Features
- 【24% Conversion Efficiency 40 Watt Solar Panel】Upgraded Densified Monocrystal Silicon & Smart Chip with Energy-Saving Algorithm in the middle of 7 Layers Structure provide sufficient 18V/2.2A energy to charge most phones, pads, power banks & devices for camping.
- 【2 Cables & 14 Outputs Compatible w/ Most Batteries】DOCK OUTPUT: Dual USB,TypeC & DC(18V/2.2A) in SAE/CE/FC/ROHS Standards.2 CABLES: Dual DC Cable(5.5x2.1mm),USB-TypeC/Lightning/Micro 3-in-1 Cable, DC 10-in-1 Connector Adapter Set.
- 【7-Layer Structure in Beautiful Briefcase Design】 Top Military Grade ETFE Lamination in 7 Layers(ETFE/PET/EVA/Monocrystalline/EVA/TPT/Waterproof Oxford Fabric) guarantees a 90% Sunlight Surface Transmittance.4-Times Folding Slim Briefcase Design shows your good taste for a combination of Fashion, Sports & Business style.
- 【SAE Compliant & CE/FC/ROHS Certified】Safety in dock usage is guaranteed by the Society of Automotive Engineers standard and CE/FC/ROHS official certification, ensuring a safe and carbon-free green lifestyle. Together, we make America greener.
- 【Reliable 1-Year Guarantee】The Solar Panel Kit comes with a Panel(Folded Size:12"x10"|Unfolded Size:12"x42"|3.67 lb), with accessories including Dual DC Cable, DC 10-in-1 Connector, USB 3-in-1 Connector, 4 Carabiner Hooks, all backed by our commitment to high quality.
- 【Honors and Supports Veterans】A portion of the profit from PPQ products is donated to Semper Fi & America's Fund. When you purchase a PPQ panel, you are not only joining the Low Carbon Tribe, but also supporting wounded or ill veterans, service members, and military families.
Specifications
Energy Efficiency Class | 24% Conversion A+ Grade |
Color | Black |
Unit Count | 1 |
Related Tools
This 40 W foldable briefcase solar panel provides up to 18 V / 2.2 A output with approximately 24% conversion efficiency for charging phones, tablets, power banks and other compatible devices. It uses a seven-layer ETFE/PET/EVA/monocrystalline/TPT/oxford fabric construction with IP67 water resistance, includes two DC cables plus a USB 3‑in‑1 cable and a 10‑in‑1 DC adapter set, folds to 12"×10" (unfolded 12"×42") and weighs about 3.7 lb; it is SAE compliant and CE/FCC/ROHS certified.
PPQ 40W Portable Solar Panel Kit 18V/2.2A,3lb Foldable Briefcase Solar Charger w/ 24% Efficiency,2 Cables & 14 Outputs for All Phones, Pads, Camping Power Banks, IP67 Waterproof Review
Why I added a 40W folding panel to my kit
I keep a small stash of emergency power gear for camping weekends and grid hiccups, and I’m picky about what makes the cut. The iSolar 40W stood out because it promises a practical mix of real output, a rugged ETFE surface, and a generous adapter kit without a steep price or a bulky footprint. After several weeks of use—charging phones and radios, topping up power banks, and feeding a compact power station—I’ve got a good sense of where this panel shines and where it doesn’t.
Design and build
Folded, the panel is roughly the size of a thin 12-by-10-inch briefcase, and it unfolds into a four-panel array about 42 inches long. At around 3.7 pounds, it isn’t ultralight, but it feels notably sturdier than many fabric-backed travel panels I’ve handled. PPQ uses a 7-layer stack-up with an ETFE top sheet over monocrystalline cells. The ETFE is matte and slightly textured, which improves scratch resistance and tends to shed light rain rather than soak it up. It’s IP67 rated, which I interpret as safe for exposure to showers and dusty trails, though I still keep the connector pouch zipped and avoid leaving the ports in standing water.
The carry handle and stitching feel solid. The panel sections articulate easily, and there are tie-out points and carabiners for hanging from a line or attaching to a pack or tent. The joints between panels are flexible but a bit floppy; you’ll likely want to support it at more than one point if you’re aiming it at the sun without laying it flat. There’s a small accessory pouch with a semi water-resistant zipper for the cables and adapters.
What’s in the box
This kit is generous on connectivity. In the pouch, I found:
- A primary DC lead (5.5 x 2.1 mm)
- A 10-in-1 DC barrel adapter set
- A 3-in-1 USB cable (USB‑C, Lightning, Micro‑USB)
- Dual USB-A ports and a USB‑C port on the panel’s output hub
- DC output labeled 18V/2.2A
The variety of barrel tips made it easy to match a few different devices and a small power station. The included USB cable is handy for quick charges, though I used my own higher-gauge cables for sustained loads.
Setup and usability
The simplest way to use this panel is to unfold it, face it squarely at the sun, and plug into the USB ports for 5V charging. For DC loads or a power station that accepts 12–24V, I used the barrel adapters and a wattmeter inline to monitor output. I often hung it with the carabiners from a fence or propped it on a backpack with two light guy lines to keep the angle on target. There’s no integrated kickstand, so be ready to improvise a stand or lay it flat.
One important note: like most portable panels, it needs direct sunlight to deliver meaningful power. Behind window glass, output dropped dramatically in my tests—fine for trickle charging, not enough for heavier loads.
Performance
In clear midday sun, with the panel properly angled, I consistently saw mid-30-watt output into a DC load, peaking just under the rated 40W. That’s entirely reasonable—real-world portable panels rarely hit nameplate all day, and this one performs competitively for its size.
USB charging was steady. Phones pulled their usual 8–15W depending on state of charge and cable, and I could run two small devices from the dual USB-A ports without the voltage sagging. The USB‑C port appears to be a 5V source (no USB Power Delivery negotiation), so it charged tablets and phones reliably but won’t fast-charge PD laptops. For low-power gear—a 5W USB fan, Bluetooth speakers, headlamps—it was pleasantly set-and-forget.
Feeding a compact power station via DC worked well with the right tip. My unit accepted the 18V input and showed between 25–38W depending on cloud cover and angle. The panel’s four smaller sections seem to help with partial shading; if a corner is shaded by a branch, the drop isn’t as catastrophic as it would be on a single large panel. Still, shade is shade—keep the cells clear for best results.
In hazy or broken-cloud conditions, output ranged from 8–20W. It’s enough to trickle-charge a power bank or keep a phone topped off, but you’ll want a battery buffer if you’re relying on it through a variable day.
Real-world use cases
- Day hikes and camps: I clipped it to a ridgeline at camp, ran two phones and a lantern battery, and topped up a 10,000 mAh power bank by afternoon. No drama.
- Emergency prep: It lives next to my small power station now. If the grid goes out on a sunny day, I can keep comms and small lights going indefinitely.
- Ham radio and 12V gadgets: Using the DC barrel outputs, I powered a portable receiver and topped a handheld’s battery. For larger rigs, you’ll still want a battery in the middle, but the adapters make initial hookup painless.
Durability and weather
The ETFE surface is a plus. It resisted scratches from sandy hands and didn’t yellow or haze in heat. The fabric back is coarse and picks up dust, but it brushes off. The hinge fabric and inter-panel wiring are the long-term question mark on any folding panel. I took care to fold it gently and avoid twisting the joints; so far, so good. The IP67 claim tracks with the materials, but I treat the connector pouch as “splash-resistant,” not submersible. After a rain squall, I wiped it down and kept charging once the sun returned.
What could be better
- No kickstand: A built-in adjustable leg would make aiming easier. As is, plan to prop it up, hang it, or lay it flat.
- Weight vs. mobility: At ~3.7 lb, it’s more “throw it in the car” than “ultralight trekking.” The trade-off is robustness and accessory completeness.
- USB‑C is basic: It’s great that USB‑C is present, but without PD, you won’t charge laptops at speed. Pair it with a power bank or station for that.
- Folding stiffness: The joints are slightly floppy, which complicates precise angling without extra support.
- Direct-sun dependency: This is physics, not a flaw, but worth stating—don’t expect strong performance through window glass.
Safety and certifications
The panel is marked as SAE compliant and carries CE/FCC/ROHS certifications. The connectors and wiring are neatly terminated, and I didn’t encounter any hot spots or odd smells under load. As always, keep connections snug, use strain relief on hanging setups, and don’t coil cables tightly in the sun.
Efficiency, realistically
PPQ claims 24% cell conversion efficiency. That’s in line with high-quality monocrystalline cells on the market. Translating spec-sheet efficiency into field performance depends on angle, temperature, and irradiance. In practice, the iSolar 40W put out what I expect from a 40W class panel with a durable ETFE top—credible mid-30s wattage in good sun, with decent shade tolerance for its size.
Who it’s for
- Car campers and overlanders who want a compact, rugged panel to keep small gear charged
- Emergency kits where direct-sun charging of phones, lights, and a small power station is the goal
- Users who appreciate an adapter-rich kit and don’t want to chase extra cables
Who might look elsewhere:
- Ultralight backpackers who count ounces
- Laptop users who want direct USB‑C PD charging from a panel (pair this with a PD-capable power bank instead)
Recommendation
I recommend the iSolar 40W for anyone who needs a durable, packable solar panel to keep small electronics and a compact power station topped up in direct sun. It hits the right notes: credible output for its class, a tough ETFE face, IP67 water resistance, and a thoughtful bundle of adapters that reduce friction in the field. The lack of a kickstand and basic USB‑C are minor misses, and it won’t impress behind glass, but those are common trade-offs at this size and price. If your use case is camping, preparedness, or day-to-day trickle charging with a battery buffer, this panel earns its spot in the kit.
Project Ideas
Business
Event Charging Stations Rental
Offer foldable solar charging station rentals for outdoor events, farmers markets and festivals. Package 2–4 panels with protective cases, multiple power banks, and a cable set. Provide staff or simple signage so attendees can charge phones and small devices sustainably. Charge per hour or per device and offer branded panels for recurring events.
Eco-Camping Kit Shop
Assemble and sell curated eco-camping kits that pair the solar panel with items like a rugged power bank, LED lantern, collapsible kettle, and waterproof organizer. Offer tiers (basic, family, deluxe) and add optional personalization or rental for weekend campers. Market through local outdoor retailers, Airbnb hosts, and camping groups.
Mobile Photo Booth / Product Photography Service
Use the panel-powered lightbox idea to offer on-site product photography for makers at craft fairs and markets. Bring a compact kit (panel + lightbox + small tripod + laptop/tablet charged via panel) and offer quick pro photos for sellers’ listings and social media. Charge per session or offer bundled packages including image retouching.
Branded Corporate Gifts & Veteran Support Packs
Create a premium branded version of the foldable panel as a corporate gift or conference giveaway, emphasizing the product’s veteran-support tie-in. Package with a custom carrying case, logo printing, and a small instruction card. Target outdoor brands, sustainability-focused companies, or organizations that want meaningful gifts with a charitable angle.
Off-grid Sensor/Signage Service
Offer installation and maintenance of small off-grid solar-powered systems for remote signage, environmental sensors, or rental property security cameras. Use the 40W panel to keep a small battery and low-power sensor online. Provide recurring maintenance contracts (seasonal cleaning, firmware updates, battery replacement) to generate predictable revenue.
Creative
Foldable Camping Charging Station
Build a compact camping charging station by mounting the solar panel to a lightweight tripod or stake, pairing it with a 20,000–30,000 mAh USB power bank (with DC input if possible) and organizing the included adapters in a weatherproof pouch. Use the panel to keep phones, headlamps, GPS units and rechargeable lanterns topped up while camping. Add elastic straps and carabiners so it folds into the briefcase shape and clips to a backpack or tent.
Solar-Powered Lantern + Diffuser
Make a portable solar lantern: use the panel to charge a small 12V LED driver + LED strip or a high-lumen COB module via the DC output. Build a diffuser from frosted acrylic or a stitched fabric shade and encase the lighting and electronics in a recycled metal tin or wooden box. The result is a weatherproof, rechargeable lantern for patios, campsites, or power outages.
Portable Photo/Video Lightbox
Create a fold-flat lightbox for product photography powered directly from the panel. Use the Type-C or USB output to run color-stable LED panels or a battery-powered LED ring. Add collapsible translucent sides and a removable background to photograph crafts, jewelry or food at outdoor markets without relying on mains power.
Solar Briefcase — Wearable Power
Turn the briefcase panel into a wearable charging accessory for urban commuters: mount the folded panel onto a slim messenger bag or attach with reinforced straps and quick-release buckles. Route the 3-in-1 USB cable inside the bag to a slim power bank so phones and earbuds can charge on the go. Design matching pockets for the DC adapters and carabiners.
Outdoor Art Installation with Light Animation
Design a small, low-power light sculpture or kinetic art piece powered by the panel. Use the 18V DC to run microcontrollers (with a small battery buffer) and addressable LED segments to create animated light patterns in a garden or public space. IP67 rating allows semi-exposed displays; incorporate reclaimed materials like driftwood or metal frames for a rustic look.