Decathlon Camping Silicon Solar Panel 50W

Hello roy rogers,

Please find the details below on charging times and panel placement for your setup.

1. Estimated Charging Times

A typical 10,000 mAh power bank takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours to charge from empty in clear UK summer sunlight, provided it supports fast charging (18W–30W USB-C PD).

While a 50W solar panel typically delivers 35W to 42W in direct light, the actual charging speed is usually limited by the maximum input wattage your power bank can accept.

- Small (5,000 mAh / ~18.5 Wh): 2.5–3 hrs (Standard 10W–12W) | 1–1.5 hrs (Fast USB-C PD)
- Standard (10,000 mAh / ~37 Wh): 4.5–5.5 hrs (Standard 10W–12W) | 1.5–2.5 hrs (Fast USB-C PD)
- Large (20,000 mAh / ~74 Wh): 9–10 hrs (Standard 10W–12W) | 3–4 hrs (Fast USB-C PD)
- Small Power Station (~100–150 Wh): N/A (Standard) | 4.5–6 hrs (via DC port or PD)

Note: These estimates apply to clear days from May to August. Lower sun angles during autumn and winter will extend charging times significantly.

2. Panel Adjustment Guidelines

You do not need to move the panel constantly to get good results.

- Option A: 2–3 Adjustments per Day (Recommended)

- Morning: Face South-Southeast at a 35°–45° tilt.
- Midday (~1:00 PM BST): Point directly South.
- Mid-Afternoon: Angle South-Southwest.
- This simple routine captures 85%–90% of maximum daily solar generation.

- Option B: Fixed Position

- If leaving camp for the day, set the panel facing due South at a ~35° tilt.
- This still captures the peak 4–5 hours of sunlight, which is sufficient to fully charge a 10,000 mAh or 20,000 mAh power bank.

Practical Tips for UK Camping

- Keep the Power Bank Shaded: Use the 3.5m cable to place the solar panel in full sun while keeping the USB control box and your power bank in the shade or inside your tent. Overheating causes lithium batteries to throttle charging or turn off entirely.
- Avoid Partial Shading: Shadows from guy ropes, tall grass, or branches covering even a small corner of the panel can significantly reduce output. Ensure the entire surface remains clear.

Thank you for using our Q&A service

Hello Festival Camper,

Regarding your inquiry about the Decathlon Camping Silicon Solar Panel 50W, please note that this product is not waterproof and has limited water resistance. As stated in the user manual, it is important to keep the panel dry and store it in a sheltered place during bad weather to avoid damage.

Here is a breakdown of its water resistance:

- Solar Cells (Front): While the textile and laminate face can handle light mist or minor splashes, it has no official IP rating and cannot withstand heavy rain.
- Control/Junction Box (Back): This is the most vulnerable component. The exposed USB and DC ports must be kept dry; water ingress will cause a short circuit and permanent damage.
- Fabric/Backing: The polyurethane and polyester body is rugged and easy to clean, but it will absorb water if left in the rain.

Usage Tip:
To protect your equipment in unpredictable weather, utilize the included 3.5-meter cable. This allows you to leave the panel in the sun while keeping the control box and your electronic devices safely dry inside your tent.

Thank you for using our Q&A service

Hello Dam,

The short answer is no, this kit cannot be used out of the box to charge a standard car battery, and it does not include the leads required to do so. The Decathlon Camping Silicon Solar Panel 50W is primarily designed as a portable, plug-and-play USB charger for small electronics such as phones, headlamps, and power banks.

Here is the essential information regarding your inquiry:

1. Included Cables
The kit includes cables specifically for low-voltage USB and small DC devices:

- A 3.5m main cable with Anderson connectors (linking the folding panel to the included black stabilization control box).
- A 5.5mm DC cable output from the control box.
- The control box features two standard USB-A ports and one USB-C port.

It does not include crocodile clips, O-ring terminals, or any leads designed to connect to a car battery.

2. Technical Compatibility
Car batteries (12V lead-acid) require a charging voltage between 13.8V and 14.4V to charge safely. The panel's USB ports only output 5V, which is insufficient for a car battery. While the panel features a raw DC output port on the box, it outputs 18.5V. Connecting this directly to a car battery is dangerous, as it lacks a regulation mechanism to prevent overcharging, which could ruin your battery.

Thank you for using our Q&A service

Hello Dfd,
No, it does not come with a power bank to store the collected charge. Your hunch is completely correct - the listing is only for the solar panel and its designated connection hub.
The box pictured in the photos is the "USB junction box", which acts as a power stabilizer rather than a battery. Thank you for using Q&A!