EBL Portable Solar Panel Review: 120W Flexible Solar Panel

I had the pleasure of testing this product after receiving the solar panel directly from EBL. I did not pay for the product and am receiving no compensation for my honest review. This article details my experience using the EBL 120W solar panel, with information that may be useful for people considering making a purchase. It covers the important details you should know before purchasing the EBL 120-Watt Flexible Solar Panel. 

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An Honest Review of the EBL 120w Portable Solar Panel

The EBL 120W Portable Solar Panel has a bendable design with 270° curvature. Featuring monocrystalline solar cells, the EBL 120W has an impressive 23% conversion efficiency in full sunlight.

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Key Takeaways

• The EBL 120W is made for use in motorhomes, RVs, caravans, campers, boats, roofs, or any uneven surface.
• There are multiple ways to install or setup the solar panel using screws, carabiners, or velcro straps.
• It has a maximum working voltage (Vmp) of 21.7V.
• It’s made with Monocrystalline solar cells, ETFE material, with up to 23% conversion efficiency in strong sunlight.
• The EBL 120W is compatible with lead-acid, ternary lithium-ion, and lithium iron phosphate batteries.
• It weighs 6.06 pounds, with a thickness of 0.12 inches.
• The solar panel can be installed using adhesive, screws, carabiners, velcro straps, or a combination of these methods, allowing for non-permanent installation.

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Unpacking – What’s Inside the Box?

• 1 x EBL 120W Flexible Solar Panel, Model: S120
• 1 x MC4 Cable
• 8 x Carabiner
• 10 x Velcro Straps
• 1 x User Manual

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Specifications

• Output: 12V/21.7V
• Cell Type: Monocrystalline Silicon Cell
• Solar Energy Conversion Efficiency: Up to 23% in Full Sunlight
• Surface Treatment: EVA + ETFE
• Wire Treatment: PVC
• Compatibility: Lead-acid, ternary lithium-ion, and lithium iron phosphate batteries
• Dimensions: 40.2″L x 27.7″W x 0.12″H
• Weight: 6.06 lbs (2.75 kgs)
• Width: 0.12 inches
• Warranty: 1-year
• Max Power: 120-Watts
• Max Load Voltage (Vmp): 21.7 Volts
• Max Load Current (lpm): 5.8A
• Open-circuit Voltage (Voc): 27 Volts
• Short-circuit Current (lsc): 7.25 Amps

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Materials

The EBL 120w portable solar panel is made with monocrystalline solar cells, with an ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) surface treatment. This also prevents cracking or shattering. 

The EBL 120 watt panel also has a IP65 water resistance rating. While the it’s not waterproof, this rating means the EBL 120W can handle light rain or moisture. It shouldn’t be left out in heavy rain or submerged in water.

Size and Weight

The EBL 120W monocrystalline solar panel is lightweight and thin, weighing about 6 lbs., with dimensions of 40.2″L x 27.7″W x 0.12″H. I’m able to store it in my tool shed by sliding it at the top of a shelf.

However, the EBL isn’t completely bendable, which makes it harder to transport in smaller cars. It’s easy to carry in an RV, SUV van, but fitting it inside of a sedan might be challenging.

Cables

The MC4 cables are externally attached to the top of solar panel, which makes it easy to connect to a power station. However, I wish the cables had a storage case or enclosure because I found that they kept getting tangled and caught on furniture when I moved the solar panel around.

Also, having an enclosure for the cables would keep them dry and protected from dust and debris.

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Installation

You get (almost) everything you need to setup the solar panel, including an MC4 cable, ten Velcro straps, eight carabiners. 

Hanging the Solar Panel

The included carabiner and velcro straps are a nice touch. They are sturdy and fit perfectly through metal-reinforced horizontal slats and punch holes along the corners and sides of the EBL. 

You can attach multiple velcro straps together and hang the solar panel from external mounting points on your RV, a hook or even a tree branch. 

Attaching the Solar Panel to an Uneven Surface

The EBL’s 260-degree bendable design make it perfect for attaching it to a curved surface, like a automobile roof.  You can use the carabiner and straps to attach the EBL to the top of your car, RV or van.

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Performance

It efficiently charged my 500Wh portable power station, is well-suited for camping and easily attaches to uneven surfaces or hooks.

Connecting the EBL 120W Solar Panel

EBL does not provide an adapter to connect the MC4 cable to the portable power station’s DC or Anderson port.  Luckily, I have an adapter from my BougeRV foldable solar panel that I was able to use.

I connected the EBL to a portable power station, using an MC4 connector to plug into the power station’s DC port.

Charging a Portable Power Station

The panel is compatible with with lead-acid, ternary lithium-ion, and lithium iron phosphate batteries.

I used the EBL to charge a 500Wh-capacity Grecell portable power station, with an Nickel Cadmium Manganese lithium-ion battery. 

I setup the EBL flexible solar panel in full sunlight, at about an 80-degree angle to the sun. I live in Southern California, so there is plenty of unobstructed sunlight without having to make a lot of adjustments.

However, the user manual recommends an angle of 30 to 60 degrees for maximum solar conversion.

Charging Efficiency in Full Sunlight

EBL states that the solar panel’s high-efficiency monocrystalline silicone has 23% sunlight conversion. This is a high level of efficiency compared to other models with a 18% to 22% conversion.

I used the EBL to recharge a 500Wh-capacity portable power station from 0% to 90%. The power station has a maximum solar input of 80W and I was able to reach about 72W. This is surprising, considering the EBL has max output of 120W. I’ll hold my critique until I can test it on a power station with higher solar input.

The charging process took about 5 1/2 hours.

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Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight, thin design
• 23% conversion efficiency
• 260-degree flexibility for curved surfaces
• Multiple installation options

Cons:

• Does not include MC4 adapter
• External cables can get damaged or tangled
• Did not reach maximum solar input
• Does not completely bend, which makes transport difficult in smaller vehicles

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Value for Money

The EBL is competitively priced and is often cheaper than similar models by other brands.

EBL 120W Flexible Solar Panel:

• Retail Price: $109.99

PowMr 120W Panel

• Retail Price: $149

Larson Electronics All Weather 120W Panel

• Retail Price: $369

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FAQs

What is the life expectancy of flexible solar panels?

Depending on the materials the solar panel is made from and how it’s maintained, a flexible solar panel can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years. ETFE-coated solar panels are projected to last around 10 years. In general, flexible panels tend to have a shorter lifespan in comparison to traditional panels.

How fragile are flexible solar panels?

Flexible solar panels are usually less fragile than traditional rigid solar panels because they can bend without cracking or damaging the solar cells.

Do you need an air gap for flexible solar panels?

Air gaps are recommended when setting up a flexible solar panel because they help prevent overheating. The air flow keeps the panels cooler which can ultimately improve conversion efficiency and extend the lifespan.

References

1. https://www.amazon.com/EBL-Flexible-Monocrystalline-Bendable-Motorhome/dp/B0CK1F8KK1
2. https://www.eblofficial.com/products/ebl-120w-flexible-solar-panel
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTjZ6x5PpRU
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10488543/