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[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 NUTSHELLThe 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 cableCONS- 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 teamTIPS/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 heatersCHARGING TIMESWhen 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 1,140WHOW 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)]CONCLUSIONJackery 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!This review is for Version 2 of the 100W SolarSaga Solar Panel. The new foldabledesign SolarSaga 100W Version 2 color is black and orange, has a hard case stylelike my Jackery 50Watt Solar Panel with magnetic locking when closed with a firmTPE rubber handle, weighs 8.74Lbs making it a lightweight and durable solar panelwith built-in kickstands to allow different angles to point to sun, open dimensionsare 48.89" x 21.81" x .19685", closed dimensions are 24.44" x 21.81" x 1.77", hasone USB-A 5V/2.4A, one USB-C 5V/3A built into side of panel which are exposed andshould include a cover for these USB ports. The rest of this review is a from aprevious review. I have a lot of experience with Jackery products, their productsare 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 PowerBar77Wh, Jackery 100W SolarSaga version 1 solar panel, the new Jackery 100W SolarSagaversion 2 solar panel, 50W Jackery solar panel kit and Jackery Protective CarryingBags which I highly recommend to protect your battery bank and investment. I gocamping regardless of weather conditions about 120+ days a year. I have a 21' RVwhich I use sometimes and 30 tents of various sizes, shapes and designs which Imodify each one for my needs. I camp all over the USA and keeping my devices chargedup is of great importance. I remote into my clients so I depend on recharging my 2laptops, hotspots and other gear. I used it while on a 3 week camping trip to HOTArizona for a gathering. I recharged 4 Action cameras, 4 Mavic Pro batteries,iPhone6, six 18650 batteries for 12v Fan, and 10000mah portable battery pack. Whenthe Explorer 500Wh Power Station was at 45% charge, I would set solar panels outside7:30am and reposition them thru out the day and was at 100% by 5:30pm on sunny nocloud days. If you look at the picture of shade on the panel, it was still chargingwhereas 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 chargingrequirements have increased, I love Jackery so much I purchased Jackery SolarSaga100W Portable Monocrystalline Solar Panel version 1 and version 2 and glad I did.The Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Monocrystalline Solar Panel gives me poweroutdoors 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 opencircuit voltage, 6.1Amp short circuit current, 23% cell efficiency, operatingtemperature range is 14F/149F, 64 cells, rated lifecycle is 10+ years, version 12 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 are21.6" x 22" x .2". I do not have much room in my 21' motorhome so storage isimportant. 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 Lithiumbattery 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 showinginput/output/battery status. Everyone should have some alternative in case ofemergency or a power outage. This SolarSaga 100W solar panel is designed with anice rubbery carry handles, two 50W panels in a portable, durable self-containedcanvas type material enclosure with a 2 kick-stands to prop it up to face the sunat 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 anAnderson connector and other side is a male 8mm connector to plug into female port onthe panel. When opened and setup on the 2 included attached kickstands are 2-50Wpanels-one on each side, one 3 meter/9 foot extension cord with Anderson connectorson each end. Simply attach cable to the 20.5" cable to the panel and 8 Millimeterfemale port on the other end. On the panel there is an LED light which willilluminate when charging. There is a tag inside the case with the specificationson it and a water-resistant zipper across the pouch to store the cables when notin use. It has a 2 year warranty and the best technical support and customerservice in the industry. I made my own extension cable to extend the distanceto 35 feet and works perfectly. To clean it use a soft bristle brush to removedust, 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 onmine a couple times and continues to work perfectly. In case of high wind, I usethe built-in grommets and tie it off to the side of my RV. Yes the solar panelsare a little pricey, but they are well worth it. They are very convenient, wellmade, foldable which take up a smaller foot print when not in use, tough andrugged, and do the job as described. Being able to charge multiple devices at thesame time such the my iPhone, 2 hotspots, 2 laptops, iPad4 tablet, 4 Mavic Probatteries and 4 action cameras, etc. Using SolarSaga 100W panel kit, In myexperience you rarely get 8-10 hours of perfect sun each day, that's why it willvary in charging times, however, in summer good full sun 6-8 hours charging myExplorer 240 and 10-12 hours charging my Explorer 500. You can charge a varietyof batteries using this 100W solar panel kit and you can make or order AndersonConnector to MC4 connector adapters. I am able to charge anywhere with good sunWITHOUT having to carry 5 gallon gasoline and my heavy loud smelly 2200wattinverter generator making my setup eco-Friendly, compact, lightweight and verymanageable. As a pair, the Jackery 100W SolarSaga panel kit and Jackery Explorer500W Lithium Portable Power Station it truly is a portable plug and play powerstation I give it 2 thumbs up!After having had a Jackery 300 power station for a while I sprang for the solar panel on prime day. I feel more secure now about being prepared for power outages and still being able to use my CPAP (with a DC adapter not the 110V outlet). I’ve also just been charging up the battery on weekends and late afternoons after work and then using it through the week to recharge my devices, sometimes leaving the device directly on the solar panel, too.Took it on my first camping trip a couple weeks ago and it was so easy to transport and setup and adjust through the day. My main concern was that someone would steal it since I was there teaching in a program and couldn’t babysit the panel during peak hours. Fortunately it came back home with me. I need to work on more efficient use of the CPAP because I couldn’t quite charge enough with the panel to make it through each night fully, but it’s a lot better than going without, and I’m not sure I’d want to camp with a bigger panel and battery. If you’re around camp and can keep reorienting the panels it would all work out better, of course.It's far heavier than my 70w XDragon, it's far less portable mostly because of the design, and it's not even water-resistant. I have no idea why the reviews are so high, I honestly regret buying this. For the same price, I could've bought 2 70w XDragons. Damn it.Happy with the Jackery For My Jeep!Hello, I struggled with the cost of these rechargeable power stations, so I erred on the side of caution to pay the money and go for quality. I wasn't disappointed. The Jackery 500 now with the MPPT charge controller is a nice improvement from the prior models. The matching Solar Saga 100 panels are great too. I must add that a concern over packaging was handled with extreme professionalism and care by the Jackery Customer Service staff. I had heard about this, and now, as a result of my own experience, am very confident with my purchase. If you register your Jackery, you get an additional year of warranty, so 3 year warranty as a result, plus lifetime tech support is easy to take also. CheersEffective solar charging , bought for the jackery. Convent folding panels .solidly built , won’t break and perform accurately with the jackery. They come with Jackerys own input plugs so you need an Anderson adapter to use with anything else . Great companyI charge my jackery 1000 with the jackery 100 solar panel in about 5hrs in direct sun.The amound of power in the battery is usually around 55 percent before charging.I have been ranging about 85percent wattage coming off the solar panel.Must be in direct sunlight at the right angle for the time of year to get the most watts out of the panels. The back brace angles the panel at a 45 degree angle, that's ok for most of the year, but in summer it should be closer to 30-35 degree angle to get the most watts. I do this by putting the front part (the part that touches the floor) on to a small piece of wood to elevate it, getting it to a better angle.
