Harnessing the sun’s energy for clean and renewable power is an exciting prospect, and over the years, I have tested a variety of solar panel brands to discover the best options on the market.
However, it’s just as important to know which brands fall short in order to make an informed decision when investing in solar energy.
I will dive into the issues with each brand, giving you a comprehensive understanding of why these solar panels should be avoided.
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Solar Panel Brands to Avoid
BioLite SolarPanel, Jackery SolarSaga, and Anker 515 Solar Panel are the solar panel brands to avoid due to low capacity, overheating, inconsistency, and dependence on clear skies.
1. BioLite SolarPanel
BioLite SolarPanel is a popular brand known for its compact and lightweight panels.
While they have some positive aspects, such as their sleek design and ease of use, several significant drawbacks make them one of the worst solar panels to invest in.
- Low capacity: The BioLite SolarPanel has a disappointingly low power output, which means it takes much longer to charge your devices than other panels in the market.
- Inefficient battery: I found that it never kept my phone charging unless it was in direct sunlight. This severely limits its usefulness, especially on cloudy days or when you’re on the go.
- Overheats and not great at charging: The panel tends to overheat easily, reducing its charging efficiency and damaging the charged device.
- Fragile USB port: I had the misfortune of having the USB port break after only a few uses, rendering the entire panel useless.
Numerous customers on forums have also reported similar issues, making it clear that BioLite SolarPanel is not a reliable option for solar power.
2. Jackery SolarSaga
Jackery SolarSaga is another brand that, at first glance, seems to offer a promising product. Their panels are designed to be portable and compatible with their portable power stations.
However, my experience, as well as reports from other users, highlight some concerning issues:
- Inadequate performance in winter: During the colder months, you might need several SolarSaga panels hooked up together to get a reasonable amount of power.
- Pricey: The panels come with a hefty price tag, which is difficult to justify considering the drawbacks.
- Lack of accessories: SolarSaga does not come with extra cables for connecting devices other than Jackery’s power stations.
3. Anker 515 Solar Panel
Anker is a well-known brand in the electronics world, and while many of its products perform admirably, the Anker 515 Solar Panel falls short of expectations.
Here are some of the issues I’ve faced, along with feedback from other customers:
- Inconsistency: The Anker 515 Solar Panel only works for a few devices, and it tends to overheat, causing it to stop charging altogether.
- Dependence on clear skies: If you don’t always have a clear sky, this panel drains the charge you have in the item you want to charge, making it quite unhelpful.
- Definitely no good: While it may have a couple of redeeming qualities, like being lightweight and easy to install, the overall experience and reliability simply don’t make the cut.
Some other WorstBrands of Appliances that you might want to avoid:
- List of the Least Reliable Refrigerator Brands
- Bad Generator Brands
- Least Reliable Washer Brands
- List of the Worst Dishwasher Brands to Avoid
Conclusion
Solar panels are a fantastic way to harness clean and renewable energy from the sun, but not all solar panel brands are created equal.
Based on my personal experience and reviews from other customers, I advise caution when considering BioLite SolarPanel, Jackery SolarSaga, and Anker 515 Solar Panel.
Each of these brands has significant drawbacks, such as inconsistency, overheating, and dependence on clear skies, which make them unreliable and inefficient choices.
Before investing in solar panels, I recommend thoroughly researching and opting for well-reviewed, reliable brands that will meet your energy needs and offer a satisfying user experience.
Remember, going solar is a long-term investment, and choosing the right solar panels is crucial to enjoying the benefits of sustainable, clean energy.
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.