Will this 5W panel charge a 12V car battery?

It can trickle charge one over days, adding roughly 0.4A in good sun. It will not recharge a flat battery quickly and needs a controller on a battery left connected long-term.

Can it run a 12V appliance directly?

Only very small loads, and only in strong sunlight. A 5W panel cannot power pumps, fridges or other 12V appliances that draw more than a fraction of an amp.

Do I need a charge controller?

For a small battery or a short-term trickle setup, many users skip one. For a battery kept connected for weeks, a cheap PWM controller protects against overcharging.

What comes in the box?

Expect the panel itself, typically with short leads or a junction box. Mounting brackets, cables and a controller are usually not included, so check before ordering.

Is a 5W panel worth $22.49?

That is a typical price for a panel this size. It is worth it for trickle charging or a small project; if you need real power, spend more on a 20W or larger panel.

Great Choice Products 5W 12V Polycrystalline Solar Panel

Last price we saw

$39.14at Sears, last seen Nov 8

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Our take on the Great Choice Products 5W 12V Polycrystalline Solar Panel

This is a small 5W polycrystalline solar panel rated at 12V and about 0.42A, sold under the Great Choice Products brand. It is a trickle-charge part, sized for keeping a 12V battery topped up or running a few low-draw devices, not for powering appliances on its own. At $22.49 at eBay as of November 8, 2026, it is the only new price listed, so there is no recent range to compare against.

Best forKeeping a 12V battery topped up during storageSmall off-grid loads like gate openers or lightsDIY and hobby solar projectsBuyers who need one cheap panel, not a kit

Pros

5W at 12V and about 0.42A is enough for trickle charging
Polycrystalline cells are inexpensive and widely used
Compact and light, easy to mount on a shed or fence
Simple two-wire hookup with no controller needed for small loads

Cons

5W will not run most 12V appliances, despite the 'appliance' use label

Great Choice Products 5W 12V Polycrystalline Solar Panel prices at every store

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Great Choice Products 5W 12V Polycrystalline Solar Panel price history

Lowest price we've seen: $39.14 on Nov 8 at Sears. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 8.

Specifications

Use: Appliance
Voltage: 12V
Wattage: 5W
Amperage: 0.42 amperes

Questions and answers

Will this 5W panel charge a 12V car battery?: It can trickle charge one over days, adding roughly 0.4A in good sun. It will not recharge a flat battery quickly and needs a controller on a battery left connected long-term.
Can it run a 12V appliance directly?: Only very small loads, and only in strong sunlight. A 5W panel cannot power pumps, fridges or other 12V appliances that draw more than a fraction of an amp.
Do I need a charge controller?: For a small battery or a short-term trickle setup, many users skip one. For a battery kept connected for weeks, a cheap PWM controller protects against overcharging.
What comes in the box?: Expect the panel itself, typically with short leads or a junction box. Mounting brackets, cables and a controller are usually not included, so check before ordering.
Is a 5W panel worth $22.49?: That is a typical price for a panel this size. It is worth it for trickle charging or a small project; if you need real power, spend more on a 20W or larger panel.
Where can I buy the Great Choice Products 5W 12V Polycrystalline Solar Panel?: 2 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Sears.