I purchased this skeptical that it would perform well or provide good functionality for the price. I was pleasantly surprised that the packaging and form is perfect for backpacking, and the panel charges adequately. On a partially overcast Colorado day, it would not charge my iphone X directly since it did not generate enough voltage for charging. However, it did charge -- at reduced capacity -- my Anker battery pack (16000 mAh) at 4.95 volts and 2000 mAh output (approx 10 W-hours output). On a sunny Colorado day, it charges both devices at 5 volts and 3800 mAh, or 19w-h ... closer to rated capacity of 21 W, and pretty close to theoretical maximum.
For the 1 pound weight, I think this is a great option for backpacking long distances where you do not have access to external power to charge the battery pack. Like me, you can charge your battery pack on lower output days and then use the battery pack to charge the phone or other devices requiring more consistent output. If you use this directly on your pack, it will disconnect from charging periodically in shade or wrong sun angle and your phone will keep beeping to let you know. You avoid this problem by charging a battery pack that is then used to charge a phone.
From a dead battery back, this panel with full sunlight (pointing panel to sun throughout the day) charged the 16000 mAh Anker portable battery in a little over 8 hours. Since I don't plan on staying in a campsite for 8 hours, I suspect I can get at least half that capacity tied to a pack which hiking. I found that orientation (tilted toward sun versus pointing straight in air) did not significantly affect output by more than 20%. Since I don't use more than 5,000 mAh per day between my iphoneX and Garmin Explorer GPS unit, this solar panel should sustain my power needs unless I am in a shaded forest or inclement weather.
The functionality of the velcro with the folding panels makes for a good size to hang from a pack, and also to fold up and put in the pack when not in use. The compartment on one end containing 2 USB connectors is the right size to hold a 16000 mAh Anker battery pack (and keep it shaded from sun while charging). The two provided small carabiners and grommets on the end facilitate hanging it for charging. I added 550 cord to the carabiners to make it more useful for hanging from limbs or other objects beside my pack straps.
I have seen it repeal water from the panels; however, would recommend that you protect the compartment with the USB connectors from getting wet. Seems they would not respond well to this. If you kept this last compartment dry, I am fairly certain the panels themselves could get a little wet without damage.
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This Item  Nekteck 21W Solar Charger(5V/3A Max) with 2 USB Port, IPX4 Waterproof Portable and Foldable Hiking Camping Gear SunPower USB Solar Panel Compatible with iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, and More |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $49.99 | -33% $39.99 List: $59.99 | $32.99 | -20% $79.99 List: $99.99 | -29% $58.99 List: $82.99 | $69.96 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 4 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 4 | — | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 4 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 4 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 4 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Charging power | ||||||
| Light weight | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Durability | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Sold By | JAZ Retail Group | KTenergy | BLAVOR | SinKeu US | PFPOWER | BigBlue-US |
| power source | Solar Powered | Solar Powered | Solar Powered | Corded Electric | Battery Powered,Corded Electric | Solar Powered |
| connector type | USB | USB Type C & USB Type A | Usb | DC-to-DC Cable, USB | Usb | USB Type A |
| material | canvas | PET laminated monocrystalline | Monocrystalline Silicon | — | Monocrystalline Silicon | Monocrystalline Silicon |
| wattage | 21 watts | 30 watts | 10 watts | 40 watts | 30 watts | 28 watts |
| weight | 18 ounces | 2.43 pounds | 12.96 ounces | — | 2.09 pounds | 595 grams |
From the brand
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The core value of Nekteck is "Customer Focusing" -making sure that our products are designed, analyzed, and tested based on the perspective of customers. We also focus on giving our customers the best service they deserve and continually improving our products for a better experience.
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Charger Series I
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Charger Series II
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Product Description
Videos
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4:04
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Awesome solar panel charger
On you tube Fishing with Cristina
Videos for this product
0:39
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Customer Review: Does charge directly to device
E. Romano
Videos for this product
0:48
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Customer Review: High output at direct sunlight
GeekWire
Reviews with images
Good value - 5 to 10 W even on an overcast day - Nearly identical to Anker 2016 model
The Nekteck 21W Solar Charger is an improvement to the nearly identically constructed Anker 21W PowerPort Solar Charger that I bought in 2016. The material, construction, dimensions, stitching, and even graphics are similar. My simple test indicates the Nekteck has either a better solar panels or a better voltage regulator (if that's what it's called).When I unfolded both panels on my desk to take pictures inside my apartment on an overcast day (I'm in NYC), I was surprised to see the Nekteck's LED light up. It was able to power up a 5W USB light although not to maximum brightness. The old Anker could not.When placed on the windowsill, the Nekteck supplied between 5 to 10 watts (1 to 2 amps). It powered on my 5W USB light steadily at full brightness. When the sun was just barely strong enough through the clouds that I could feel the warmth on my skin, it powered two 5W lights through a single USB port (using a splitter) although not at maximum brightness. I will test this again on a full sunny day when I expect it will supply the full 10 watts (2 amps) out of a single USB port per its specifications and update this review.Although the Nekteck is sold as "21W" it can only supply a maximum of 15 watts (3 amps) total between its two USB ports and only a maximum of 10 W (2 amps) to a single port. I tested my USB lights connected to a single port using a splitter.Although nearly identical in construction to the 2016 Anker, the Nekteck an improvement and it costs 50% than it did in 2016 (inflation adjusted) :-).
