More and more cyclists are loading down their panniers with electronic gadgets, and all of these high-tech tools require one thing: power.

How to keep all those batteries full? A solar panel is one option to consider, and recently we had a chance to test out the PowerFilm AA + USB folding panel (cost: about $80 U.S.).

In the interest of full transparency, we received it from a good friend and her extended family actually manufactures these panels. Like always, however, we promised her – and all of you – an honest review!

With that out of the way, we can honestly say that first impressions were good. In a nutshell, this panel:

• Seems robust
• Weighs a modest 180 grams
• Folds up to a fairly small size; just a bit larger than your wallet, at 14cm x 8cm (5.5″ x 3″).
• Is water resistant, so a small drizzle won’t hurt but you will have to put it away if the rain persists for long
• Has grommets (small holes) on each end, which make it easy to fasten the solar panel to the back of your bicycle, bags, etc…