PowerFilm R-7 solar panel

This is a 7 W rollable solar panel that's supposed to be waterproof and seems to be durable:



I've been thinking about trying one of these on my kayak. The size is right and it should significantly extend battery life on a long/multi-day trip.

I haven't found it anywhere for less than $125, and that's what it's listed for here:

https://jet.com/product/PowerFilm-R-7-7w-Rollable-Solar-Panel-Charger/f76bfbe367964d61b21ba11887cb930e

But, at that site, you can get 15% off on your first order (promo code "15NOW") and there's no tax or shipping, so it's $106 total.

Have you considered the Goal Zero Nomad 7?

It is smaller and has similar specs to the PowerFilm from what I was reading. Also, its only $77 if you have amazon prime.

PowerFilm R-7
Operating Voltage: 15.4 V
Power: 7 Watts
Current: 0.45 Amps
Width (mm): 368.3
Length (mm): 584.2 unrolled
Width (in): 14.5
Length (in): 23 unrolled
Weight (kg): 0.269 kg
Weight (lb): 0.594 lbs

Goal Zero Nomad 7
Operating Voltage:15V
Power:7 watts
Current: .30 Amps
Width (in): 9
Length (in): 17
Thickness (in): 1.5
Weight (lb): 1.01 lbs

http://www.amazon.com/Goal-Zero-11800-Nomad-Solar/dp/B00D2SPZAM/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1447555798&sr=1-1&keywords=goal+zero+nomad+7

It does appear that the PowerFilm R-7 beats the Goal Zero Nomad 7 in operating current, operating voltage, and weight. Not sure what size battery you are running but from my research, it will take quite a while for either to charge a 12v 7.0 AH battery.

Have you considered the Goal Zero Nomad 7?

It is smaller and has similar specs to the PowerFilm from what I was reading. Also, its only $77 if you have amazon prime.

PowerFilm R-7
Operating Voltage: 15.4 V
Power: 7 Watts
Current: 0.45 Amps
Width (mm): 368.3
Length (mm): 584.2 unrolled
Width (in): 14.5
Length (in): 23 unrolled
Weight (kg): 0.269 kg
Weight (lb): 0.594 lbs

Goal Zero Nomad 7
Operating Voltage:15V
Power:7 watts
Current: .30 Amps
Width (in): 9
Length (in): 17
Thickness (in): 1.5
Weight (lb): 1.01 lbs

http://www.amazon.com/Goal-Zero-11800-Nomad-Solar/dp/B00D2SPZAM/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1447555798&sr=1-1&keywords=goal+zero+nomad+7

It does appear that the PowerFilm R-7 beats the Goal Zero Nomad 7 in operating current, operating voltage, and weight. Not sure what size battery you are running but from my research, it will take quite a while for either to charge a 12v 7.0 AH battery.

Thanks for the info. I had seen that one and it looks comparable, except that it does not appear to be nearly as rugged.

I don't think it's realistic to expect to fully charge a typical FF battery with either of these under normal use. But it could extend the the time between (real) charging by quite a lot. So, if you're only using the FF for, say, half a day, then you might be able to keep the battery close to capacity. At least that's something I'd like to test...