These solar panels harvest energy from both sides, and they’re from a company I’d trust with my life
Do you need bigger solar panels? Maybe you don’t have any yet, or the small 100W or 200W units are not cutting it. You’re in luck, because Jackery’s new SolarSaga 500X solar panels have hit the market, and they are packed with cool features.
Jackery 500X tech specs
- Peak Power: 500W ±5%
- Power Voltage: 41.7V ±5%
- Folded: 39.21 × 20.71 × 3.82 in (996 × 526 × 97 mm)
- Unfolded: 98.15 × 39.21 × 11.57 in (2493 × 996 × 294 mm)
- Weight: 22.05 lbs ± 2.20 lbs (10.5 kg ± 0.5 kg)
- Waterproof: IP68
- Warranty: 5 Years
The SolarSaga 500X is essentially six SolarSaga 85 panels joined together, meaning you can unfold the panel as much or as little as you need for your solar collecting needs.
This is a big unit even when folded, and weighs over 22 pounds, so portability is not its strong suit. Each panel is bifacial, which means each side can harvest energy. As a result, you don’t unfold it completely, but rather in a zigzag peaks-and-troughs fashion to allow it to collect sunlight not only from the top but also reflected sunlight from below.
The panels are designed for maximum flexibility, meaning you can use them on a balcony or courtyard at home, at campsites, or even on sailboats! They come with an easy DIY setup with plug-and-play connectivity, and can be securely fastened with straps, screws, or ropes in sunlit areas for optimal performance.
The Jackery SolarSaga 500X features bifacial panels that can capture light on both sides.
Jackery
The Jackery SolarSaga 500X is IP68 rated for water- and dust-proofing, and can function from the frozen depths of -40°F to the blazing heat of 185°F (-40°C to 85°C).
The panels have a five-year warranty, and are compatible with the Explorer 5000 Plus, 3000 Pro, 2000 Plus, 1000 Plus, and 1000 V2 solar generators.
ZDNET’s buying advice
At $999, the Jackery SolarSaga 500X is not a cheap device, but I’ve never been disappointed by any Jackery product I’ve tested or used. It’s one of those companies that makes products that I’d trust my life to. Yes, it’s a hefty price tag, but you get what you pay for.
