BigBlue 28W
(22 reviews)
A panel that fits in your pack and charges three devices in the sun: the BigBlue 28W combines high-efficiency SunPower cells, three USB ports and weather resistance.
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Characteristics
- Power: 28W
- Ports: 3 (2 USB-C + 1 USB-A), 5V/4.8A
- Cells: SunPower monocrystalline (~24%)
- Resistance: IP44 (rain, splashes)
- 3 devices charged at once, high-efficiency cells
Detailed overview: BigBlue 28W foldable solar charger
The BigBlue 28W is a foldable solar charger that has become a reference among hikers, campers and preparedness enthusiasts. The idea is simple: unfold its panels toward the sun and plug your USB devices straight in to recharge them, wherever you are, with no mains socket.
It uses SunPower monocrystalline cells known for their efficiency, around 24%, one of the best figures for a portable panel. In practice, it captures more energy than a budget panel of the same size, and keeps producing even in partly cloudy weather. The 28W rated power translates to a total output of 5V/4.8A split across three ports: two USB-C and one USB-A. You can therefore charge three devices at once (phone, power bank, earbuds).
For ruggedness, the reinforced PET canvas and panels are built for the outdoors, with an IP44 rating that protects it from rain and splashes (it is not submersible). A mesh pocket keeps your phone in the shade while it charges, and two carabiners let you hang it on a backpack, a tent or a tree.
Folded, it takes up barely more room than a magazine and weighs around 670 g, ideal for a hiking pack. The one thing to know: it has no internal battery. It does not store energy, it produces it in real time. To accumulate it, pair it with a power bank you charge during the day to use at night. With that in mind, the BigBlue 28W remains one of the most efficient and reliable portable solar chargers in its class.
Full specifications
Detailed characteristics
Panel
| Peak power?Rated panel power in full sun (STC conditions). | 28 W |
|---|---|
| Cell technology?Cell type; monocrystalline offers the best efficiency, flexible CIGS tolerates shading better. | Monocrystalline |
| Conversion efficiency?Share of solar energy converted to electricity; higher means a more compact panel for the same power. | 24 % |
| Panel type?Foldable (portable), rigid framed (fixed install) or flexible (curved surfaces). | Foldable |
| Bifacial?Also captures reflected light on its rear side, for extra output. | No |
Outputs and connectors
| Output connectors?Output socket type(s) (MC4, XT60, Anderson, DC, USB…); determines compatibility with your station. | USB-C, USB-A |
|---|---|
| USB-C outputs?USB-C ports to charge devices directly, without a station. | 2 × 15 W |
| USB-A outputs?USB-A ports to charge devices directly. | 1 × 15 W |
Durability and format
| Ingress protection?Water and dust resistance (IP rating). | IP44 |
|---|---|
| Adjustable kickstand?Kickstand or support to angle the panel toward the sun. | No |
| Weight?Weight of the panel. | 0.68 kg |
| Unfolded dimensions (L × W × D)?Footprint when unfolded, in millimetres. | 835 × 280 × 5 mm |
| Folded dimensions (L × W × D)?Footprint when folded for transport, in millimetres. | 281 × 160 × 35 mm |
Warranty
| Warranty?Length of the manufacturer's warranty. | 2 years |
|---|
☀ How fast does this panel recharge a power station?
The BigBlue 28W panel (28 W) recharges a Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1070 Wh) in ~55h or an EcoFlow Delta 2 Max (2048 Wh) in ~104h, in full sun.
| Compact / mid | Recharge |
|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 100 Plus (99 Wh) | ~5h05 |
| EcoFlow Trail 200 DC (192 Wh) | ~9h50 |
| Allpowers Volix P300 (256 Wh) | ~13h |
| Jackery Explorer 500 v2 (512 Wh) | ~26h |
| High capacity | Recharge |
|---|---|
| Anker Solix F2000 (2048 Wh) | ~104h |
| Allpowers R3500 V2 (2880 Wh) | ~147h |
| Jackery Explorer 3000 v2 (3072 Wh) | ~157h |
| Fossibot F3600 Pro (3840 Wh) | ~196h |
Estimate in full sun (ideal conditions). In practice, count on 3 to 5 hours of truly useful sunlight per day, so a full recharge may span several days depending on weather and orientation.
Comparison
How does the BigBlue 28W compare among portable solar chargers?
| Criterion | BigBlue 28W | BioLite SolarPanel 10+ | Jackery SolarSaga 100W |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 28W | 10W | 100W |
| Ports | 3 (2 USB-C + USB-A) | 1 USB-A | USB + DC |
| Internal battery | No | Yes (3200 mAh) | No |
| Resistance | IP44 | Weatherproof | IP65 |
The BigBlue 28W targets charging USB devices (phones, power banks) on the move, where the BioLite 10+ relies on a built-in battery but lower power, and the SolarSaga 100W is aimed at power stations. For hiking and camping where you want to charge several USB devices with good efficiency and low bulk, the BigBlue 28W offers the best power/price/portability balance.
Related video
Video: BigBlue 28W Solar Charger - Review & Demo - Published on 12/02/2024
Our tester's review: Julien De Jurquet
The BigBlue 28W is one of those accessories you pack without a second thought and that earns its place. On multi-day hikes, I clip it to the back of my pack with the supplied carabiners: in full sun, it recharges an iPhone at a genuinely decent speed, often as fast as a wall socket, and lets me head out each morning with a full power bank. The three ports are a real plus when there are two of you, or to charge phone and external battery at the same time. The SunPower cells deliver on their promise: even under a hazy sky, it keeps producing, where cheaper panels collapse. The build inspires confidence, reinforced PET canvas, solid stitching, and the folded format slips into a pack pocket. Two honest caveats: it has no built-in battery, so you need to pair it with a power bank to store energy, and like any panel, orientation toward the sun changes everything (in the shade, output drops fast). For a reliable, affordable portable solar charger, it is a reference I recommend without hesitation.
Frequently asked questions: BigBlue 28W foldable solar charger
Yes. It has three ports (2 USB-C and 1 USB-A) delivering up to 5V/4.8A total, which lets you charge three USB devices at once, for example a smartphone and a power bank in full sun.
No, it has no battery. It charges devices directly in the sun. To store energy, pair it with a power bank you charge during the day to use in the evening.
It is IP44 rated, so resistant to rain and splashes, but not submersible. You can use it outdoors without worrying about a shower, keeping the USB ports under the protective flap dry.
In full sun and well angled, it charges a smartphone at a speed close to a wall socket. Real output depends heavily on sunlight and orientation: in the shade or under cloud cover, charging slows noticeably.
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