BigBlue Solar Powa 36: Power Your Outdoor Adventures

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The BigBlue Solar Powa 36 (view on Bigblue Store) is a reliable power source for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply enjoying the beach, it ensures you stay connected. An essential accessory for any adventurer.

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BigBlue SolarPowa 36, bigblue solar panel 36 w, bigblue solar powa 36 w,
portable solar panel, foldable solar panel

Bigblue Solar Powa 36 at a Glance

The Bigblue SolarPowa 36 is part of the SolarPowa series, which includes the SolarPowa 28 and SolarPowa 14. Here’s a look at its key specifications and features:

  • Energy Conversion Efficiency: Up to 24% on sunny days, significantly higher than the market average of 15%.
  • Built-in Kickstand: Allows for optimal positioning to maximize sunlight absorption.
  • Portability: Foldable design with a zippered pocket for secure device storage.
  • Output Ports: Includes USB (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A), DC for 12V-20V devices, and PD20W USB-C (5V/3A, 9V/2.22A, 12V/1.67A).
  • Durability: Made with industrial-strength PET polymer fabric, it is IP54-rated for water resistance.

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KEY INFO

This charger is designed for smaller devices like smartphones, tablets, and drone batteries. You can´t charge larger power stations or 12-volt batteries

BigBlue Solar Charger: Essential Power for your Outdoor Adventures

The BigBlue 36W solar charger is an indispensable tool for outdoor enthusiasts.  This solar panel ensures your devices stay powered up, even far from a mains supply.

Features and Flexibility

The charger is compatible with a variety of devices. Its versatile design includes adapters and hanging loops for added convenience. With IP54 water resistance, it can withstand damp conditions but of course, you should not submerge it.

Portable Power

The BigBlue 36W solar charger is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry outdoors. Its foldable design and included grommets allow for secure attachment to backpacks. While the built-in kickstands improve sunlight absorption, they could be sturdier.

Performance and Considerations

This charger excels in sunny conditions, with its auto-restart function ensuring uninterrupted charging. In other words, it will restart to charge your electronics when there is enough sunlight, reducing the power loss. For optimal performance, most users suggest orienting the panel towards the sun and disconnecting devices while charging. However, cloud cover can affect charging speed, which is a common limitation of solar technology.

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KEY INFO

  • As it doesn’t store electricity, you’ll need to connect your device to the solar panel while it’s in sunlight.
  • On the other hand, connecting multiple devices will share power. So, this can result in fluctuating output.
  • It’s essential to position the charger directly towards the sun at the optimal angle. I suggest connecting an ammeter to the output and experimenting to determine the best angle.

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What We Love About the Bigblue Solar Powa 36

Pros

  • High Energy Conversion Efficiency: With an energy conversion rate of up to 24%, the Bigblue Solar Powa 36 is significantly more efficient than many other solar chargers on the market, which typically offer around 15%.
  • Built-in Kickstand for Optimal Positioning: The built-in kickstand allows you to easily position the solar charger at the ideal angle for maximum solar collection, enhancing its overall efficiency.
  • Versatile Attachment Options: The stainless metal loops around the edges enable you to attach carabiners, making it easy to secure the panel to a backpack, tent, or other structures for on-the-go charging.
  • Foldable and Portable Design: The foldable panel design offers a large surface area for solar collection and folds down to a compact size, making it easy to carry and store. It also features a zippered pocket to keep your connected devices secure while charging.
  • Multiple Output Ports: Equipped with a USB port (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A), a DC output for 12V-20V devices, and a PD20W USB-C output (5V/3A, 9V/2.22A, 12V/1.67A), this charger can power up to three devices simultaneously, catering to various charging needs.
  • Durable and Weather-Resistant Construction: Made from industrial-strength PET polymer fabric and rated IPX54 for water resistance, the Bigblue Solar Powa 36 is built to withstand rugged outdoor conditions, including light rain and damp environments.
  • Auto Restart Function: The auto-restart function is particularly useful, as it resumes charging automatically after temporary obstructions like clouds pass, reducing power loss.
  • Positive User Feedback: Many users have reported excellent performance, with the panel bringing a dead iPhone battery back to life in ten minutes and fully charging a Samsung S20 in an hour.

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What We Don’t Like About the Bigblue Solar Powa 36

Cons

  • Flimsy Kickstand: While the built-in kickstand is useful, it has been noted to be somewhat flimsy. So, this can be problematic in windy conditions or on uneven surfaces.
  • Performance in Very Cloudy Conditions: The charger’s efficiency drops significantly in very cloudy conditions, making it less reliable for full charges in such weather. It can still capture some charge, but not enough for regular use.
  • Additional Cable Costs: Some users had to buy additional cables to meet their specific needs, which can add to the overall cost.

Read customer reviews

“BigBlue absolutely well done on this amazing product very impressed so far – this Sola Panel goes a very long way and is an absolute must when it comes to being out in the fields…”

Read the full review on Amazon UK

“Sent message through Amazon chat service, not charging anything up…”

Read the full review on Amazon UK

“This is very good. Works extremely well in full sunlight…”

Read the full review on Amazon UK

Specifications of the Bigblue Solar Powa 36

Power

ModelSolarPowa 36
Rated Power36 w
USB Type-A Output5V / 2.4 A, 9V / 2A, 12 V / 1,5 A (up to 18 W)
USB Type-C Output5V / 3A, 9V / 2.22A, 12V / 1.67 A (up to 20 W)
DC Output20V / 1.8A (up to 36 W)
Net Weight 1.62 kg / 3.57 lbs

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General

Solar Cell TypeMonocrystalline Solar Cell
Folded Size ( L x W x H)360 x 195 x 35 mm (14.2 x 7.7 x 1.4 inches)
Unfolded Size ( L x W x H)360 x 948 x 5 mm (14.2 x 37.3 x 0.2 inches)

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Conclusion

The BigBlue 36W solar charger is a reliable and efficient way to keep your small devices powered up during outdoor adventures. While it has some limitations, such as a flimsy kickstand and reduced efficiency in cloudy weather, its portability, versatility, and strong performance in bright sunlight make it a valuable addition to any outdoor kit. So, if you are looking for a dependable power source off the grid, the BigBlue 36W solar charger is a great option.

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