Introducing the Dakota Lithium 180W Folding Solar Panel for Lithium Batteries & Solar Generators – the ultimate portable solar solution for powering your adventures and emergencies. Designed for rugged durability and high performance, this 180-watt panel is the ideal size for large power stations and solar generators. It's specifically engineered to charge any 12V Dakota Lithium battery, transforming it into a powerful solar generator that collects and stores energy, allowing you to run numerous electronics indefinitely.
Crafted with a military-spec nylon case, this portable solar panel is built to withstand extreme conditions, from sub-zero temperatures to harsh environments. It’s waterproof, shatterproof, and weighs half as much as traditional glass panels, making it perfect for outdoor expeditions and off-grid living. The Dakota Lithium 180W Folding Solar Panel features universal MC-4 connectors for compatibility with a wide range of devices and can be used even while drawing power from the battery.
Whether you're hanging it from a tent, tree, or wall, or laying it flat on the ground to capture maximum sunlight, this versatile solar blanket is designed to meet your energy needs wherever you are. Originally developed for a mountaineering expedition in the Alaska range, this panel powered basecamp radios, cameras, and electronics during sub-zero temperatures, proving its reliability in the most challenging conditions.
For faster charging or powering very large solar generators, multiple panels can be connected together. Plus, it’s backed by an industry-leading 11-year warranty, ensuring long-lasting performance and peace of mind.
Upgrade to the Dakota Lithium 180W Folding Solar Panel and harness the power of the sun to fuel your adventures with clean, reliable energy.
Features
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Optimal 180W Size: Ideal for large power stations and solar generators, capable of charging any 12V Dakota Lithium battery, turning it into a solar generator for indefinite power use.
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Rugged Durability: Built with a military-spec nylon case, making it waterproof, shatterproof, and half the weight of traditional glass panels, designed for extreme environments.
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Universal Compatibility: Equipped with MC-4 connectors, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and allowing for versatile use even while the battery is in use.
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Portable and Versatile Design: Can be easily hung from a tent, tree, or wall, or laid flat on the ground, providing flexibility in capturing sunlight wherever you are.
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Reliable Performance in Extreme Conditions: Originally developed for mountaineering expeditions, this solar panel is proven to perform in sub-zero temperatures and challenging environments, backed by an 11-year warranty.
Specifications
Power
180 Watts, Maximum Power Current is 8.57 Amps
How Long to Charge My Battery?
Divide the Ah (capacity) of your battery by 8.5 to determine how many hours to charge your battery. For example, a Powerbox+ 60 has 60 amps, divide by 8.5 = 7 hours. Connect two solar panels to double the charging speed.
Size Folded
23.6in x 8.6in x 2.7in (600mm x 220mm x 70mm) folded. Small enough to fit in a pack. Big enough to fully charge your battery.
Size Unfolded
78.3in x 23.6in x 0.2in (1990mm x 600mm x 5mm) unfolded and in use.
Compatibility & Connection
MC4 connectors from the panel. Charges any 12v Dakota Lithium battery with with free MC4 to M8 ring terminal kit adapter included. Adapter stows away in a zippered pocket when not in use.
Rugged Design
Waterproof, Weatherproof, Shatterproof. All protected by a military spec nylon case.
Maximum Power Voltage
21 Volts
Solar Cell Type
Monocrystalline (a very flexible, lightweight, and durable solar cell)
Cell Efficiency
Greater than or equal to 22%
Universal Wiring
KitMC4 connectors with free ring terminal kit adapter included
Warranty
- 1) 30 day money back guarantee on all orders. If you are unsatisfied for any reason with one of your new batteries you can return it for a refund up to 30 days after purchase.
- 2) 11 year manufacturer defect warranty on all batteries. If there was a mistake building your battery it will be repaired or replaced. See warranty & return policy for details.
- 3) Lifetime technical support. Reach out to support@dakotalithium.com for help from our team of experts.
- 4) 1 year warranty on chargers, powerbox case, and accessories.
30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
If you are unsatisfied for any reason with one of our batteries you can return it for a refund, less a 5% restocking fee, up to 30 days after shipping date.
Instruction Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
TWICE THE POWER?
Yes! Here at Dakota Lithium we build all of our batteries with lithium iron phosphate technology which has many distinct advantages over traditional batteries. Including 60% less weight, a charging speed that is up to 5X faster, and a significantly longer lifespan (5-10 years longer on average). One of the most noticeable advantages however is the flat voltage curve. Unlike a lead acid battery where the voltage drops as you use the battery a Dakota Lithium battery has a steady voltage for 99% of the battery's charge. That means you get all the power down to the last drop and double the usable power of traditional batteries.
ARE LITHIUM BATTERIES SAFE?
Dakota Lithium batteries are 100% safe & reliable. Our signature chemistry, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), does not contain rare earth elements (like Cobalt) or heavy metals, is non-toxic, including no lead or acid, is non-corrosive, does not off gas, requires no watering or maintenance, can be placed in any orientation, and unlike other lithium batteries will not explode or catch fire. In addition, each Dakota Lithium battery is protected from over heating, over charging, and short circuiting, by a battery management system (BMS) microchip that also extends the lifespan and is contained in a rugged, waterproof case (although enough water can conduct electricity between the terminals, so don't submerse the battery). For best performance & reliability we recommend using a LiFePO4 charger.
HOW DO I CHARGE A LITHIUM BATTERY?
Dakota Lithium batteries perform best when charged by a lithium compatible charger. Lead acid or SLA chargers, on-board chargers for AGM batteries, or other non-lithium chargers will charge a Dakota Lithium battery but only to 70-80% of capacity. This is because Dakota Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) technology charges and is full at a higher voltage then traditional batteries (Dakota Lithium charges at 14.4 Volts). Chargers with a lithium battery setting or designed for lithium will charge at the appropriate voltage. For troubleshooting tips download the
Dakota Lithium battery user manual here.
WILL COLD WEATHER AFFECT MY BATTERY?
Your Dakota Lithium battery will discharge normally between a range of -20F and 120F (-29C to 49C). DL batteries are commonly used among ice fishers for their flashers and ice augers, so they are quite resilient and are frequently used in cold climates. In cases of extreme cold however, it is recommended that the batteries be insulated. We also do not recommend charging our batteries below freezing temperatures. If you are planning to regularly charge your battery below freezing temperatures we recommend the DL+ 12V 135Ah battery which has an internal heating element and is optimal for use in cars, trucks, RVs, off grid solar, and any application where the battery will be charged regularly in extremely cold environments (like a North Dakota winter).