Top 5 Solar Chargers – Our Recommendation
Anker 21W 2-Port USB Solar Charger
A crafty and versatile device, the Anker 21 W will win you over in a heartbeat. It is lightweight (only 14.7 oz) and portable, ideal for those long treks in nature and city slicking too.
Featuring a minimalistic, but beautiful design, the powerful solar panels with a high level of efficiency (up to 23%) are integrated into a frame made of sturdy polyester canvas, making the device easy to use and very adaptable. The whole package also comes with a 3-foot long micro USB cable, a user’s manual and an excellent 18 month warranty period. Read Full Review.
iBeek® Portable 10000mAh Dual USB Solar Battery Charger
If you are an outdoors man than this a perfect solar charger for you. Some might find it a bit rugged and rough-around-the-edge, but believe us, this product is made to last and to deliver.
It features a 10 thousand mAh battery, dual USB ports so you can charge up both of your smartphones, a very handy flashlight which will do wonders in the dark and the ultimate tool for the camper and hiker, a built-in compass. Lots of other handy gadgets make it one of the best devices out there designed for the man who enjoys the outdoors. Read Full Review.
FKANT 10000mAh Solar Charger
Another 10.000 mAh capacity model with excellent portability options, built for hikers, bikers, and other outdoor lovers. Also, features a built-in compass for easier navigation and a handy flashlight powered by LED lights.
This is a durable charger, built out of long lasting and tough silicone materials, making the device shockproof, but also rain and dust-proof. The FKANT Solar charger supports a whole series of smartphones and other devices. Excellent choice for people who spend a lot of time in the outdoors, but with a single drawback: solar power is to be used only as an emergency power source. Read Full Review.
GRDE 15000mAh Solar Changer
A powerful, 15.000 mAh solar charger, this GRDE product is designed to charge up two devices at the same time. The GRDE will take about 10 hours of sunlight exposure to be charged fully and to be able to charge up your smartphone at a decent speed.
It will easily hook up to your backpack or even your pants, and it will not mind the constant swinging and bumping since it is made to last. Just like the previous two models, the GRDE also features a LED flashlight.
CHOE 19W 2-Port Solar Phone Charger
Another foldable model, the CHOE 19W, is built around the Fast Charging technology feature, which allows the device to charge up a smartphone and many other compatible devices with excellent speed, thanks to the 2.4 amps of output per port.
Slim, powerful and practical, this model can fit anywhere, it is easy to use and will provide superior charging power, even when two devices are plugged in at the same time.
Great for outdoor use, but not that durable as other, sturdier models. A good product that will keep your phone charged up all the time you need.
Why Buy Portable Solar Chargers?
You decided to go camping with your special someone and, while you love to spend time in the outdoors, under the blue sky, enjoying the nature around you, you might get the feeling that watching a movie you both like just before you snug up in the sleeping bed would be perfect!
But, your smartphone (or tablet) is at 6% battery… Solution – get yourself a solar charger! These handy devices harness the energy of the sun to power up your smartphone or another mobile device, eco-friendly and completely free.
Portable Solar Chargers: What to Look For
Before you make the final decision, consider a few of the most important characteristics a solar charger should have so it can fulfill your charging needs. For example, you will go for the sturdy, tough, and, if possible, a waterproof model if you are an avid fisherman, or go for the portable, lightweight model if you are a city-break kind of guy who is rarely out of the grid. Furthermore, if you expect to charge up your phone frequently, go for the model with the greater storage capacity.
- Power Output
The power output of a solar charger device will tell you whether the charger falls into the USB category or they can be classified in other, more or less powerful devices. Nevertheless, the USB connection and power output is a standard, even if the output can vary in speed quite a lot. Charging speed will also be directly proportional to output strength.
- Storage Capacity
Some solar charger models are only designed to charge up your mobile device while exposed to sunlight, i.e., they directly convert the energy contained in photons to electrical power. On the other hand, many models feature a battery so they can store the accumulated energy for later use, a much more practical option. This way, you can charge up your smartphone at night or while the sky is cloudy.
- Panel Type & Charge Time
Panel size and wattage is an important feature of any charger. While large panels can produce larger power output because they collect more sun’s energy, they are bulky and simply not portable. A portable device is significantly smaller, enough to fit into a pocket, but produces less power. The wattage of a solar panel will tell you which device can generate more power, which also directly influences the charge time. The greater the wattage of the device, the shorter the charge time.
- Additional Features
Solar chargers come with a variety of additional features which attract buyers of different preferences. For example, many feature LED powered flashlights which come in handy on those dark nights in the forest; some have built-in compasses which will suit hiking and orienteering enthusiasts, and some have additional pouches, so your charger is kept safe from the weather.
Keep your most important devices charged, find the portable solar power charger that fit with your lifestyle! Click here to read the latest reviews.