Bluetti SORA 500
(1 reviews)
500W of portable solar that folds into one compact block: N-type TOPCon cells up to 25% efficiency, IP67 and an MC4 connector to charge a big power station.
Characteristics
- Power: 500W, N-type TOPCon cells
- Efficiency: Up to 25%
- Format: Folded 570 x 445 x 85mm, 12.9kg
- Durability: IP67, -25 to 65 °C
- 500W folded to 570 x 445mm, XT60 cable included
Detailed overview: Bluetti 500W foldable solar panel
The Bluetti SORA 500 is a 500W foldable portable solar panel, the most powerful in the SORA range, which also includes 60, 100, 200 and 350W models. On sale since late 2025 through Bluetti's European stores, it is aimed at anyone recharging a large power station in a van, motorhome, boat, garden or during a prolonged power cut.
Its N-type monocrystalline TOPCon cells are rated up to 25% efficiency, which fits 500W into a format far more compact than a conventional PERC panel: Bluetti describes it as 40% more compact and 28% lighter than traditional panels. Unfolded it measures 2541 x 1146.6mm and is 3mm thick; folded into 12 segments it forms a 570 x 445 x 85mm block with a carry handle, weighing 12.9kg. Kickstands angle it towards the sun and its ETFE coating wipes clean with a cloth.
On the electrical side, the data sheet lists 40.92V and 12.22A at maximum power, with a 49.1V open-circuit voltage and a 13.31A short-circuit current. It connects through a standard MC4 connector, with a 1.5m MC4-to-XT60 cable in the box, and there is no USB port. A single panel stays within the input limits of the Bluetti Elite 100 V2, 200 V2, 300 and 400 (60V, 20A or more), but two panels in series exceed 80V and two in parallel exceed 24A, so pairing them calls for a station with a wider input range.
The SORA 500 has its limits too. The 500W figure is a full-sun reference value: an independent test in the depths of the Australian winter with an Elite 300 recorded around 400W on average. At 12.9kg it suits a car boot or a van better than a hike. It is IP67 splash-resistant without being meant to sit in the rain, and Bluetti says it should not be mounted directly on a house roof. At about £1.60 per watt, it also costs more per watt than most 400W panels in our catalogue, in exchange for the power and the small folded size. Bluetti's UK shop lists a 12-month warranty.
Full specifications
Detailed characteristics
Panel
| Peak power?Rated panel power in full sun (STC conditions). | 500 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. | 25 % |
| 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 |
| Number of folds?Number of foldable segments. | 12 |
Electrical specifications
| Voltage at max power (Vmp)?Voltage at the maximum power point. | 40.92 V |
|---|---|
| Current at max power (Imp)?Current at the maximum power point. | 12.22 A |
| Open-circuit voltage (Voc)?Open-circuit voltage; check against your station/controller MPPT input range. | 49.1 V |
| Short-circuit current (Isc)?Maximum short-circuit current. | 13.31 A |
Outputs and connectors
| Output connectors?Output socket type(s) (MC4, XT60, Anderson, DC, USB…); determines compatibility with your station. | MC4 |
|---|
Durability and format
| Ingress protection?Water and dust resistance (IP rating). | IP67 |
|---|---|
| Adjustable kickstand?Kickstand or support to angle the panel toward the sun. | Yes |
| Weight?Weight of the panel. | 12.9 kg |
| Unfolded dimensions (L × W × D)?Footprint when unfolded, in millimetres. | 2541 × 1146.6 × 3 mm |
| Folded dimensions (L × W × D)?Footprint when folded for transport, in millimetres. | 570 × 445 × 85 mm |
User manual / Instructions for use (PDF)
☀ How fast does this panel recharge a power station?
The Bluetti SORA 500 panel (500 W) recharges a Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1070 Wh) in ~3h05 or an EcoFlow Delta 2 Max (2048 Wh) in ~5h50, in full sun.
| Compact / mid | Recharge |
|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 100 Plus (99 Wh) | ~15 min |
| EcoFlow River 2 Pro (768 Wh) | ~2h10 |
| EcoFlow River 3 Max Plus (sans fil) (858 Wh) | ~2h25 |
| DJI Power 1000 (1024 Wh) | ~2h55 |
| High capacity | Recharge |
|---|---|
| Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 (2048 Wh) | ~5h50 |
| Allpowers R3500 V2 (2880 Wh) | ~8h15 |
| Allpowers R4000 (3456 Wh) | ~9h50 |
| Fossibot F3600 Pro (3840 Wh) | ~11h |
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.
Compatible power stations
A selection of power stations whose solar input accepts this photovoltaic panel, best match first.
Comparison
Around £800, the Bluetti SORA 500 competes with large foldable 400W solar panels, searched via queries like "Bluetti SORA 500 vs EcoFlow 400W" or "500W portable solar panel". Here is how it stacks up against three references from the catalogue: the Fossibot SP400 Pro, the EcoFlow 400W bifacial and the Renogy lightweight 400W solar suitcase.
| Criterion | Bluetti SORA 500 | Fossibot SP400 Pro | EcoFlow 400W bifacial | Renogy 400W suitcase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak power | 500W | 400W | 400W | 400W |
| Efficiency | Up to 25% | 25% | ≈ 25% | ≈ 23% |
| Weight | 12.9kg | 9kg | 10.2kg | 13.7kg |
| Folded size | 570 x 445 x 85mm | 691 x 790 x 87mm | 659 x 967 x 36mm | 708 x 855 x 80mm |
| Waterproofing | IP67 | IP67 | IP68 | IP67 |
| Observed price | ≈ £799 | ≈ £394 | ≈ £549 | ≈ £309 |
In short, the Bluetti SORA 500 is the only panel in this comparison to go beyond 400W, with a folded footprint roughly half that of its rivals (570 x 445mm versus 659 x 967mm for the EcoFlow). The Fossibot SP400 Pro remains the lightest (9kg), the Renogy the cheapest (£309) and the EcoFlow the only one rated IP68. For anyone who wants maximum power in minimum space, the SORA 500 is the most coherent choice, provided a higher price is acceptable.
Related video
Video: Finally a Portable Solar Panel with Real Power in a Small Size - Bluetti Sora 500 - Published on 21/09/2026
Our tester's review: Julien De Jurquet
On paper, the SORA 500 ticks every box of a high-end portable panel: 500W, N-type cells, IP67 and above all a folded size of 570 x 445 x 85mm that slips into a boot or under a van bench seat, where a standard 400W panel needs far more room. The handle and 12.9kg make it easy to carry for a few dozen metres, less so on a hike. Published tests confirm the appeal of the format while tempering the numbers: in deep winter, an Elite 300 was receiving around 400W on average, and unfolding it alone in strong wind is quickly a chore. The real point of caution is electrical: at 49.1V open-circuit, a single panel works with an Elite 100 V2, but two panels exceed its limits, which restricts expansion. The price, close to £1.60 per watt, is high, but 500W this compact is rare: it is the right choice for anyone short of space rather than budget.
Frequently asked questions: Bluetti 500W foldable solar panel
It connects through MC4, with a 1.5m MC4-to-XT60 cable included, to the Bluetti Elite 100 V2, 200 V2, 300 and 400 (Bluetti sells it as a bundle with them) and to any other brand's station whose input accepts at least 49.1V and 13.3A. Check these limits before plugging in.
No. In series the voltage climbs to 81.84V (98V open-circuit), above the 60V the Elite 100 V2 accepts; in parallel the current reaches 24.44A, above its 20A limit. Pairing two panels needs a station with a wider input range, such as the AC200L (145V, 15A).
500W is the peak rating in full sun under standard test conditions. Bluetti highlights a peak measured at 509W, but an independent test in the Australian winter with an Elite 300 recorded around 400W on average: season, angle and shade all weigh heavily.
It is rated IP67 and withstands splashes and dust, but Bluetti states it should not be left in the rain or in water, and that its connectors must not be used when wet. It is meant to be deployed for the day, then packed away.
It weighs 12.9kg and folds into a 570 x 445 x 85mm block with a carry handle. Unfolded it covers 2541 x 1146.6mm, nearly 3 square metres: plan for a clear space and, in wind, a second person to help unfold it.
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Published on 08/10/2026