Solar Panels

Reviewed by Patman

The SolarPanel 5+ is a sleek and cleverly designed solar panel/ small storage unit that works. Compared to other solar panels’ specifications this unit seemingly isn’t the best value in terms of cost and weight to power output, but having tested hands-on I can say that this device is as reliable as the available sunlight. Given the durable design, light weight, reliability, but lower power output, this is best suited for off the grid travelers needing to charge a single device at a time.

  (on the Hangover Overlook in Slick Rock / Joyce Kilmer North Carolina)   Overview: 5W output Monocrystalline solar cells PET laminate for weather resistance Sundial and kickstand for alignment Built in 2200  mAh battery 13.76 oz (390 grams) Size: inches - 10.12 x 8.19 x0.94 ( mm - 257 x 208 x 24 ) BioLite made a great video about the technology here:   Preamble Though I have many years of extensive backpacking experience this was my first extended experience with a portable solar charger.

Read more: BioLite SolarPanel 5+ review (1)

Featured review by DocWolf

Great, rugged, waterproof, little solar charger. Works in low light and stores charge from the day so you can even use it at night. Comes with USB and several other adapters. Charges quickly and can charge an iPad.

After doing TONS of research on portable solar chargers for both commercial and personal use I decided to go with the JOOS. I usually spend 1-2 weeks at a time in remote areas of all different climates. The idea of having a flexible charger like the Global or Sunling brands appealed to me but I had some friends and a couple guides complain about effectiveness and wish that they had internal power storage. It charges its internal battery pretty quickly and the charge rate is high enough to charge a cell phone while you are on it.

Read more: JOOS Orange reviews (2)

Featured review by Roadkill

This panel can collect up to 7 WATTS! (far more than most other systems – but even then it takes about 4 hrs of FULL sunlight to fully charge the 4 AA 2200ma batteries in the Guide 10 plus from empty). This kit is an awesome value! I did a good amount of research before buying this and am quite convinced that in Q1 of 2012 this is the BEST solar charging kit on the market in terms of BOTH performance and value. (The whole thing weighs about 1.5 lb and I hope to have surplus power to help recharge devices of others around me on the trail as well as my own devices.) I got mine from Amazon for about $90. It includes the GoalZero Nomad 7 solar panel and the GoalZero Guide 10 Plus. (as well as 4 high capacity NMH 2200 AA batteries) It has multiple attachment points on the Nomad 7 panel making it easy to attach the panel to the top/back of backpack. It has 3 connectors coming off the panel for feeding the Guide 10 power pack, USB out for charging USB based chargers, and a 12Volt car type connector for charging small devices off the panel.

Some people have reported finicky charging behavior with iPhone / iPod.  I was able to successfully establish a charging connection with a couple of co-workers' iPhones, but will be using Android based phone myself. (Holding off waiting for a Sprint variation of the Galaxy Note or Galaxy SIII.) I have not yet taken it on an extended trip but am quite happy with the kit so far. Do not waste time on the other options out there. This is the one to go with if you want a solar charging / power pack solution.

Read more: Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Mobile Kit reviews (2)

Reviewed by Twig

The Suntactics sCharger-5 Portable Solar Charger is elegantly designed to be minimalistic and yet also effective at charging a wide variety of electronic devices (any that can be charged with a USB cable). In full sun, it delivers sufficient power to charge a cell phone and is also lightweight enough to serve as a viable power source during backcountry trips.

Product specs: Output: 1200mA, 5V, 6 Watts Circuitry: 1-USB Port, Auto-Retry™ (Auto-Recovery) Weight: ~7oz (200 Grams) Waterproof: 40 Feet, Corrosion Resistant, IPX7 Rated Dimensions: 6" x 5.6" x .25" (closed) / 6" x 11.5" x .125" (open) Solar Cell Efficiency: ~20%, Mono-Crystalline The outside of the charger provides a good flat surface for Trailspace.com stickers! Background and Testing Conditions: I was initially recommended this product by a section hiker that I met on the Appalachian Trail.

Read more: Suntactics sCharger-5 review (1)

Reviewed by Vladimir Gorbunov

Lightweight, compact, and inexpensive solar charger, providing adequate power supply in stationary state. The build quality is surprisingly good, but there is still some room for improvement. It has somewhat limited use scope due to inability to provide adequate power on the go. Also its effective usage is not really straightforward and requires sunny weather.

Background My first experience in solar panels was GoalZero Nomad 7, a gift from our close friend. In folded state it was about A5-sized (half of Letter), the weight was 500 grams (1 lb 2 oz), and it was rated for 5 Watts of USB output. I haven’t used it actively, but here are some quick figures. In sunny day it provided about 4.5 Watts in perfect conditions, but in real life (e.g. not 100% aligned with the sun) the output was closer to 2.5 Watts. In shade (e.g. with sun yielding to clouds or blocked by a tree) it hardly provided 0.5 Watts, or nothing.

Read more: Suaoki SunPower 14W Solar Charger review (1)

Featured review by Kayakoholic

The Brunton Restore harvests sunshine into a compact and lightweight solar-powered portable power supply that can be charged indoors or out. It has: Durable rubberized shell that is resistant to water and accidental drops Rechargeable internal lithium polymer battery Power gauge and auto shut-off Two 100 mA polycrystalline solar panels 2,200 mAh battery 1,000 mA / 5V (USB 2.0 compatible) output Mini-USB female to micro USB male adapter output with option to purchase adapters for other handheld electronics 12 volt USB to car adapter (to charge in the car before heading off the grid) The ability to charge from solar panel, computer USB or from the included DC adapter I tested the Brunton Restore most recently on a trip to Amsterdam (where I opted...

Read more: Brunton Restore reviews (3)

Reviewed by ClimberCraig

A rugged and very lightweight solar charger that folds up small and doesn't take up much space in my pack. It charges well even if it is overcast, and it will even charge a tablet. It is flexible and extremely durable. It has been a lifesaver on multiple occasions!

I had been in the market for a small and portable charging solution for a while before I saw the Kickr IV from EnerPlex. The Kickr IV is a very simple fold-out solar panel wherein lies it beauty. It only has one output which is a 1.2A USB port, and is rated at 6 watts on a regulated 5 volt system (6.5 unregulated). What sets this panel apart from the rest is that it is flexible, light, and small. The flexibility means that it is extremely durable and will not break or crack like plexi-glass panels.

Read more: EnerPlex Kickr IV review (1)

Reviewed by NZtramper

We have the Sunlinq version of this portable solar panel, same panel and manufacture as the Brunton Solaris 6, just a different brand. Overall a fantastic portable solar panel, that is perfect for providing light weight portable power in the back blocks. Works very well and is durable. Great for charging AA batteries, satellite phones, VHF radios, GPS units, head torch batteries and most other portable electronics.

We use a portable solar panel basically identical to the Brunton Solaris 6 all the time, ours is the Sunlinq brand which is manufactured by Global Solar. The Brunton and Sunlinq solar panels are both manufactured by Global Solar, but sold under different brands. They all use CIGS thin film solar cells, so would have identical performance. We looked at getting a Goal Zero fold up panel, but these were a lot heavier and not nearly as compact. Since we were going to be taking this tramping and mountaineering, size and weight were really important to us, the Sunlinq stood out here.

Read more: Sunlinq 6 review (1)

Featured review by StoicFabian

A dependable, versatile, and efficient compact solar panel perfect for backpacking, camping, and longer explorations in the wilderness. I’m not sure it’s still available, but if you find one second-hand in good shape, test it before committing to purchase.

The market for portable, eco-friendly solar charging solutions has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade. Suaoki was established in 2015 and is one of the many companies dedicated exclusively to this.  I see this renewable energy technology as complementary, as a personal option for powering up smaller electronics vital for our personal use (communication, life support, etc.) and also as tools for prepping and survivalism. In the field (i.e. outdoor activities like camping, backpacking, training, etc.) it’s perhaps the only way.

Read more: Suaoki 25W Foldable Solar Panel reviews (2)

Featured review by Smartydog904

Latest and greatest version. As long as the sun shines you got power! Great way to power up naturally, while enjoying the sun. Each one gets better and better.

I purchased the latest and greatest model of the Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus. The  minor changes: The Velcro seal has now been changed to a magnetic closure. The charging port for all you cords has been updated from the square block to a triangle shape rounded at bottom where the cords are now attached, so you don't lose them. The usb connection is the only one which can be removed so you can use your own based on what product your trying to charge. I have tried all my gadgets and toys and 90% of them can be charged with this solar panel! My only failures were my JBL Flip due to its weird proprietary plug which is not usb for some reason, and of course my Bose soundlink for the same reason.

Read more: Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Solar Kit reviews (5)