this post was submitted on 07 Jun 2024
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[–] markpaskal@lemmy.ca 16 points 5 months ago (2 children)

I doubt they put out much power at all compared to modern panels. Solar back then was a pipe dream, we didn't have the battery technology to store the energy and the panels had a lower voltage and could supply less current.

I have a 100w foldable panel for camping that at >= 20% efficiency is probably double what the 90s panels could do.

[–] simplejack@lemmy.world 9 points 5 months ago (1 children)

In the 90s, rooftop solar was around 10-15% efficient. Now rooftop panels are closer to 20%.

[–] Wahots@pawb.social 5 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Some are 25% now, and don't even break the bank. You can get modules that store the power and feed it back into your house for use later. I kinda want to get some to offset heating and cooling costs.

https://us.ecoflow.com/products/175w-rigid-solar-panel?variant=41362064179273

[–] dan@upvote.au 2 points 5 months ago

That one doesn't seem like it's worth it at the regular price though, seeing as it's only 175W. You can get a 400W QCell Q.Peak panel for the same price or cheaper. I guess it's useful if your use case needs smaller panels.

[–] Bonesince1997@lemmy.world 3 points 5 months ago

A major source of calculator power!