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 The
Italian pyramid close to Everest's south side base camp is a research center powered by
countless solar panels. Bear in mind that this is in an area where cooking is made over
fire from burning yak-droppings and porters carry all supplies over
narrow paths snaking across high passes. In these conditions, the
sight of a high-tech solar powered building is quite unexpected.
There are many brands of solar panels out on
the market, and the rule of thumb is "You Get What You Pay For."
The
IDG T20
panel (offered by HumanEdgeTech) has the best weight/effect ratio that
we have found on the market.
One panel (you can add-on several) provides
up to 20 Watts per hour
 at
only 850 grams.
The
IDG panel has proved to charge even in overcast conditions and, at
times, even during snow showers!
All brands of panels are dependent on the right angle position
towards the sun's rays. To charge at optimum level you need to adjust
them with the movement of the sun. Out of three different brand
panels tested on expeditions by HumanEdgeTech, one gave hardly any juice
at all. Make sure you test charge before you leave.
Compare the T20 with common brands like Cetsolars
USF-11 which would give you only 10 Watt at 910 gr. The
difference increases further when taking into account overcast weather
conditions.
Prices increase with quality and the IDG T20 is $600.
Soft (flexible) panels are not a good choice for weight-dependent
expeditions as the flexibility comes at a prize of low output.
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