The Sunjack Solar Charger and Camp Light.

August 23, 2014

Update 2021

SunJack has upgraded their product line to include 15-Watt and a 25-Watt options which have replaced the original 14-Watt option reviewed here. Biggest changes to the review below are the fact that they seem to have:

  • Upgraded their power bank to 10000mAh (the 25-Watt model comes with two power banks) over the original 8,000mAh

  • Power banks include a USB-C charging port

  • Supported quick charge feature (charges 80% faster) to power banks

  • Dimensions of the devices have changed

15W with 1 x 10000mAh Power Bank

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Dimensions:

Folded: 10.5 x 6.5 x 1.2″ (26.7 x 16.5 x 3 cm)

Unfold: 20 x 10.5 x 1″ (50.8 x 26.7 x 2.5 cm)

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Weight: 2.1 lbs (1 kg) (battery included)

25W with 2 x 10000mAh Power Banks

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Dimensions:

Folded: 12.5 x 8 x 1.2″ (31.8 x 20.3 x 3cm)

Unfold: 24.5 x 12.5 x 1″ (62.2 x 31.8 x 2.5cm)

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Weight: 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) (batteries included)

I recently received a Sunjack 14 watt solar charger, battery and Camp Light for me to review.  Now the Sunjack is made up of four solar panels that are in a black foldable case. When folded the entire unit measures  6.75“ long x 9.25“ wide x 1.75“ thick, about the same size as an ipad and weights 2 pounds.  This includes the Sunjack and the 8,000mAh lithium-polymer battery that comes with it.  The Sunjack is approximately 24 inches long when fully opened.  The battery, charging cable, and USB ports are located in a mesh bag behind the charger.

Upon receiving the unit, I opened it and found the solar panels, the battery, a charging cable and two carabineers to help you hang it from something.  All the components appear to be well made and of good quality workmanship. SunJack claims the unit is very durable and can withstand large falls even on its corners.  On one of their websites, they have video of a car running over a unit and it’s still functioning.

The battery has two USB outlets, so that it can charge two devices at one time.  Outlet 1 provides 1 amp of charge and outlet 2 provides 2 amps of charge.

With the 14-Watt Sunjack solar charger, you get one 8000 mAh lithium-polymer battery which can charge two USB devices simultaneously.  The battery can be removed from the charger and used independently, and has a built-in LED light for off-grid lighting.

According to the manufacturer, you can use the battery to charge almost any USB device, this included cell phones, tablets, cameras, etc.  One of the few shortcomings that I saw was that the Sunjack does not have a charger for AA and AAA, C or D rechargeable batteries.  Although it worked well with a battery charger designed to be used by another brand.

In order to charge the battery, you attach the cable to the battery and then use either USB 1 or USB 2 to connect the charger to the solar panels. This brings up its second shortcoming the charging cable is too short.  One inch longer would be much better. Once this is done, unfold the four panels and place them in position to get as much sun as possible.

There are five small LEDs on the battery when they all go on the battery is fully charged.  Simply plug in the devices you intend to use into the USB ports located on the battery and turn on the power button.

According to the manufacturer, the battery can be charged for at least 1000 cycles, and the solar panel will still produce 80% of the original power.

They also sent me a small light called the Camp Light that plugs into the battery and produces the equivalent of a 40-watt bulb.  This has a cord that is approximately 7 feet long and it can be hung up anywhere.  I took the light and plugged it into the battery and it stayed nice and bright for about nine hours.  I then took the battery outside and in bright sunlight it recharged in about 5 hours.

I liked it well enough that I ordered a second Camp Light and a spare battery yesterday, and as my wife will tell you, I don’t spend my money easily.  If this is an example of their products, I will have no problem recommending them.

Howard

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