Jackery Solar panels extend the time you can be off the grid. They are foldable, lightweight, and efficiently charge your Jackery battery or directly connect small gadgets.
When I’m working remotely, they relieve my anxiety of running out of battery to power my trip.
I use two of these to charge my Jackery 1000 battery. In sunny weather, they typically charge at 60W to 75W covered in desert dust while casually aiming them at the sun.
The Best Portable & Foldable Solar Panel: The Jackery Solar Panel (SolarSaga 100W)
When I first bought my Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power station, I did not intend to purchase solar panels for it.
This is my life support on the road. It lasts 3-4 days of heavy laptop use, charging phones, cameras, etc.
In fact, I mentioned I was unsure about solar panels in my purchase decision, so that’s why I went with a larger battery pack to power my remote working.
Although I could charge the Jackery power bank while driving, I found myself staying in the same spot for several days where it was getting pretty low on power. A lot of my drives were to go into town and grab food or supplies, so it didn’t charge much and I wasn’t about to idle my car waiting for it to charge.
Thus…. I caved in and bought solar panels!
Folding Solar Panels, the Key to Flexibility
I’ve seen some solar panels while camping that are super large and have their own wooden stands that sit in front of RVs.
It was that reason I was hesitant on getting solar panels in the first place – I already have enough random crap in my Forester, I don’t need more large/fragile stuff to take up space.
This brings me to my favorite feature of the Jackery solar panels (besides that they actually work and charge my power station): ease of use!
The Jackery solar panels are lightweight, fold in half, and can be moved around easily. I try not to squish them in my car, but I feel okay sliding them behind my seat or leaning against the interior walls of my car while driving.
They also have carrying handles which is basic, but I appreciate it.
Since they fold in half, I feel better about not damaging them while driving.
Do Jackery Solar Panels Work? Are the Panels Reliable?
The nice thing about the Jackery Explorer 1000 and most power stations, it allows you to see your input and out numbers on the display screen.
I’ll be the first to admit, I barely know anything about power measurements and all that.
However, the handy dandy display screen tells me how much power I’m using and how much power is being produced by the solar panels. I have two 100W panels. In southern Utah, they can charge at max input, but in Colorado in July with some smoke, it’s much more variable.
Between using my laptop with a USB second screen, charging my phone, and charging my Verizon Wifi device, I maybe use 60W.
Should I use 1 or 2 Solar Panels?
Having 2 panels allows for my Jackery Explorer to charge while still using it. And I don’t always use the solar panels because I’m too lazy to set them up or because it’s cloudy or raining outside.
So that’s another aspect to consider.. you could be find with 1 solar panel, but will you have great weather and be disciplined enough to set it up every time you have the opportunity?
How Do You Connect Two SolarSaga 100W Panels to a Jackery Explorer?
It’s pretty easy! To use two Jackery Solar Panels you need a Y branch connector. I believe if you buy 2x solar panels together, they will include it with your purchase. However, I bought mine at 2 different times as I learned what I needed and they shipped one out for me after I realized it didn’t come with one.
Unboxing the Jackery SolarSaga 100W Foldable Solar Panel
The Pros and Cons of Jackery Solar Panels
The Pros
- Use-ability – it’s foldable, flexible, lightweight, and easy to move around
- Allows you to plug a USB charger directly into the panel instead of using a power station
- Super long cables allow for more flexibility when setting it up or rigging it onto a camper
- It actually works
- Customer support is great. They sent me a free Y cable after they discovered I bought 2 solar panels in 2 separate purchases.
The Cons
- They get dirty super fast. Since I have them on the ground any wind or movement near them starts to cake up dust on them. I primarily used them in Utah and Colorado where it is sunny, but also can be dusty. Mounting them onto something might help with this.
- The kickstands feel weak, but I’ve had no issues. Since they are lightweight, the support system is also lightweight with these “cardboard” feeling kickstands. Never had any issues with them blowing over, but I’m sure they will eventually.
- Not waterproof! Although, that makes some sense. I tend not to leave them out when I’m away since they would be easy to steal and cost a pretty penny. That’s why I’m happy they are easy to fold up and put in the car for when I leave camp.
- The cost! In return for a solid product with solid support, the price is higher than the random stuff you can get on Amazon.
Who Uses Jackery Solar Panels?
Jackery solar panels are ideal for those that move around. They are the best portable solar panel solution that I have seen. You can easily set them up in a minute and take them down in the same amount of time. You don’t need to mount them onto your vehicle or camper.
In addition, I like having them as an emergency backup. With all the power grid issues popping up lately, it’s reassuring to have the Jackery Explorer plus solar panels. I’ve already the power station several times after our power went out after severe wind storms to charge some items.
Read about Jackery vs Rockpals.
Where Can I Buy a Jackery Solar Panel?
You can purchase on their website at Jackery.com or if you prefer, you can purchase on Amazon for potentially faster shipping.
Are Jackery Solar Panels Waterproof?
Jackery Solar panels are not waterproof. Do not let them be rained on be exposed to water for long periods of time.
They are water resistant, but if you expect rain, fold them up and bring them inside!
Jackery Solar Panel Adaptor
Charge your Jackery 1500 fast with an AC adaptor. Solar panels will work with it as well!
Jackery sells them directly here: https://www.jackery.com/products/jackery-ac-adapter-for-explorer-1500
Jackery Solar Panel Extension Cable
You’re not always camping in the most sunny places! We always try to find shade while camping, so it’s pretty common to need an extension cord for a Jackery.
How to Clean a Jackery Solar Panel?
Use a dampened, soft wash cloth or paper towel to wipe your solar panels.
I typically do it once a day when I’m in a dusty environment.
There’s typically not a noticeable impact on the power input, but it prevents it becoming an issue long-term.
