10Best.Guide

Solar Charger

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Charges devices quickly
  • Durable construction
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Good for front country camping
Cons
  • Inconsistent charging in cloudy weather
  • Not effective through windows
Bottom Line
The BigBlue solar panel is a durable and effective charging option for outdoor activities, but may not be suitable for constant movement or inconsistent weather conditions.
Pros
  • Durable
  • Wireless charging
  • Bright flashlight
  • Good for camping and hiking
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Weak solar charging
  • Slow solar charging
Bottom Line
This portable power bank is a good option for those who need a durable and affordable charger for outdoor activities. However, the solar charging is weak and slow, and some units may have defects.
Pros
  • Solar panels work well
  • High capacity
  • Effective solar charging
  • Good quality
  • Charges at a decent rate
Cons
  • Heavy
  • No hook to hang on a backpack
Bottom Line
This power bank has a high capacity and effective solar charging, but it is heavy and may have some issues with charging fully and battery swelling.
Pros
  • Portable and compact design
  • Solar panels work well
  • Solid built-in charging cables
  • Includes integral charging cords
  • Can charge multiple devices at once
Cons
  • Takes a long time to charge via solar panels
  • Advertised capacity is not accurate
Bottom Line
This solar-powered portable battery is a great option for those who need to charge their devices on the go, especially in outdoor settings. However, buyers should be aware that the advertised capacity may not be accurate and that it may not keep up with high demand.
Pros
  • Solid outer casing
  • Impressive battery size
  • Receptive to solar light
  • Good for power outages
  • Solar panels make it easy to charge
Cons
  • Slow charging speed
  • Poor energy retention
Bottom Line
This solar charger has a durable outer casing, a large battery size, and is receptive to solar light. However, it has slow charging speed, poor energy retention, and is heavy for long distance backpacking. It is good for power outages and the solar panels make it easy to charge, but the solar charging is not effective.

Ultimate Buying Guide for Solar Chargers - Top 10 Best Portable Solar Chargers

Overview

Solar chargers are a great way to keep your devices charged while on the go. Whether you're camping, hiking, or traveling, a solar charger can provide a reliable and efficient source of power. In this buying guide, we'll cover the top 10 best portable solar chargers, types, key considerations, features, prices, tips, and FAQs to help you make an informed decision.

Types

1. Portable solar charger - A compact and lightweight solar charger that is easy to carry around.

2. Solar power bank - A solar charger with a built-in battery that can store energy for later use.

3. Solar panel charger - A solar charger that comes with a solar panel and a charging port.

4. Solar phone charger - A solar charger designed specifically for charging smartphones.

5. Solar battery charger - A solar charger that can charge rechargeable batteries.

6. Foldable solar charger - A solar charger that can be folded for easy storage and transportation.

7. Waterproof solar charger - A solar charger that is designed to be waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

8. Fast charging solar charger - A solar charger that can charge your devices quickly.

9. USB solar charger - A solar charger that comes with a USB port for charging devices.

10. Solar charger for camping - A solar charger that is designed for camping and outdoor activities.

Key Considerations

1. Charging Capacity - The amount of energy the solar charger can store and deliver to your devices.

2. Portability - The size and weight of the solar charger.

3. Charging Time - The time it takes for the solar charger to fully charge your devices.

4. Durability - The durability and ruggedness of the solar charger.

5. Compatibility - The solar charger's compatibility with your devices.

6. Price - The cost of the solar charger.

Features

1. Solar Panel - The solar panel is the most important part of the solar charger. It converts sunlight into energy that can be used to charge your devices.

2. Battery - Some solar chargers come with a built-in battery that can store energy for later use.

3. USB Port - A USB port allows you to charge your devices using a USB cable.

4. LED Lights - Some solar chargers come with built-in LED lights, making them useful for camping and other outdoor activities.

5. Multiple Charging Ports - Some solar chargers come with multiple charging ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once.

6. Durability - Look for a solar charger that is durable and can withstand outdoor conditions.

7. Water Resistance - If you plan on using your solar charger outdoors, look for one that is water-resistant.

Prices

Solar chargers can range in price from $20 to $200, depending on the brand, features, and charging capacity.

Tips

1. Choose a solar charger with a charging capacity that is appropriate for your needs.

2. Look for a solar charger that is portable and easy to carry around.

3. Consider the charging time and compatibility with your devices.

4. Look for a solar charger with multiple charging ports if you need to charge multiple devices at once.

5. Consider the durability and water resistance of the solar charger if you plan on using it outdoors.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to charge a solar charger?

A: It depends on the charging capacity of the solar charger and the amount of sunlight it receives. Typically, it takes 6-8 hours to fully charge a solar charger.

Q: Can a solar charger charge a laptop?

A: It depends on the charging capacity of the solar charger and the power requirements of the laptop. Some solar chargers are designed to charge laptops, while others are not.

Q: How do I know if my device is compatible with a solar charger?

A: Check the specifications of your device to see if it is compatible with a solar charger. Most devices that can be charged using a USB cable are compatible with solar chargers.

Q: Can I use a solar charger indoors?

A: Solar chargers require sunlight to charge, so they are not very effective indoors. However, some solar chargers can be charged using a USB cable, making them useful for indoor charging.

Q: How long do solar chargers last?

A: Solar chargers can last for several years if they are well-maintained and used properly. However, the lifespan of a solar charger can vary depending on the brand and quality of the product.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Easy to set up
  • Charges even on cloudy days
  • Affordable price
  • Good for small systems
  • Works well for garden tractors and standby generators
Cons
  • Negative exposed on battery side
  • Cables may not be long enough
Bottom Line
This solar charger is an affordable option for small systems and keeping batteries charged for garden tractors and standby generators. However, it has some design flaws and quality control issues that may need to be addressed.
Pros
  • Multiple USB options for charging.
  • Durable and sturdy.
  • Solar charging works well.
  • Easy to use.
  • Includes all necessary accessories.
Cons
  • One unit received was a return.
  • iPhone plug broke after 3 months.
Bottom Line
This solar-powered charger is a durable and easy-to-use option for charging multiple devices. It includes multiple USB options and wireless charging, as well as a built-in flashlight. However, solar charging may not work in all conditions and the device is heavy and not ideal for travel.
Pros
  • High capacity power bank
  • Solar panel charging capability
  • Sturdy and well-built
  • Can charge multiple devices at once
  • Includes flashlight
Cons
  • Bulky and heavy
  • Questionable accuracy of advertised capacity
Bottom Line
This power bank is a great option for those who need a high-capacity charger for extended periods of time, especially in outdoor settings. However, it may not be the best choice for those looking for a pocket-sized charger.
Pros
  • Long battery life
  • Lights can operate overnight
  • Solar charging is available
  • Provides excellent service
  • Initiates solar charging immediately
Cons
  • Solar charging is slow
  • Heavy
Bottom Line
The solar charger has a long battery life and is perfect for camping or outdoor activities. However, the solar charging is slow and the device is heavy. The compass is inaccurate and the carabiner is not effective when walking or hiking.
Pros
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Waterproof
  • Easy to install
  • Good size at 30W
  • Works for small devices
Cons
  • No apparent spec for SAE connector polarity
  • Positive side is not protected
Bottom Line
This solar charger is a good option for those looking for a lightweight, portable, and waterproof charger that can work for small devices and overcome severely depleted batteries. However, buyers should be aware of potential safety hazards and the possibility of the charge controller failing after a few months.
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