Best Portable Solar Chargers For 2023. Solar gadget charger * KYOKUSHO.COM

The Best Portable Solar Chargers of 2023

Adam has been writing about mobile technology since 2011. He is the former host of the Android Authority podcast, and his work has appeared in numerous publications.

Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire.

The best solar chargers use the sun’s abundant power to keep your devices and batteries topped off. Solar chargers aren’t just for nature enthusiasts. Anyone who spends time away from an electrical outlet will find them helpful.

We recommend the X-DRAGON SunPower Solar Panel Charger for its 40W power output and high-efficiency cells. This charger doesn’t include a power bank to store all that juice, but if you are away from power and need to charge your phone or even your laptop, this is a great option. Opening the eight solar panels will give you plenty of power as long as there’s daylight.

Best Overall

X-DRAGON 40W Portable Foldable Solar Panel Charger

Our best overall charger can produce up to 40W of juice from its eight efficient panels. It opens wide to collect a lot of sunlight with eight high-efficiency panels, but it folds down small enough to fit into your backpack. There’s no water-resistance rating here, so be careful not to get caught in the rain, and no battery is included. But if you have large items that need a charge, the X-DRAGON SunPower Solar Panel Charger is a great choice.

You can plug in your phone and tablet, but you can also scale that up to your laptop with the five included different-sized barrel chargers and connection for your car battery. This is a great item to keep in your emergency car kit or your backpack for camping. The 18-month warranty will give you peace of mind too.

Most Portable

BigBlue 28W Solar Charger

The Big Blue Solar Charger is a highly-portable solar charging solution that folds to a tiny 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches when closed. It’s long but narrow and thin, easily fitting into most backpacks. Included carabiners allow you to open and strap it to your bag outdoors.

There is no built-in battery, but the three USB-A ports allow you to charge any phone or tablet quickly. The panels are waterproof, which our reviewer tested by submerging the cells in a bathtub.

Our reviewer also noted that the advertised 28W output is misleading. There are four 7W panels which add up to 28 Watts. Unfortunately, the panels could output only around 17W maximum during our testing.

There’s a pouch for holding cables or devices while charging, which is a nice bonus. Given its water resistance, we’d recommend this for hikers and campers, even in inclement weather. Of course, cloudy days will mean less charging, but at least you know your panels can stand up to it.

What to Look for in a Portable Solar Charger

Water Resistance

Solar power works best outside, so looking for water resistance in case you unexpectedly get caught in the rain or snow is a good idea.

Built-in Battery

Solar panels generate power, and that power has to go somewhere. If you have a solar panel and nothing plugged in, the panels will not generate energy, which is fine, but a battery would allow you to generate power and store it until you need it.

Power Output

Keep in mind the kinds of devices you’ll be using. Most solar panels can do the job if all you need to charge is a phone or tablet. If you need to power something larger, such as a laptop or car, you’ll need a powerful setup to get the job done.

That depends mostly on the cells’ efficiency and the amount of sunlight you’re getting. Solar panels are getting more and more efficient these days, which means they’re capable of generating a lot of power. On a bright, sunny day, it’s not unreasonable to think you can generate enough power for a phone and tablet or even bigger items.

If it’s big enough, a solar panel can deliver a charge to your car’s battery to allow it to start. A jump start technically means you’re drawing from a power source to start your car right away. The solar option is more of a car battery charger, meaning you’ll need to wait some time for your car’s battery to charge before you can turn the key. But yes, it is possible.

Solar panels should never be left in a window or in a car to charge. The glass from the window can FOCUS with light on the panels and cause them to overheat. Solar panels are meant to be outside and under the sun, or put away.

Best Portable Solar Chargers For 2023

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For decades, “solar power” meant either large industrial facilities or bulky, expensive home arrays on a roof. But technology has come a long way, and solar power has become far more affordable. than that, you can now take solar power with you. Whether you’re camping, on a hike or simply out on the town for the day, there are plenty of great options for affordable portable solar chargers. These devices range from battery packs with integrated solar panels to suitcase-sized kits that offer more charging and battery capabilities. The smaller units are great for tossing in a backpack, while the larger ones will make a great addition to a day at the beach. Whatever your budget or needs, we’ve found the best five options on the market today.

Blavor Qi Portable Charger : Best Handheld Solar Charger
QiSa Solar Power Bank : Best Enhanced Handheld Solar Charger
TopSolar SolarFairy : Best Compact Camping Solar Charger
BigBlue Solar Charger : Best Charger for Long Hikes
Jackery Solar Generator : Ultimate Solar Charger

Editorial Picks

This device is a tank. It is waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. You can toss it in a backpack or your trunk and never have to worry about it. Designed for camping and hiking, it includes two flashlights that work up to 164 feet away as well as an integrated compass and a clasp to hitch it to a backpack. In addition to USB and USB-C ports, the side opposite the solar panel is a Qi wireless charging pad. Make sure to charge before heading out, as this is more like a battery pack with additional solar capability (it could take several days to recharge on just solar). It has a 10,000-mAh capacity and provides six hours of power when fully charged.

Affordable
Multiple power points, including wireless charging pad
Immensely versatile

Takes a long time to charge on solar
Rubber outlet cover may fall off over time
Cannot solar charge and use wireless charging pad simultaneously

As we mentioned, the first item is more of a battery pack with additional solar capability. This solar power bank is larger, holds more charge and has additional solar panels, making solar recharging more viable when the battery is depleted. It can fully recharge in the sun in several hours, rather than days. In addition to the two USB ports, it has a wireless charging pad, which is on the same side as the solar panel. That means you can charge three items while the solar panels are deployed. Though it’s not as brutally rugged as the Balvor charger, it’s still waterproof, dustproof and shock proof.

effective than single solar panel
Enhanced capacity while still durable
Built-in flashlight

Cannot hike-and-charge
Fold-out panels not as durable
Using wireless charging pad obscures part of main solar panel

This is a serious solar panel system that packs up into the size of a laptop. With USB, USB-C and even DC 14.4V and 19V outputs, it can keep all your devices going for your camping trip or day at the beach. It also has a rack system that allows you to point the panels in the direction of the sun at all times, and anchors at each corner allow you to secure it in windy conditions.

Legitimate instant solar power
Compact storage
Multiple outputs, including DC power

Cannot charge while on the move
Requires additional equipment for 19V power delivery
Not as durable as handheld units

So you want legit charging capability, but you also want it while you’re on a long hike? And you want it to pack up so it fits almost anywhere? Guess you just want it all, huh? The Big Blue solar charger has three USB ports located in the same canvas pack into which the panels are stowed. It’s waterproof and the large corner anchors allow you to charge on the go or firmly secure it. This is the ultimate solar panel for truly roughing it.

Compact
Flexible and foldable matt design
Impressive charging rate

No built-in battery bank
No USB-C or 12V outputs

Not every camping trip involves backpacking to a remote region. For many, camping means loading up the family car and hitting a relaxing campsite with stoves and inflatable mattresses. This solar generator has multiple outlets, including USB, USB-C and AC wall-style outlets. Like a handheld solar device, this solar generator can be charged up before your adventure, but it’s not necessary for smaller items. When fully charged, you can power an electric grille, blender, coffee maker, laptop, mini-fridge and more.

Massive capacity
Multiple power outputs
High-capacity (for portable) solar charging

Expensive
Heavy and bulky
Requires pre-charging for best results

How Do I Know What Size Solar Charger I Need?

In order to determine which solar charger is right for you, you’ll need to think about how you plan to use it. Then you’ll have to compare the mAh (milliampere/hour) capacity of the charger with the mAh capacity of the batteries in the devices you plan to charge. For example, if your solar charger has a capacity of 20,000 mAh and your cell phone’s battery has a capacity of 5,000 mAh, when you divide the charger’s capacity (20,000) by you cell phone battery’s capacity (5,000), you see that you can charge that phone four times total (20,000/5,000 = 4). The higher the mAh of your solar charger, the more energy it can store, and the more devices it can charge. Keep in mind that a higher mAh does not equal a faster charge time. That depends on the amperage and voltage of the solar charger (the higher the output, the faster the charge), as well as the charging circuit inside the device you are charging.

METHODOLOGY

The team at Forbes Wheels is out there in the real world, just like you. When we’re not on deadline, we camp, go on road trips and head out to the beach. We have real-world experience in keeping our phones and laptops fully charged at all times, and have some direct experience with devices just like these. We combined this real-world experience with the expansive selection of user product reviews and ratings to bring you an accurate snapshot of these products.

FAQ

It all depends. The small handheld chargers could take days, and so they require pre-charging the battery pack. For a compact battery and a fold-out panel, it could take three hours to charge. The same issues arise when you scale up, and so without pre-charging, a solar power bank could take days in direct sunlight to fully charge.

Even a small solar charger can power up your mobile phone between five and 10 times. It all depends on the battery size. A handheld device is perfect for a few people looking to keep their phones fully charged. The standalone fold-out panels work as long as you’ve got them deployed.

Technology is improving all the time, but it often comes down to the quality of the manufacturer. Reports vary wildly, from three to 20 years. For the smaller, more affordable options, it’s likely closer to a handful of years. Expect about 80 percent of the stated life by the manufacturer.

Yes. Though most effective in direct sunlight, the panel can still capture energy when it is overcast. They can also capture some residual energy when you are in the shade or if you are in indirect sunlight. They will even work by capturing light from a lamp at home, but at that rate, you should use the power input to charge its battery pack from a wall outlet.

Some of these products have a one-year warranty. Others have a two-year warranty. Some do not have a warranty at all. For the more expensive products, it may be possible (and recommended) to buy an extended warranty.

Best Solar Chargers for Backpacking in 2023

A solar charger is a very useful gadget for long backpacking trips because it allows you to easily recharge your electronic devices such as a handheld GPS device, hiking watch or a smartphone. Since many backpackers rely on these devices for navigation along the trails, solar chargers have become very popular. Especially those who use smartphones for navigation on trails (check out our test of the best hiking apps) appreciate solar chargers, because no smartphone with GPS turned on constantly runs for more than a day without being recharged.

Solar chargers absorb sunlight and convert it to electricity which charges your devices or the battery pack. Unlike regular power banks which get drained sooner or later, solar chargers are suitable for very long trips because they allow you to recharge your devices as long as you have sunlight available.

In the following we listed the best solar chargers currently available to make your buying decision a little easier. We only listed high-quality solar chargers that come for a good price and provide good durability.

We regularly update our reviews and selections to always recommend you the best products on the market.

We only list top-tier products. Read how our selections of best hiking products differ from others here.

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.

Our Picks of Solar Chargers for Backpacking

Best Solar Chargers for Backpacking

The Selection

Goal Zero Nomad 10

Suitable for:

The Goal Zero Nomad 10 solar panel features built-in kickstand which clicks into place at multiple angles and allows you to position the solar panel perfectly towards the sun. It is made of rugged and durable materials, and can be strapped to your backpack, tent or other gear. The solar panel has an output of 10 watts and works perfectly with power banks from Goal Zero. The Goal Zero Nomad 10 solar panel is often combined with the Goal Zero Venture 30 power bank which has a capacity of 7800 mAh. The solar panel recharges this power bank in 4.5 to 9 hours. Nevertheless, the solar panel can also charge various devices such as cell phones, cameras etc. directly. The Goal Zero Nomad 10 is a powerful solar panel that is perfect for backpacking and other lengthy activities in the outdoors.

Where to buy?

BigBlue SolarPowa 28

Suitable for:

The BigBlue SolarPowa 28 is a panels-only solar charger and thus it is a good option if you already have a battery pack/power bank. However, it is also suitable for charging electronic devices such as smartphones, headlamps etc. directly. The Big Blue SolarPowa 28 solar charger features advanced technology which discovers and replicates your device’s original charging protocol to provide the fastest possible charging speed via 3 USB ports. However, be aware that the solar panels will not generate enough electricity to match the device’s original charging protocol in case of cloudy or rainy weather. This BigBlue solar charger has attachment points, so you can easily attach it on a backpack. It is also water and dust resistant for good performance on hiking trails.

Where to buy?

Solar Powered Phone Charger

This Eco Friendly Power Bank is a great way to charge your devices using solar power.

With a huge 30000mAh capacity Li-Polymer battery pack, this solar powered charging bank can store enough power to charge your Smart phone around 6-8 times.

Note: Product received may look slightly different to ones received as product upgrades come in. Specifications will be the same or even better in some cases.

Weatherproof and sturdy design and compatible with most Smart devices such as iPhones, Android Phones, Tablets and more that charge using 5v / 1A.

( Some older Smart devices use slightly different specifications so please check you devices input specifications before ordered )

Specifications

Features: Waterproof
Battery Capacity: 30000mAh
Battery type: Li-polymer Battery
Input Interface: MiNi USB. 5V / 1A
Output interface: 2 x USB ( 1x 5V / 1A ) ( 1x 5V 2.1A )
Weight: 299g
Size: 14 x 8 x 2cm
Support Quick Charge Technology: One-way Quick Charge
Supports Solar Energy: Yes
Quality Certification: SAA, WEEE, UL, CCC, CE

Package Includes: 1 x Solar Powered Battery Bank

100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

We offer a 100% money-back guarantee as we are so confident you’ll love our product! Feel safe and secure knowing that you can try our product risk-free for 15 days.

All you have to do is let us know within 15 days of your order delivery, include some photos and explain why you are not satisfied with the product and we will organise your return refund! Easy as that.

The Best Portable Solar Chargers of 2023

Adam has been writing about mobile technology since 2011. He is the former host of the Android Authority podcast, and his work has appeared in numerous publications.

Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire.

The best solar chargers use the sun’s abundant power to keep your devices and batteries topped off. Solar chargers aren’t just for nature enthusiasts. Anyone who spends time away from an electrical outlet will find them helpful.

We recommend the X-DRAGON SunPower Solar Panel Charger for its 40W power output and high-efficiency cells. This charger doesn’t include a power bank to store all that juice, but if you are away from power and need to charge your phone or even your laptop, this is a great option. Opening the eight solar panels will give you plenty of power as long as there’s daylight.

Best Overall

X-DRAGON 40W Portable Foldable Solar Panel Charger