FlexSolar 40W Foldable Solar Panel Charger with USB-C and USB-A Outputs for Phones, Power Banks, Tablets - Waterproof for Camping, Hiking, Backpacking

I've tested several portable solar panels in rugged conditions, and the FlexSolar 40W is a game-changer, but only when paired with the right battery. Let's break it down:Renogy E.Flex 10W:Ultralight (11.5 oz), but underwhelming: 0.696 watts/oz.Struggled to charge a 5000mAh battery in Yellowstone, even with optimal sun.Frustrating for demanding use.BigBlue 3:Moderate weight (24 oz), better output: 1.042 watts/oz.More reliable, even in cloudy conditions.Still struggled with heavy iPhone recording use.I feel the panel could be lighter with fabric trim reductions.FlexSolar 40W:Heavier (28.16 oz), but powerful: 1.243 watts/oz.The difference maker, but only when paired with a supporting battery pack.Key Insight:Solar panel wattage per ounce is important when you have to carry it on your back or in your boat all day, but compatible battery bank management is paramount.I have found optimal use occurs with a battery that allows for higher throughput charging. An unnamed Battery bank, that allows for 12V @ 1.5A input, allows for very quick recharge times.Avoid Anker battery packs that lack high-throughput charging.Best Battery Pack for Solar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJC57PPC?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4&th=1Real-World Performance:With the correct battery, the FlexSolar 40W effortlessly powered a GoPro, multiple batteries, iPhone, iWatch, GPS/satcomm, speaker, headlamp, and more.Even in three days of limited sun, it maintained essential device power.In ideal conditions charging speeds are very impressive.Verdict:For serious outdoor users, the FlexSolar 40W delivers exceptional power and reliability.Yes, it's heavier, but the performance is worth it.Make sure to pair this panel with a battery that can take full advantage of the power output.Finally, use a HIGH QUALITY charging cable on USB-C. No more than 36" long. Look for something like the Anker USB-A > USB-C Powerline II, which uses a lower gauge wire. If you use a cheaper lighter weight charging cable, you are choking the solar panels ability to push power to the battery BMS.Links:*BEST* Unnamed Battery: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJC57PPC?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4&th=1]*WORST* Anker Battery: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S829LBX?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_10&th=1]*BEST* Flex solar panel: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H6GGK55?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2]*MID* Big Blue 3 panel: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EXWCPLC?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4]*WORST* Renogy E.Flex panel: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K63CO0O?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_6]*BEST* Charging Cable: [https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Powerline-Certified-Samsung-MacBook/dp/B07213D35X?ref_=ast_sto_dp]

As solar generators are becoming popular I whimsically bought a lower end generator. This of course incited my curiosity about, solar panels. The flexsolar 40w (by the way they should change their name or modify it, as 'flexsolar' pulls up all sorts of other products), is highly appreciable. Had it not been for two videos on Youtube, about this product, I would not have taken notice. I ran across this panel while researching other, solar generators. I was waiting for pay day to buy another panel that was on sale for $50, a 60w portable panel. I missed the sale. Then flexsolar popped up, I really liked the ipad pro 11" size of the panel, when folded up. And, the youtube video was getting 35 x 38 watts on a cloudy day. (The clouds would make that number dipp significantly.) This was significantly better than other small, portable panels, that would only get half the wattage touted by their adverstising (anker, and others). It has been a several days since this panel arrived. Today is my first full sunny day. I am very famillar with a rav power 20,000 mah portable battery that I own. I charge it with an sd pd 61 watt and 30 watt ravpower ac cube, constantly. Lets just say I was not in the least bit displeased with the speed at which it was charging on solar. This panel has an old style usb port, a usbc port and a dc 5221 port. I was able to obtain from amazon a male to male dc 5221, a male 5221 to usbc male cable, and I already own the old school usb cables. The panel does not come with cables but if you have a usbc male to male cable you can use it for your usbc device, though I do reccomend a usbc battery rather than directly into your ipad, macbook air (there is no problem charging iphone or mac book air directly, but when you charge a brick, you do not have to leave your phone or computer vulnerable), they do sell usbc to lighntning cable for iphones. It is rather crazy that I can get input above a thirty watt wall charger, from direct sunlight. I could potentially buy another panel and parallel charge with an adapter, increasing my watt input potential. The panel is well built and in all probability will take a few years of abuse.I have lived through a few hurricanes in a major city with no electricity for in excess of two weeks. I also lived through the Texas power shutdown in our unusual freeze. This device would have been a game changer. In the freeze, even a small solar generator paired with two of these panels and the right cables in parallel, can run a 12v heating throw blanket, charge ipad, laptop, and run fans. A ten watt LED lamp is a god send after being in the dark all night long, not to mention all the books, and movies to make it through entertainment wise, knowing these solar panels can and will charge my portable batteries.I am very happy and am seriously considering another panel from flexsolar.*This panel could charge my phone in less than an hour of direct full constant sunlight.*This panel folds down into a shape comperable to an 11" ipad pro, though definately thicker and heavier. 3 lbs maybe. It is not that noticeabke in a backpack. It is an apppealing pannel, shape and feel.*This panel could potentially charge my 20,000 mah usbc battery brick in three hours. A 42,000 mah solar generator battery in 6 hours.*This panel does not have "kickstands", it does work laying flat, but something to prop it toward the direction of the sun would increase the watt potential.This is my first step into solar and I sincerely believe I have made a good first step.

So I'm about to leave for a 2 month solo back pack trip through Europe and the last thing I'd want is to run out of power on my phone in another country. Overall this thing is extremely well built however it's quite a bit heavier than I would of liked for a backpack. Also it has the ports kinda protruding a good inch off the side of it which is a little unfortunate. I wish it was part of its own cord to save room. I also bought my own second wattage reader which I wish it came with on its own so I could position this unit for maximum wattage. Overall the charging, build quality and convenience is fantastic. But I'm not thrilled about those two other factors as ever LB and inch counts when packing a backpack I know I'm living out of for 2 months.

In full sun this unit will push out close to the full 40W over USB-C. It's a bit clunky, and I wish it was a bit lighter- but it works well.

I did hours of research to find this gift for my son who is an avid outdoor enthusiast. All of the solar chargers have limits, or particular features you may or may not want. So get what works for Your application. I got this because it is light weight, simple design, durable, versatile, and has enough power for 12 volts, not just a phone charger. you can run an. iPad, or charge a camera, or even run a fan, or some LED lights. there are bigger more powerful panels. also heavier, bulkier. this 40 watt it a big step up from one of those battery packs with small panels. so you can get both, this panel can keep your battery packs charged up. For the price, totally worth it, since it can be used many many times, in many applications.