.2amp and my only only power needs are to charge two Canon camera batteries, two 12Volt Milwaukee batteries (I made lights that I use these batteries for), charge my iPad and iPhone a nd a small external hard drive...If I had two 300 watt solar panels and a good quality AGM or Lithium battery would that be enough solar for my needs? I ask you mate as I know I will get an honest answer.
Interesting test. I have the 200w Itech with raptor skin I didn't look at the watts but how many amps it was pushing out I got 10.2 amps straight out of the box (sunny day)
I just bought the the ItechWorld 300 watt solar blanket - unpacked it and was getting 260w at 1500hrs - with MPPT and 5 metre lead. Your 144watts makes no sense
I have a claimed 200w panel that makes 1 amp on a full sunny day in June (haven't tested in Summer) in Canberra. Should I return it and buy a Thunder? EDIT: Can't find the Thunder for sale 🤕
Great tests. Your tests don't seem to be too dissimilar in results to a number of others regarding the blankets, of mixed varieties. Seems the percentage of actual output from claimed output is regularly lower with the blankets, sometimes lower than half. The sell for the blankets is the weight/portability for the traveler that has either weight or room issues. How on earth to the companies manage to pass off the "suggested" output, when often it's half, or close to half? Surely they'd be better off lowering their "claimed" output, so it's closer to the "actual" output (realistic result for most), and there'd be less of a WTF moment at the disparity?
These panel are all pwm solar controllers? Anyone of them are mppt? What are the impact of the controller onto the measuerment? You are not measuring the panel directly but via the pwm/mppt controller.
It might be worth your while to forward the link to this video to iTechworld for a, 'Please explain?' tap on the shoulder. For that kind of money, surely it'd be reasonable to expect the panel outputting at least close to the advertised spec. After all, I'm sure the '300W' would be a fairly big selling point to the average punter in the market for a value-for-money portable solar panel. I have a set of 4 x 200W Bluetti (Chinese-made as most probably the iTechworld panels) portable solar panels and they consistently output over and above the spec in perfect conditions.
Hi Craig. I just watched your second review video on the replacement iTechworld panel followed up with a similar review video by 'Perpetual Transient' of the panel and I tend to think that based on your last review, iTechworld have forwarded you yet another dud panel. I suspect that you've got it all sorted out by now
I can’t argue with your test but that itechworld output is dreadful. I’ve seen others test them in similar conditions and get closer to 20 amps out of them after the solar controller being around 260 watt. I note that the volts are low too for that panel’s rating. I’d certainly be contacting itechworld for their comments because that is woeful and makes me think you may have a faulty one. I am sure that people who watched this would love an update. I certainly would as I just ordered one.
I will add that the Elejoy is clearly measuring a 'burst' of current as there is no way in can possibly dissipate even 80W let alone 200W. It's not actually a fair test as that is not the way the panels are designed to output. You really need to be putting it through a solar regulator with a load.
I’ve done plenty of tests via Victron Smart MPPT’s and the Elejoy was within a few watts every time. I mentioned that in the Video. I’m trying to keep the videos short and to the point. But off camera, trust me I do heaps of other tests and if the results had of varied more then 5% either way I certainly would mention it. Also Itechworld reached out and have sent a replacement. I received this yesterday but haven’t had a chance to test as yet as conditions haven’t been ideal and I want to be fair. I may even do the back to back with the Elejoy and Victron if time permits.
You are correct, I should have angled it better, but most people just place them flat on the ground and hope for the best. I'll redo a test and post the results, I think I mentioned in other videos if it was angled better it would produce more. Maybe tomorrows job.
I like the Voltx the best. It's simple and folds compactly. I don't care that it takes longer to charge a generator but at 88 watts, they are selling a lie.
Maybe check your meter or do repeat test. Watts = Volts X Amps. For all of the readings you showed, the displayed watts was exactly what the Volts displayed by amps displayed equaled, except the iTechworld. For the iTech panel, If you multiply the Voltage displayed by the amps displayed the wattage is 293 watts (the claimed 300 watt output), yet the power meter showed 144 watts, something not quite right there!!!
Strange you got such a low reading on that last one for the Raptor Skin one - I was watching this video where he got close to 260W on his test. ruclips.net/video/eiYF_u3Q58w/видео.html
I aways test with my "old Faithful" to get a base line and that usually produces 65w but on that day it was over 70w so I expected all the panels to produce good numbers. Itech world are sending me a replacement so I'll test again when I get it. Don't get me wrong it looked nice and well made, but that all goes out the window if it only produces 144w from a claimed 300w.
@@craigsolaradventures Spot on mate. Possibly 1 panel is rooted, perhaps a bad diode, try putting shade on each panel and see if you get around a noticeable drop in amps.
@@craigsolaradventures I notice the iTech blanket had some shading from the grass across the bottom. Depending on how they string up their cells and how the bypass diodes are setup, it could make a big difference.
Poor comparison as large glass panels will always have higher output. Also the glass panels are just too heavy and bulky to be practical. I know I used to use one but sold it. Also what use is a small 80w panel! you should actually do a comparison of solar blankets only and glass panels only.
Brought the 300 watt solar blanket. It only puts out 145w. I Will never buy anything from a one store wonder. It’s too hard, to get the solar panel fixed. Will now have to buy an additional solar panel, to replace this useless itec one, will go to BCF. Itec, technical support, is pathetic, no customer care, skills.
Stay away from itechworld. Very expensive and they fail. I had a 200w and the rapter skin cracked and peeled off,as well as not generating the claimed 200w.
Thanks for the test. This is the second video I’ve watched where the iTech performed miserably. Less than 50% of its rated output in full sun! I was probably going to buy one. You’ve saved me a lot of money. An MPPT charger might improve its performance, but if that’s the case they should supply it with one, rather than making dodgy performance claims.
This panel can put out close to 100 watts ruclips.net/user/postUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.
Apologies for the long message 🥴 but I have to ask and explain to you what I am trying to achieve
WOW 😮
I wasn’t expecting that result of The iTechworld 300Watt solar Panel 😔
After many people recommended the iTechworld Solar Blanket I purchased 2 of them 😏
Only concentrating one how many amp hours it would provide ( mine seem to get around 16- 18 amp hour input, per each 300 watt panel and figured that’s rather good - obviously I know nothing about this stuff and hence why I am now here trying to learn more about how I best set up my off grid system for permanent living in the bush with our new caravan ( it’s a second hand on with only 1 solar panel and 1 120 amp hour I think 🤔 AGM battery )
Having said that and never owned a Caravan but seeing your setup in your shed with all the Victron gear you have ❤ I would very much appreciate if I could get some advice and or help from you to figure out what I really need to do and what ideally I should spend my hard earned money on for a lithium setup where I think 🤔 ( that’s me thinking about all the 12 volt stuff I have plus running possibly the Aircon plus Airfryer and all the other 240 Volt stuff we have 🫣) I reckon I should have at least a 480 to 600 amp hour battery capacity and around 1500 watt of solar ( thinking again having 2 x 300 watt iTechworld solar blankets 😢 I might have sufficient room on the 24 foot 2012 Windsor Royal Caravan we have ?)
How would I best go about this please?
I can’t afford to screw this up and believe there must be a ideal component configuration that would cope easily with any load I might need given our electrical items we have and run and is capable of monitoring everything and keeping everything safe from whatever might cause potential harm to the system .
Obviously Victron is the best from what I can tell as you are using those components yourself- but as O don’t understand what does what and what I really need and how to connect everything up - a simple example of how to do this would be incredibly helpful to me to make direction ever will on the end be tasked to install my system I know that they are doing this right and don’t have any issues down the track 🤯
Unfortunately I am not qualified at all to do this and any help you can offer to avoid making purchase decisions mistakes etc etc would be greatly appreciated 🙏
Again thanks for your efforts and videos- I have subbed and continue watching more of your content.
Ps:
A video of how you have setup your own system and and explanation of what you use and why and how theses components work together and why you made the choice to configure the system you have built that’s a video I certainly wouldn’t want to miss- food for thought 💭
Can you make a video about your setup?
Cheers Jim
Interesting results. Did you try with an MPPT controller? I use one with my iTech solar blanket and it pumps out high outputs all the time. Plus is it fair comparing glass panels to non-glass panels?
Dear Craig, Thanks for the effort in creating these informative videos...I have a couple of questions...Are fixed solar panels more efficient than these solar blankets? I am looking for two solar panels, one to put on the roof of my truck and one loose...I have a very simple set up as I have learnt what to take and what to leave behind. My max current draw from my two fridge freezers (EvaCool 47 Litre) is 4.2amp and my only only power needs are to charge two Canon camera batteries, two 12Volt Milwaukee batteries (I made lights that I use these batteries for), charge my iPad and iPhone a nd a small external hard drive...If I had two 300 watt solar panels and a good quality AGM or Lithium battery would that be enough solar for my needs? I ask you mate as I know I will get an honest answer.
Interesting test. I have the 200w Itech with raptor skin I didn't look at the watts but how many amps it was pushing out I got 10.2 amps straight out of the box (sunny day)
To get watts from amps just x the amps by the battery voltage, say 13v x 10 amps = 130w.
you can only charge batteries using amps . Watts are a unit of power that apliances use. So you are right to measure the Amps.
Wow! I am shocked about the ItechWorld. I was just about to buy one from other reviews. Mmm, maybe I will have to go with the KickAss 300W.
KA, blankets r CRAP
Have 2 300 w kickass great panels.
I just bought the the ItechWorld 300 watt solar blanket - unpacked it and was getting 260w at 1500hrs - with MPPT and 5 metre lead. Your 144watts makes no sense
Good test mate.
The glass panels did well.
I would like to see a test on Atems 300w blanket if possible.
Good videos mate
The Thunder is pumping out over 12 amps.... @over 200 watts Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
I have a claimed 200w panel that makes 1 amp on a full sunny day in June (haven't tested in Summer) in Canberra. Should I return it and buy a Thunder?
EDIT: Can't find the Thunder for sale 🤕
Thanks for this! I just bought the thunder
Great tests.
Your tests don't seem to be too dissimilar in results to a number of others regarding the blankets, of mixed varieties.
Seems the percentage of actual output from claimed output is regularly lower with the blankets, sometimes lower than half.
The sell for the blankets is the weight/portability for the traveler that has either weight or room issues.
How on earth to the companies manage to pass off the "suggested" output, when often it's half, or close to half?
Surely they'd be better off lowering their "claimed" output, so it's closer to the "actual" output (realistic result for most), and there'd be less of a WTF moment at the disparity?
These panel are all pwm solar controllers? Anyone of them are mppt? What are the impact of the controller onto the measuerment? You are not measuring the panel directly but via the pwm/mppt controller.
It might be worth your while to forward the link to this video to iTechworld for a, 'Please explain?' tap on the shoulder. For that kind of money, surely it'd be reasonable to expect the panel outputting at least close to the advertised spec. After all, I'm sure the '300W' would be a fairly big selling point to the average punter in the market for a value-for-money portable solar panel.
I have a set of 4 x 200W Bluetti (Chinese-made as most probably the iTechworld panels) portable solar panels and they consistently output over and above the spec in perfect conditions.
Hi Craig. I just watched your second review video on the replacement iTechworld panel followed up with a similar review video by 'Perpetual Transient' of the panel and I tend to think that based on your last review, iTechworld have forwarded you yet another dud panel. I suspect that you've got it all sorted out by now
Where can I get one of these thunder panels from
I can’t argue with your test but that itechworld output is dreadful. I’ve seen others test them in similar conditions and get closer to 20 amps out of them after the solar controller being around 260 watt. I note that the volts are low too for that panel’s rating. I’d certainly be contacting itechworld for their comments because that is woeful and makes me think you may have a faulty one. I am sure that people who watched this would love an update. I certainly would as I just ordered one.
Hi Peter, Itech reached out to me after seeing the video and asked for the item back. They are sending a replacement…. Stay tuned for an update !
@@craigsolaradventures that’s good to hear. I’ve subscribed and I’ll keep an eye out for the update. Let’s hope the replacement does a lot better.
Of course the iTech is dreadful, just like the company and most of their products. Garbage and scammy.
I will add that the Elejoy is clearly measuring a 'burst' of current as there is no way in can possibly dissipate even 80W let alone 200W. It's not actually a fair test as that is not the way the panels are designed to output. You really need to be putting it through a solar regulator with a load.
I’ve done plenty of tests via Victron Smart MPPT’s and the Elejoy was within a few watts every time. I mentioned that in the Video. I’m trying to keep the videos short and to the point. But off camera, trust me I do heaps of other tests and if the results had of varied more then 5% either way I certainly would mention it. Also Itechworld reached out and have sent a replacement. I received this yesterday but haven’t had a chance to test as yet as conditions haven’t been ideal and I want to be fair. I may even do the back to back with the Elejoy and Victron if time permits.
Why didnt you have the voltx totally propped up ? I'm sure it would performed better
You are correct, I should have angled it better, but most people just place them flat on the ground and hope for the best. I'll redo a test and post the results, I think I mentioned in other videos if it was angled better it would produce more. Maybe tomorrows job.
@craigrichards351 Yes, you're correct, so the worst-case scenario is better than a full direct angle with the sun anyway 😉
Have to excuse my ignorance new to this game lol but I take it that the thunder solar is lithium compliant
Hope Raptor rhymes with refund
I like the Voltx the best. It's simple and folds compactly. I don't care that it takes longer to charge a generator but at 88 watts, they are selling a lie.
I purchased a claimed 280 watt itechword blanket 3 years ago and the best I have ever seen out of it is 80 watts, not a fan of the itechworld stuff
Ouch, that would be hard to swallow. Did you contact them for comment?
@@craigsolaradventures No mate I didn’t unfortunately, just moved on and decided to stay away from Itechworld stuff
Hi Craig can I get the details on where you got the Thunder 240W panel please.
Was on eBay last year for $199, I believe they put the price up to $299 and have since sold out..
That itech is si bad - im looking at a 350w Mobi and hoping to get 200w - whats your guess?
Do you have a link to Thunder?
you can get the thunder on ebay. I tested the Mobi 400w, check my other video.
Maybe check your meter or do repeat test. Watts = Volts X Amps. For all of the readings you showed, the displayed watts was exactly what the Volts displayed by amps displayed equaled, except the iTechworld. For the iTech panel, If you multiply the Voltage displayed by the amps displayed the wattage is 293 watts (the claimed 300 watt output), yet the power meter showed 144 watts, something not quite right there!!!
Read my comments that I pinned to the top, it explains how to measure output correctly.
Cheers
Where do you get the thunder at?
EBay
Strange you got such a low reading on that last one for the Raptor Skin one - I was watching this video where he got close to 260W on his test. ruclips.net/video/eiYF_u3Q58w/видео.html
I aways test with my "old Faithful" to get a base line and that usually produces 65w but on that day it was over 70w so I expected all the panels to produce good numbers. Itech world are sending me a replacement so I'll test again when I get it. Don't get me wrong it looked nice and well made, but that all goes out the window if it only produces 144w from a claimed 300w.
@@craigsolaradventures Spot on mate. Possibly 1 panel is rooted, perhaps a bad diode, try putting shade on each panel and see if you get around a noticeable drop in amps.
@@craigsolaradventures I notice the iTech blanket had some shading from the grass across the bottom. Depending on how they string up their cells and how the bypass diodes are setup, it could make a big difference.
Poor comparison as large glass panels will always have higher output. Also the glass panels are just too heavy and bulky to be practical. I know I used to use one but sold it. Also what use is a small 80w panel! you should actually do a comparison of solar blankets only and glass panels only.
👍
Brought the 300 watt solar blanket. It only puts out 145w.
I Will never buy anything from a one store wonder. It’s too hard, to get the solar panel fixed. Will now have to buy an additional solar panel, to replace this useless itec one, will go to BCF.
Itec, technical support, is pathetic, no customer care, skills.
Stay away from itechworld. Very expensive and they fail. I had a 200w and the rapter skin cracked and peeled off,as well as not generating the claimed 200w.