We were recently sent the SolarPanel 5+ from BioLite to test out. Below are our experiences with the charger, the pros and cons of the solar panel, and help determining if the BioLite SolarPanel 5 or the 5+ (with onboard battery) is right for your next adventure.
The BioLite SolarPanel Claim
The SolarPanel 5 and 5+ both claim to charge your phone directly from the sun, without needing a battery to be charged first. In peak sun conditions, the panel delivers 5 watts of power. That is equivalent to the standard iPhone wall charger! But how does it handle real-world trail conditions?
SolarPanel 5+ In Use
The panel utilizes a monocrystalline cell type for high-efficiency energy conversion. To get the most out of it, BioLite included an integrated sun dial. By aligning the shadow in the middle of the crosshairs, you ensure the rays hit the panel perpendicularly for an optimal charge.
Once aligned, the LED indicators on the top of the battery will “step” to show power generation. While there isn’t a digital wattage readout, we tested the output using the Ampere app on Android. In direct, bright sunlight, we neared the 5W limit. However, performance drops significantly under overcast or cloudy skies.
We even tried artificial light: a 2000-lumen torch held inches away only registered about half a watt—enough for an emergency, but this device definitely craves the sun.
BioLite SolarPanel 5+ testing in the field.
What We Like About the SolarPanel 5+
There is a lot to like here. It’s incredibly intuitive and easy to attach to a backpack via carabiners or hang from a tree branch using the 360-degree stand.
- Simplicity: The kickstand is the only moving part, and it works flawlessly in any orientation.
- Analog Sun Dial: This is a game-changer for efficiency. No more guessing if the angle is right; just line up the dot.
- Lightweight Design: Despite the technical features, it won’t weigh down your pack.
- 360 Kickstand: As shown in our photos, the wire stand is versatile enough for standing on uneven rocks or hanging from gear.
Charging via the integrated USB port.
What We Don’t Like
While the performance is solid, there are a few areas for improvement, specifically regarding the battery capacity and size.
- Small Onboard Battery: The 5+ features a 2200mAh battery. We would have loved to see a higher capacity. On a cloudy day following a clear one, you might find yourself without enough “stored” juice to top off a modern high-capacity smartphone.
- Rigid Panel: The panel is solid. While this ensures better sun gathering and durability, it doesn’t fold or roll up, occupying a fixed amount of space in your bag.
- Information Readout: It can be difficult to tell if the panel is prioritizing the phone or the internal battery. Also, the “Auto-Reconnect” feature is a great inclusion for when a cloud passes over, but more documentation on its logic would be helpful.
Conclusion
When it comes to off-grid power, the BioLite SolarPanel 5+ is at the top of our list for solar-specific options. It’s simpler and more compact than many competitors in its category. Whether you’re charging a phone or a separate power bank, it performs reliably when the sun is out. Given the price point and the 1-year warranty, it’s our current pick for a lightweight solar solution.
