The solargorilla is a larger version of the powermonkey-eXplorer. Unlike the monkey though, the gorilla isn't supplied with a battery (see insert). The solar panels have a much larger surface area, and have the same clamshell design as the smaller model. The solargorilla has a 5V USB output port and a second power socket that can reach up to 20V, and which can be used with the connectors supplied.
The total surface area of the solar panels is 231 cm² (2x 115 cm²) for a total weight (including casing) of 848 g. We carried out our output tests in optimal conditions (i.e. bright sunlight). Here are the results obtained from the two different ports:
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20V (max.) power port
From the USB connection, the best performance peaked at 5 V, when the panel's output was just over 600 mA and 3 Watts. From the other port, the device's best results were between 11 and 19 Volts with a slight peak at 17 V for 420 mA and just over 7 Watts. The solargorilla's output at 5 Volts is much more effective than that of the powermonkey-eXplorer. So with a surface area almost three times larger, the solargorilla provides 3.7 times more power at this same voltage.
Running a device directly from the solar panel
Powering a product with no intermediary battery depends whether or not the given device will accept power from the solar panel directly. Ideally, the device you want to run shouldn't require more than 5 Volts and 600 mAh if you're using the USB port, or 11 to 19 Volts and 450 mA for the other power connection. As with the powermonkey, you'll also need very bright sunlight, otherwise power could cut out any time a cloud comes along. In other words, you'll need to keep a battery close at hand to keep the device powered up until bright sunlight returns.
The total surface area of the solar panels is 231 cm² (2x 115 cm²) for a total weight (including casing) of 848 g. We carried out our output tests in optimal conditions (i.e. bright sunlight). Here are the results obtained from the two different ports:
USB port
20V (max.) power port
Running a device directly from the solar panel
Powering a product with no intermediary battery depends whether or not the given device will accept power from the solar panel directly. Ideally, the device you want to run shouldn't require more than 5 Volts and 600 mAh if you're using the USB port, or 11 to 19 Volts and 450 mA for the other power connection. As with the powermonkey, you'll also need very bright sunlight, otherwise power could cut out any time a cloud comes along. In other words, you'll need to keep a battery close at hand to keep the device powered up until bright sunlight returns.
Pros
- Up to 3 W at 5 V via USB output
- Up to 7 W at 17 V via other output
- 3.7 times more powerful than the powermonkey at 5 V
- Supplied with case
Cons
- Three times heavier than the powermonkey-eXplorer
- No battery supplied
Conclusion
The solargorilla charges a 5 V battery three times faster than the smaller model, the powermonkey-eXplorer. It is, however, also three times heavier. Is it worth investing in a heavier and more expensive charger to ensure better performances? Yes if your luggage is in the car, but think twice if you're on foot.
OUR SCORE
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