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A padded, book-sized solar panel with an 8000mAh battery that charged my iPad mini from 50% to full in two hours of sun.
I just bought a couple of things from iClever, and this one I wanted to show you right away, because it can help on summer adventures. It’s the iClever BoostCell Eco Series portable solar charger, model ICSB11Y, with an 8000mAh battery on board and a solar panel built in. I unboxed it, then took it outside with my iPad mini. The ICSB11Y is no longer listed, so the button goes to a current folding solar power bank.
- Charged my iPad mini 50% to 100% in two hours
- Padded panels feel much less fragile
- Ports are easy to reach on their own flap
- Strap works as a kickstand
- Compact enough for a messenger bag or seat pocket
- Kickstand angle is shallow
- Relatively heavy for its size
- Micro-USB input
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
Unboxing
It looks like a padfolio for an iPad mini, and it’s pretty small. It comes with a micro-USB cable in an orange, paracord-like nylon cover that matches the orange iClever theme.
The thin flap holds a micro-USB port, a USB-A port, a power button and LED charge indicators. Mine showed about 75% out of the box. A rubber plug covers them, and you can charge it from shore power before you hit the road.
The solar panel
The panels sit under a matte polymer cover, with two bright orange crystalline cells. What I really like is that it’s soft and padded with canvas-like nylon. Solar panels usually scare me because they feel fragile, but this one gives.
The Velcro and elastic strap can clip to a backpack, and it also works as a stand to angle the panel. It’s only about 20 degrees off flat, but that’s better than nothing.
About the buy link
The video had no product link, and the iClever ICSB11Y is no longer listed. The button goes to a 20,000mAh solar power bank with four folding panels and built-in cables. It’s a different design and brand, so check the listing for ports and size.
The sun test
At 3 p.m. on a bright late-July day, my iPad mini was at exactly 50%. I angled the panel at the sun, plugged in a Lightning cable, and noticed a red LED that lights when it’s getting solar power.
Two hours later, at 5 p.m., with clouds rolling in, the iPad was fully charged. The iPad mini 4 has about a 5,100mAh battery, so that’s roughly 2,500mAh transferred. I didn’t expect that much in two hours.
FAQ
How fast does it charge an iPad mini?
In my test, from 50% to 100% in two hours of good sun.
Can I charge it from the wall?
Yes, over micro-USB.
How do I know it’s getting solar power?
A red LED lights up in the sun.
Is the panel fragile?
It’s padded and flexible, so it feels much less fragile than most.
Is this an affiliate link?
Yes. The buttons are #ad affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra.
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