Why We Like The SolarPanel 5+
There's no reason to lug around cumbersome battery packs when we can stay charged with BioLite's light and slim SolarPanel 5. It easily slides into our packs, staying out of the way and keeping plenty of space open for all the on-trail essentials.
Details
- 5-watt solar panel to stay powered when trekking
- Sundial and 360-degree kickstand let you capture optimal rays
- 3200mAh onboard battery stores some charge for later
- USB output is compatible with practically all your electronics
- Item #BIOB00F
- Material
- [battery] 3200mAh Li-on, [panel] monocrystalline
- Output
- 5w, USB
- Dimensions
- 10.12 x 8.19 x .94in
- Claimed Weight
- 13.76oz
- Recommended Use
- backpacking, photography/media, weekend camping
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4 based on 84 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 12, 2023
Update to my iPhone not charging.
Okay, I could not find my original 2 star rating of this not charging my iPhone. Even though this solar panel has a battery it appears you have to plug in your device take the system outside and expose it to the light. then the system turns on.
Originally reviewed on bioliteenergy.com
March 12, 2023
So-so
Bought 5 years ago. Used it a handful of times, e.g., bicycle camping, car camping, and experimenting with it around the house. Worked OK, but took a long time to charge. It's mostly been sitting in a dark closet in storage. Took it out today to try it out again, and it was completely dead. I'm assuming the battery just died. I managed to take it apart (I don't recommend this), and discovered there are no user serviceable parts; the battery is permanently installed and cannot be replaced. If you're considering buying one, be aware of my situation. It's surprising the battery would not last for 5 years with such minimal usage. Beware!
Originally reviewed on bioliteenergy.com
December 28, 2022
Bad experience
I bought the solar panel 3200mAh for my partner Christmas. We are currently at a camping trip, charged it at home and had it in the sun all day long. It literally charges phones only up to 20% and than is absolutely dead. I am a really unhappy customer this should not happen.
Originally reviewed on bioliteenergy.com
November 15, 2022
Not Compatible with USB C Chargers
I bought this to charge my phone on backcountry trips but found out it isn't compatible with Android phones (USB C charger). I contacted support and was told to use an old iPhone charger but that obviously doesn't help. I can't return this product so I'm stuck with it.
Originally reviewed on bioliteenergy.com
August 6, 2022
Close to being really nice
Needs bright sunlight to be effective. The battery seems to discharge on its own over a few days. I like the directional sundial and the stand.
Originally reviewed on bioliteenergy.com
July 12, 2022
So far no good...
So far I have not had a lot of luck. It does not always charge when it should. Also seems to have an issue when in sun for a while. Get all 4 LED's blinking like its faulted. Still trying to figure it out. I will give it a wall charge and one more chance.
Originally reviewed on bioliteenergy.com
March 26, 2022
BioLite to the rescue
This solar panel is perfect for my needs. I have worked to create a go-trunk in my car which will allow me to set up a camp with a tent, sleeping bags, seating and enough food for 4-5 weeks. However, during the emergency I also have a go-backpack in the trunk to get me by until the more formal camp can be set up. This panel meets my need for a power source for my phone or tablet and easily fits into that backpack.
Originally reviewed on bioliteenergy.com
December 25, 2021
SolarPanel 5+
Easily packable solar panel for power anywhere your at.
Originally reviewed on bioliteenergy.com
December 4, 2021
Great product & still going strong
We bought one of these 7 or 8 years ago... whenever it was first released. We don't use it that often but in between charges our unit has held 4 out of 5 lights on the meter for over a year sitting in a book case. Unbelievable. Charging a device while simultaneously charging the panel is genius.
Originally reviewed on bioliteenergy.com
November 5, 2021
Great product - extremely useful!
Great product. Solves the problem of how to recharge various devices when on the trail or canoeing in wilderness areas.
Originally reviewed on bioliteenergy.com
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