REASONS TO BUY
Built-in ammeter shows real-time amp output
Reliable charging in mixed conditions
Travel-friendly
Built-in cord pocket
REASONS TO AVOID
No DC output port
Pocket doesn't keep devices cool while charging
No kickstand legs
BigBlue SolarPowa 28 Review
This portable solar panel includes a built-in, real-time power tracking meter to help you find the best angle for the sun
The BigBlue SolarPowa 28 includes a built-in ammeter to help you find the most efficient angle toward the sun for charging mobile devices and power banks.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
By Sam Schild ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ August 9, 2026
RELATED: Best Portable Solar Chargers of 2026
Our Verdict
The BigBlue SolarPowa 28W is a solid performer for adventurers who want a tidy solar charger that can reveal which angle toward the sun is most efficient. Its built-in ammeter reveals real-time, in-bound amperage, which you can see change as you adjust the orientation of the panels. On cloudy days, you also get a visual confirmation that it's working, which is nice to see when cloud cover is heavy or inconsistent. However, once you learn the basics of solar charging, the ammeter is a lot less useful, turning the buy decision to the 28-watt rating and its overall size.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The midsize BigBlue SolarPowa 28 is our favorite charger in the 20-30 watt range, but it suffers from comparisons to slightly larger or smaller options. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Likes
Everyone who tested the BigBlue SolarPowa 28W appreciated the built-in ammeter, which shows how many amps the solar panels are collecting and delivering to the device being charged. For instance, we could set the charger on the ground and see that it was producing 1.5 amps then watch it change to 2.1 when we tilted the panels more directly toward the sun.
The included carabiners let you hang the BigBlue SolarPowa 28W to find the best sunlight wherever you are, and the built-in ammeter confirms the best angle. Credit: Chris Maxcer
When we put this solar charger to work during side-by-side testing with other panels, it outperformed some larger panels in direct sunlight, which we appreciated, though it wasn't the most efficient charger we tested.
Our testers also liked the handy folded shape that's not as wide as many competitors. It allowed us to easily tuck this charger into bags or fit it into camp boxes with less hassle.
We love the easy portability of the BigBlue SolarPowa 28W charger. Credit: Chris Maxcer
The BigBlue SolarPower 28W weighs just 1.6 pounds. Credit: Chris Maxcer
We like the included carabiners that let us hang this charger vertically to catch late afternoon sunlight, and we particularly like the included storage pocket.
The pocket is sized to hold carabiners and a charging cord or two, but it's not large enough to hold a power bank when it's time to fold up the charger for travel.
In hot, direct summer sunlight the pocket isn't capable of keeping a power bank cool while charging. In cooler situations, we could use it as a pouch. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Dislikes
At a rated 28 watts, this in-between size of the BigBlue SolarPowa 28W panels annoyed us with the output. It seems like this model could be a goldilocks charger that's not too small and not too big, but it didn't compete well against bigger chargers and the best ultralight chargers offered better charging capabilities in relation to their trim weights.
On cloudy days, we simply wanted more performance for the rated wattage.
Compared to everything under 30 watts, the BigBlue SolarPowa 28W was a top solar charger in our tests, but its overall size makes us wonder if slightly larger options are worth the extra weight or cost. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Should You Buy the BigBlue SolarPowa 28W?
The BigBlue SolarPowa 28W is a solid option for solar charging, particularly if all you want is a tidy package that will recharge your phone in an emergency situation. The built-in ammeter is handy for beginners, and the included pocket helps keep carabiners or charging cords from getting lost. However, the midrange 28-watt rating results in tough comparisons to larger chargers with similar weights that easily collected more energy.
What Other Solar Power Banks Should You Consider?
The FlexSolar 40W weighs essentially the same as the BigBlue SolarPowa 28W but it nearly doubled the energy it was able to collect. Plus, it includes a DC charging port, which is handy for charging small power stations. The FlexSolar 60W is an even more capable option for charging multiple devices, though it is heavier and quite a bit longer. If you want a smaller, lighter option for travel, consider the Blavor 10W, which is much slower but gets the job done in a pinch.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare BigBlue SolarPowa 28 versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $70 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | This portable solar panel includes a built-in, real-time power tracking meter to help you find the best angle for the sun |
| Pros | Built-in ammeter shows real-time amp output, reliable charging in mixed conditions, travel-friendly, built-in cord pocket |
| Cons | No DC output port, pocket doesn't keep devices cool while charging, no kickstand legs |
| Rating Categories | BigBlue SolarPowa 28 |
| Direct Solar Charging Speed (35%) | |
| Indirect Solar Charging Speed (35%) | |
| Portability (15%) | |
| Functionality (15%) | |
| Specifications | BigBlue SolarPowa 28 |
| Power Output (Watts) | 28 W |
| Energy Generated in 1 Hour of Direct Sun | 2318 mAh |
| Energy Generated in 1 Hour Indirect Sun | 551 mAh |
| Weight (Measured) | 26.1 oz |
| Outlets | USB-A, USB-C |
| Max USB Output Current (per port) | 3 amp |
| Size Folded | 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 in |
| Size Opened | 33 x 11 x 0.2 in |
| Battery Included | No |
| Battery Capacity (mAh) | N/A |
| Tablet Charging | Yes |
| Laptop Charging | Yes |
| Panel Exterior Material | Polyester Oxford fabric |
| Battery Input (Volts / Amps) | N/A |
| Able to Daisy Chain | No |
| Panel Type | Monocrystalline |
—Sam Schild
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