15 Mini Portable Solar Panels Tested! 5w-60w (SunJack, Goal Zero, BioLite, AllPowers, FlexSolar)

*** Includes updated pricing on Sunjacks 15w panel ($60 instead of $80) and their 25w Panel ($80 instead of $120)

You can check out the solar panels and support the channel using the affiliate links down below:

Solar Panel Giveaway Rules - Groove Dude was the winner!
* Leave a comment below to enter and let us know which panel is your favorite!
* 1 Winner will be randomly selected using the Comment Picker app on AUG 4, 2023 and announced on my community page. I will reply to your comment as well but beware of spammers/ impersonators.
* Please only make one comment. If you make multiple comments on this video you’ll be disqualified from this giveaway. You can still reply to other comments.
* Open to worldwide residents, 18 or older. (Winners outside USA may receive a PayPal donation for resale value of the panel instead)

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:36 Giveaway
01:02 Solar Testing
01:46 5-6w Panels
02:47 10-15w Panels
03:48 20-30w Panels
05:22 40-60w Panels
06:23 Sunjack
07:27 FlexSolar
08:29 Allpowers
09:30 BioLite
10:37 Nitecore
11:13 BigBlue
12:04 Goal Zero
13:09 Top Choices

#solar #solarpanel #solarenergy

[UrbanSurvivor]

* Includes updated pricing on Sunjacks 15w panel ($60 instead of $80) and their 25w Panel ($80 instead of $120)

You can check out the solar panels and support the channel using the affiliate links down below:

[MyTubeUtoo]

Anyone that has gone to this much trouble to put together such a complete and comprehensive video surely deserves my subscription.

Thank you.

[barishg]

Anyone that has gone to this much trouble to put together such a complete and comprehensive video surely deserves my subscription.

[markokram]

I'm suprised at the lackluster performance on the Goal-Zero. This was a very useful test. Thank you for taking the time to make the test a great and useful one!

[wolpumba]

*Summary*
*Overview*
- The video tests 15 mini portable solar panels ranging from 5w to 60w.
- Brands include Goal Zero, Sun Jack, BioLite, AllPowers, FlexSolar, Big Blue, and Nitecore.
- The panels are tested for watt output, cost per watt, and watts per ounce.

*Key Findings*
- *5-6w Panels:* FlexSolar 6w is the most affordable but produced only 4w. BioLite 5+ was the only panel to meet its claimed wattage.
- *10-15w Panels:* SunJack 15w had the highest total watt output (12w). FlexSolar 10w was the most affordable.
- *20-30w Panels:* SunJack 25w produced 16w but was less efficient than its 15w version. Nitecore FSP30 was the most efficient in watts per ounce.
- *40-60w Panels:* SunJack 60w produced 46w, AllPowers 60w produced 50w. FlexSolar 40w was the most affordable in this group.

*Pros and Cons by Brand*
- *SunJack:* High build quality but expensive.
- *FlexSolar:* Most affordable and good performance, lacks storage pouch.
- *AllPowers:* Highest output and most affordable in the 40-60w range.
- *BioLite:* Includes built-in battery but is expensive.
- *Nitecore:* Efficient in watts per ounce but medium build quality.
- *Big Blue:* Disappointing output, reasonable build quality.
- *Goal Zero:* Average performance, good build quality but expensive.

*Recommendations*
- *Micro Size:* FlexSolar 6w for affordability.
- *10-15w Range:* SunJack 15w for build quality.
- *20-30w Range:* FlexSolar 20w for affordability.
- *40-60w Range:* AllPowers 60w for output and cost-efficiency.

[xmateinc]

I was on the fence between sunjack and goalzero, and after doing some basic research, as good as a solar noob like me could do, I went with the 60watt sunjack. Im happy with the purchase.

[aapje]

The Sunjack 60 is my favorite. The size is very manageable and yet it provides very good power.

[techniCALo]

The Sunjack 25 is my favorite, looks really well-made!

[aands]

Definitely the AllPowers SP026 just ideal for a family of three! Starting to take my daughter as she’s old enough now to walk out there so we are excited to start exploring together. Thank you for the video!

[richardvedvik]

Nice review. I went with the Big Blue 28W for a recent canoe backpacking trip due to the output per oz., the storage pouch to conceal the charge ports, and the sale on Amazon for $45. My critique of the charge port pocket is the orientation, which means the cables have to route out of the pocket and thus you couldn't store the charging device in the pocket and protect from moisture - the counter is that charging during the rain is a bad idea anyway. The lack of a kickstand was annoying, so I actually used the phones we were charging to angle the panel, which was never ideal. Given that it's only rated for two simultaneous USB ports, it's not possible to actually get 28W out, but given how hard it is to get perfect aiming throughout the day, getting around 20W is perfect when you only have two simultaneous 2.1A 5V charging ports. I found the product was able to charge two connected devices surprisingly quickly and thus it did exactly what I needed. Ideally, the pocket would be designed to hold a battery pack and keep the cables protected, so you can charge your device in the evening. It would have been nice for you to explain, in detail, how you were measuring the output (what load was applied on the USB outputs), and also discuss what the outputs were since they are what limit output. So, if you got 17W out of a USB interface with only 21W of rated output, not 28W, I think it's worthwhile to discuss both efficiencies. It's possible (and likely) the panels themselves are capable of the rated output, but the USB interface is the limitation. We expect the interface to reduce output, so a discussion on useful wattage ratings versus marketing wattage ratings can occur.

[quentincrews]

I would pick the FlexSolar 40W. Would be a bit hesitant about a built-in battery in terms of longevity.

[javi___]

Thank you man, you make the internet a wonderful place

[_Amy]

Thanks for doing this kind of product comparison, there are so many portable available that it is difficult to know if your getting what you think your buying.

[mmcconnell]

I like the Nitecore FSP30 because I have several nitecore products that all work very well

[saxet]

Exactly the comparison I was looking for. Thank You

[drigg]

THANK YOU!!! ... By sharing so much detailed and helpful information, you have answered so many of my questions and given me very helpful information to make decisions on panels like these. Thanks again!:-)

[todd.parker]

Excellent roundup, extremely comprehensive. I’ve been testing a bunch of these panels myself and agree that Sunjack and Flex Solar are the best best. I wasn’t a fan of the Allpowers 60w - it felt so heavy and bulky. Anyway, great work!

[steve]

Just ordered myself a big blue for $58 on sale for Black Friday. Thanks for the info!

[TwoFeatherChannel]

I would choose the Sunjack 60 watt.
as a Jeep owner, space is limited. the size and quality of the Sunjack would be the best fit.
it could easily fit in the behind the seat pouch or under the seat, without being damaged by other gear in the Jeep.
all the Sunjack wattage sizes could serve a purpose if you plan on being stationary for a long period of time and for what you need to be recharged.

[gadogado]

Think I gotta go with the FlexSolar 40w, it seems to be an all around solid brand and more compact than the others in the same range. Great video. Thanks for the info!