RockPals is a solar panels company that was established in California in 2015. Though a newbie in this arena, compared to a firm like Jackery, it has also grown to become a market leader in dealing with electricity issues and emergency power outages.
The company’s products have got positive reviews from both the existing and potential clients due to their versatility. As the name suggests, RockPals aims at providing rock climbers memorable outdoor experiences with excellent products.
[content-egg module=Amazon products=”us-B07FH85FW9″ hide=title disable_features=1]
Their most reputable product is the RockPals 300W Portable Power Station Charger, followed by the one that features our review today.
About RockPals SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel
The SP003 100-watt Foldable Solar Panel Charger from RockPals is an ideal choice to have for your off-grid activities.
This high efficient solar panel charger offers 23.5% solar conversion efficiency which is almost similar to that of Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel. As such, you get optimal performance at a pocket-friendly price.
When it comes to features, very few of its kind (100W) comes close. The SP003 features a foldable design that adds portability for convenience wherever you go. For durability, this solar panel charger is made from heavy-duty Oxford cloth in addition to water resistance so it can tolerate all weathers. Does it sound like a decent outdoor gadget?
The only drawback is that its junction box is not waterproof, so it should be as far away from water as possible. Also, it is not compatible with the Jackery 440. Downsides aside! The SP003 100-watt foldable solar panel charger is made for solar generator, which means it works well with most solar generators on the market.
RockPals SP003 is equipped with 3 USB output ports and in-built smart IC smart chip, a charging technology that recognizes the device being charged and boosts the charging speed. In addition, it protects your device from overloading and overcharging, while automatically adjusting charging based on the level of sunlight.
The solar panel charger can be used to charge 5V USB devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, GPS, tablets, and more. It weighs 5.5 lbs. for portability, comes with 1 MC4 cable, user manual, and 10 DC connectors.
Features
The SP003 100W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Charger from RockPals comes with handy features that make it a great addition to your home. Check this out!
- Widely Compatible – The solar panel charger works well with most solar generators that you will find on the market. As such, you are not restricted to RockPals products only which is good thing because you might have another solar generator at home.
- Durability – The SP003 is built with high-quality Oxford cloth material in addition to being waterproof to ensure that you get service for an extended period.
- High Tech – It features in-built smart IC chip that identifies the devices you are charging and adjust accordingly. Besides, this intelligent also protects your devices from risks such as overloading and over-charging.
- Versatility – You can use this solar panel charger in many different outdoor activities without worrying about safety or durability (but cautious, of course!) including hiking, camping, and more!
- Portable & Foldable – Nothing matters most in adventures like the portability of a device. The SP003 is lightweight (5.5 lbs.) and foldable into a briefcase making it convenient for carrying.
Specifications
You can tell a lot about a solar panel charger using its specs. So, what does the SP003 100-watt 12V have to offer?
- Wattage: 100-watts
- DC Charging Output: 4 x 18V/5.4A (max)
- USB Output Ports: 2 x USB 2.0
- QC 3.0: 1 x 9V 2.5A Max
- Open Circuit Voltage: 16V – 18V
- Short Circuit Current: 6A
- Operating Temperature Range: 0 – 120 F
How to set it up
Do you have your SP003 100-watt 12V solar charger and you are wondering how to set it up? RockPals has made the process incredibly easy for you.
- Connect the provided MC4 cable to the panel.
- If it is hooked up correctly, the LED display will show charging
- Connect the panels to the power station and enjoy!
Pros
- Lightweight
- High conversion efficiency (23.5%)
- USB output ports for device charging
- In-built smart IC tech
- Protects your devices from overcharging
- Waterproof
- Durable & foldable design
Cons
- Junction box not waterproof
- No compatible with Jackery 440
Rating on Value for Money
I always view purchasing a portable solar panel as an investment and spending my hard-earned money on a standard product is a big NO! The SP003 100-watt solar panel charger offers 23.5% conversion rate for boosted performance which is incredible.
If you think about the features it offers and what is included in the package, the $209.99 is worth it. Besides, it offers an operating temperature range of 0 – 120 F, which is it scored 9/10 rating on value for money.
Rating on Charge Interruption Recovery
Sometimes the sun will hide just when your device or panels are charging and that is very normal. During our testing, we went into the thickets where there is low light and then clouds passed by. We observe slight change in the charging speed which resumed in no time.
Our rating on charge interruption recovery scored 7.5/10.
Rating on Charging Speed
Charging speed varies greatly with what is being charged. The best thing with RockPals SP003, however, is its in-built smart charging tech that detects a device and adjusts accordingly.
While other factors contribute to the charging speed of a device, RockPals SP003 is unique and scored 9/10b rating on charging speed.
Rating on Multiple Device Charging
The SP003 comes with 3 USB output ports (2 x USB 2.0 & 1 x QC 3.0) for charging multiple devices with varying needs. We were able to charge our digital camera and two smartphones simultaneously and the experience was thrilling!
It scored 7/10 rating on multiple device charging.
Rating on Durability
No matter how pricey or pocket-friendly a solar panel charger is, it nothing if it offers short lifespan. The SP003 is made from high-quality Oxford cloth for durability and it is IP67 waterproof to make usable under any weather.
The junction box, however, is not water-resistant so it must be protected. The solar panel charger scored 8/10 rating on durability.
Rating on Weight and Portability
The last thing you want for your off-grid fun is a solar panel charger that sucks the energy out of you. We found the SP003 is lightweight and foldable into a briefcase for convenience when exploring, making it more portable.
The solar panel charger scored 9/10 rating on weight and portability.
Wrap-Up
The SP003 100-watt 12V solar panel charger from RockPals understands the need for different power input to suit different devices. It comes with 3 USB smart charging tech that comes in handy in multiple device charging.
We also liked its 23.5% conversion efficiency rate, its waterproof feature, and durability. Even with some drawbacks, the pros take the upper hand.
My name is Alex Landry and I am an experienced solar PV engineer and an editor here at Tru Solar Score. I am an accomplished solar PV expert with over 12 years of installing off-grid solar systems in various states in the US. Between 2015 and 2019, I led a small team of energy audit analysts for a company based out of Oregon. I currently run this site full-time and when I am not testing a new solar PV product in the market, I am offering customized consulting on solar systems installations. You can reach me directly using alex@trusolarscore.com
