This post was most recently updated on January 8th, 2020
What is a Portable Solar charger?
The portable solar charger is a relatively new piece of technology to the solar-powered market. A low battery warning could really annoy and make you panic.
Especially when you are somewhere without the access to electrical outlets. The main problem is that we just don’t have access to
You can carry the charger anywhere and just let the sun recharge your device with a safe and slow pace. You will enjoy the longe
A solar charger can charge various electronic devices when you are not at home. The charger uses sunlight to charge its battery cells. Having a portable charger powered by the sun will eliminate your need for carrying some extra batteries for battery backup. On a typical day, a fully charged solar battery will
The chargers have various styles and models. Some of them are simple, and some of them also contain over one port to plug in devices. The best model really depends on your needs, the items you will charge, and how you will use it.
Many devices are compatible with the charger as long as you have the right adapters and USB cords. The devices include mobile phones, laptops, GPS, MP3 players, and cameras.
How it works
Solar panel chargers generate the electricity by using solar energy panels. Solar
The simple explanation is that when strong light hits the panel, the electrons bombard each other and produce vibrations and heat. It is this heat that produces the energy captured by the battery cells
Most solar chargers used to charge your phone are made of silicon crystals, Cadmium Telluride, Copper indium gallium selenide, and so on.
Common Types of solar chargers
There are various types of solar phone chargers on the market. Besides the shapes, different styles have a varying number of input ports, water resistant, waterproof solar features, and so on. Below, we will show you the most popular types. Many come with a built in led light and/or mini flashlight much like you find on many smartphones that use a light as a backup mini flashlight. Most models have several USB ports that can charge multiple devices simultaneously .
Many external batteries used to charge a phone are very similar to the solar-powered battery Banks.
The only real difference is the small solar panels, that solar powered phone banks have.
I have used a few smaller 5000
Charging speeds and times vary, but almost all don’t have a problem charging an iphone or android as well as most small devices .
Fold out models
Fold out models are basically very thin and lightweight. They can roll the pads up and then stored away fairly easily. Just like any other solar panel charger, this charger is perfect for outdoor uses. If you love to hike or backpacking, it is important to invest in shockproof and weather resistant models.
Small portable models
To support any outdoor activity, the small portable solar charger is the most convenient type. The shape is just like a power bank and smaller than a battery pack. This charger is very suitable for your running buddy.
Backpack solar chargers
This solar charger will help you power up devices you bring along during your trip when you are walking, hiking, biking and on the go
Even if you already have solar panels on your backpack, you could prolong the use of your device by having an extra battery. Along with the solar backpack, having the solar battery charger will increase phone battery power even longer.
In case you missed it, we did an entire piece on
Recommendations
Quick word about enhancing the performance of your solar power charger. When I purchased my charger, I used the USB cable that came included. The charge time was slow initially, and I was extremely disappointed. I was not sure whether what I bought was defective
Instead of using the USB cable that comes with the charger, I bought another USB cable that was a lot thicker, yet still compatible with my phone
This made a huge difference and how long my phone took to charge. While not as fast as charging from a wall outlet, adding this new USB cable allowed charging the phone quick easy. Average charge time for my Galaxy 8 Android was close to 1% per minute. Charging from a wall/outlet is about 1% per minute.
The bottom line is USB cables are not
This is
It comes 2 in a pack, both cables in different lengths 1 as long as 6 feet so I have plenty of cord to work with. Best of all, it works great with the solar-powered charger.
Pros and cons of solar chargers
Benefits of portable solar chargers
We would say that mobile phones are a real lifesaver even in emergency situations. When you need to depend on this item but the battery is running out while there is no power source available, a portable solar charger would save your life. Other than that, you can simply charge various different devices by using one charger.
As long as you can find the sun’s energy, you can always charge your phone and other devices. Or if you are worried about running out of batteries at night, you can always charge your power bank in the daylight for your backup batteries later.
Drawbacks of portable solar chargers
Do not expect the Solar panels alone to speed charge the solar charger and its battery. This is where some people may be disappointed.
If you really need to have the battery charged quickly, then plug the unit into an A/C outlet. The solar panels will keep the battery slow charged. This will reduce the draw down and consumption of power when you plug in a device.
Portable Solar Charges Real World Applications
Scenario #1 – Way Offshore
We have USB chargers on-board our fishing boat, but we bring so many devices that need power. Several smartphones, extra batteries for several GO Pro cameras.
The last thing you want when you’re 5+ miles offshore is have your smartphone give out. Not only is our smartphone used for calls, our smartphone is ready for any emergency. We have apps that have fishing maps with GPS capabilities, but just as crucial are real time weather reports and maps we have installed. The GPS on the smartphones tend to draw a lot of battery power, so I generally feel better being able to recharge even as the battery life gets near 50%. On a typical 6 hour fishing trip I can get at least 2 full recharges on the solar charger, even if I have all the apps and GPS running while plugged into the charger.
Showers can literally pop up from anywhere in Florida waters so our smartphone and radar apps are our eyes in the sky. We can’t have a dead battery, ever!
Scenario #2 Hoarding Phone Chargers No Electricity
During storm season there’s always a threat of prolonged power outages. When the electricity goes out, sure you can head over to your local super market or fast food restaurants. However, during the last major storm we had in Florida, this is exactly what I did. I went to the nearest supermarket knowing they’d probably have electricity to charge up my smartphone.
What a mission! Anybody and everybody who lost their electricity was there doing the same thing. Everyone was charging their phones. What’s worse. Some people were on their phones making calls and trying to get on the Internet and the wait to get plugged in to the wall charger took even longer than it should have.
Wouldn’t you rather have a solar phone bank charger and just bypass that chaos? Look, even if the solar charger charged my smartphone slower. I’d rather be comfortable at home, not being on the streets after a major storm getting a charge from the sunlight. I can tell you from experience. I’ve lived through Hurricane Andrew, Wilma, and Irma. In almost every storm that passed, the following days after the storm were warm and sunny, or cool and sunny as the case was with Hurricane Wilma. Your portable solar charger will have the sunlight you need to get power, and you’ll probably have the entire day to charge it!
Read our other article on Solar Generators. Another crucial post hurricane device that
The best portable solar charger
#1 BigBlue 28 W – Best Overall
If you need to rely on the efficiency, this thing will be your best buddy.
Besides efficient, it also works in an environment with a partly cloudy condition. There is a built-in ammeter along with auto-restart function available.
However, it will not be suitable for charging
#2 ECEEN Solar Charger Panel with 10W High Efficiency Sunpower Cells & Smart USB Output
If you are tight on a budget then this thing would be suitable for you. Besides its great price, it also has a lightweight size with simple usage. It also provides such a great storage option. However, the output power is not as large as its size. This issue also leads to a lack of power. Anything comes with consequences, right?
This solar charger features the solar panel more so than the battery itself
Wrapping it all up
We would say that the best portable solar charger does not come cheap. However, the advantages would outweigh any shortcoming and inconvenience.
If you are on a tight budget, you may need to consider purchasing smaller chargers so you always have a backup during certain emergency situations.
We also agree that investing in a solar charger is such a great move. If you are outdoors a lot, it would be worth the investment. Other than that, the types and prices of portable solar charger would be such a relief even for those who are in a budget.
Special thanks to Paris