Author: Xue Bin, a contracted photographer for Visual China, landscape judge for Chinese National Geography, and outdoor gear reviewer.
The rapid economic growth in China has made business travel increasingly common, and using tablets and smartphones to handle official documents or monitor stock markets has become the norm. A sudden loss of power in one’s computer or phone at a critical moment can mean irreparable losses for business professionals.
Hanergy has launched a series of thin-film solar-powered devices, such as solar paper, solar bags, and solar backpacks, providing an ideal solution for emergency charging.
Today, we are reviewing Hanergy’s solar-powered backpack, which is primarily designed for business travelers.
I. Brand Introduction
Hanergy is a global leader in thin-film solar power generation. Currently, Hanergy’s flexible thin-film solar cells hold four world records. Among them, two are for Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS): GSE flexible co-evaporation thin-film battery mass-produced chip small-size champion efficiency of 17.2%; MiaSolé multi-element sputtering method flexible single-string module efficiency of 17.3%. Additionally, Hanergy’s U.S. subsidiary Alta Devices achieves a gallium arsenide tandem cell conversion rate of 31.6% and a single-junction cell conversion rate of 28.8%. These conversion rates are currently ranked the highest in the world.
In addition to mobile energy products, Hanergy’s thin-film power generation products have been widely applied in fields such as Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), residential power generation, agricultural applications, distributed power stations, and ground-mounted power plants.
II. Product Specifications and Features
This backpack features a stylish and elegant design, with the body made of nylon combined with leather. The front of the backpack has a solar power paper panel utilizing MiaSolé chips, beneath which is another retractable power paper panel that can be pulled out to increase light exposure area and enhance power generation efficiency. The materials and power-generating papers are eco-friendly and safe, allowing them to pass through airport and high-speed rail security checks.
III. Carrying and Loading Test
The Hanergy backpack adopts an ergonomic design, with the inner material using thickened foam padding and breathable mesh cushioning, making it comfortable and breathable to carry.
It features gunmetal-colored metal zipper pulls, waterproof zippers, and professional nylon fabric that is heat-resistant, wear-resistant, and water-repellent.
The side USB port is designed with an outer lip to effectively prevent water and dust.
The USB material is made of high-quality plastic, ensuring durability.
There is also a headphone jack on the side, allowing for convenient headphone use and adding more enjoyment during travel.
The shoulder strap adjustment buckles are sturdy and durable, enabling quick and easy adjustments to the comfort level of the carrying system. The left shoulder strap includes large and small suction cups along with an elastic band design, providing a secure place to hold a phone.
The backpack has a three-dimensional design, divided into front and rear compartments for categorized storage.
The inner wall of the rear compartment is lined with thickened foam to protect valuable electronic devices.
The interior of the backpack also comes with two USB ports, which can be used simultaneously.
During outdoor activities, the honeycomb-shaped elastic foam back pad offers shock absorption and pressure relief while remaining comfortable and breathable.
A small inner pocket beneath the carrying system is perfect for storing valuables close to the body for added security.
The side pockets feature a waterproof zipper design suitable for holding some electronic devices.
IV. Outdoor Power Generation Test
The hidden, retractable thin-film power generation panel effectively utilizes space while maintaining an aesthetic appearance; pulling it out for simultaneous use can double the power generation capacity.
According to the data, this power generation panel uses the world’s advanced MiaSolé high-end Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) thin-film power generation technology, which features strong light absorption, stable power generation, and high conversion efficiency. Its research conversion rate can reach 19.5%, with a mass production efficiency of 17.3%.
The solar power paper performs very well in waterproofing—water splashed on it quickly slides off without causing any noticeable impact on power generation.
The green light on the charging panel indicates sufficient light sources and good CIGS power generation conversion efficiency.
At 13:28 on February 25th, under sunny conditions with a temperature of 12°C, an outdoor stationary power generation test was conducted using a Yunhu smartphone (2400 mAh), with the hidden power generation paper panel pulled out.
After one hour of charging, the battery level increased from 40% to 79%.
At around 9:30 AM on February 26, a hiking test was conducted. During the hike, the hidden power-generating paper was not unfolded, and for about three-quarters of the time, it was not directly facing the sunlight. Upon reaching the mountaintop, the hidden power-generating paper was pulled out, and the charging speed noticeably increased.
Throughout the climb, the phone was charged continuously via direct connection without any instances of charging failure, which is likely due to the built-in voltage regulation circuit in this power-generating paper.
The power-generating paper exhibits excellent wear resistance and flexibility. During the hike, it easily withstood brushing against tree branches as well as twisting and shaking with body movement, without affecting the charging process.
Around 11:00 AM, upon reaching the mountaintop, the Android phone (2400 mAh) showed a full charge, starting from an initial battery level of 58%.
Based on several uses, it can be seen that Hanergy’s thin-film solar backpack strikes a balance between style and practicality. It is sleek, lightweight, and offers excellent usability and portability. Suitable for business travelers using it outdoors, it can easily meet various emergency power needs in travel and outdoor activities.