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

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Solar Panel Test Spreadsheet with UPDATED PRICES - airtable.com/appELEdBYqS2p4xzE/shr8WXuyfIDDSkZSn * 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: Sunjack 15w - $60 amzn.to/3Dln99k Sunjack 25w - $80 amzn.to/44FL92T Sunjack 60w - $170 amzn.to/44Z9pgh AllPowers SP026 60w - $100 amzn.to/463WRFJ Biolite SolarPanel 5+ - $100 www.dpbolvw.net/click-100785677-15201429 Biolite SolarPanel 10+ - $150 www.dpbolvw.net/click-100785677-15201429 BigBlue3 28w - $80 amzn.to/3N6remm Goal Zero Nomad 5 - $60 amzn.to/3pBEBTT Goal Zero Nomad 10 - $100 amzn.to/3PR7Dt6 Goal Zero Nomad 20 - $150 amzn.to/3OacGUk FlexSolar 6w - $15 amzn.to/44mo2tV FlexSolar 10w - $40 amzn.to/44GD91m FlexSolar 20w - $45 amzn.to/3NMSypY FlexSolar 40w - $80 amzn.to/3pC29bb Nitecore FSP30 30w - $120 shrsl.com/4415z

[@undefinednull5749]

The problem with this video, and your testing is that you don't provide the light illuminance values. The STC (Standard Testing Conditions) for panels are at 100 thousand lux of light or 120 thousand. You can use any smartphone with any free lux meter app to verify.

[@undefinednull5749]

Additionally, you tested the output of the USB ports. Whereas the rated total power is more than standard (not quick charge etc.) USB ports are capable of outputting. Overall, i think you should delete this video as it is mostly very misleading. Unfortunately, you are not alone in this idiocy.

[@vytasffbismarck7001]

the most relevant information would be to know how much power is received when charging multiple usb/usb-c devices simultaneously, because that weirdly varies greatly, some 30w+ panels only letting through 5w each when shared and such. so some of the panels would be completely irrelevant for anyone wanting to charge multiple devices, which, lets face it, its probably majority of users

[@MyTube4Utoo]

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

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Thanks for the sub!

[@MyTube4Utoo]

@@UrbanSurvivor You're welcome. 👍

[@wolpumba4099]

*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. The video also encourages viewers to check out a spreadsheet airtable.com/appELEdBYqS2p4xzE/shr8WXuyfIDDSkZSn for more detailed information and to participate in a giveaway.

[@cxsey8587]

Did you throw the transcript into chat gpt ?

[@kaizen5023]

@@cxsey8587 Perplexity is way better for this sort of thing.

[@barishg7714]

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

[@IndirectManifestatio]

This comment appears twice, word for word from 2 different accounts.. sketchy

[@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.

[@marko11kram]

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!

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Me too! Can't believe how poor the performance was, especially for how expensive they are.

[@tarstarkusz]

Realize just how bad these lies are. These tests were done when the panels had the most sun to convert. This video was uploaded in July. Give him a week to do the editing, takes you back to the late teens of July (like 18th, 19th, 20th). This is less than a month away of the best the solar panels are ever going to do in the Northern hemisphere (peak solar output is solar noon June 21st) Plus, they were likely not tested for hours before the test period, which means they weren't in the July sun for 8 hours before solar noon and so were at a higher level of efficiency than they would have been had they been in the sun all day in July. Had this video been done in Nov or January, they would have produced maybe 1/2 of what they produced on test day. The whole solar industry is just a pack of lies.

[@saxet9049]

Exactly the comparison I was looking for. Thank You

[@aands21]

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!

[@marcogutierrez1886]

wow thanks for taking the time to make this super detailed video

[@javi___]

Thank you man, you make the internet a wonderful place

[@techniCALo]

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

[@UrbanSurvivor]

I got the pricing wrong on that panel, its only $80 instead of $120!

[@litnoregrets7551]

This was a great review and exactly what I needed to know. Thank you so much.

[@richardvedvik979]

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.

[@mmcconnell434]

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

[@_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.

[@steve3011]

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

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Awesome deal!

[@steve3011]

@@UrbanSurvivor Absolutely! Can’t wait to try it out.

[@haryanto88888]

I like 40w flexsolar, it fit in my bag, 30 watt is good enaough to fully charge a flashfish A101 in 3 hours, then i can use to charge my phone more than 5 times

[@quentincrews4325]

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

[@Tech-N-Things]

on the biolite stuff...battery is always nice....but can it be changed? They tend to go bad and with some panel solar units like that, the panel is dead when battery is toasted. Just another test point maybe idk....ideas lol.

[@RooftopKorean-gc4ig]

Allpowers SP026 because mo’ powa baby!

[@dominikhaberstock]

The Sunjack 60W looks really interesting for a Blackout Kit. But for backpacking i dont see a need to go over 20 Watts.

[@gadogado4468]

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!

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Glad you enjoyed the video and i agree with you that the Flexsolar 40 is a great option!

[@callumclarke957]

Definitely AllPowers SP026. Great performance for price per watt. Love the info spreadsheet.

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Great choice and glad you enjoyed the spreadsheet!

[@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!

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Thank you Todd! Dan over at SunJack is a really great guy and they make excellent quality panels. In your testing did you discover any other noteworthy brands?

[@todd.parker]

@@UrbanSurvivor Dan is the best. I requested 40 and 80w samples from Powerness because they look good and have a built-in display to tell you output. Bi-fold design so not as portable but still interesting. Big Blue 30w panel was pretty good too but PD output was limited to 20w

[@clievense]

It’s hard to trust your data only because the video of you testing some products shows your head shadow over the panel while you are looking at the battery bank output number. For example the biolite 10W. I saw the same head shadow on goal zero 20. Is that how you recorded the value? Having even a finger over a corner of the panel can ruin the entire cells performance output. I’m hoping your testing was done so that all the panels were at the same angle and tilt angle. I saw you using kickstands on some and flat on others. That is another factor that can change the output.

[@drigg619]

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!:-)

[@khondwanimugala4861]

My country is currently experiencing the worst drought in history sadly our only source is hydro This video helped me understand which panel will help me Thank you Are you still giving away some panels 😅, I need one really bad

[@mackychloe]

Good content. Thank you.

[@bikernub]

the nitecore is my favorite, i have a few flashlights from them and i love that brand. will be perfect for my kayaking trips. thanks for the video !!!!

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Good choice! Hoping to review some of their 21700 EDC and Tactical flashlights next month! Kayaking seems like a fun hobby.

[@bikernub]

@@UrbanSurvivor yes.. very fun when the weather is good haha i hope nitecore send you some flashlight to review !!

[@abh29569]

I'd go with the flexsolar 20w. Thanks for the review.

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Yeah they really impressed me across the board with their reasonably priced performance

[@wesolowskimatt]

Very detailed and comprehensive review. As always you did amazing job 👏

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Thank you so much! Hope you have a great weekend

[@drygulch1000]

I like the Flexsolar 40w based on the specs and price. There is a lot to choose from here, all pretty good. Thanks for the rundown!

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Good choice! Thank you for watching!

[@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.

[@UrbanSurvivor]

I expect the sunjack 60w would hold up very well in a jeep and would be sufficient for some overlanding trips! Probably could handle being tossed around in the trunk with ease!

[@Paul_Kasper]

I like that the All Powers has the nice carry handle and multiple ports.

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Yeah they make prettty good stuff across the board! Got a power station review in the works as well!

[@Paul_Kasper]

@@UrbanSurvivor Can't wait to see that video, I will be watching, thank you.

[@tre4tre632]

Some great testing! I prefer the larger watt panels like the allpowers

[@SoCalPatriot81]

Flex Solar seems to be really affordable & at the same time, decent quality. I’ll be looking into them for my first portable solar panel purchase. Great review!

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Yeah they really make some great quality panels for a good price! Thank you for watching!

[@gibblesfx]

I have a small AllPowers panel and I like it The AllPowers SP026 should be a good one.

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Thats great! I've had a few allpowers panels and they are fantastic!

[@steven-un4iw]

Sun Jack was impressive. Good review.

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Yes it was! I provided too high of prices on a few of their panels and when you factor that in they did even better!

[@jeepstermario9912]

All power would be my choice since I have made a powerstation that I have been wanting to a solar panel to.

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Yeah it would be great for a power station! Which brand powerstattion did you end up getting?

[@mordechai8008]

am i the only one bothered by the false advertisement of the watts ? in almost all the companies.

[@SmartZero-f8e]

It isn´t false advertisement. But when you use USB-plugs, power is lost. My 8W-chinese-cheapo-panel (bought for 16 Euros 3 years ago!) has exactly up to 8W measured output (1.6A in biggest sun, usually around 0.8 or 1A in mid-sun in spring and summer and around 0.6A in fall`s sun and about 0.4 - 0.5A in current winter-days where many other panels get ZERO output or less than 0.1A). It uses a very high-efficiency USB-converter to reach 100% output. Same for my 120W-panel: up to 120W were measured (in biggest sun). In mid-sun around 80W are possible (Spring/Summer) and in fall around 60W. In winter around 20-40W is possible with this. You just have to understand, that whenever you want to use e.g. PD on any solar-panel, you will LOSE Watts. So a 60W-Panel won´t give you 60W via PD (USB-C). Because the voltage of the panel has to be converted and sometimes 50% of power is LOST through conversion (bad converters are often being used). So again: the advertisement is never false on solar-panels. If you don´t get your 100% output this just means they used cheap and low-efficiency USB/DC/PD-converters for your panel. Remember that you also need a HIGH efficiency-powerstation which does NOT lose power when you charge it via solar. My powerstation has that feature, no Power is lost when i charge it. I can charge it with 0.5 Watts if i want to. This is important because it means again no power is lost when i charge it via solarpanel. 99% Efficiency. No MPPT being used.

[@Mila_sania]

Saya suka sunjack 60 dengan wat besar tapi ukuran tidak terlalu besar

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Thank you for watching!

[@georgesperis3198]

does elevation take into account on the effectiveness of these?

[@guillaumebarnabe998]

That is such a cool tech ! Count me in for the giveaway ! I like the Flexsolar 40W

[@glrage]

flexsolar seems to have a 2 panels for $24 making it go down to a whooping $3 per watt

[@SmartZero-f8e]

I bought a new 14W Allpowers IBC Panel now. It has an integrated big ~10000 mAh battery. it´s great as well. Got it for cheap. However it´s great for power output... it is bad in low light conditions. So when there is very few sun, it won´t turn on and cannot charge. So strenght is: Good for shadows. Can be half shadowed and still will output 10W out of 14W! Has very powerful output for the small size and it´s light weigth and weather proof! Weakness: not good for winter or low light. Will not produce any energy in such conditions. Will not turn on on morning daytime such as 8am or 10am. Only able to be used from 12 pm to 20pm. This Solarpanel has a 3 led indicator to show how good sun is right now: Green for very good output (2 or 3A). Yellow for good output (1 or 2A) and red for "OK" output (less than 1A). I made a test and it has shown, that on sunny days, you can charge it fully in just 3 hours of full bright sun. It has 3 output connections (1x USB C with 18W, and one standard 2.4A USB and one USB QC 3.0 plug) and two inputs for manual charging. Efficiency of the conversion when charging something isn´t that good btw. (70 or 80 percent depending on heat). So it has no GAN tech! But it has sunpower IBC cells and those have an efficiency of 28 Percent which is the best you can get right now (if you don´t count on very expensive CIGS Cells). You can easily charge 20000 mAh/day (roughly 74wh) with this panel, if not even more. The battery is well protected against any heat shoved into the backside of the panel. The panel does not have any heatconductive materails so it won´t kill your battery if you put it directly into the sun.

[@djbirdwell3354]

The allpowers panel was my favorite

[@Knitschi656]

Great test and very helpful for getting a better overview of the market. It would be great if you could add some information to the spreadsheet that indicates if it is possible to get the full power over a single usb port. I dont want to connect multiple powerbanks to get the full power.

[@alexderzhavin2736]

wonderful work much appreciated!

[@KristopherCost]

That Sunjack 25W seems like a great pickup!

[@UrbanSurvivor]

It is! I got the pricing wrong on that panel, its only $80 instead of $120!

[@sleepyq5745]

Hello! Thank you for the video and spreadsheet! It was so eye-opening and informative, especially with all the difference stats and ratios to help us make the right decision. I was really wondering though since watching your videos on these solar panels and looking at the spreadsheets... how do you think the Sharge Solar Panel compares to these selections? It is also a small portable panel at 12W, but maybe it is more of an add-on rather than a standalone like these options. This is actually the panel I have but I am not sure where it would stand in this group!

[@YuckFoutube-e1z]

I bet my big blue will produce 24 watt in outback australia.

[@initialfunk]

I never liked goal zero. No bang for your buck.

[@charlespax]

Would you please add columns to indicate the folded length, width, and height of each solar panel?

[@shamitoson]

No Anker panels tested? Is there a reason they aren’t here?

[@BigAl369]

Great viseo thanks dor making 🎉

[@FLK717]

Sunjack one looks great.

[@equishalo]

The All Powers SPO26 looks legit!

[@UrbanSurvivor]

It is very good! Thank you for watching

[@tyrealsan8234]

Would like to enter into the giveaway. I don’t have a favorite because I’ve never used one of these panels before, very cool though.

[@peterjones8546]

I have a goal zero nomad 20 and it is crap. Claims to charge a phone but it actually makes my phone charge go down. I'm thinking about the nitecore panels.

[@Melissa-qs8qc]

Sunjack all the way!

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Yeah i actually got the pricing wrong in the video, they are more affordable than originally quoted

[@ta1kit]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@pippincj]

Flexsolar really impressed me

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Thank you for watching

[@shabolly]

i don't understand what the cost per watt is. anyone can explain

[@TheZhriver]

The biolite solarpanels are worthless, the onboard battery overheats in the sun and it shuts down. Same with goal zero, I'm lucky if I get 6-7watts from their 20w panel and that's when I'm using their powerbank with a built in mpp controller.

[@thatyoutubeguy7583]

Had a solar charger like that with built in battery.

[@Igryan8]

Sunjack 60w. Looks more portable than Allpowers.

[@calvins4084]

I have a question- how Are you able to show 16 watts getting pulled from flex solar 20 watt when all it has is a USBA that will only push 10 watts at the most? Were you testing the USBA output or the DC output?

[@SmartZero-f8e]

You will only get max. wattage of any solar-panel via DC-output! USB will NEVER give you max. wattage, since voltage has to be converted (which costs energy, and usually 50% of power is LOST when you charge via USB without GAN-tech).

[@anthonyparkinson1056]

Out of them all my fav is the bio lite mini would be great to carry around in my pack for work etc another great video mate 💪

[@UrbanSurvivor]

The built in battery pack is pretty convenient!

[@explodingevo]

I expected goal zero to be subpar. I wished it was better considering how insanely overpriced it is.

[@DamianChirek]

🧸🧸🧸🧸🧸🧸🧸🧸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🐌🐌🐌🐌🐌🐌🐌🐌 0:36 0:37 0:37

[@Lary-c3y]

I WANT IT !

[@Melissa-qs8qc]

Your amazing 🤩

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Thank you!

[@panzergips6544]

Thx for video! 👍

[@UrbanSurvivor]

You bet!

[@tolik5929]

Having a solar power bank , of some kind in your pack , is almost a must these days . Tech has come a long way in recent years , and there are far more rechargeable products out there , than ever before . I can see the throw away battery power gear , going away soon .

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Agreed! Mini solar should be a part of everybodies kits these days! Performance has come a long way and the prices are great. Especially the ETFE panels will last a long time.

[@Badficwriter]

Especially considering how dangerous batteries are. I'm doing someone's estate cleanout. Tons of electronic toys, but so many were eaten by battery leakage, so they're expensive junk. Alkaline are time bombs, especially Duracell since they removed the mercury from their design, but didn't account for the increased pressure that would create.

[@wendajaroslaw]

Judging by the video, the panel test was carried out very unreliably. Panels that had some supports were placed perpendicular to the sun's rays, while some panels were simply placed flat, which significantly reduces the efficiency of such panels. Additionally, some panels are connected in parallel or, even worse, in series, and if not all of them are positioned equally to the sun, the efficiency of the whole thing drops significantly. If such a comparison were to be carried out reliably, all panels should be treated equally, e.g. by resting on an identical surface.

[@pete5405]

Sunjack solar panels look quite similar to "JMUYTOP Outdoor powerful Portable Solar Panel 5v 21w 40W" sold on Aliexpress. I wonder, despite the small differences, if they come out of the same factory.

[@sunjack2303]

We can assure you that this statement is incorrect. We have our own factory and we do not support this brand. When you buy with SunJack, you buy with confidence. If you choose to buy an imitator, then buy with caution.

[@Badficwriter]

China has some of the best solar panels in the world, though quality from each manufacturer can vary. You're best off buying straight from a known company so you know what you're getting, but some of us buy what we can afford.

[@RenatoRuy11]

Obrigado e abraços.

[@chasefarber]

Avoid big blue. worked for a few hours then quit. I think the heat got it. definately not what its rated for.

[@Badficwriter]

Bizarre. Most people found Flexsolar couldn't take heat but Big Blue could absorb it better.

[@Groovedude925]

That is an amazing giveaway, enter me as well, I would love the Flex Solar 40w , thanks

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Just drew you as the winner! Email me at [e-mail] and we'll arrange shipment of the FlexSolar40w panel ASAP!

[@Groovedude925]

@@UrbanSurvivor That is so cool ! Thank you so much ! I am writing right away !

[@11ccom]

good stuff

[@zungaloca]

Subscribed

[@alphakennybody2583]

The sunjack is great with 12watt

[@matc.1872]

Comment

[@Captain-Donut]

‼️Effort = Subscription‼️

[@undefinednull5749]

The problem with this video, and your testing is that you don't provide the light illuminance values. The STC (Standard Testing Conditions) rate the panels at 100 thousand lux of light or 120 thousand. You can use any smartphone with any free lux meter app to verify. Additionally, you tested the output of❤ the USB ports. Whereas the rated total power is more than standard (not quick charge etc.) USB ports are capable of outputting. Overall, i think you should delete this video as it is mostly very misleading. Unfortunately, you are not alone in this idiocy.

[@FLsheepdog1]

I like BIO LITE 100 w

[@UrbanSurvivor]

Have that one too lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYG7aHiZrZJ3eJY

[@catlady8324]

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