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Devices such as smartphones and tablets have become an essential part of our day to day lives. Unfortunately, battery technology hasn’t kept up with our usage needs. Thankfully, we have portable chargers we can bring along wherever you go. When it comes to extended travels and outdoor adventures, solar chargers are very convenient options. All you have to do is leave the solar panels exposed to sunlight and you won’t run out of power.
To help you find the best solar powered battery charger, we have compiled a list of the 10 best solar power banks and solar panels on the market so you can head out on your trip with the best solar panel charger you can rely on to keep your devices powered. Below the reviews is a buying guide with the key considerations to make when choosing a solar panel charger.
OUR TOP PICK
GoerTek 25000mAh Battery
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best For: Traveling, outdoor adventures and everyday use
- Incredibly powerful power bank with 25000mAh capacity
- Three USB ports for charging three devices simultaneously
- Compatible with smartphones, tablets, GoPro cameras, and USB devices
- Built-in flashlight with 36 LED lights is a powerful lantern
- Can charge your phone even in cloudy days
Power Capacity: 25000mAh
Output Ports: DC5V/1A, DC5V/2A, DC5V/2A
Power Sources: DC5V/2A, Solar Panel
Recharge Time: DC5V/2A : 13 Hrs, Sunlight: 3-7 days
Water Resistance Rating: IPX6
Dimensions: 7 x 3.8 x 1.1 inches
Weight: 1.18 pounds
EDITORS CHOICE
Riapow Store Wireless 26800mAh
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best For: Multi-day camping adventures
- Incredibly powerful 26800mAh power bank provides power for days
- Has a USB Type C output port and a wireless charging function
- Ability to charge 4 devices simultaneously at full speed
- Auto-detects current needs to deliver the fastest charging speeds (3A max)
- Built in LED flashlight has flashing SOS modes
- 99Wh is within carry-on luggage restrictions
Capacity: 26800mAh
Output Ports: USB 5V ⎓ 3.0A, USB C 5V ⎓ 3.0A, Wireless: 5W
Power Sources: USB C 5V ⎓ 3.0A, 1.9W Solar Panel
Dimension: 6.9 x 3.3 x 1.1 inches
Weight: 15.2 ounces
BEST VALUE
BLAVOR Qi 10,000mAh Portable Power Bank
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best For: Smartphones, outstanding value for money
- Qi wireless charging feature for supported devices
- Shockproof, dustproof, and water resistant build
- Pocket-sized charger with a non-slip shell
- Equipped with a dual flashlight and a compass kit
- Can be used to charge multiple devices
Capacity: 10,000mAh
Current: 2.1 Amps, Qi: 2 Amps
Output Ports: USB Type C, MicroUSB, Qi wireless charger
Power Sources: 5V/2A adapter, Solar Panel
Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches
Weight: 7.2 ounces
ADDTOP 25000mAh Portable Charger
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best For: Fast and reliable solar charging performance
- Four solar panels with 88% conversion rate
- Powerful 25000mAh provides power for days
- Foldable solar panels make it a hand-held charger
- Dual USB ports for charging two devices simultaneously
- 92.5wh capacity is within carry-on requirements
- Built-in flashlight has an SOS and strobe mode
- Can be used to charge multiple devices
Capacity: 25000mAh
Voltage: 5 Volts
Input (Max): 5V 1.8A, 5W Solar
Output (Max): 5V 2.1 A
Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.35 x 1.37 inches
Weight : 1.2 pounds
Hiluckey 25000mAh Portable Charger
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best For: Extended adventures - up to 9 days
- Powerful 25000mAh battery pack provides 8-10 phone charges
- Dual 2.1A USB ports allow you to charge 2 devices simultaneously
- Four solar panels provide up to 1A input current
- Automatic current detection for optimal and safe charging output
- Built-in flashlight with SOS and strobe modes for emergencies
Capacity: 25000mAh
Outputs: Dual 2.1A
Power Sources: 4 Solar Panels, Micro USB
Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.35 x 1.37 inches
Weight : 1.3 pounds
ECO-WORTHY 12 Volts 5 Watts Trickle
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best For: Trickle charger for 12V batteries
- Diode prevents the car battery from draining
- Can charge your phone even in cloudy days
- High-quality clips to prevent short circuits
- Cigarette lighter adapter, battery clips cords, and suckers included
- Easy to install and completely maintenance-free
Maximum Power: 5W
Open-circuit Voltage (Voc): 22.41V
Short-circuit Current (Isc): 0.3A
Maximum Working Voltage (Vpm): 17.9V
Maximum Working Current (Ipm): 0.28A
Size: 8.07 x 9.25 inches
Weight: 0.76 pounds
Anker PowerPort Solar 2 Ports 21W
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best For: Solar panel charging in direct sunlight
- Two USB ports allow you to charge two devices simultaneously
- Fast charging as it replicates your device’s charging protocol
- Lightweight, rolls up small, and has eye-holes for attachment
- Short circuit and surge protection technology
- Quality construction backed by an 18-month warranty
Capacity: 21W
Output Ports: 2.4 amps
Dimensions: Folded: 11.1 × 6.3 inches, Open: 26.4 × 11.1 inches
Weight: 14.7 ounces
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best For: Ultra compact portable charger solar for hiking and water sports
- Compatible with smartphones, tablets, cameras, and GPS units
- Two USB ports charge two devices simultaneously
- Built-in LED flashlight with SOS and strobe modes
- Shock-proof build featuring silicone rubber and reinforced corners
- IP67 water resistance rating makes it suitable for use on the water
- Safe charger with CE, FCC, and RoHS certifications
Capacity: 10000mAh
Charging Time: 4-5 hours
Output: 5V/1A +5V/2.1A
Input: 5V/2A
Waterproof Rating: IP67
Dimension: 5.51 x 2.95 x 0.7 inches
Weight: 7.4 ounces
RAVPower Solar Charger 16W Dual-Port Solar Panel
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best For: Fast charging 16W solar panel
- Highly efficient 21.5-23.5% solar power conversion rate
- Charges smartphones, cameras, and most USB devices
- Two ports allow you to charge two devices at once
- Lightweight and compact folded size, convenient to carry around
- Identifies devices current needs for safe and optimal charging
- Hooks for connecting it to your backpack, tent, or tree
Power Capacity: 16W
Output: DC 5V/2.4A, Up to 3.2A
Input: Solar Panels
Dimensions: 10.83 x 6.89 x 1.57 inches
Weight: 1.12 pounds
Nekteck 21W Portable Solar Panel
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best For: Powerful wattage and high efficiency panels
- Duo USB charging ports for charging two devices at once
- High-efficiency SunPower Maxeon Monocrystalline panels
- Charges smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other USB devices
- Microchip support to detects the electronic devices plugged
- Comes with bungee loops for attaching to your pack
Wattage: 21W
Output: 5V/2.1A + 1.0A (Max)
Input: Triple Panels
Dimensions: Folded: 6.3 x 1.06 x 11.1 inches, Open: 26.3 x 11.1 inches
Weight: 1.12 pounds
How To Choose A Solar Powered Charger – Buying Guide
Solar Panel
Since the solar panel or panels determine the kind of performance you will get from your solar charger, it’s the very first thing to evaluate. The best outdoor solar chargers are made of monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or CIGS.
While the three different types of panels have great charging efficiency, there are some differences. Polycrystalline is more expensive than monocrystalline as it’s generally more energy-efficient and performs better in lower light conditions. CIGS solar panels aren’t as rugged as the other two but they are very efficient and flexible thus easy to carry.
Wattage
As is the case with any other charger, the wattage rating is what tells you how powerful solar chargers are and how fast charging a phone with a solar panel will be. The higher the wattage, the higher the speed of charging. If you’re going for a solar charger with a battery, its mAh rating will inform you of its battery’s storage capacity and its ability to transfer power.
If you have large devices that require a lot of power, consider phone chargers solar powered with a wattage of 20 or more. Smaller solar chargers will be sufficient for devices such as MP3 player. While there are portable solar cell phone chargers capable of producing 60 watts of power, such solar chargers for phones are too big to carry around.
Battery
When it comes to solar chargers for cell phones and other devices, you have two options to choose between. You can either get a solar panel only or opt for a solar charger with a battery. While solar panels without batteries are lightweight and easier to carry than solar chargers with integrated batteries, a portable solar power bank with an inbuilt solar charged battery is more reliable because it stores power for use when there’s no sunlight.
Portability
For ease of carrying around wherever you go, solar chargers for phones should be lightweight and compact. If you’re looking for a powerful solar charger phone composed of three or four panels, make sure the panels are foldable.
If you want to be able to carry the portable solar charger in your carry-on luggage, choose a charger with a Wh rating lower than 100Wh. Lastly, a solar battery charger that comes with loops or clips allows you to attach it to your backpack, tent, or tree.
Durability
In terms of durability, solar panel chargers for phones should be four things: rugged, shockproof, dustproof, and water-resistant. These qualities enable a solar cell phone charger to withstand harsh weather elements and rugged outdoor usage without failing. Thankfully, all solar chargers in our reviews meet these requirements.
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USB Connection
Some devices require a Type A connection, some a Type C USB connection, while others utilize a micro USB connection. For this reason, it’s important to ensure the phone charger solar you choose has the USB charging options your devices require. While at it, check the USB ports the solar charger for the phone you’re considering is equipped with and how many devices it allows you to charge at the same time.
Size & Weight
Since solar panel chargers are designed for use on the go, their size and weight are very important considerations. A solar phone charger should be lightweight and compact enough to carry around whether you’re simply out and about or on a multi-day hiking expedition. To balance between compactness and efficiency, solar chargers portable feature foldable panels.
FAQs
Q: Are All Solar Chargers Waterproof?
No, not all solar chargers are waterproof. However, most solar chargers are water resistant or splash proof. This means that they can withstand rain and splashes without issue. If you intend to use the charger while boating or kayaking, make sure it's waterproof to at least the IPX6 standard.
Q: Can I Use My Charger On Cloudy Days?
Yes, the best solar panels are able to generate energy from not only direct sunlight but also infrared light . Even on cloudy days, cell phone solar chargers can harness the power of infrared light. However, the charging speed when it's cloudy is not as good as when the sun is shinning bright.
Q: Which Devices Can I Charge With My Charger?
Virtually any device with a USB port can be charged with a solar charger. Smartphones, tablets, cameras, GPS devices, fitness trackers, and MP3 players can all be charged with solar chargers. However, what devices you can charge with your charger will depend on the charger itself. As we've already advised, it’s important to ensure the USB ports on both the cell phone charger solar and your devices match.
Globo Surf Overview
Having a solar panel charger means that you will always have the power to charge your essential devices wherever you are, as long as the sun shines. Hopefully, this buying guide and reviews of portable solar chargers have given you all the information you need to choose a solar charger for your needs.