Anker SOLIX PS400 Portable Solar Panel: The Truth
I’m not here to sell you something. I’m here to tell you the truth.
I live full-time in my RV and rely on solar every day. When I picked up the Anker SOLIX PS400, I thought a 400W portable solar panel would be the perfect way to expand my off-grid setup.
It wasn’t.
Even my tall, fit, male neighbor recently gave up on his and sold it. He said the same thing I was thinking: too heavy, too awkward, and just not worth the hassle.
Anker SOLIX PS400 Portable Solar Pane, It’s Not Really Portable
This panel is massive AND heavy.
It folds awkwardly and doesn’t stay closed unless you strap it together. The built-in handles are pretty much useless — they don't secure the panel shut and make carrying it even more difficult.
Dragging it around solo is a full workout. It’s not just about the weight — it’s how unbalanced and clunky the whole thing feels.
this is when i set it up for the first time in December, I was totally optomistic, but honestly at this price, you are better off to mount it on your roof it's the only place you can set it and FORGET it. There is enough struggle with this lifestyle, solar panels are not the thing we need to fight with!
Anker SOLIX PS400 Setup Is a Struggle
I tried mounting it on my RV roof once to keep it out of the way.
When I needed to take it down on a windy day, I was actually terrified. It caught the wind like a sail, and I nearly lost my footing. That was the last time I tried that.
Even on the ground, it’s a nightmare. The support arms are held by snap buttons, and one of mine tore right out after a few uses. Now it flops around uselessly.
There’s no good way to adjust the angle without wrestling with it. This thing just isn’t built for real-world RV use — especially not solo.
Totally Useless in the Wind
This panel cannot handle wind.
Even a light breeze makes it wobble, tip over, or shift out of position. There’s no locking mechanism or solid stance — just flimsy little arms that aren’t up to the job.
Unless you build a custom stand or strap it down, it’s pretty much unusable outdoors. Which, let’s be honest, defeats the purpose of a portable solar panel. Never mind trying to adjust the angle easily alone in sand, gravel, or anywhere.
Want to Avoid Wasting Money Like I Did?
If you're figuring out your solar setup and trying to avoid gear that ends up being more trouble than it’s worth, you're not alone.
I put together a real-world look at solar generators I've tested and reviewed — including the ones I actually use today, and the ones I wouldn’t buy again.
And since off-grid life means managing a lot more than just solar, these two upgrades have made a real difference for me:
This is how I keep my black tank from becoming a nightmare and this soft start keeps my AC running even on limited power.
Final Thoughts: I Wouldn’t Buy It Again
I went for a walk came back and the whole thing was flipped over in the wind. What good is a portable panel that can't handle any breeze?
I pride myself on being honest here at MissadVANture.
I don’t sugarcoat reviews, and I’m not just trying to push products. This isn’t one of those sites.
The Anker SOLIX PS400 folding suitcase portable solar panel was a total letdown.
It’s not solo-friendly. It’s not windproof. It’s not built with real RVers in mind, never mind those of us who travel alone or full-time.
Even my neighbor, younger, stronger, and more patient than me, ditched his after a few weeks. That says a lot.
I’ve loved a lot of Anker’s gear, but this panel just isn’t it.
Want more real-life RV reviews and gear advice?
You can read more about my travels, struggles, and lessons in Rolling Solo — my honest look at full-time RV life and how I make it work, even when things go sideways.