Bluetti’s Sora 500 solar panel is incredibly powerful for its size | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIPolicyHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.Hamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessSee all techReviewsExpandSmart Home ReviewsPhone ReviewsTablet ReviewsHeadphone ReviewsSee all reviewsScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthSee all scienceEntertainmentExpandTV ShowsMoviesAudioSee all entertainmentAIExpandOpenAIAnthropicSee all AIPolicyExpandAntitrustPoliticsLawSecuritySee all policyGadgetsExpandLaptopsPhonesTVsHeadphonesSpeakersWearablesSee all gadgetsVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee all shoppingGamingExpandXboxPlayStationNintendoSee all gamingStreamingExpandDisneyHBONetflixYouTubeCreatorsSee all streamingTransportationExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersSee all transportationFeaturesVerge VideoExpandTikTokYouTubeInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersArchivesStoreVerge Product UpdatesSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.Bluetti’s Sora 500 solar panel is incredibly powerful for its sizeComments DrawerCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...ReviewsCloseReviewsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All ReviewsScienceCloseSciencePosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All ScienceTechCloseTechPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TechBluetti’s Sora 500 solar panel is incredibly powerful for its sizeToo bad this 500W N-Type panel isn’t bifacial and isn’t (yet) available in the US.If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.by Thomas RickerCloseThomas RickerDeputy EditorPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Thomas RickerMar 28, 2026, 7:00 AM UTCLinkShareGiftIf you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.Those 12 panels generate over 500W and fold down very small.Thomas RickerCloseThomas RickerPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Thomas Ricker is a deputy editor and Verge co-founder with a passion for human-centric cities, e-bikes, and life as a digital nomad. He’s been a tech journalist for 20 years.We don’t review many solar panels at The Verge, but the tech inside Bluetti’s incredibly portable Sora 500 panel makes it worth a deeper look. The new N-Type panels made by Bluetti and others give you more bang for the buck, pound, and square inch. That’s a big deal for vanlifers like me who depend upon these beefy portable solar panels to extend off-grid stays.In real-world testing, I saw Bluetti’s 500W panel deliver 509W to my van’s power station, allowing me to generate over 800W when combined with the three sad 140W monocrystalline solar panels I have installed on top of my van. That kind of stationary output is fantastic. I typically consume about 1.6kWh a day, so this array lets me add a full day’s worth of charge in only two hours. I just wish that Bluetti had made the Sora 500 bifacial like Jackery and newcomer Zoupw did with their even lighter, high-wattage, portable, N-Type panels designed to maximize output in less than ideal conditions.The Sora 500 is priced at €849 in Europe — it isn’t being sold in the US yet. Bluetti spokesperson Ellen Lee tells me that the company wants to bring it to the US market but it’s “currently navigating some shifting regional policies and trade dynamics.” Things that Zoupw and Jackery managed to sort out already.8Verge ScoreBluetti Sora 500 solar panel$984$984The GoodIncredibly compact when foldedGood performance in partial shadeExceeded rated outputEfficient N-Type TOPCon cellsThe BadHeavy compared to competitorsSingle-sided (not bifacial)Tedious to unfold/packNot yet available in the US$984 at BluettiHow we rate and review productsBluetti’s single-sided Sora 500 panel uses TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) cells, an N-Type technology which is replacing older PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) tech. Compared to PERC, TOPCon panels do better in low-light, deal with high temperatures better, and degrade more slowly. TOPCon panels can achieve higher efficiencies (often ~23–25 percent) compared to typical PERC panels (~20–23 percent), depending on implementation.The Sora 500 does well in shading tests, but partially shading the center four panels creates the most chaos, dropping from over 500W of output to just 50W.The output from the Sora 500, plugged into the LV (low voltage) solar input of a EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 solar generator, dropped to just 50W when shading the four center panels. You can see my roof-top panels producing 302W on the HV input.The Sora 500 did much better when I shaded other panel combinations, including the four just right of center.Blocking the four panels right of center dropped output from over 500W to 276W.All these advantages mean that you’ll get more for your money, as soon as you unfurl all 12 panels of the Sora 500 and over their extended lifetime. The panel also features an IP67 resistance to dust and water and an ETFE coating that makes it easier to wipe away dirt that interferes with solar intake.Lightweight portables are no match for gusts of wind, this one was about 10 - 12 knots.In my mid-March testing in the south of France at an altitude of about 600 meters, I was regularly seeing the Sora 500 delivering above its rated output, measuring as much as 509W on a cool and cloudless day. It also does a good job of handling the sun being partially shaded.For example, on a very sunny day when the 12 individual panels that comprise the Sora 500 were producing over 500W, the output dropped to 412W when partially shading one corner panel, and 390W when partially shading the right-most two. Partially shading the four panels just to the right of center dropped the output to 276W.The output from the Sora 500 dropped dramatically when I blocked the center four panels, falling to just 50W. That’s likely because I choked off the entire array by severing the connection between all four parallel zones. Bluetti uses a half-cut cell design and a 3-series, 4-parallel (3S4P) circuit architecture for the Sora 500. This results in multiple independent power zones by dividing the cells into smaller halves and distributing them across four parallel power paths. It helps to prevent a single shaded area from becoming a bottleneck for the entire panel, like you see with cheaper panels.Unfortunately, Bluetti chose to cover the back of its panels with fabric and a complex system of kickstands and straps. By comparison, the Zoupw 480W and Jackery SolarSage 500 X N-Type panels are bifacial, meaning they can also collect ambient light from the back of the panels when placed on reflective surfaces like snow, sand, concrete, and, to a lesser extent, grass.I haven’t tested these panels myself, but I’ve seen unconfirmed user reports claiming to have pushed the Zoupw beyond 525W of output. Importantly, both panels also weigh just 22lb (10kg), making them even lighter than the 28.4lb (12.9kg) Bluetti Sora 500.Solar PanelBase PowerWeightUnfolded Area (sq in)Watts per lbWatts per sq inBluetti SORA 500500W28.40 lbs~4,510 sq in (100.0” x 45.1”)17.61 W/lb0.110 W/sq inJackery SolarSaga 500 X500W22.05 lbs~3,848 sq in (98.1” x 39.2”)22.68 W/lb0.130 W/sq inZoupw 480W480W22.49 lbs~4,512 sq in (138.6” x 32.6”)21.34 W/lb0.106 W/sq inOn paper, the Jackery panel is the output king in terms of Watts per pound and unfolded Watts per square inch.And while weight is an important enabler of portability, I should note that these things tend to fly away when the wind picks up. Fortunately, the Bluetti panel I’ve been testing has tie-down points for gusty days. All three panels are much lighter than the reliable 400W PERC monster from EcoFlow that I’ve been hauling around for the last four years. It weighs 35.3lbs (16kg) and is still available to buy for $599.For vanlifers, the Bluetti Sora 500 absolutely dominates when it comes time to pack the panel away into an RV, van, or closet. The Zoupw and Jackery use standard 4-section or 6-section “slab” folds, while Bluetti uses a 12-section grid fold, allowing it to collapse into a much smaller, briefcase-like package. Even then, the 3.3-inch thick folded Bluetti is thinner than both the 3.35-inch thick Zoupw panel and 3.82-inch Jackery.Solar PanelBase PowerFolded Dimensions (L × W)Folded Area (sq in)Watts per Folded sq inBluetti SORA 500500W22.4” × 17.5”392 sq in1.28 W/sq inJackery SolarSaga 500 X500W39.2” × 20.7”812 sq in0.62 W/sq inZoupw 480W480W34.7” × 32.6”1,131 sq in0.42 W/sq inThe Sora 500 delivers a ton of output for a panel that folds down so small, working out to 1.28 Watts per square inch.Conversely, the Sora 500 can be a pain in the ass to set up due to all the hinges and straps needed to support so many segments. It’s a puzzle I managed to mostly master after the third installation, but repositioning the panel to follow the sun throughout the day is a lesson in patience.PreviousNext1/8The Sora 500 folds down incredibly small.Without official US pricing for the Sora 500 panel, it’s hard to do a direct price-per-watt comparison with the $649.99 Zoupw 480W and $999 (often on sale for $799) Jackery SolarSage 500 X. However, if we strip the European VAT from its €849 price tag and convert it, the Sora 500 works out to about $820. While that’s competitive, it still leaves the Zoupw 480W with the best price-per-watt performance in this class.Bluetti’s Sora 500 can’t compete with the Zoupw 480W and Jackery SolarSage 500 X in terms of weight, but it wins handily in terms of Watts per square inch when folded down. It’s the only 500W panel that effectively disappears into a small closet or under a van bench. As such, it justifies its price premium for anyone like me who has limited space to store an extra solar panel they only need to deploy occasionally.Specs: Sora 500 panelUnfolded: 100 × 45.1 × 0.1 in / 2541 × 1146.6 × 3 mmFolded: 22.4 × 17.5 × 3.3 in / 570 × 445 × 85 mmWeight: 28.4 lbs / 12.9 kgPanels: 12x TOPConConversion Efficiency: up to 25 percentVoltage at Pmax (Vmp):40.92VCurrent at Pmax (Imp): 12.22AOpen Circuit Voltage (Voc): 49.1VShort Circuit Current (Isc): 13.31AOperating Temperature: -13°F to 149°F / -25°C to 65°CBest Working Temperature: 77°F / 25°C1.5m MC4 to XT60 cable included in boxPhotography by Thomas Ricker / The VergeFollow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.Thomas RickerCloseThomas RickerDeputy EditorPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Thomas RickerAccessory ReviewsCloseAccessory ReviewsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All Accessory ReviewsEnergyCloseEnergyPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All EnergyReviewsCloseReviewsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All ReviewsScienceCloseSciencePosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All ScienceSpaceCloseSpacePosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All SpaceSpaceXCloseSpaceXPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All SpaceXTechCloseTechPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TechWork anywhereCloseWork anywherePosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All Work anywhereMost PopularMost PopularSony is raising PS5 prices by $100 in AprilRank the 50 best Apple productsReturning from a humanitarian aid trip to Cuba, Americans have phones seized at US airportMeta gets ready to launch two new Ray-Ban AI glassesWe handpicked the 24 best Big Spring Sale deals under $50The Verge DailyA free daily digest of the news that matters most.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. 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Bluetti’s Sora 500 solar panel presents a compelling, albeit currently limited, solution for portable power generation, particularly for vanlifers and off-grid enthusiasts. Thomas Ricker’s review focuses on the panel’s impressive power output – achieving over 500W and delivering nearly 800W when combined with smaller panels – and its compact, foldable design, which allows for relatively easy storage within limited spaces. The panel utilizes N-Type TOPCon cells, a newer technology offering improved efficiency and longevity compared to older PERC cells, potentially leading to greater energy capture and a longer operational lifespan. Ricker highlights the panel’s performance under partial shading, demonstrating its ability to maintain output even when some panels are obscured, a critical factor for real-world use. Furthermore, the Sora 500’s IP67 rating provides dust and water resistance, enhancing its durability. However, the review identifies several shortcomings. The panel's weight, approximately 28.4 pounds, remains a point of concern compared to lighter competitors like the Zoupw 480W and Jackery SolarSage 500 X. The single-sided design, lacking bifacial capabilities, means it cannot fully leverage reflected sunlight from surfaces like snow or concrete, reducing its overall potential output. The somewhat cumbersome setup process, requiring numerous hinges and straps, adds to the user experience. Despite these limitations, Ricker positions the Sora 500 as a strong contender, particularly for those prioritizing wattage output and compact form factors, acknowledging its current unavailability in the US market due to shifting regional policies. The panel’s design incorporates a 3-series, 4-parallel (3S4P) circuit architecture, which effectively divides the cells into smaller zones, mitigating the detrimental effects of shaded areas. The Sora 500’s performance is underscored by its measured output, exceeding rated figures in favorable conditions and demonstrating a capacity to generate over 500W, which allows for a full day’s charge in just two hours, representing a significant advantage for users who rely on portable power solutions. The review concludes by noting the panel’s suitability for vanlifers due to its compact fold and overall effectiveness.