Description
- EASY SETUP & KICKSTAND INCLUDED: The Solar Saga 100 features 2 kickstands that can be placed firmly on any surface ground. With just a few seconds of setup, you can start soaking energy from the sun for your Jackery power station. The TPE rubber handle allows you to carry around easily when taking off-grid adventures.
- HIGHER ENERGY CONVERSION RATE: Covered by monocrystalline silicon solar cells, the solar panel adopts multi-layered cell technology to generate energy from the sunlight and perform better with higher conversion efficiency that up to 23% than other conventional panels.
- DURABLE & SPLASH-PROOF: The ETFE-laminated case is durable enough to extend the lifespan of the solar panel. It is IP65 water-resistant that will protect from water splashing (Do not place it under the rain, or to soak in water). The zippers on the pocket can hold the power cords, and cover the power port.
- COMPATIBLE & VERSATILE: This solar panel is compatible with Jackery Explorer 300/500/1000/1500 power station (sold separately), ideal for off-grid camping and unexpected power outage. Solar Saga 100 features 1* USB-C(5V,3A) output port and 1* USB-A(5V, 2.4A) output port to charge 2 small devices directly.
- WHAT YOU GET: 1*Jackery SolarSaga 100 Solar Panel.
Gearhead –
after two days outside, {brought in after dark} each square is slightly wonky from the next, like irregular facets. not sure if this is problematic.
Outdoor Enthusiast | Geek | Photographer –
This review is for Version 2 of the 100W SolarSaga Solar Panel. The new foldable
design SolarSaga 100W Version 2 color is black and orange, has a hard case style
like my Jackery 50Watt Solar Panel with magnetic locking when closed with a firm
TPE rubber handle, weighs 8.74Lbs making it a lightweight and durable solar panel
with built-in kickstands to allow different angles to point to sun, open dimensions
are 48.89″ x 21.81″ x .19685″, closed dimensions are 24.44″ x 21.81″ x 1.77″, has
one USB-A 5V/2.4A, one USB-C 5V/3A built into side of panel which are exposed and
should include a cover for these USB ports. The rest of this review is a from a
previous review. I have a lot of experience with Jackery products, their products
are top notch. I use ALL quality made Jackery products and only Jackery …period.
I have 1 Jackery Explorer 500Wh, 2 Jackery Explorer 240Wh, 1 Jackery PowerBar
77Wh, Jackery 100W SolarSaga version 1 solar panel, the new Jackery 100W SolarSaga
version 2 solar panel, 50W Jackery solar panel kit and Jackery Protective Carrying
Bags which I highly recommend to protect your battery bank and investment. I go
camping regardless of weather conditions about 120+ days a year. I have a 21′ RV
which I use sometimes and 30 tents of various sizes, shapes and designs which I
modify each one for my needs. I camp all over the USA and keeping my devices charged
up is of great importance. I remote into my clients so I depend on recharging my 2
laptops, hotspots and other gear. I used it while on a 3 week camping trip to HOT
Arizona for a gathering. I recharged 4 Action cameras, 4 Mavic Pro batteries,
iPhone6, six 18650 batteries for 12v Fan, and 10000mah portable battery pack. When
the Explorer 500Wh Power Station was at 45% charge, I would set solar panels outside
7:30am and reposition them thru out the day and was at 100% by 5:30pm on sunny no
cloud days. If you look at the picture of shade on the panel, it was still charging
whereas most panels will not charge at all when shade is on even 10% of some panels.
The 3 Jackery solar panels kits I have are well made. As my device charging
requirements have increased, I love Jackery so much I purchased Jackery SolarSaga
100W Portable Monocrystalline Solar Panel version 1 and version 2 and glad I did.
The Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Monocrystalline Solar Panel gives me power
outdoors and offers a high conversion efficiency up to 23% which really good.
It provides 100W peak power, 18V Max, 5.5Amps power current, 21.6V open
circuit voltage, 6.1Amp short circuit current, 23% cell efficiency, operating
temperature range is 14F/149F, 64 cells, rated lifecycle is 10+ years, version 1
2 built-in USB Type A ports, (version 2 has 1 USB-A 5V/2.4A, 1 USB-C 5V/3A),
weight is 5.5Lbs (version 2 weighs 8.74Lbs) on my scale, closed dimensions are
21.6″ x 22″ x .2″. I do not have much room in my 21′ motorhome so storage is
important. That being said, this solar panel kit is small, compact and lightweight.
I matched this 100W kit with my Jackery Explorer 500 which has 518Wh Lithium
battery and is packed with features like 110V/500W AC outlet, carport at 12V/10A,
3 Type-A USB 5V/2A (20watts max) ports and a backlit digital display showing
input/output/battery status. Everyone should have some alternative in case of
emergency or a power outage. This SolarSaga 100W solar panel is designed with a
nice rubbery carry handles, two 50W panels in a portable, durable self-contained
canvas type material enclosure with a 2 kick-stands to prop it up to face the sun
at different angles as I move it around pointing it towards the sun thru-out my day.
It comes with a 8mm cable which measures 20.5″ from tip to tip on one side is an
Anderson connector and other side is a male 8mm connector to plug into female port on
the panel. When opened and setup on the 2 included attached kickstands are 2-50W
panels-one on each side, one 3 meter/9 foot extension cord with Anderson connectors
on each end. Simply attach cable to the 20.5″ cable to the panel and 8 Millimeter
female port on the other end. On the panel there is an LED light which will
illuminate when charging. There is a tag inside the case with the specifications
on it and a water-resistant zipper across the pouch to store the cables when not
in use. It has a 2 year warranty and the best technical support and customer
service in the industry. I made my own extension cable to extend the distance
to 35 feet and works perfectly. To clean it use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust, then use a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust/dirt/guano/bird droppings.
This 100W panel kit is not rated as being waterproof, it drizzled/sprinkled on
mine a couple times and continues to work perfectly. In case of high wind, I use
the built-in grommets and tie it off to the side of my RV. Yes the solar panels
are a little pricey, but they are well worth it. They are very convenient, well
made, foldable which take up a smaller foot print when not in use, tough and
rugged, and do the job as described. Being able to charge multiple devices at the
same time such the my iPhone, 2 hotspots, 2 laptops, iPad4 tablet, 4 Mavic Pro
batteries and 4 action cameras, etc. Using SolarSaga 100W panel kit, In my
experience you rarely get 8-10 hours of perfect sun each day, that’s why it will
vary in charging times, however, in summer good full sun 6-8 hours charging my
Explorer 240 and 10-12 hours charging my Explorer 500. You can charge a variety
of batteries using this 100W solar panel kit and you can make or order Anderson
Connector to MC4 connector adapters. I am able to charge anywhere with good sun
WITHOUT having to carry 5 gallon gasoline and my heavy loud smelly 2200watt
inverter generator making my setup eco-Friendly, compact, lightweight and very
manageable. As a pair, the Jackery 100W SolarSaga panel kit and Jackery Explorer
500W Lithium Portable Power Station it truly is a portable plug and play power
station I give it 2 thumbs up!
Anthony Dallafiore –
Every thing was good except took longer to charge than AC outlet . (understandable)
Outdoor Enthusiast | Geek | Photographer –
[Updated to highlight differences between April 2020 and July 2020 versions.]
Portable batteries have been seeing a rise in popularity over the past few years with the need to charge phones, tablets, computers, medical devices (ie. CPAP), and more. Gas-powered generators were a leading source of portable generators for decades, but their maintenance and environmental (and health) impact were overwhelming to some. Then came battery-based generators, made popular by Goal Zero, that offer convenience, silence, and ease-of-use to consumers. Pair them with solar panels and you are left with virtually limitless power for use by someone like me: an avid hiker, camper, backpacker, and survivalist.
A battery power station, such as the Jackery Explorer 1000, and solar panel combination makes for GREAT survival/emergency/camping gear. However, not all solar panels are made the same way. Solar technology has improved a LOT over the past decade and prices vary.
In early 2020, Jackery released an updated version of its SolarSaga 100W solar panels as a direct competitor to Goal Zero’s Nomad 100. The immediate difference between both products is visually striking: whereas the Nomad consists of four panels, Jackery’s folds in half with just two — accented with a rigid, orange carry handle.
IN A NUTSHELL
The April 2020 version of the Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels comes with a strikingly beautiful update. Where many panels in its class are either fixed or fold several times into a briefcase, the SolarSaga just sandwiches in half and is held together by strong magnets, accented by a rigid, bright-orange carry handle across the top. Within that handle is a lockable compartment that houses a built-in Anderson connector cable ready to be plugged into a battery power station with an appropriate extension cable. On a clear, sunny day, it had achieved as much as 80W of output, an exceptionally good number when considering that about 25% of efficiency is lost with monocrystalline solar panels. A built-in kickstand helps orient the panel at an optimal, 45 degree angle for maximum sun exposure, and a built-in pocket allows for cables to be stored.
Along the carry handle, there also are two USB ports for direct-charging of mobile devices and accessories, although this has been moved to inside the zippered storage pocket with the July 2020 version (which also replaced the universal Anderson connector with an 8mm adapter). I had voiced my dissatisfaction to Jackery for the latter’s change as that nearly locks the SolarSaga for use with the company’s own products. A Y-branch cable is included with all Jackery Explorer 500 and Explorer 1000 power stations so two SolarSaga panels can be used in parallel to faster charge their batteries.
Overall, the SolarSaga 100W solar panels are beautiful, sturdy, efficient, and portable, and are backed by a company that has increasingly become well-known for its excellent customer service.
PROS
– VERY efficient charging. Most panels should expect between 50-75% charging of the stated wattage
— In my testing on a sunny, California day, I got about 80W, an 80% efficiency! That puts this panel right at the top
— Monocrystalline panels generally have a lifespan of 25-30 years, after which efficiency starts to drop
– Foldable design makes the panel portable, easy to stow, and protected from dust
— Panels held together with two, strong magnets for quick fold/unfold
– Built-in kickstand to help prop the panel towards the sun for better sun exposure
– Bright, orange carry handle
— Adds stability and sturdiness to panels
— Makes product stand out and look professional
— Two (2) USB ports for directly charging mobile devices and accessories, such as tablets
— USB-A: 5V @ 2.4A
— USB-C: 5V @ 3A
—- Port is NOT PD (Power Delivery)
— LED light to indicate charging status
— Locking compartment with built-in Anderson DC cable (11″/ 0.3m)
— Can charge battery-based generators at 18V (5.55A)
—- Compatible lead-acid batteries: sealed, colloidal, or open
— Anderson-to-8mm extension cable included (9.8’/ 3m)
— Anderson connector can be converted to MC4 for broader compatibility with other products
— Note: July 2020 version of the SolarSaga 100W replaced Anderson with an 8mm adapter, and moved it and the USB ports into the built-in, zippered pouch. I criticized Jackery for this move as the Anderson connector is more universal for use with other branded power stations
– Built-in, zippered pouch to hold accessories
– Fairly lightweight at 5.5 lbs and portable: 24″ x 22″ x 1.8″ (folded), 48″ x 22″ x 1.4″ (unfolded)
– Daisy-chainable
— Two of these panels can be linked together in PARALLEL (NOT in a SERIES) for a combined, theoretical output of 200W (or up to 150W actual)
— Y-Branch cable is required and can be obtained from Jackery free of charge if 2 SolarSaga panels were purchased
— Cable is included with Jackery Explorer 500 and Explorer 1000 power battery stations
— Jackery Explorer 1000 can accept up to 200W of input. As such, a 3rd or 4th SolarSaga is not needed
– Jackery noted that panels are NOT waterproof
— However, online reviews show IPX3-equivalent water resistance. See TIPS section for more info
– Unexpectedly EXCELLENT customer service
– Priced much lower than Goal Zero’s Nomad 100, but a bit more pricey than other brands
– Circuitry to prevent against reverse charging
– 2-year warranty
– Partially worked with the Goal Zero Yeti 500x
— Although Jackery and Goal Zero use 8mm input ports, they are NOT the same
— Yeti’s front 8mm port was partially able to accept the 8mm cable that came with the SolarSaga. It would not stay on securely, but charging worked
— Yeti’s back 8mm port did NOT accept the SolarSaga cable. It would not stay on at all nor charge
— Recommendation: If you will use the SolarSaga 100W with Goal Zero power stations, purchase Goal Zero’s own 8mm-to-Anderson cable
CONS
– No built-in battery to store some of the charge generated by the panel
— You can either directly charge devices with the panel, charge a battery-based generator, or a battery power bank
– Can be considered expensive for casual campers/hikers
– Bulky and heavy for some
— Orange carry handle makes overall product dimensions slightly larger than most competitors’ 100W panels
– Not waterproof, though online reviews show IPX3-equivalent water resistance. See TIPS section for more info
— USB ports and the area the Anderson cable comes from are NOT water resistant. Keep them dry!
— Note: July 2020 version of SolarSaga 100W moved them to inside the zippered pouch, making the panel a bit more water resistant overall
– 8mm charging cable is NOT compatible with Goal Zero’s 8mm port (it will not securely stay connected)
— For use with Goal Zero, get a Goal Zero 8mm-to-Anderson adapter instead
– July 2020 version of the SolarSaga 100W has replaced the Anderson connector with an 8mm one
— Reduces compatibility with other branded power stations, for which I have criticized Jackery in a feedback to their customer service team
TIPS/NOTES
– Panel lifespan: Panels generally die/become inefficient between 25-30 years
— They may last longer, but would produce less energy
– Solar panels work best outdoor under full sun exposure
— Although the panels will work under the shade or behind windows, charging efficiency is greatly diminished
— Panels will STILL charge under cloudy conditions. So, keep the panels out even if you do not see the sun
— Operating temperature range: 14F to 149F (-10C to 65C)
— ONLY the solar panels can (and should) be directly under the sun while charging a battery power station
— Keep the power station in the shade to prevent overheating
– ALL panels must be uncovered to generate a charge
— Do not completely cover one or more panels or the charging will stop
– To maintain solar efficiency, the panels should be kept clean
— Remove dust with a soft brush and wipe with a damp (NOT wet) cloth
— Any residue, such as tree sap, should be removed as soon as possible
– Although Jackery states the SolarSagas are NOT waterproof, online user anecdotes claim IPX3-equivalent water resistance. This translates to:
— Capable of taking water sprays of up to 60 degree angles or less
— Keep dry the USB ports and where the Anderson cable comes out. They are NOT water resistant!
— Heavier rain can cause damage
— Note: July 2020 version of SolarSaga 100W moved them inside the zippered pouch, making the newer panel a bit more water resistant
— Keep panel away from water that spray at greater than 60 degree angles
— Keep panel away from low-pressure (or stronger) water jet spray
— Do not submerge the panel under water
— Panels will work longer if they are kept away from water altogether
– Do NOT bend the panels more than 30 degrees or risk breaking them!
– Keep the panels away from fires and heaters
CHARGING TIMES
When using solar panels to charge battery power stations, the amount of energy the battery may accept could be throttled to prevent overcharging.
Example: Jackery Explorer 1000 slowed incoming wattage from 70-80W to about 50W once it reached 70% battery charge.
HOW MANY WATTS DOES A DEVICE USE?
– Calc: Watts used by device = Voltage x Amperage
– If a vacuum is 120V and 9.5A, it uses 1,140W
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SOLAR CHARGE A BATTERY POWER STATION?
– Calc: Hours to charge battery = Battery capacity (Wh) / (Panel Wattage x [0.5 or 0.75])
— In a perfect lab environment, solar panels charge at the indicated wattage (ie. 100W)
— Expect to only receive 50-75% on a good, sunny day (ie. 50W – 75W), depending on environmental conditions, panel’s age, and component quality
— Tip: Even if it is overcast, the panels will STILL collect solar energy. Keep charging!
– Charging with a 100W solar panel
— Jackery Explorer 500: As fast as 6.7 hours [500 Wh / (100W x 0.75)]
— Jackery Explorer 1000: As fast as 13.3 hours [1000 Wh / (100W x 0.75)]
CONCLUSION
Jackery had impressed me with its Explorer 1000 battery power station. Unsurprisingly, their SolarSaga 100W solar panels performed very well, look professional and sturdy, and came with excellent customer service. The bright, orange carry handle makes the product stand apart, adds rigidity to partially-flexible solar panels, and houses convenient USB ports and a built-in Anderson connector for charging battery power stations. This, however, subjects those very same features to water damage during rain, and perhaps contributed to the company’s decision to release the July 2020 version with the junction box housed within the zippered accessory pouch instead. That was a great move but left me perplexed to learn that the universal Anderson connector was replaced with their 8mm adapter at the same time. Why would Jackery cripple their product for use with just their own power stations? It makes no sense!
Despite the strange decision to replace the Anderson connector, the SolarSaga, when used with a Jackery battery power station, makes for a formidable, off-the-grid combination. A pair of them (in conjunction with the Jackery Explorer 1000) had literally powered our work-from-home needs during a whole-day power outage: a 12V car freezer, two laptops and monitors, modem and router (for Internet access), fan, and 2 iPads. Could not have been happier!
Dora María González Martínez –
Charged the jackets while we were camping, works great. Nice having a means for charging and lighting while out in the woods.
Raezer –
Ya me tocó utilizarlo con muy buen funcionamiento
Raezer –
Great for camping