18V 570mA Solar Panel - 275x170mm, Polysilicon

As Makers, it’s so great to be able to really take advantage of all of the cool modern technologies that are coming out, and instead of waiting for some company to create a consumer product for us to buy, we can get the loose components and Modules to create our own custom products, which aren’t designed to cater to the masses, but instead are designed to suit our specific and individual needs. However, if there’s one thing that almost all electronic technologies have in common, it’s the need for power, and even in our modern world we don’t always have access to that power, either due to being in a remote location, or for a number of other reasons like power cuts or loadshedding. Fortunately, as Makers, we also have great solutions to these kinds of problems, and these solutions come in the form of Solar Panels, such as this 18V 550mA Solar Panel, which is relatively large in size at 275x170mm, and made from Polysilicon for high efficiency.

These solar panels offer a relatively beefy 10W total power output, and this is perfect for running many different low to moderate power projects when out in remote locations, or when power is simply not available for whatever reason. 10W is quite impressive, and can run a large majority of low-power projects, with simple Bluetooth media players and other light entertainment or functional projects fitting perfectly within this power range. And while it may not be able to run a power-hungry Raspberry Pi 4 B at full blast, it can certainly achieve a lot, especially if this panel is equipped with a Solar Power Manager and some kind of backup battery system. So if you’ve been eager to set up a backup power source for camping, picnics on hiking trails, or even just for when loadshedding hits when you least expect it, this solar panel offers a great set of features for a great price, and with a strong metallic frame design, you can rely on the durability too.

When it comes to producing unique electronics components and modules, there are very few brands that can provide the quality that Waveshare can. Based in the Futian District in Shenzhen, China, Waveshare are experts in developing electronics to a high standard of quality, which have been thoroughly tested to work seamlessly with corresponding development platforms and systems – such as the E-Ink HATs for Raspberry Pi’s.

What we love most about Waveshare is how they are dedicated to providing quality products, and have moved away from the typical “Made in China” stigma – cheap products with cheap parts and components. Instead, Waveshare understand the value of supplying quality products and building sustainable relationships with international resellers and distributors. They know that consistent quality will result in consistent business, and as such they always ensure strict quality control for each and every product that comes out of the manufacturing plant.

We are always excited to peruse through their vast catalogue of exciting new products to find unique modules, components or even entire development boards that are designed with quality in mind. Because we know that every cent that we spend with Waveshare will be well-spent, with each product that order adding real value to our own catalogue of products.