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| The SolarSaga 40 Air mounted on a backpack |
April 5, 2026 – Jackery has officially launched the SolarSaga 40 Air in the European market, and it’s a significant step up from the popular SolarSaga 40 Mini. As an ultra-portable 40W folding solar panel, it’s designed to be the perfect travel companion for anyone who wants to stay charged on the go.
The most immediate upgrade is the weight. At just 0.9 kg, the new panel is 300 grams lighter than its predecessor, which came in at 1.2 kg. But the improvements go far beyond a simple diet. Jackery has completely re-engineered the panel's dimensions and features to make it truly backpack-friendly.
Designed for a Laptop Backpack
One of the biggest weaknesses of the SolarSaga 40 Mini was its awkward size. Jackery has addressed this by changing the aspect ratio. The folded SolarSaga 40 Air is now approximately 34 cm tall (up from 30 cm) but slimmer at just 23 cm wide (down from 25 cm). This new, taller and leaner profile means the folded panel is more likely to slide into a laptop backpack or briefcase without a struggle. The thickness has also been halved to just 2 cm, compared to 3 cm for the Mini, thanks to a downsized connection box. A new protective sleeve is included, which adds a little bulk but offers welcome protection during transport.
Bifacial Power and Smart Positioning
Beyond the physical redesign, the SolarSaga 40 Air introduces a few clever technical features. A new sun-angle indicator helps you find the optimal position for maximum power generation. But the headline upgrade is the panel's bifacial design. Unlike traditional panels that only capture sunlight from the front, the Air can also capture reflected light from its rear side. Jackery has given this a BNPI value (bifacial performance value) of 47 watts, which represents a significant boost in real-world conditions.
Charging Options: USB-C and Direct Connection
When it comes to charging your devices, the Air offers flexibility. Via its USB-A and USB-C ports, it can provide up to 12W (5V/2.4A) and 15W (5V/3A) respectively. The USB-C port supports the "USB Type-C Current" standard, meaning it can charge many devices without complex handshakes, though it lacks the faster USB Power Delivery (PD) protocol, which is required for charging most modern laptops. However, well-designed devices can still use the standard Type-C Current. For power station owners, Jackery has retained the direct DC8020 barrel connector, allowing you to bypass the USB ports and charge a Jackery power station directly and efficiently.
Pricing and Availability
Here's where things get interesting for European customers. For the initial launch, Jackery will not sell the SolarSaga 40 Air as a standalone unit. Instead, it will only be available as a bundle with the Explorer 300D power station. The package is expected to cost €359 and should be available shortly. A standalone release is planned for a later date.
For those in the US, the panel is already listed on Amazon for $129, so European pricing is expected to be similar to the 129 euro price tag of the previous SolarSaga 40 Mini once it launches independently.
For those who can't wait for the standalone launch, the bundle might be the best way to get your hands on this innovative new panel. You can check out the Jackery SolarSaga 40 Air on Amazon.de for more details, though it's currently listed alongside the previous model as the full bundle is being rolled out.
The Jackery SolarSaga 40 Air is a thoughtful evolution of a compact solar panel, addressing its predecessor's portability issues while adding real-world power gains with its bifacial design. For backpackers, van-lifers, and emergency preppers, it's shaping up to be a very compelling option.
Sources: Jackery official press materials, notebookcheck.se, Amazon.com, and offgridsource.com
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| SolarSaga 40 Air, folded … |
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| … and both sides unfolded |