Luvknit 100W Foldable Review

The Luvknit 100W Foldable is an excellent 100-watt solar panel that excels in every category while costing less than almost every panel we tested.

Direct Solar Charging Speed

The Luvknit 100W performed very well in our direct solar charging speed tests.

This 100-watt panel features monocrystalline silicon solar cells with a max efficiency of 23.7%. In comparison to other models, this panel generates more power per hour than most.

On a sunny day in Colorado at 5,000 feet, the Luvknit 100W generated 55.7 watt-hours of power in one hour. It consistently outperformed the majority of competing panels throughout the direct solar charging speed tests, despite our low expectations based on the low price tag.

Throughout the direct solar charging testing, the Luvknit 100W reliably averaged an output of 48.3 watts. That output is higher than most.

Compared to other panels with similar 100-watt ratings, the Luvknit 100W demonstrates impressive efficiency levels. Only a few models performed better in direct solar charging speed.

Indirect Solar Charging Speed

The Luvknit 100W did extremely well in our indirect solar charging speed tests, which simulate conditions on a cloudy day.

In our Big White Sheet test, which simulates the conditions of a cloudy day, the Luvknit 100W continued to deliver impressive results that set it apart from the rest.

During a single hour of charging under simulated cloud cover, it produced 17.1 watt-hours of energy. This is more than what most other solar panels generate in one hour.

The Luvknit 100W, on average, put out 10.7 watts of power under the Big White Sheet. This is the most power output of any panel in simulated cloudy conditions.

Portability

The Luvknit 100W strikes an impressive balance between size and usability. This isn't the most portable panel, but we would never hesitate to bring it on a trip because it's too big, unlike some 100-watt panels.

It weighs 8.2 pounds and folds to just over an inch thick, so it packs effortlessly alongside other camping gear. The integrated handle provides secure and comfortable transport from vehicle to campsite, and the zippered pouch holds the charging cable and adapters so you don't lose them.

The Luvknit 100W features a straightforward bi-fold design rather than the multi-fold designs used on some solar panels. While this means it doesn't pack down to as small a footprint, the trade-off is worthwhile. The single fold allows you to set it up and pack it away faster, and it also makes the packed size very thin.

Some panels do fold smaller, but they often require considerably more time to pack and unpack properly. The Luvknit 100W prioritizes practicality over maximum compactness, resulting in a panel that's genuinely convenient to use. If you value efficiency over absolute weight and space saving, but still want a relatively portable panel, this is a great option.

Functionality

The Luvknit 100W is functional in all the ways that matter, without unnecessary features. It supports multiple device charging and has kickstand legs to point it at a low-angled sun.

The Luvknit 100W has USB A, USB C, and a hardwired DC charging output. While the panel can simultaneously charge three devices directly, we recommend you charge a power station using the DC output and charging your smaller devices from that power station. Direct charging via USB is useful to have, but we find it's more efficient to charge a battery directly rather than plug your devices into any solar panel, including this one.

The kickstand legs enable you to adjust the panel's angle to track the sun throughout the day, maximizing energy capture during early morning and late evening hours when the sun is closer to the horizon. The legs fold flat against the panel and are secured with snap buttons when not in use.

These legs perform adequately in most conditions, though they're not immune to strong winds. During our testing, the panel occasionally tipped over when a big gust of wind blew through. This is common with lightweight panels like the Luvknit 100W, so it's not surprising. But it did happen to this panel and most others when the wind picked up one afternoon.

Should You Buy the Luvknit 100W Foldable?

The Luvknit 100W is a great overall value for a 100-watt solar panel. It's very efficient in converting sunlight to energy, it's easy to use, and it's portable enough for most people. It's also less expensive than most solar panels of this size, and the only panels that cost less don't perform nearly as well. This panel is definitely a good option to consider.

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