The Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panel on the back window of a VW ID.4

If you want to keep your cameras, laptops, phones, and tablets topped off while camping and on the go, the Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panel ($129) might be the perfect solution. It's super compact (about the size of a laptop when collapsed), weighs just 2.6 pounds, and has a maximum output of 40 watts.

40W Mini Solar Panel Top Features

• Direct Device Charging: With direct charging capabilities via its included hub, you can power up your devices quickly and efficiently.
• Efficient Solar Conversion: Featuring a 23 percent solar conversion rate, ensures you get the most power possible from the sun.
• Extreme Durability: With an IP68 waterproof rating and verified through 8 IEC tests, this solar panel is built to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions.
• Solar panel cable with multifunctional USB hub, which is exclusive to the standalone version of the SolarSaga 40W panel.

Pairing the Solar Panel with a Mini Power Station

The solar panel fits perfectly on the back window of my VW ID.4 SUV, serving as both a sunshade and a solar generator at the same time. Devices can be plugged directly into its hub that includes one USB-C and one USB-A port, or you can pair the solar panel with the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station ($129) that features 100W Dual PD charging and discharging.

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station that fits in the palm of your hand.

This is how I typically work with the 40 watt solar panel - I have the panel plugged into the Explorer 100 to add power while I use the other USB-C port to charge a device. This can happen simultaneously.

The Jackery 100 Plus can be charged and discharged simultaneously, providing a constant flow of energy for your digital devices.

All of my current cameras can be recharged via USB-C - Fujifilm X100V, Olympus OM-1, and Nikon Zf - as well as my iPhone 15 Pro Max and MacBook Pro M1 14" laptop. A full Explorer 100 Plus can do a complete round of charging of all three cameras, the iPhone, and the iPad. After recharging the Explorer 100, it can also completely refuel my MacBook Pro.

Using the 40-watt solar panel, I usually see about 25 watts of juice flow into the Explorer 100, recharging it in a couple hours.

Safer than Drawing Off the Car's 12 Volt Battery

Many cars allow for charging off their 12-volt batteries via a 12-volt car accessory plug or via USB ports. This is convenient when the car is running, but should be used with caution when not in motion, especially in remote locations.

The last thing you want to do is compromise your 12-volt car battery so it can't do its intended job: keep your car running. Having a separate power source for digital devices is an extra layer of protection against mishaps.

The Jackery 100 Plus power station can be shaded by the 40W solar panel when working in hot conditions.

Bottom Line

The Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panel combined with the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station provides a flexible, powerful energy source for your digital devices when away from home.

The panel folds down to 10" x 12" and the mini power station is only 5" x 3.5". Together they will fit easily in any gear bag for the working photographer. Both items can be stowed in carry-on for air travel and used on location when you arrive.

USB-C Power Delivery allows this compact duo to refuel every piece of gear I use without having to lug around bulky power adapters. All I need is a USB-C cable, and I'm in business.

Other Articles in This Series

The Bluetti AC70 Power Station Review - Off-the-Grid Freedom.

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Review - Power Your Roadtrips.

Roadtripping with the BODEGAcooler Mini 12V Portable Fridge/Freezer - A Review.

Hot Coffee, Soup, on the Road with this Portable Electric Kettle.

Note: The affiliate links in this article help support my research and writing. There is no additional charge to you the customer. Thank you for using those links.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #957, July 23, 2024. Today's theme is "Behind the Scenes at the Olympics." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Opening ceremonies for the Paris Summer Olympics are this Friday. Certainly this is a thrilling moment for athletes from all over the world who will compete for their countries. But it's also an exciting time for the media specialists who are preparing to capture those moments. I've been lucky enough to witness firsthand the Olympic experience. And to celebrate the Paris event, I will take you behind the scenes to the Beijing Summer Olympics. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Behind the Scenes at the Olympics

Derrick tells the story of his Beijing Olympic experience.

"The Summer Olympics in Beijing were held from August 8 to 24, 2008. A total of 10,942 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) competed in 28 sports and 302 events, one event more than those scheduled for the 2004 Summer Olympics.[2] This was the first time China had hosted the Olympic Games, and the third time the Summer Olympic Games had been held in East Asia, following the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, and the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. These were also the second Summer Olympic Games to be held in a communist state, the first being the 1980 Summer Olympics in the Soviet Union (with venues in Russia, Ukraine, Byelorussia, and Estonia)."

"During the 2008 summer games, an unprecedented 87 countries won at least one medal. Host nation China won the most gold medals (48), and became the seventh different team to top an overall Summer Olympics medal tally, winning a total of 100 medals overall. The United States placed second in the gold medal tally but won the highest number of medals overall (112). The third place in the gold medal tally was achieved by Russia." Source: Wikipedia.

Camera sales hit highest level for three years driven by mirrorless and a compact rebound

You can read the entire story on DPReview.com.

This $479 Smart Telescope Lets Anyone Shoot Beautiful Astro Photos

You can read the entire story on Petapixel.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.