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Xtorm solarbooster is a very cool and usable solar panel.
Torstein Norum Bugge, Tek.no
Powerbanken is a well -known and dear companion for many Norwegians, and the undersigned has even tested hundreds here at TEK. But power banks have some obvious disadvantages, including:
- They often weigh a good deal
- They must be recharged via the wall
- They cannot retrieve energy from loose air
Fortunately, none of the above things are the current test candidate: Xtorm Solarbooster 28W. This is a foldable solar panel, not quite unlike the anchor Powersolar 24W that we tested four years ago.
But a bit has obviously happened in the four years, because where we struggled to see the vision for anchor solar charger, the experience with the Xtorms panel has been far more cheerful.
Simply because it works better.
Xtorm SolarBooster 28W
Table of Contents
Great quality and functionality for those who want to charge (and have access to the sun).
Benefits
- +
Gives good effect with four panels
- +
Displays the charging speed directly on your own display
- +
Nice footrest that can be knocked out behind
- +
Low
- +
Durable materials and metal fasteners for attachment to sack
- +
Both USB-C and USB-A port
- +
Very Easy Price
Thing to think about
- —
Not as compact as the anchor’s model
- —
Could be somewhat more elegant in the design
- —
No built -in powerbank
More functional product category than before
Torstein Norum Bugge / Tek
It is not just to get a portable solar panel up and walk. The most important thing is obviously cloudless sky and that it is daytime, but the panel’s angle and the height of the sun are also very important factors for the charging speed.
When we tested the anchor panel, this was precisely one of the main problems; Even with slight cloudy or a little incorrect angle, the panel charged zero, nothing and nothing. Our assumption then was that it would work better in southern regions, but that such a small panel would simply struggle with Norwegian sun conditions.
Xtorm disproves it assumption; Solarbooster even works with some cloudy sky, and is far less sensitive when it comes to both angle and sunshine – at least when it comes to basic function. Maybe solar panels have simply become a little more efficient in recent years?
It is hardly harmful that there is also an extra panel here; Xtorm has equipped its product with four foldable panels, where anchor had only three.
How much effect do you get, really?
Torstein Norum Bugge / Tek
Worth noting, however, is that effect Out is constantly dependent on good lighting conditions and the angle you place the panel in. And no, we were never close to reaching 28 watts, even though this is in the product name.
We do not really think that the effect that anyone will see, but that the roof in theory lies there means that the floor for charging speed is also raised.
The highest charging speed we saw with Solarbooster 28W was just under 20 watts, which corresponds to what is often referred to as “fast charging”. Right enough just over the minimum requirementthe minimum requirementQualcomm Quickcharge usually requires at least 18 watts to function, and PowerDelivery requires 15 watts. In order to use that term, but given that the mobile is, after all, recharged from the open air, it is in itself quite impressive.
However, this was only when the sun was at its highest, in optimal conditions. Often, the effect went down a good deal, but in all cases it will vary. If anyone decides to stand in front of the panel or – God forbid – a cloud should pass in front of the sun, you will immediately see the dropout of diverse watts.
Often, the panel also charged with only two or three watts effect, but it still strolled in percent by percentage on the mobile. We had the panel on two longer outdoor adventures, and then the following results:
- Trip in Bjølsenparken – From 20 percent to around 80 percent in about one hour (Samsung Galaxy S25+). The panel was quiet in the same position, without moving on.
- Beach day at Hadeland Glassworks – From around 45 percent to around 75 percent in about one hour (Xiaomi 15 Ultra). The panel was often carried on the back and alternated angle to the sun often.
The point of the stories above is to give an impression of actual use experiences, and – obviously – is not particularly objective or scientific. We also do not test solar panels often enough that such testing would have been particularly useful, unlike, for example, in our emergency loads.
Both USB-C and USB-A out
Torstein Norum Bugge / Tek
Physically, the panel is built in robust and seemingly durable materials. Unlike the anchor panel, Xtorm’s product cannot be completely packed, but in return it is both lighter and a good deal less in height. However, the fact that it looks less delicious is obvious; Xtorm can take a look at the industrial design for the next generation.
We are also not saved by the knee orange color of the charging hub on the back, but we like that it is both USB-C and USB-A out on top. This lacked the anchor panel in its time and is nice to have. Yes, also the screen that shows the effect is very useful and cool.
Torstein Norum Bugge / Tek
The two outputs, of course, also mean that in theory you can charge two units at the same time, but in practice it will then go quite slowly. Nevertheless, we see a use here, especially if you will mainly use the panel on backpacking or other sacks. The xtorm has equipped solar booster 28W with metal reinforced mounting holes on both short sides, so you can, for example, hang it in the unfolded state on the back of a backpack.
And if you are first on a serious backpack without access to wall glading for days, we see a clear application for a product like this. Especially when the effect actually reaches the fast charging standard. Then it is worth pointing out that solar panels have a significantly greater effect and easier life in warmer regions where the sun is higher and stronger.
The undersigned even used a tiny panel in Tanzania about ten years ago with great success, for example. And that week high up in the Uluguru Mountains would most likely have been less stressful with a product like Xtorm Solarbooster 28W in the back pocket.
Conclusion – a significantly better charging product than previous variants
Torstein Norum Bugge, Tek.no
Where last time we tested solar panel was not completely comfortable with giving a specific character, we feel this time that it is in place. And Xtorm Solarbooster 28W is even without traveling to Tanzania a very functional and actually usable product. With the perspective of Anker’s attempt a couple of years ago, it is to cover this minimum requirement more impressive than it may sound like.
Nevertheless, it is important to point out that it is constantly a very distinct niche product. This is not for everyone, and if you regularly have access to wallglading or really just need a small emergency charger to get from the DNT cabin to the DNT cabin then you do not need a portable solar panel.
The area of application must be something like you are going out on a tent trip for a week in a row, and would prefer not want to draw a kilo with you with emergency chargers. If you are going for a couple of hours every day with a backpack, it is to tie a solar panel like this on the back really the optimal use case. Or maybe you have a small cabin without power or fixed solar panel?
There are certainly other uses, but you probably understand the point. Most people do not need xtorm solarbooster 28W. But if you have it, you probably know that this is the product for you. And then it is definitely worth a small recommendation.
Xtorm SolarBooster 28W
Great quality and functionality for those who want to charge (and have access to the sun).
Benefits
- +
Gives good effect with four panels
- +
Displays the charging speed directly on your own display
- +
Nice footrest that can be knocked out behind
- +
Low
- +
Durable materials and metal fasteners for attachment to sack
- +
Both USB-C and USB-A port
- +
Very Easy Price
Thing to think about
- —
Not as compact as the anchor’s model
- —
Could be somewhat more elegant in the design
- —
No built -in powerbank
