Solar power isn’t something new to me, or you. I have enjoyed using my Solar lights (Luci lights), it has really changed what I pack for purposes of light. I have also used a lithium battery with a double pane solar panel with some success. The battery always worked well, but after I drained it, it could take upwards of 8 hours to completely charge it again. Needless to say, I was in the market for an upgrade.
My major considerations were; more than one charge out of the battery, fast charging if needed, and shorter recharge time. After searching around I settled on the SunJack 14W Portable Solar Charger. Over the last two weeks I have used this kit while hunting hogs in Texas, and more recently while camping with my son over Father’s day weekend. It has been a huge upgrade compared to the last kit I owned.
Unlike my old kit, the SunJack 14W Portable Solar Charger kit uses four panels with a max output of 14 watts. What does this mean? Well, in direct sunlight you can charge any USB device similar to a household outlet. Charging a smart phone using the panels directly takes about 90 mins. This kit also comes with a 8000mAh battery when direct sunlight isn’t available. This battery is good for approximately four smartphones (3 for my specific phone), or one tablet. Again, using the solar panels it takes about 5 hours to fully charge this battery.
The 8000mAh battery has a typical power indication system. You depress a button, and then five lights will indicate how much juice is left. Hold that same button down and a built-in LED light will activate. The Battery has: DC input (5V 2A) USB Output 1 (DC 5V 2.4A), USB Output 2 (5V 2.4A or 9V 1.67A). Basically it has a fast charge, and an even faster charge. While using my phone to watch a movie I plugged into the USB Outlet 2 and I could actually watch the battery (on my phone) tick upwards. The charge was fast.
Specifications (courtesy of SunJack.com)
Technical Specifications
- Solar panels: 14 watts of high-efficiency mono-crystalline
- Max output voltage/current: One 5V/1.5A USB port
- Battery: 8,000mAh lithium-polymer battery ~ 5 hours
- Unit Size folded: 9″ x 6.5″ x 1.75″ (23cm x 16.5cm x 4.5cm) – similar to an iPad.
- Unit Size unfolded: 9″ x 31″ x 1″ (23cm x 79cm x 2.5cm)
- Unit Weight: 1.75 / 0.8 (lbs/kg)
- Packaging Dimension: 10.5″ x 8.5′ x 2″ (27cm x 22cm x 5.1cm)
- Battery Size: 5” x 2 3/4” x 1/2”
This kit retails for $150 from SunJacks website. It includes: 4 panel mono crystalline solar charger, 1 8000mAh battery, 1 2A fast-charger USB cable, 1 carabiner (I got 2), and a guide. SunJack also offers a more deluxe 20W system that comes with two 8000mAh batteries. Conversely, SunJack also carries a product they call the LightStick. Basically it is a battery that doubles as an emergency flashlight.
These kinds of products are ideal for any type of outdoor activity where you want to keep your electronics powered. Maybe you need to charge your GoPro after a day of filming, or like me you want to charge your smart phone to listen to some music by the campfire. SunJack is also a smart choice if you are preparing an emergency kit, or bug-out kit. Take a look at their full lineup here.
Do you have a solar kit you absolutely love? Tell me about it in the comment section below. I’d love to directly compare this kit to yours.
