Introduction
Over the past several weeks, I have been experimenting with the innovative Nitecore NES 300 Li-Ion Battery Pack paired with the FSP100W foldable solar panel from Nitecore. As a first-time user of Nitecore’s battery and solar products, I was curious to explore their performance, especially since my previous experience was primarily with their high-quality flashlights. I was fortunate to receive these products for testing, with the opportunity to retain them after the review. Importantly, I was not compensated financially for this evaluation.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
Placed next to my foot, the compact size of the FSP100W solar panel is quite impressive, especially considering its 100W capacity. The panel is lightweight, portable, and features a waterproof, foldable design that makes outdoor charging more convenient than traditional bulky panels. During testing in Central Oregon on a clear, 70-degree sunny day, I observed the panel delivering up to 65W of input when connected to both the NES 300 and a Jackery 300 power station, demonstrating efficient energy capture even under less-than-ideal sunlight conditions.
Performance with the NES 300 Battery Pack
While I found the NES 300 Battery Pack to be well-designed and compact, I had mixed feelings about some aspects. Its rubberized exterior provides excellent grip and feels durable enough to withstand rough handling, making it suitable for outdoor adventures. The built-in AC charger, however, was quite loud during operation and somewhat bulky. Additionally, the universal AC port used in this model is less common compared to standard US outlets, which could pose compatibility issues. Notably, the NES 300 features a single AC port, whereas the Jackery 300 offers two, providing more flexibility for simultaneous device charging.
Recommendations and Observations
TL;DR: For optimal solar charging, I recommend investing in the foldable 100W solar panel, but pairing it with a different brand battery pack such as the Jackery 300 for better compatibility and features.
Video Demonstrations
- Charging the NES 300 with the FSP100W Solar Panel: A short video captured in Central Oregon during mid-June 2021 demonstrating real-world solar charging performance.
- Testing the AC Charger: A video showing the AC charger in action, highlighting noise levels and build quality concerns.
Updates and Improvements
Since initial testing, Nitecore has informed me that the US version of the NES 300 now features a standard US AC port, replacing the previous universal port, which I found less ideal. Furthermore, they have updated the AC charger to address the noise and build quality issues I experienced. With these enhancements, I believe the NES 300 would perform on par with my favorite small-capacity power station, the Jackery 300.