DeepSolar X20

DeepSolar pitches the X20 as a three-in-one outdoor power companion, bringing together high battery capacity, fast charging and solar recharging in a single unit. It is presented as a Kickstarter project aimed at campers, hikers and others who spend time away from mains power.

Capacity and charging

At its core is a 20,000mAh battery. According to the maker, one full charge is enough to top up a smartphone 4–5 times or a tablet 2–3 times. DeepSolar also lists 40W fast charging, which it says can bring a smartphone to roughly 50% in 30 minutes. Qi wireless charging is built in, so compatible devices can charge by being placed on top of the unit, and the maker says up to 4 devices can be charged at once.

• 2 USB-A output ports
• 2 USB-C ports (input/output)
• 1 Micro-USB input port

Solar, durability and light

The X20 has an integrated solar panel that, the campaign says, charges the unit automatically in daylight. Up to 6 magnetic expansion panels can be attached externally without tools, which DeepSolar claims significantly improves charging efficiency. The maker rates the X20 to IP68 for water and dust resistance and says it also offers a degree of pressure and impact resistance.

It doubles as a camp light with three modes: illumination, SOS and strobe. DeepSolar states the light can run continuously for up to 80 hours.

The campaign itself acknowledges risks typical of crowdfunded hardware, including manufacturing and supply chain issues, quality control, international shipping and certification or regulatory hurdles. DeepSolar says it intends to address these through transparent communication, and mentions possible future improvements such as more efficient solar panels and larger batteries.