We were amazed at how well the EcoFlow 45W collected indirect sunlight during our cloudy day testing. When we suspended a white sheet over the top of the solar chargers during a bright sunny day, this model stored more energy per rated watt than all others. It was only bested by larger panels.
For a solar charger rated at 45 watts, it easily outproduced similarly sized models (and far outpaced smaller ones).
In our direct sunlight solar charging tests, we were pleased with its performance, which was slightly above average for its size. Overall, its efficiency is very good and dependable. It would drop output if we created a shadow over the panels, but it also recovered well when the shadow was removed.
We also appreciate the premium build quality. The EcoFlow 45W has an almost luscious heather gray fabric exterior with a 1/3 coverage snap panel that makes it easy to see where to unfold the panels.
The EcoFlow 45W is heavier than competitive solar panels we tested and it’s not much smaller than some 60-watt solar chargers.
This extra weight and similar size led us to wonder if it might be smarter to just buy a larger 60-watt panel to get similar cloudy day performance through brute force instead of relying on the EcoFlow’s efficiency.
The EcoFlow 45W loses a bit in our functionality ratings because it doesn’t have a USB-A port, but it’s not a huge ding because more people are transitioning to USB-C, which it does include.
On plus side, we appreciate the DC connection, which made it even more efficient if you have a small power station to charge.
The EcoFlow 45W is a very good solar charger that excels in low-light conditions but is only about average for its size in direct sunlight. It packs down small but is noticeably heavier than similar models rated at similar wattages. It’s a solid option for anyone who wants a handy solar charger for power outages at home or a premium portable charger for car camping. However, there are competitors that weigh less and deliver similar energy, sometimes at lower price points.
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