Top 3 Solar Panels for Your Devices – My Picks from Testing Over $1000 Worth of Portable Panels

Every panel that I've tested has a wattage between 30W-70W which is going to be perfect for charging smartphones and tablets while you travel. The quality of these panels vary greatly BUT after testing them for 8 weeks, I've figured out which ones are worth getting!

Top 3 Portable Solar Panels (w/ Amazon links)

1.) Renogy E.Flex 30W Portable Solar Panel: https://mreh.ca/3RG3ete
2.) X-Dragon XD-SP-001: https://mreh.ca/45BjyBl
3.) BigBlue 28W Solar Charger B428: https://mreh.ca/3VWBSl2

Toughest Portable Solar Panels - Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panel: https://mreh.ca/4ccXXRX

For this video, I tested 8 solar panels against 14 criteria. These criteria included:

-Price
-Max Total Wattage
-Max Port Wattage
-# of Ports
-Size
-Weight
-Protection
-%Panel Failure
-Low Light Charging
-Overcast Charging
-Sunny Charging
-Multi-Device Charging
-Handling
-Extras

Each criteria was weighted with the charging criteria making up ~50% of the score. For the charging, I recorded the output wattage of the panels in light ranging from 200 lux all the way up to the maximum sunlight in my area which was 75 klux. This process took weeks!

It was worth it because I have a graph showing how efficient each panel was as the day went on.

#3 BigBlue 28W Solar Charger B428: https://mreh.ca/3VWBSl2

• Priced at $70, it’s one of the better deals.
• Maximum wattage is 28W split across three 12W USB-A ports.
• Three USB-A ports, no USB-C – kind of annoying.
• It claims 36W total but maxes at 28W – like promising a gourmet meal but serving instant noodles.
• Low light charging standout: 2.4W in shadows, average 1.63W.
• Overcast: 8W, max 12W in early morning sun.
• Charges even if 3/4 panels are covered.
• Protection rating: IPX4 – handles splashes but not much else.
• Large, lightweight, and easy to deploy.
• Comes with USB-A to C cable and 4 carabineers for easy mounting.
• Best bang for your buck, but IPX4 rating is a concern in heavy rain.

#2 X-Dragon XD-SP-001: https://mreh.ca/45BjyBl

• Most expensive at $120.
• Offers 70W max, but not really.
• Two USB-A ports (12W each) and a 54W DC output.
• Handy for larger items and can daisy chain – like bringing a friend for extra fun.
• Shade: 1.9W (below average), overcast: 12W.
• Mid-day sun: 12W to both USB-A ports.
• IPX4 rating – basic protection.
• If you cover 1/3 of the panels, it dies.
• Largest but folds neatly with inside pouch.
• Weighs 1500 grams – almost twice the average.
• Comes with DC power cables, mini clamps, and USB-A to C cable.
• Overall: better than average charging and functionality.

The “Toughest” Panels

• Jackery SolarSage 40W Mini Solar Panel: IP68, great in sunlight, $150. If $20 cheaper, it would have been #3.
• FlexSolar S20 Solar Pad: IP67, thin-film, portable but not great at charging.
• Goal Zero Nomad 10: IP67, but terrible performance. Size matters!

#1 Renogy E.Flex 30W Portable Solar Panel : https://mreh.ca/3RG3ete

• Priced at $75, it’s the best overall.
• Scores: 2.45 compared to 3.35-3.6 for others.
• 30W max, 20W USB-C port (unique in my group).
• USB-A port maxes at 12W.
• Shade: 2.4W, overcast: 9W (above average).
• Mid-day sun: 19W, close to 20W.
• 20W means 50% charge on iPhone 15 in 30 mins.
• Flaw: blackout 1/2 panels, the other half stops charging.
• IP54 rating – decent but below average.
• Average size, bulky pouch, lightweight.
• Comes with one cable and 4 carabineers for easy mounting.
• Large pouch for extra tech accessories.
• Overall: top performance, efficient and reliable
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