Electricity is something that has become vital in modern times, and access to it can often be taken for granted. Like all things that are taken for granted, you only really appreciate it when it’s not there and not accessible.
This could be during a power outage, emergency situation, or times when you’re out in the wilderness with no power outlets in sight. In fact, we’ve covered just how essential self-sustaining power can be in these kinds of emergency scenarios before.
In this review, we will take a look at a selection of Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels that can help you power up your devices no matter what situation you may be in. We will cover the benefits, drawbacks, and specifications of all their panels to help you decide which will best suit your needs.
Overall Best Selling panels + generator kits from Jackery:
Jackery Solar Generator 300 (Jackery 300 + SolarSaga 100W)
Contents
The Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels represent a leap forward in self-sufficiency, providing a sustainable solution to one of the most pressing challenges in emergency situations: reliable access to power. In an era where over 30% of Americans have experienced a power outage lasting more than 12 hours, the ability to generate your own electricity is not just convenient, it’s a lifeline. These solar panels offer a way to stay powered in emergencies, making them a vital part of any preparedness strategy.
– Eddie Penney Emergency Prep Expert
Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel Review
To begin, we will first look at the most powerful solar panel Jackery have in this range: the Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel. This solar panel is their most high-end product and would be suited for people with advanced power needs.
This panel is best suited with one of Jackery’s many portable rechargeable power stations such as the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro. Paired with such a power station (which can be charged in around 2.5 hours using the 200W model), you will be able to power many essential appliances and gadgets needed for a camping trip or survival situation.
Additionally, you can connect up to 6 200W panels to the power stations for even faster charging. If your main need for a solar panel is charging mobile phones and small devices, then you may be better off with one of the smaller panels we will soon feature.
The SolarSaga 200w solar panel features a durable, foldable design that has a handle and case for easy and safe transportation. If space will be an issue wherever you will be using the panel, the large size of the panels should be something to keep in mind. The panels also have three foldable stands that you can use to get optimal sun coverage.
This video overview shows you how solar panels unfold and can be transported, so you can get a better idea of what the actual product will be like in real life. Additionally, this panel is the only one out of the 3 featured in this review that is waterproof.
The 200w SolarSaga panel retails for $699, and they also offer bundle options with multiple panels and a power station that you can choose from.
Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel Review
Next, we will look at the Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel. As you could probably tell from the name, this solar panel outputs half of what the previous panels offered. This lower output comes with some benefits that help to make up for it, however!
For starters, you will immediately see that the 100W model is smaller than the 200W option. This is definitely a plus when it comes to portability and transportation. It also makes the setup of the panels a bit less cumbersome.
This 100W model can also be connected to one of Jackery’s portable power stations, but it can also charge smaller mobile devices thanks to the USB A and C ports included. This can be very convenient in a pinch and highlights that this model is a good halfway point between a more serious and more compact energy source.
As mentioned earlier, it should be noted that this model, along with the 60W version, are not waterproof. They are splash resistant, but they should definitely be kept out of the rain whenever possible.
This version retails for $299, making it a more cost-effective option for adventurers on a budget. The 100W panel would be better suited to a smaller group of people unless you have a few of them paired with a power station.
Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel Review
The Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel gives us the smallest, most compact version of this product yet. Other than the lower wattage output, this panel is comparable to the 100W version in pretty much every way.
It has the same foldable, compact design and also features two USB ports for charging. Likewise, it’s also best paired with one of Jackery’s portable power stations that we’ve mentioned previously.
At the time of writing, the 60W model is currently a bit hard to get a hold of and is not in stock on Jackery’s site, but even if it were you may be better off paying a bit extra for the 100W model.
Jackery SolarSaga 60W vs 100W
As we touched on previously, the main difference between the 60W and 100W models is the wattage output. Other than a small size difference, they’re essentially offering identical functionality.
The 40W gap between the panels is quite a difference, and the smaller model would only be recommended if space is very limited. Overall, in most cases, we would recommend going for the 100W model if it’s a choice between the two.
Jackery SolarSaga 100W vs 100X
When perusing the product page for the SolarSaga 100W, you may have noticed that you can choose between two options; the regular 100W and 100X model.
The X in the latter’s name may make you think that it has increased power output or additional features, however, the difference is merely in the look of the panels.
The X model has a slightly sleeker design with a smoother pattern for the panels. Other than that, you can expect the same features and even the same price, so it all comes down to personal preference.
When adding the 100W model to your cart, you will see the option between the two models along with pictures that can help you decide which one you prefer.
FAQs
Are Jackery Solar Panels Worth it?
No matter which model of Jackery’s solar panels you choose, you are getting an excellent portable energy alternative. The usefulness increases when paired with one of their portable power stations, but even on their own, they can serve as an essential camping or emergency tool.
As we have covered in the past, power outages can happen for many reasons, so these panels can prove to be an essential backup in these kinds of scenarios.
Are Jackery Solar Panels Waterproof?
Of the three panels we looked at in this review, only the higher-end 200W model is waterproof. Jackery informs us that this model has an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning it should be safe in rainy weather. Despite this, you should still try and avoid having any electronics in rain or harsh weather, as damage can still occur.
The two other models, however, are merely splash resistant. For that reason, you will definitely want to keep these ones out of rainy or wet conditions.
Can Jackery Solar Panels Get Wet?
This question follows our previous point, and we can start by saying that the 200W model should be okay if it gets caught in some light rainy weather. Even with the waterproof rating, you would probably be better off keeping it out of the rain regardless.
As for the 60W and 100W models, their splash-resistant features would make it okay for them to get splashed with a bit of water or rain, but you should definitely put them under cover if even light rain occurs.
How To Connect Two Jackery Solar Panels
One great thing about these solar panels is that you can connect multiple panels to charge a power station even faster. To do this, you will need a rechargeable station, with Jackery’s models being recommended for optimum compatibility.
These stations have ports for up to six panels, greatly increasing the charge rate for the portable station. Connecting these panels with Jackery’s power stations is easy to do, and the parity between the products can ensure that everything will be compatible.
The panels can be used with other brands of power stations, but it is definitely recommended to pair them with other Jackery products.
This method would definitely be recommended for larger camping trips with multiple people needing power for their devices.
How To Clean Jackery Solar Panels
These solar panels will be exposed to the elements of the great outdoors, so keeping them clean and well-maintained is essential. Jackery outlines the best way for you to clean your solar panel on their product pages.
First, use a soft brush to remove any dirt from the surface of the panel. Then, use a damp cloth to remove any excess dirt or other messes on the surface of the panel and you should be good to go.
Performing this cleaning before and after each use will help keep your solar panel in great shape!
Conclusion
Being able to generate your own power without relying on the grid can be incredibly helpful. Whether you’re dealing with a power outage, or emergency situation or are on a camping adventure, having sustainable energy can be a game changer.
The models offered by Jackery give you some options depending on your situation. The 60W and 100W models would be perfect for one person or a couple that wants to ensure their mobile devices are consistently charged.
Serious campers or survival enthusiasts can also upgrade to the 200W model. Pairing these panels with power stations and multiple panel setups can provide a power solution for larger camping groups as well.
No matter what the case may be, Jackery offers convenient, quality products that deserve a place in your survival repertoire.
Here are all the Jackery products mentioned in our review, sorted by price:
