Wouldn’t it be handy to have a portable solar power source for camping or boating in remote river valleys? Wouldn’t you love to be able to set up a solar panel in your yard or on your shed for just a few hours?
The problem? Most solar panels are manufactured for permanent installation only. The Noma portable solar panel is a solution.
In this article, I’ll cover these facts about the Noma solar panel and more:
• How to select a portable solar panel
• What’s unique about the Noma portable solar panel
• The Noma warranty
• Noma Alternatives
The need is clear for a portable solar panel. The possible applications are endless. I’ve included everything you would love to know about the Noma solar panel. Please read on.
How to Choose the Best Noma Solar Panel
Charging Power
Solar panels are always rated for power output in watts. List all your energy needs in remote areas and add them up. Can you get by with a 50-watt solar panel or will you need 75 watts? Err on the side of higher wattage.
How fast do you want to charge your devices? Bear in mind that a 100-watt solar panel will recharge them faster than a 20-watt panel.
Solar Panel Size
Make sure your solar panel will fit inside your car, van, or truck. You won’t be able to take it camping if you can’t squeeze it in. Measure for height and width. Err on the side of smaller size.
Panel Setup
You will be constantly readjusting your portable solar panel. Make sure it either comes with a supporting stand or one bought separately will work with your panel. Check to see if the angle can be adjusted during the day.
Charging Your Batteries
Does your solar panel come with batteries, a charge controller, and a power inverter? The charge controller will prevent your panel from overcharging the batteries.
The inverter will turn DC power from your panel into AC power (used by most devices in your home).
If not, are most batteries and inverters compatible with your panel? One USB port on your panel will make it compatible with most devices.
Noma 75-Watt Portable Solar Panel
This solar panel, designed for camping and other remote work, outperforms those manufactured just a few years ago. It will charge a standard 12V battery. It won’t charge it as fast as a 100-watt panel, but it works fast enough for most applications.
It can be left standing on the fully adjustable kickstand or be hung in place in the sun for charging.
Brand Overview
Noma, a manufacturer of lighting, has branched out into the solar panel market. The company distributes its solar panels at Canadian Tire stores through its online site.
Warranty
The Noma solar panel carries a 5-year exchange warranty redeemable at any Canadian Tire store.
Returns
When customers bring in their original receipt, Canadian Tire will offer an exchange or give a full refund on Noma solar panels. If customers can’t find their receipt, Canadian Tire offers a receipt look-up.
Reviews
The reviews of the Noma solar panel have been largely positive. People praised the product for durability and easy setup in remote areas.
What are Noma Solar Panels Used For?
People use these portable solar panels for remote-powering of their devices. They are mostly used for gardens and campers.
Portable solar panels are also handy for charging remote devices while engaging in yard maintenance and gardening, working on the car, hunting, and boating.
Anyone engaged in remote occupations, such as farm work, aquaculture, or operating irrigation systems has found Noma solar panels invaluable.
What’s unique about Noma solar panels?
These panels are powerful. A reviewer tested a panel and found after two hours in direct sunlight, it had fully recharged the batteries.
Noma portable solar panels are sold exclusively through Canadian Tire Stores. Although Noma lights are available from Amazon – see below.
Noma 75 Watt Specifications
The Noma 75-watt portable solar panel is built for remote use:
• Rugged aluminum frame for extended outdoor use
• Charges 12V batteries (sold separately)
• Recommended to be used with a charge controller (not included)
• Fully weatherproof
• Easy installation and maintenance-free
• Assembled Size: depth 30.00 inches, height 1 inch, weight 10.4 pounds, width 26 1/4 inches
• Product Number: 31071
• Frame Material: Aluminum
• Solar Material: Crystalline
• Voltage tester is included
Features
The Noma portable solar panel is the solution people have been seeking to the problem of generating power in remote places. It gives people flexibility, mobility, getting power wherever they are, and enjoy life more while camping.
Portable solar panels provide emergency backup power during power outages or unexpected natural disasters.
People who wish to permanently install these panels will find the pre-drilled mounting holes extremely useful for that task.
The easy-to-read user’s manual is available for free as a PDF download from the Canadian Tire online store.
Pros
Reviewers have found Noma solar panels to be reliable and powerful enough to charge multiple devices at once. Both are very handy attributes for camping and remote work.
One reviewer tested the Noma on a cloudy day and found it would recharge batteries, but far more slowly than on a sunny day.
On a sunny day, the panel produced more amps than the specs said it would. Noma has an easy-to-read charging panel and a handy adjustable stand with clamps.
Another reviewer praised the clarity of the user’s manual, then admitted that he didn’t even need to use it because the Noma was extremely easy to set up.
Cons
The solar panel is quite large. It can’t be folded. This makes it far too large and awkward to carry while hiking. If campers wish to use this panel, they must make sure their vehicle is large enough to carry it without damaging the solar power elements.
- Not widely available.
- Better alternatives are available.
- It’s priced similarly to higher-rated solar panels.
Noma Solar Panel Alternatives
One of the key points when selecting a solar panel is, how long it will last. So although Noma has good specifications, there are more highly rated solar panel manufacturers on the market.
If you’re investing around one hundred dollars for a solar panel, I would highly recommend getting a Renogy solar panel.
This 100-watt black frame Renogy solar panel is a great choice for this price range. With excellent efficiency, and durability you can’t go wrong.
- [Reliable] This 100-watt solar panel advanced encapsulation material with multi-layered sheet laminations enhances cell performance and provides a long service life. EL tested solar modules; no hot-spot heating guaranteed. Bypass diodes minimize power drop caused by shade. TPT back sheet ensures smooth performance over a long period of time
- [Durable] Guaranteed positive output tolerance (0-3%); withstands high winds (2400Pa) and snow loads (5400Pa). Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame allows extended outdoor use; the panels can last for decades. Anti-reflective, high transparency, low iron tempered glass with enhanced stiffness and impact resistance. IP65 rated junction box provides complete protection against environmental particles and low-pressure water jets
- [Versatile] Can be used for many different applications, compatible with ground mount, on-grid and off-grid inverters
If you’re looking for something more portable, then the Jackery SolarSaga is the one for you. It’s portable, lightweight, and has USB connections.
- EASY SETUP & KICKSTAND INCLUDED: The Solar Saga 100 features 2 kickstands that can be placed firmly on any surface ground. With just a few seconds of setup, you can start soaking energy from the sun for your Jackery power station. The TPE rubber handle allows you to carry around easily when taking off-grid adventures.
- HIGHER ENERGY CONVERSION RATE: Covered by monocrystalline silicon solar cells, the solar panel adopts multi-layered cell technology to generate energy from the sunlight and perform better with higher conversion efficiency that up to 23% than other conventional panels.
- DURABLE & SPLASH-PROOF: The ETFE-laminated case is durable enough to extend the lifespan of the solar panel. It is IP65 water-resistant that will protect from water splashing (Do not place it under the rain, or to soak in water). The zippers on the pocket can hold the power cords, and cover the power port.
Noma Garden Solar Panel Products
Here’s a selection of the best Noma solar lights for your garden. Selected from the highest rated products, they will be a nice addition to your garden.
Garden Lights
- HASSLE-FREE SETUP: Install our premium Cascading Icicle Lights this season in half the traditional time, with secure heavy duty built-in spring-loaded quick-clips. Our quick clips allow for 180 degree rotation, allowing you to adjust the lights in any desired direction. Our quick clips allow for 180 degree rotation, allowing you to adjust the lights in any desired directions.
- CASCADING METEOR SHOWER EFFECT: Our high quality Icicle Lights have a realistic appearance and feature a cascading light effect where the light travels down the bulb like a shooting star creating a beautiful light show on any roofline, fence, or railing.
- ENERGY-SAVING LED BULBS: The 10 LED Pure White Icicle bulbs are energy-efficient, remain cool to the touch, and reduce power usage. Our Icicle Lights are spaced 15-Inches apart on a 12.6-foot white strand.
Post Lights
- COOL OUTDOOR LIGHTING: The 6-pack outdoor post lights add a stylish touch to your garden, yard or deck and creates a cool white LED light to brighter your outdoor environment
- HIGH QUALITY WITH AUTOMATIC DUSK TO DAWN SENSOR: Our durable solar post lights include 1 rechargeable AA NI-CD battery, are made of weather resistant plastic, with a ribbed plastic lens and a fully plastic base. As our solar post lights are equipped with automatic sensors, set-up is simple and easy, and our post light will automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn.
- 100% SOLAR POWERED: The LED fence lights have ultra high lighting efficiency with advanced monocrystalline solar panel that charges your lights to power for over 8 hours
- COOL OUTDOOR LIGHTING: The 2-pack outdoor post lights add a stylish touch to your garden, yard or deck and creates a cool white LED light to brighter your outdoor environment
- HIGH QUALITY: the durable solar post lights are made out of water glass ribbed plastic lens and comes with 1 rechargeable NiCD 200 mAH AA battery
- 100% SOLAR POWERED: The LED fence lights have ultra high lighting efficiency with advanced monocrystalline solar panel that charges your lights to power for over 8 hours
Tree Lights
- Individual artificial magnolia flowers
- 3m lead cable
- Height: 120cm
Christmas Lights
- HASSLE-FREE SETUP: Install your Christmas lights this season in half the traditional time, with secure heavy duty built-in spring-loaded clips. These lights will bring a special glow to any holiday, wedding, or birthday and clip securely to branches, rooflines, and railings with ease.
- PATENTED QUICK-CLIP TECHNOLOGY: With 180 degrees rotation, you can adjust the lights toward your desired direction. Durable acrylic resin, drain-holes, and weather-sealed sockets prevent damage and withstand the harshest weather conditions.
- ENERGY-SAVING LED BULBS: The 100 LED bulbs are energy-efficient, remain cool to the touch, and reduce power usage. Our C9 bulbs are 1.25” inch in diameter and 2.5” inches tall and evenly spaced 8” inches apart
- Holiday Wonderland 3 x 100 Lights Clear String To String Light Set
- Set On Green Wire
- Sets Of Lights Can Be Connected Together Comes With 2 Flasher Bulbs 2 Extra Bulbs & 1 Replacement Fuse
- HASSLE-FREE SETUP: Install your Christmas lights this season in half the traditional time, with secure heavy duty built-in spring-loaded clips. These lights will bring a special glow to any holiday, wedding, or birthday and clip securely to branches, rooflines, and railings with ease.
- PATENTED QUICK-CLIP TECHNOLOGY: With 180 degrees rotation, you can adjust the lights toward your desired direction. Durable acrylic resin, drain-holes, and weather-sealed sockets prevent damage and withstand the harshest weather conditions.
- ENERGY-SAVING LED BULBS: The 25 LED bulbs are energy-efficient, remain cool to the touch, and reduce power usage. Our C9 bulbs are 1.25” inch in diameter and 2.5” inches tall and evenly spaced 8” inches apart
- BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Holiday decorating just became easy with our stunning C9 LED diamond cut faceted string lights. Whether you are decorating for Christmas or another holiday, our lights will bring a warm inviting glow to any party, wedding, and any other celebration.
- INDOOR & OUTDOOR: Our bulbs are highly durable and weatherproof making our string lights well suited to both indoors & outdoors. They are perfect for your Christmas tree, roofline, mantel, railings, windows/doors, fence, and patio.
- ENERGY-SAVING LED BULBS: The 25 high-efficiency LED bulbs are environmentally friendly, remain cool to the touch, and reduce power usage - saving you money. C9 bulbs are 1.25” inch in diameter and 2.5” inches tall and evenly spaced 8” inches apart.
- BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Holiday decorating just became easy with our stunning mini LED string lights. Whether you are decorating for Christmas or another holiday, our lights will bring a warm inviting glow to any party, wedding, and any other celebration.
- INDOOR & OUTDOOR: Our bulbs are highly durable and built to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them well suited to both indoors & outdoors. They are perfect for your Christmas tree, window, wreath, and patio.
- ENERGY-SAVING LED BULBS: The 70 high-efficiency LED bulbs are environmentally friendly, remain cool to the touch, and reduce power usage - saving you money. Mini bulbs are 1/4” inch in diameter and 5/8” inches tall and evenly spaced 4” inches apart
Sources:
- My product review: NOMA Solar Panel Kit – Bing video
- NOMA 50W Solar Panel Kit – Russell’s Testimonial – Bing video
- Real Customer Reviews | Best Company
- Portable Solar Panels | Solar Energy Facts
- Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar | Department of Energy
