Are The Jackery Solar Panels Waterproof And Can Handle Rain?
The Jackery SolarSaga panels are very popular solar panels among travelers.
Being able to charge both devices that can charge via USB and portable power stations like the Jackery Explorer on the move is pretty neat.
We know that the panels do great when it’s sunny, but how do they do in the rain and can they even survive a rainstorm?
Related Product: Combine two SolarSaga panels to increase the charging speed with a SolarEnz DC8mm Y Branch Parallel Adapter (click to view on Amazon)
The answer to the first question is that a Jackery panel will barely generate any watts when it’s raining. If it’s in the middle of the summer so the sun is stronger than usual, you might see a couple of watts being produced.
But it’s more likely that you won’t see any watts being put in to the Explorer battery at all.
Even if you could gain a couple of watts, should you? Is it a risk or can the SolarSaga handle it with no problem? The answer to that is a little bit more complicated, let’s get into it.
Note that Jackery does not recommend leaving any of its panels out in the rain. For this reason, I will recommend a couple of solar panels in the end that are seen as more waterproof.
The Different Jackery Solar Panels Compared
What does the IP rating mean?
The IP rating tells us how well the product can withstand dust and moisture.
The first digit is the rating for solids like dust and debris, and the second is for moisture like water.
As you can see in the table, the SolarSaga 60 and 100 have an IP rating of IP65.
A 6 in a IP65 rating means that the parts are made and put together in a way that makes it dust tight, so dust won’t get in and hurt the product.
A 5 in a IP65 rating means that the product is protected against water jets from any angle.
Water jets from any angle? The wording is funny but basically it can handle light rain but shouldn’t be submerged.
This doesn’t mean that you should let water or dust near the junction box with the USB cables on the Jackery solar panels. You also don’t want either dust or water on the 8mm connector cable.
So how much more water-resistant is the SolarSaga 200 with its IP68?
It’s basically more protected against water. A 7 is supposed to mean that you can submerge the product in water. This is not something I recommend doing or testing with a solar panel like this though.
Which Jackery panel offers the best water-resistance?
If you want the more water-resistant alternative, the SolarSaga 200 (click to view on Amazon) is the way to go.
But once again, Jackery doesn’t recommend leaving any of its panels out in the rain (according to the product manuals).
I can tell you from my own experience that all Jackery panels I own have been out in the rain, even the IP65 rated ones, and they are still holding up.
The bigger problem for me has been to try to keep the fabric clean, since it picks up dust and moisture can leave marks.
That is not to say that I would leave it out in a very heavy rain- or snowstorm, but so far so good.
If you need a panel that can withstand rain and moisture over time, keep reading and I will share my recommendations down below.
Waterproof Solar Panels – My Recommendations
There are other panels on the market that are also rated IP67 but are made a bit different to where I believe they would hold up better against a heavy rain- and snowstorm.
I have tested and used all of these panels outdoors in all types of weather, which is why I feel confident recommending them.
Since this is a post related to Jackery panels, I assume you are looking for a panel for a Jackery power station. Therefore I will also tell you how to connect each of these panels to a Jackery battery.
EcoFlow 110 Watt portable solar panel
This is a panel that is similar to the Jackery panels.
It comes in different sizes, and is rated IP68.
It has an adjustable kickstand, uses very efficient monocrystalline panels, is portable just like the SolarSaga with a built-in handle, and performs great overall.
Since it uses MC4 connectors, you do need an MC4 to 8mm adapter (click to view on Amazon) to connect it to Jackery power stations. Make sure the MC4 to 8mm adapter you buy has a positive MC4 female adapter and a negative MC4 male adapter, like the adapter I link to has.
Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Panel
A panel made up of two 50W panels that equal 100W. Has a built-in kickstand to make it easy to angle it towards the sun.
Make sure you get the model that doesn’t include a charge controller, since the Jackery power stations have charge controllers built-in.
Renogy is a very popular and reliable solar panel brand, and this panel can take a beating. Can withstand rain and dust.
I have left mine out in snow and rain and they’re still producing electricity like the day I bought them.
Since it uses MC4 connectors, you do need an MC4 to 8mm adapter (click to view on Amazon) to connect it to Jackery power stations. Make sure the MC4 to 8mm adapter you buy has a positive MC4 female adapter and a negative MC4 male adapter, like the adapter I link to has.
Renogy 12 Volt 100W Solar Panel
A rigid panel made for permanent installations like on RV/van/car roofs, or even house roofs.
It’s not foldable and doesn’t have a kickstand, but it’s rigid and with the right mounting it can stay on the top of an RV even while you’re driving down the road.
We’ve had these mounted on our RV for years and as long as you keep them relatively clean they will perform great.
Since it uses MC4 connectors, you do need an MC4 to 8mm adapter (click to view on Amazon) to connect it to Jackery power stations. Make sure the MC4 to 8mm adapter you buy has a positive MC4 female adapter and a negative MC4 male adapter, like the adapter I link to has.
Renogy 12 Volt 100W Solar Panel
Very similar to the panel above but flexible, which means that it’s very thin and much lighter than a rigid panel.
Great for installations on uneven surfaces or as a portable panel. Can withstand rain and dust.
These are popular to use on boats and small vehicles that do a lot of stealth camping, since they’re very thin and are hard to see on top of a vehicle roof.
Since it uses MC4 connectors, you do need an MC4 to 8mm adapter (click to view on Amazon) to connect it to Jackery power stations. Make sure the MC4 to 8mm adapter you buy has a positive MC4 female adapter and a negative MC4 male adapter, like the adapter I link to has.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jackery Power Stations Water-resistant or waterproof?
No, Jackery batteries should not be put in a very dusty area and absolutely not close to water.
Dust can and will get into fans and other components and eventually cause permanent damage.
Water and open electronics is not a great mix, you should never leave a Jackery out in the rain.
Can I leave a Jackery solar panel out in light rain and hide the Jackery power station underneath the panel?
If you like taking risks, sure.
I have done this and haven’t destroyed anything yet, but remember that sometimes all it takes is one drop of water to fry the whole thing.
I don’t recommend doing this. Find something else to cover the battery with.
Please leave a comment down below if you have any questions.