Expert Rating
Benefits
- Modern solar cells
- Connection box with three different outputs
- Good solar efficiency
Our verdict
With the SolarPowa 30, Bigblue has managed to create a serious solar charger. The output power is sufficient for small devices, but its small surface area requires the user to pay close attention to the orientation relative to sunlight.
Best prices today: Bigblue Solarpowa 30
$84.99
The BigBlue SolarPowa 30 is a solar panel set that can charge an iPhone and other devices. It weighs about a kilogram and, when folded, measures 358 x 225 x 43 millimeters, allowing it to fit in a backpack for hiking and other outdoor activities.
The SolarPowa 30 panels use modern monocrystalline cells with an efficiency of 23% (the amount of captured sunlight converted into energy; more than 20% is considered high efficiency). The connection box on the back of the panel is practically equipped with a USB-A and a USB-C connection. Depending on the output specifications, iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, cameras and other devices can be charged. Here are the output specifications:
- USB-A:5V/3.0A ; 9 V/2.0 A; 12 V/1.5 A
- USB-C: 5 V/3.0 A ; 9 V/2 A ; 12 V/1.6 A
Power bank users also have an 18.2V/1.6A DC output for barrel sockets. The connection box also houses a protection circuit for connected devices. Since the connection box protrudes from the back of the panels and has sharp corners, it can interfere with charging the SolarPowa 30. The solar panel is weatherproof to IP65, but the connection box is not.
I tested the SolarPowa 30 in ideal sunlight conditions and charged an iPhone 15 to 30% in 30 minutes. When the sun wasn’t quite ideal, it was at 18%. With the 11-inch iPad Pro, it was around 13% in ideal sunlight conditions. At 30 watts, it’s not going to fast charge a MacBook. Of course, cloud cover (or lack thereof) affects charging performance. The ideal use case is when you want to charge a device but don’t need it right away.
A foldable bracket on the back of the solar panel allows for optimal positioning of the SolarPowa 30. When unfolded, the surface is divided into three parts and measures a total of 668 x 358 x 23 millimeters. The SolarPowa 30 has good rigidity and feels solid when placed. There are eyelets at the corners if you want to hang the SolarPowa 30.
You have to be a little careful when handling the SolarPowa 30. I found that the solar panel cracks when bent slightly.
BigBlue comes with two charging cables, a USB-C cable and a cable with a hollow plug. The SolarPowa is also available with 20 and 10 watts.
Should you buy the BigBlue SolarPowa 30?
Although the BigBlue SolarPowa 30 is rated at 30 watts, its charging capacity largely depends on your ability to position it optimally and how much sunlight is blocked in the area. It is best used in situations where a device can sit and charge and you don’t need to use it. The SolarPowa 30 is portable, well-built, and can be a handy device for avid outdoor users.
This article was originally published on Macwelt and was translated by Romain Loyola.
This article was originally published in our sister publication Macwelt and has been translated and localized from German.
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