BigBlue SolarPowa 20 Solar Panel Review

(Last Updated On: October 12, 2023)

Just like power stations, solar panels have varying degrees of power that they can output. You can use a solar panel for only charging phones, or a higher wattage can be reliable for charging larger power stations within the 2000Wh battery size. It all depends on your needs.

I’m looking at this BigBlue SolarPowa 20 solar panel in this review. This is one of the simplest solar panels you can own because the panel is small and has charging ports for charging phones or tablets. So, it’s definitely on the lower power side, but if you find its power output to meet your needs, it’s good.

What’s in the Box?

What you get in the box with the SolarPowa 20 solar panel is a USB-C to USB-C cable, the manual, and the warranty card.

Size and Design

When folded, the SolarPowa 20 solar panel has an 8-inch length, width, and depth of 1.5 inches. The panel is unfolded; it has a length of 26 inches, a width of 8 inches, and a depth of 0.7 inches. The weight of the panel is 1.7 pounds. This might be the smallest and most lightweight solar panel that you ever own, and you will have no problems taking it anywhere you want.

When folding the solar panel some buttons hold the panel together when folded, and this makes for easier portability. What also makes for easier portability are the lanyard holes that can be used to attach the panel to the back of a backpack; this way, solar rays can hit the solar panel while walking during a hike.

Also, at the back of the solar panel, you’ll find a single kickstand in the middle of the panel, and this can be used to hold the panel up for better sun exposure when you’re using it while stationary.

 

Build quality-wise, the SolarPowa 20 uses an ETFE film that makes the panel rigid, and it has an IP65 water-resistance rating, meaning it can withstand splashes of water. So if it starts raining, this panel will be safe; don’t submerge the panels into water.

Charging Power

So, this BigBlue SolarPowa 20 is not impressive power-wise; however, for what it is, it’s just fine. The max output of the panel is 20W,  and it has a USB-C and a USB-A port. Each of the ports on the panel has a 5V/2.4A (12W) output. If you want optimal charging power, just like any solar panel, you must ensure you get great sun exposure on the panels.

In my testing, I placed the SolarPowa 20 panel in full sunlight and used the kickstand to place the panel in a more upright position. I had total sun exposure on the panels. The two devices I charged were a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 from the USB-C port and an LG G7 from the USB-A port. Both phones could charge continuously without any problems; however, there was no fast charging. I unplugged the LG G7, and my Galaxy Note 9 did begin to fast charge from the USB-C port, so I suppose you get a bit of a higher charge rate when charging a single device from the USB-C port, but it’s not much. Overall, the charging power is good, and this panel is mainly meant for charging phones and tablets; this is not the type of panel you would depend on for charging laptops or power stations; you’ll need more power.

Also, I covered sections of the panel with my hand, and the SolarPowa 20 continued to charge my two phones, So as long as you have a good amount of sunlight hitting the panels, charging will continue.

	BigBlue SolarPowa 20 Solar Panel Specs
USB-C Port	5V/2.4A (12W)
USB-A Port	5V/2.4A (12W)
Max Output	20W
Size (Folded)	8.6 x 9.1 x 1.6 inches
Size (Unfolded)	27 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches
Water-Resistance	IP65
Weight	1.7 Pounds

Conclusion

The BigBlue SolarPowa 20 is as simple as it gets for charging smaller devices like phones and tablets while you’re out camping or hiking. You’ll have no problems with portability because the panel is so tiny and lightweight. The build quality is also impressive, using ETFE and having an IP65 water-resistance rating. I recommend it if the powering capabilities fit your needs.