Best Portable Solar Charger Of 2022
Our solar charger experts have been rigorously testing the best solar chargers on the market for almost 10 years. After reviewing over 65 models, you could say we know a thing or two about portable technology. For our review update, we purchased 8 of the top models for in-person testing. While assessing each panels charging abilities, we narrowed in on the best of the best to highlight. From gigantic panels designed for expeditions and car camping to pocket-sized battery packs made for the backcountry, we’ve been able to hands-on test a wide variety. The result is a detailed summary of our findings, with our top picks for specific uses highlighted. Ready to join the solar revolution?
Best Buy Customers Often Prefer The Following Products When Searching For Solar Cell Phone Charger
Solar panels are a great way to charge your cell phone. They’re easy to install, and they can save you money on your electric bill. If you’re looking for a solar panel charger for your car, home, or office, we’ve got you covered. Browse the top-ranked list of solar cell phone chargers below along with associated reviews and opinions.
Product Description
Keep your devices powered anywhere quickly with this portable 18-watt Bigfoot rugged solar power bank. The two USB-A ports and USB-C port allows you to charge multiple gadgets simultaneously, while the high-capacity battery contains power for long durations. Featuring solar panels, this Bigfoot rugged solar power bank utilizes sunlight to recharge during emergencies for convenience, and the IP67 rating withstands the elements for durability.See all customer reviews
Product Description
Keep your devices powered anywhere quickly with this portable 18-watt Bigfoot rugged solar power bank. The two USB-A ports and USB-C port allows you to charge multiple gadgets simultaneously, while the high-capacity battery contains power for long durations. Featuring solar panels, this Bigfoot rugged solar power bank utilizes sunlight to recharge during emergencies for convenience, and the IP67 rating withstands the elements for durability.
Most Common Uses Of Solar Chargers
In the hectic world of today most of us cannot imagine our lives without gadgets. And the more advanced they get, the more power-hungry they become. Thats when a portable solar charger comes handy. Think of it like having your personal power supply, anywhere you go.
Complete freedom from power outlets!
Solar chargers are lightweight, foldable and easy to carry around. All you have to do is position the solar charger under the sun and it will immediately start recharging your devices. You can even strap it on your backpack and power up on the go. This way you can enjoy your daily activities without rushing to look for a power outlet somewhere inside.
Considering the fact that solar powered phone chargers are now so much more affordable and efficient, they can be a life-saver in many situations.
- Boating and Sailing
- Emergency Situations
Solar energy brings light to our unsustainable developing world and by going solar, be it portable or not, is a great way to join the climate change battle by reducing your carbon footprint.
Also Check: How Many Solar Panels For 3000 Sq Ft Home
Charging Your Mobile Phone
with solar power works in one of two ways:
A solar panel charges a rechargeable battery, that in turn charges your mobile. This means you can charge your phone even when there is no sunlight – at night for example – so long as youve charged your battery during the day. The battery can be an internal Lithium-ion or removable AA NiCads or NiMHs .
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With this type of arrangement, the capacity of the battery will determine the number of times you can recharge your phone before you need to use the solar panel again.
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Internal Li-ion batteries are an excellent lightweight, high capacity option, but it may be useful to have removable AA/AAA batteries if you can use these for other devices.
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The power of the solar panel will determine how quickly the internal battery is charged. The speed at which your phone is charged from the batteries will not change.
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Beware, many chargers do not have a blocking diode to stop power draining back from the phone into the battery. You should always monitor charging and disconnect your phone from an empty battery.
As USB ports have become increasingly prevalent as a means of charging in recent years, more solar panels have come onto the market with a USB connection. Examples include the MMP USB charger , MMP and Sunlinq panels, and the Powerfilm USB charger.
Text is copyright Select Solar Ltd. No part of this text may be reproduced or copied without written permission from Select Solar Ltd.
- Tel: 01708 223 733
How To Get The Most From Your Solar Charger
One of the wonderful things about solar power is how simple it can be. The only care and maintenance most solar panels require is keeping them relatively clean and free of dust. A damp cloth should do the trick most of the time.
To really max out your power output, you should angle the panels correctly. A good rule of thumb is that the panels angle, relative to flat ground, should be roughly the same as your latitude, with some minor seasonal adjustments. The farther you are from the polesand from summerthe steeper the angle. For example, the average angle in Winnipeg would be around 41.1 degrees, while in Key West it would be around 22.1 degrees. Even if you dont get the angle exactly right, approximating it could increase your power production by a noticeable amount. If you want to get the most juice, check sites such as Solarpaneltilt.com, or Solar Electricity Handbooks Solar Angle Calculator to figure out the best angle before you go, take a photo of the setup on your phone, and try your best to replicate it out in the wild. Pro tip: Use a hiking boot to prop up the panels.
Read Also: When Is Next Total Solar Eclipse
How Do Solar Phone Chargers Work
When you leave your charger in the sun, the photovoltaic panels absorb the energy, which they can then transmit to other devices, such as your cell phone. Solar chargers are generally connected to other electronic devices through a Micro-USB cable. The time it takes to charge will be determined by the efficiency of the solar panel and its overall surface. The larger its surface area is, the faster it will charge.
What Types Of Solar Phone Chargers Are There
The low power output of most solar chargers means that manufacturers often attach several small panels parallelly. These are then unfolded to capture more solar radiation. Keep in mind that solar panels arent all necessarily the same, and their performance will decrease as the temperature rises.
Monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline solar panels have a rather dark color and attract more radiation. They are suitable for use on cloudy days with low radiation.
Polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels have a bluer color and can sustain very low temperatures. Still, it is recommended that they are used on sunny days.
Both types compared
As you can see, there is no such thing as the perfect solar phone charger for everyday use. If you look at monthly averages over the course of a year, you will notice that a monocrystalline solar panel will have a better performance in the months with low solar radiation but be less useful in the months of higher radiation. This is why you are advised to choose the type of panel based on the most common weather conditions in your area.
Also Check: Where To Buy Portable Solar Panels
Do You Need An External Battery Or Is A Solar Charger Sufficient
Portable solar chargers can recharge your devices but only in direct sun. If you want to recharge your smartphone during night time, or on a rainy day, the solar panels will not be of any help.
On the other hand, a battery pack like the Anker PowerCore Elite 20,000 mAh, can store energy and provide continuous and steady power to recharge the same devices you would charge with solar chargers.
Thanks to modern technology battery packs nowadays are very light and can be recharged by solar panels or wall outlet and they can store a lot of energy, enough to recharge a smartphone up to seven times in one go.
Since battery packs can be charged from solar panels as well, adding one to your solar kit means you can have power for your electronic devices available at any time even when the sun is not there.
Top 8 Product Ratings
Inexpensive, efficient, user-friendly, excels in partly cloudy conditions | Quick to charge, portable size, panel actually works despite small wattage | Efficient, powerful, great value for its size, lightweight | Compact, lightweight, fast charging capabilities | Lightweight, durable, lots of charging options | |
Cons | Heavy, slow to replenish battery via solar | Pocket too small to hold extra cords and accessories | Lacks versatility | A bit bulky, slow charging speeds considering battery capacity | |
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Bottom Line | We were impressed by its ability to charge our gadgets quickly and reliably and its reasonable price is the cherry on top | This exceptionally priced battery pack quickly charges devices, and if left in the sun for hours, can replenish via solar | A compact, lightweight panel with exceptional efficiency and charging capabilities | This little panel is by far the lightest in this review, but its charging abilities are impressive | A relatively lightweight battery pack with multiple charging options, this small model has a USB-C and wireless charging port |
Rating Categories | |||||
Max USB Output Current | 2 amp | ||||
11.1″ x 6.3″ x 1.3″ | 7″ x 3.75″ x 1.25″ | 11″ x 6.3″ x 0.75″ | 5.5″ x 3″ x 0.7″ | 6″ x 3″ x 0.5″ | |
Battery? | |||||
33.1″ x 11.1″ x 0.2″ | 7″ x 3.75″ x 1.25″ | 26.3″ x 11.1″ x 0.2″ | 5.5″ x 3″ x 0.7″ | 6″ x 3″ x 0.5″ | |
Battery input |
Also Check: Kikkerland Solar Powered Rainbow Maker
Best Phone Charger: Dizaul 5000mah Portable Solar Power Bank
The Dizaul Portable Solar Power Bank is another battery with a built-in solar panel, though this time, you’re limited to a single cell. The power bank has two USB outputs rated at 1 amp each. The battery pack, itself, is lightweight and can easily be thrown into a pocket or, better yet, attached to a backpack. The battery pack has a built-in flashlight, but it also comes with a USB reading light, which is a nice add-on.
The battery pack also charges via microUSB, which is not ideal. These days, we’d really like to see USB Type-C here. The battery pack is water resistant, but the port covers keeping it sealed are a little on the flimsy side. This is a great battery pack for on-the-go people who occasionally need to top up when they’re away from powerthink commuters, rather than hikers.
Number of Ports: 2 | Power Output: 5V / 2X1A | Types of Ports: USB-A | Number of Cells: 1 | Efficiency: Not listed | Battery Capacity: 5,000mAh
“The Dizaul 5000mAh Portable Solar Power Bank is a lightweight and portable option for the urban dweller or occasional adventurer who wants a reliable on-the-go smartphone charger.” Yoona Wagener, Product Tester
Save Money With A Solar Panel Installation
Solar energy is capable of a lot more than just powering your phone! The best place to compare options for home solar installations is the EnergySage Marketplace. By registering your property to get solar quotes, you can compare offers side by side from qualified, pre-vetted installers near you and speak with an Energy Advisor to discuss which offer is the best for you. If you want to see how much you can save by going solar, check out our Solar Calculator for an instant estimate based on your unique property.
Also Check: How To Read Aps Bill With Solar
About Our Trusted Experts
Adam Doud has been writing in the technology space for almost a decade. When he’s not hosting the Benefit of the Doud podcast, he’s playing with the latest phones, tablets, and laptops. When not working, he’s a cyclist, geocacher, and spends as much time outside as he can.
Yoona Wagener has a background in content and technical writing. She has written for BigTime Software, Idealist Careers, and other small tech companies.
Gannon Burgett has more than a decade of experience as a freelance photojournalist and sports photographer.
How Did We Choose These Solar Chargers
We analyzed several products in our search for the best solar chargers and powerbanks, carefully reviewing and comparing each product to find the very best options that the market has available.
These are some important features to help you find the best powerbanks and solar chargers for your needs:
- Size: The size of the solar panels will determine how much solar power you will receive when away from an outlet.
- Charging speeds: When you do not have a lot of time to waste, the charging speed can be a big deal. Solar panels typically charge significantly slower than wall connections, so consider how long it will take to charge your devices both ways.
- Battery size: The size of the battery also determines how much charge you can receive. While a 10,000mAh is suitable for a quick charge on the go, you will want to consider a higher battery, around 25,000mAh or more, if you plan on charging multiple devices or living remotely for a few days.
- Functions: While some solar chargers and powerbanks stick to just charging, there are other models that incorporate additional features, like a flashlight or seat belt cutter.
- Ports: If you plan on charging multiple devices, it is important to consider a solar charger or powerbank that has multiple ports to accommodate your devices.
Before you buy, take the time to consider your specific needs. Then you’ll know which product will be the best solar charger and powerbank for you.
Read Also: Does Pine Sol Leave A Sticky Residue
Blavor Solar Power Bank
Price: $30Best features: Size and backup power
The only solar phone battery charger on our list with attached backup battery storage, the Blavor Solar PowerBank, looks like a small black and orange brick with solar panels attached and is perfect for a little charge boost on the go. While it wont charge as fast as some of the other options in this article , the all-in-one design lets you charge up the built-in battery and juice up your phone later. One fun feature on some newer Blavor products is Qi charging compatibility. This technology allows for wireless charging in many newer smartphones.
Price range: $70 $80Best feature: SunPower solar panels
The BigBlue solar charger uses a brand of solar panels that should be familiar to anyone whos shopped for home solar panels before: SunPower, the industry leader in efficient monocrystalline solar panel tech. BigBlue says that their SunPower solar cells are up to 23.5% efficient, a surprisingly high efficiency rating. Aside from the top-notch solar cell technology, this charger must be in direct sunlight and connected to your phone to charge, as there is no connected battery pack. However, you can always buy a separate one and charge it up for power when the sun is not out. BigBlues solar charger is collapsible for easy transport, durable in most weather conditions, and lightweight. It also has three USB ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once.
Watts Amps And Milliamp Hours
These are the three most common terms and features that are worth considering when when looking to buy a solar powered phone charger.
mAh Milliamp hours is the easiest way to measure the strength or capacity of a power bank. This term is not used for the panels themselves, but just for batteries. The higher the mAh, the more power it can store and therefore the longer the power bank will last.
Amps Amps on a solar charger will determine how fast the electric current flows in order to charge up your devices. The current drawn is different from device to device but in the case of portable solar chargers, youll get between one and three amps. The solar chargers we picked in our review test feature the highest amp power available on the market right now.
Watts Watts are a measure of how much energy is being released to charge your devices. Its the result of multiplying voltage by amps and they are the most frequently mentioned unit of power. Since USB ports operate at approximately 5 volts, a single 2 amp USB charger port for example, would have a wattage rating of 10W and therefore would require a 10W panel to charge at 2 amps. But in reality, a 10W solar charger wont produce exactly 2 amps USB charge because of imperfect weather conditions and type of solar cells.
Recommended Reading: How To Charge Your Electric Car With Solar Panels
Best Travel Solar Charger: Blavor Qi Solar Power Bank Portable Charger
The BLAVOR QI portable charger is a great option for avid hikers who need a durable portable charging option. Image source:
Price: $23.19 Buy Now
Pros: Because the BLAVOR Qi Portable Solar Charger is durable, shockproof, and weighs only 10 ounces – it is the best solar charger in terms of portability and is ideal for hiking and camping. It has over 25,000 reviews, with an overall 4.4 star rating on Amazon. This solar charger power bank adds virtually no weight to your backpack and is wireless. Thats right – you dont have to worry about having a cord to charge your phone. Simply place it on the charger and youre good to go. It also acts as a flashlight and comes with a compass.
Cons: The BLAVOR Qi is so lightweight because it has only one small solar panel. This means it can take a very long time to charge using the sun. Most users will charge the battery as much as they can at home, and then let it sit in the sun to top it off.
Compatibility: iPhone, Samsung, Android, Windows, GoPro, GPS, tablets, and most USB charging devices.