For this review we tested the 9 watt model. It also comes in 4.5 and 14 watt sizes. The 4.5 watt does not seem that useful as it is not powerful enough to charge many smart phones like the iPhone 4.
Likes
Solidly built, with moderate charging capacity, the SolarRoll 4.5 can charge smaller electronics even with some overcast. It survived nights out in the rain and fog unscathed, and is light enough to make expedition use feasible.
It stands out for its durability. There is no stitching to come undone around the cells. It was harder for us to scuff the cells than with many other panels.
It is possible to link together multiple panels for more output. This is especially critical if you are trying to charge bigger items like a laptop. Not many other panels other than the bigger Goal Zero panels give you this option.
It comes with a number accessories for charging different devices: multi-cord, 12-volt cigarette socket, alligator clips.
Dislikes
This panel does not fold up very small, especially compared to a foldable solar panel like the Brunton Solaris Solar Panel. It does come with a tube case that is the only truly waterproof case we tested. If you are short on space, you can fill the tube inside the rolled solar panel with your stuff. But otherwise, transporting this around involves having a bunch of dead space. If you lose the tube, you can wrap the SolarRoll around a water bottle.
The main problem with this panel is the price. Brunton lists the price of the SolarRoll 9 at $489. You can usually find it at most retailers for about half that. However, even at half off, this is still a lot more expensive per watt than just about anything else.
Field Stories
This review coincided with the installation and testing of an off-grid system at a reviewer's place on the coast. Here it was rainy, foggy, and downright miserable all winter long, and the shiny new installed system often hit the low-voltage limiter. When this happened, two things saved the day. The SolarRoll could charge an iPhone even with overcast skies, and a set of those Ikea UFO-looking outdoor lamps would cast a feeble glow for a few hours. Truly low-wattage living, but enough for lights and music. Which is all one actually needs to not feel like a cave dweller.
