I travel with a solar panel that’s lighter than my MacBook, and it’s a must-have for my new backpack

Key points of ZDNET

• The Jackery SolarSaga 40W mini solar panel available on Amazon for $99, 24% off retail price.
• It is a lightweight and efficient solar panel that can be attached to a backpack or vehicle.
• But it is only compatible with certain Jackery power plants.

Over the years, I have tested many solar panels designed for power plants, from large and bulky to giant and unwieldy. While they’re great for charging power stations, they’re not exactly convenient to carry around with you.

Also: The best portable power stations you can buy: Tested by experts

So how can you harness the power of the sun on the go? Don’t worry, because Jackery has created a mobile solution with SolarSaga 40W Minia solar panel that you can attach to your backpack and carry with you, capturing solar energy while hiking, camping or on the go.

View at Amazon

Jackery SolarSaga 40W technical specifications:

• Ultra-lightweight design, weighing only 2.6 lbs
• Four-panel folding design makes it easy to pack and carry
• Charging power station and device charging directly
• Solar conversion rate 23%
• Port: USB-A Output: 5V⎓2.4A, USB-C Output: 5V⎓3A
• Maximum power: 40W±5%
• Size:
  Folded: 9.9 × 11.8 × 1.2 inches (252 × 300 × 30 mm)
  When unfolded: 40.1 × 11.8 × 0.7 inches (1,020 × 300 × 18.5 mm)
• Weight: 2.6 ± 0.5 lbs (1.2kg ± 0.2 kg)
• IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating
• Wide operating temperature range from -4℉ to 149℉ (-20℃ to 65℉)
• Included: 1 x SolarSaga 40 mini solar panel, 1 x Accessory bag, 1 x DC8020 to USB-C/USB-A adapter, 1 x multi-function solar charging cable, 2 x carabiners
• 3 year warranty + 2 year extended warranty

The SolarSaga 40W Mini is a four-panel solar panel with folded dimensions of 9.9 x 11.8 x 1.2 inches, 40.1 x 11.8 x 0.7 inches when unfolded. It uses a magnetic lid and press studs to stay securely closed, and there are eyelets in each corner to attach a carabiner, allowing you to secure it to items like backpacks or vehicles.

Weighing less than 3 pounds, this panel is light enough to attach to a backpack, allowing you to charge your devices on the go.

Also: I tested the world’s smallest power plant and it’s a solar charging machine

Speaking of charging, the console comes with a detachable power hub that features dual USB-A/C ports to charge your devices as well as a separate DC8020 power cord for the power station. There’s also a DC8020 to USB-C adapter for power stations with USB inputs.

For power stations that can charge with the SolarSaga 40W Mini, Jackery lists Explorer 100Plus, 240 v2and 300Plus directly compatible power stations and note that you can use DC8020 to DC7909 adapter to make the panel compatible with older power plants like Explorer 300 And 500.

ZDNET Buying Tips

Not everyone needs a portable solar panel, but if you’re an adventurer who spends a lot of time outdoors and wants to harvest solar energy on the go, then Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Definitely one of the best mobile panels on the market. The panel is high quality, durable, water and dust resistant, easy to deploy and works great.