Like other portable solar panels
According to the outfit, this automatic solar tracking feature allows it to boost power output by over 40 percent, allowing you to really maximize your power generation. No more having to return to camp multiple times throughout the day to change your solar panel’s positioning – this thing can do it in on-the-fly the entire time all by its lonesome.
The Iris T1 is a portable solar charging system consisting of an octagonal-shaped solar panel, a round base with a built-in battery, and an articulated arm that connects both. To set up, start by taking the base and attaching the three included legs. From there, you mount the solar panel using the magnetic connectors that simply snaps it in place, set it down at your desired location, and press the power button to get it running. By default, it will store all charge to the built-in 270Wh battery inside the base, while a companion app allows you to monitor battery level, power generation output, and more essential information.
The device has built-in dual-band GPS that it uses to triangulate its precise location relative to the sun’s position in real-time. With that data, it’s able to calculate the optimal angle for the solar panel to face at any time, allowing you to make on-the-fly adjustments to ensure it draws in maximum sunlight. There are no visible cables or wiring on the device, by the way, so everything is clean and uncluttered while it charges the internal battery. The device, by the way, comes with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. The USB-C ports are rated to outputs of 100W, so you can plug in your larger devices there and get pretty decent charging times.
The Iris T1 uses a 32W monocrystalline that, the outfit claims, delivers reliable weather resistance, ensuring it can handle rain, snow, and sun all year round. The battery is easily replaceable, too, since you can slide it out from the bottom compartment. That means, you can keep spares and charge a fresh module if you manage to get a full charge on the installed battery, which is quite convenient. Do note, there’s a good chance the 270Wh battery won’t be approved for airplane travel, so this is likely strictly for local adventures (unless you’re really good at hiding stuff inside your luggage).
Because the base, legs, and solar panel can all be detached from each other, it should make packing and transport a lot easier. It’s also lightweight at just 10 pounds, so it won’t put all that much heft on your stash. Whether you want to take it camping, fishing, or slumming it out in an off-the-grid cabin in the middle of nowhere, this thing should bring usable power on tap for all your creature comfort needs.
A Kickstarter campaign is currently running for the Iris T1. You can reserve a unit for pledges starting at $1,120.
