Solar Phone Charger: The Best Picks and How to Choose
Suppose you’re in the middle of a scenic hike, and your phone runs out of battery. Now, you can’t rely on GPS or access your trail map. That’s a challenging moment for you, and finding wall outlets or other means to power smartphones can be even more difficult. That’s where a solar phone charger comes in handy.
You don’t have to worry about enjoying outdoor adventures or handling emergency situations without a smartphone because Jackery solar generators make powering devices easy. The solar generator is source of renewable energy that makes powering devices easy.
Cell phones consume around 2-6 watts of power. The portable and cost-effective nature of solar power chargers allows you to charge mobile phones, laptops, etc., to make your trip memorable. A small solar power generator of 160 watts would be sufficient to power up small devices like cell phones, whereas you might need a large generator to charge devices like coffee makers, etc., during your trips.
This article will reveal everything from different types of portable solar chargers available on the market and what size you should purchase to ensure you always keep your phone charged.
What Is A Solar Phone Charger
Admit it or not, smartphones are the lifelines, especially when you are away from your house. Whether you’re enjoying a breathing camping view or facing a long-term power outage home, having your gear charged and working is essential.
A solar phone charger does the same for you when no electricity is available. It is one of the best methods to use clean and renewable energy and power your devices. However, checking the capacity of solar panels and the device power requirement is essential before finalizing any solar battery charger for a phone.
Solar Charger For Phone
Solar charger for phones uses solar panels to convert sun rays into electricity and store it in the battery. They are portable charging methods that allow you to charge smartphones anywhere and anytime. Whether planning camping, hiking, or other outdoor activities, you can take your solar charger to power devices.
The solar phone charger is an economical, environment-friendly, portable, and sustainable energy source available to charge small devices. It works by absorbing sunlight with the help of a solar panel or photovoltaic cells. Solar energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery, so you can power mobile phones at night or during cloudy days.
Types Of Solar Phone Chargers
Many types of solar-powered phone chargers with different capacities allow you to keep your gear charged during an emergency, camping trip, hiking, etc. Some of the most popular and common types of solar phone charges include:
Portable solar charger generator – allows you to charge your cell phones anytime. The solar generator’s lightweight nature and wireless charging option make it suitable for beach trips. Jackery offers multiple solar power generators that are portable and waterproof. In addition, numerous USB ports available will help you to charge devices at once.
Solar panels – enable you to charge cell phones directly with the sun. Instead of transferring electricity to the battery, the solar panels charge the smartphones with direct sunlight. Jackery 100-watt solar panel are an alternative choice to power bank for charging phones or other small appliances. The robust nature of solar panels is a renewable and clean energy source for everyone.
Heavy-duty solar panels – these large solar panels can charge everything from phones to laptops to mini-fridges. As these panels come with a charge controller, they transfer their charge to the power bank to charge all the devices.
Below are the best portable solar charger for phones available on the market.
Built-in Battery
Output Ports
BigBlue 28W Solar Charger
Hiluckey 25,000mAh Power Bank
Battery Capacity Of iPhone, Samsung, And
Solar chargers are built for outdoor usage, and they are powered with the help of sunlight. While choosing the best solar charger for your needs, analyzing the solar panel size, charging speed, battery size, and the number of ports is essential. Watt and watt-hour should be considered to narrow your research and purchase the best solar panels.
What Are Watt And Watt Hours?
A watt is a power unit that measures the energy transfer rate. In electrical terms, the watt is the rate of electrical work done by a device during appliance powering.
The simple formula of watt is equivalent to volt-ampere. Here is how to calculate it:
Power is the energy rate at which energy is consumed or generated; hence, it is measured in watts. Meanwhile, watt-hour is the rate at which one-watt power is consumed in one hour. Here is the formula to calculate the watt-hours of any device.
Watt-Hours = Total Number Of Watts Total Number Of Hours
Battery Capacity of Phones
Generally, a solar phone charger that can supply 10 watts is sufficient to charge a smartphone for one day. Many solar power panels have robust battery protection systems, so you can power all your devices safely.
For instance, if you know the battery capacity (mAh) and volt (V), you can easily calculate the watt-hour.
Formula is (mAh) (V) /1000 = Wh.
Suppose the battery capacity of the solar power charger is 300 mAh, and the volt is 5V. Here is how to measure watt-hours.
Watt-hour = 300 mAh 5V / 1000 = 1.5 Wh.
Here is the breakdown of the estimated solar power needed daily to charge different types of smartphones.
Phone Types
Battery (Watt-hours)
How Many Charges Daily
Estimated Solar Power Needed Daily (Watt-hours)
iPhone 14 Plus/ iPhone 14 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Most solar generators can charge your phone several times. That said, you don’t have to worry about recharging and charging your solar power.
Portable Solar Charger For Phone
If you are looking to choose the best solar panel charger for a cell phone, you can never go wrong with Jackery solar generator. It combines a portable power station and SolarSaga panels that capture the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity.
Compared to traditional generators, solar panel generators are portable. Not only does it allow you to charge cell phones, but it can also power other small electrical appliances depending on the power they consume.
Jackery solar generators are available in different sizes. This solar generator is suitable for campers, emergency backups, and RVs. The best part about all the solar chargers for a phone is their foldable design and less weight. It makes it easy to carry wherever you go.
Customer Reviews
I bought this for dry camping in my RV. I wanted an easy way to recharge my multiple Ipads, iPhones, and computers. I just returned from an 18-day trip, and the Jackery 500 with the 100-watt solar panel performed flawlessly. Recharging it was the easiest system I have ever worked with. In sunny AZ, the system went from 83% to 100% in 2 hours. If it was cloudy, I plugged into my 12-volt plug while driving and generally went from the low 80s to 100% within a 3-hour drive. I have not used the 120-volt charger yet as it was not needed. In total, I recharged 2 Ipads, 2 phones, 1 computer, and 1 jet pack overnight. The battery would be in the low 80% by morning, sometimes 75% by evening back to 100%. I highly recommend this system. Addendum photos first photo 11:48 am, 2nd 12:42 pm, 3rd 1:48 pm, 4th 3:02 pm, 5th 3:55 precharge in Tucson, AZ. May 23, 2021 Went from 100% to 81% after charging 2 Iphones, 2 Ipads, and 1 jetpack. 1 iPad in use for a couple of hours while being charged-Susan
Jackery 500 gave me a lot of power for 7 days of camping. It powered my Alpicool ref, USB lights, cell phone, etc. The lowest power I had overnight was 87% until I could charge my solar panel the next day. I highly recommend this. I will use my CPAP on my next trip and trust it will give me power all night. I used Goal Zero before. I was not impressed, and Jackery’s price is more reasonable. Buying expensive things like goal zero does not prove great performance but is overrated as a waste of money. Go for Jackery. It is also lightweight.Maria
As you can see, Jackery products are loved by the customers. They are durable, cost-efficient, and powerful solar generators that ensure you never run out of power. Here are the top Jackery power stations you can purchase to charge your cell phone.
Portable Power Station Capacity
Phone Capacity
Supported Charges
(When the portable power station is fully charged)
Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel (This solar panel has a USB output and can charge the phone under the sun directly)
Depends on the weather condition
Jackery Solar Generator 240 (Explorer 240 SolarSaga 100W)
- USB-A Output: 5V, 2.4A
- USB-C Output: 5V, 3A
- AC Output: 110V, 60Hz, 200W (400W Surge Peak)
- Car Output: 12V, 10A
- DC Input: 12V. 30V (65W Max)
Jackery Solar Generator 300 (Explorer 300 SolarSaga 100W)
- USB-A Output: 5V, 2.4A
- USB-C PD Output: 5V, 9V, 15V, 20V, 3A
- DC Input: 12V. 30V (90W Max)
- Quick Charge 3.0 Output: 5V, 2.4A
- AC Output: 110V, 60Hz, 300W (500W Surge)
Jackery Solar Generator 500 (Explorer 500 SolarSaga 100W)
- USB-A Output: 5V, 2.4A
- Car Port: 12V, 10V
- DC Output: 12V, 7A
- AC Output: 110VAC, 60Hz, 500W (1000W Surge)
- DC Input: 12V. 30V (100W Max)
Even if the portable power station is out of capacity, you don’t have to worry about charging your appliances. The pass-through charging capability lets you recharge the device and solar generator at the same time. In addition, the input and output ports on the portable solar generator protect your device from overcharging.
What Size Solar Charger For a Phone Do I Need?
Solar cell phone chargers come in different sizes, shapes, and types. The simple rule to purchasing a solar panel is understanding its compatibility with your device.
Calculate the size of the solar charger for a phone with this formula:
Working time = Watt-hour of the solar power station 0.85 / operating wattage of your device.
For instance, if we assume that the cell phone consumes 10 watts and the watt-hour of the solar power station is 167Wh, the working time will be 167 Wh 0.85 / 10 = 14.2 hours.
Purchasing a solar power station with a 167 Wh battery capacity can charge a phone at 13 Wh capacity 11 times. You can calculate the number of charges a solar panel supports with a simple formula:
The number of charges supported = 0.85 Power station capacity/phone capacity.
Depending on the requirements and phone capacity, you can determine the size of solar panels you’ll need.
FAQs About Solar Phone Chargers
Solar phone chargers come in many variants with different designs, functions, sizes, etc. Checking on the tech specs and understanding the power requirements are the two most important aspects you’ll need to consider before choosing the best solar power generator. Here are a few common questions that people often ask before buying a solar power generator.
What is the best solar phone charger?
Jackery is the best solar phone charger amongst all the other power generators available on the market. The combination of the portable power station and SolarSaga solar panels charges all your small appliances, including cell phones, multiple times after full charge. Some unique features that make Jackery military-grade solar phone charger the best choice include:
- Lightweight and compact in nature that makes it easy to carry around wherever you go.
- As it receives power through the sun and no other forms of fuel are required, it is clean, quiet, and renewable.
- Multifunctional outputs like USB-A, USB-C, Car Port, etc., ensure that you can charge multiple devices simultaneously and save time for charging.
- High conversion efficiency solar generator ensures that you use maximum sun’s energy and store it to power devices.
The input and output USB ports available on the solar phone charger make it easy to use. You can power your cell phone by plugging the USB cable from the charger into the smartphone. Jackery solar generators have a device protection system, so you don’t have to stress about overcharging the appliance. Another feature of the solar phone charger is another USB input port that allows you to recharge the solar generator even if you are powering the devices.
Where to buy a solar phone charger?
You can purchase the best solar phone charger from the solar power generator collection of Jackery. They have a wide range of solar generators that last decades and power all your devices without hassle.
How does a solar phone charger work?
As the name suggests, the solar-powered phone charger absorbs and transfers sunlight. Here’s how it works in simple steps: photons carry the sun’s energy to create an electric field. This sunlight powers the photovoltaic cells or solar panels, transferring the power to cell phones. Most solar panels come with a battery to store the power. This means you can charge your phone even when there is dark or no solar energy available.
Conclusion
So, if you have ever put off your camping and hiking idea thinking about how you’ll charge your cell phone, consider purchasing a solar phone charger. You can use the solar phone charger to power all the small appliances that consume less power, including smartphones, and stay connected.
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Solar phone charger nearby
BigBlue foldable solar charger panel bag is small and light enough to fit into any camping backpack, hiking daypack, or emergency kit.
3 USB Ports
With SmartIC Technology, detect and deliver the optimal charging current for your devices.
SunPower Solar Panels
Elevated solar power conversion rate of 24%. No grid lines on front of cell, solid copper at back and with integrated circuit.
Water Dust Resistant
This special PET polymer surface protects it from occasional rain or wet Fog and all the ports are covered by a cloth flap and rubber cover to protect them from dust or water damage.
Ultra-thin Light Weight Design
With portability in mind, SolarPowa 28 features an ultrathin and lightweight design, only 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches and 1.41 pounds. Foldable design further saves space, you can take it and charge anywhere.
Smart Charging Technology
Recognize your device smartly then providing optimal charging speed vary with different devices. Compatible with most of the mobile phones, iPad etc.
User Manual
The SunPower panel part is IPX4 waterproof and other parts are not waterproof, please do not immerse it in water.
Can they be chained with each other?
They can be chained with each other using the buckles that comes with. But it is not possible to improve the power of the charge by using two solar chargers together. Each one has its own inner structure that can’t be connected with another one.
Is this rugged enough to be kept folded in a typical backpack with other gear pushing against it without damage?
Of course it is very rugged, but please be careful to not over bend or scratch the panels.
Would it be Safe to charge 3 mobile battery packs/mobile batteries at once with this?
Might take a while but it has 3 USB connections.
Do all four panels have to get sun for one USB port to charge?
All the solar panels need to be exposed under direct sunlight, otherwise, the solar panels that are not exposed to the sun will become resistors, making it impossible to charge.
Do the panels have auto-restart while in the sun?
Of course. It starts charging again the moment it produces enough output for the attached device to charge.
The 7 Best Solar Phone Chargers of 2023
We’re big fans of solar chargers with multiple features like working as a power bank while doubling as a flashlight.
Grace Gavilanes is a freelance writer-editor who has covered a wide range of topics. Her writing has been published in InStyle, Food Wine, Glamour, and Mic, among other outlets.
Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact checker, and researcher with more than 25 years’ experience in consumer-oriented content.
In This Article
Picture this: You’re driving to your campsite or hiking on an unfamiliar trail, when suddenly your phone dies — right when you needed to double-check your maps. It’s an unfortunate circumstance that happens far too often. While wall chargers and outlets are hard to come by when you’re on the road or in the middle of nowhere, solar phone chargers come in handy for moments like this.
We’ve found our favorite after extensive research and can’t recommend the Blavor Solar Power Bank enough. But don’t let its best overall rating steer you from checking out the others. They’re all winners in their own right: From a solar phone charger that doubles as a high-powered lantern to a lightweight option that’ll rival your wall charger’s speed, these offerings are bound to make an appearance on your next few trips.
Best Overall
Blavor Solar Power Bank
Everything you could possibly need in a portable solar charger can be found in this lightweight power bank. It boasts three ports and wireless charging for your phone or Airpods. A built-in LED flashlight is great to have as an extra light source when you’re off the grid, as is the buffer-boosted exterior that helps protect it from falls. Since it’s dustproof and IPX5 waterproof (meaning it can withstand low-pressure water streams), you can feel confident bringing it along for beach trips. To easily expose it to sunlight when you’re out and about, it comes with a carabiner clip that has a compass on it. A USB output, wireless charging pad, and a USB C output/input are included. You get your pick between five color options, and if you want even more functionality, Blavor’s four-at-once charger is also available.
Price at time of publish: 50
The Details: 3 ports | 10 ounces | 10,000 mAh | 5.9 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches | Built-in battery | Waterproof
Best Budget
Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank
- As is typical with solar chargers, for the most effective charge, consider first charging it via USB.
While this solar charger was built for outdoor use, it can also be charged via USB cable if you’re near an outlet. It charges phones up to 10 times and tablets up to four times, separately. On average, the portable solar charger can be used nine times per charge, making it a staple for extended trips. It’s available on Amazon at a steal compared to chargers on the market with similar battery lives.
Price at time of publish: 57
The Details: 2 ports | 1.34 pounds | 25,000 mAh | 6.18 x 3.54 x 1.38 inches | Built-in battery
Most Durable
Goal Zero Nomad 50 Solar Panel
- To avoid ruining your phone’s battery, don’t plug this panel into your device directly; instead, pair it with a power bank like the Yeti 200x Power Station first.
This heavy-duty solar panel (that’s lighter than it looks) is big enough to capture sunlight to charge any device with help from an external power bank. From phones to laptops and even mini fridges, it can collect the amount of solar power needed to maintain your devices for long periods of time away from the hustle and bustle. However, since this panel does have a charge controller, you should only transfer power from it to a heavy-duty power bank that can then be used to power up your devices.
Price at time of publish: 250
The Details: 3 ports | 6.85 pounds | 50 watts | 53 x 17 x 1.5 inches (unfolded); 17 x 11.25 x 2.5 inches (folded) | Built-in battery | Water-resistant
Best Lightweight
Go Sun SolarPanel 10
- Because of its convenient size, it may be more difficult to collect and transfer solar energy to power your device.
Claiming to “charge about [as] fast as a typical wall outlet charger” when the sun is fully out, this solar panel can easily fit inside a tote bag thanks to its near-flat design or can freely hang on a backpack. It can also charge any device in as little as three hours due to its 10-watt power output, according to the brand. A bonus for those with overloaded suitcases? It weighs less than a pound. This charger is water-resistant but won’t stand up to being fully submerged.
Price at time of publish: 99
The Details: 1 port | 0.65 pounds | 10 watts | 10.5 x 7 inches (unfolded); 5.25 x 7 inches (folded) | Water-resistant
Best for Multiple Devices
BigBlue 28W Solar Charger
With three USB-A ports, this four-panel solar charger is able to power up your favorite devices, such as your phone and Bluetooth speaker. This charger comes equipped with Smart chips to ensure your device is always protected and charged safely without experiencing over-voltage. It’s extremely thin for slipping into a backpack or tote, and when you need to hang it up to soak in the sun, holes with heavy-duty metal lining come in handy.
Price at time of publish: 80
The Details: 3 ports | 1.34 pounds | 28 watts | 33.1 x 11.1 x.2 inches (unfolded) or 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches (folded) | Waterproof
Best Charging Speed
Ryno Tuff Portable Solar Charger for Camping
The Ryno Tuff Portable Solar Charger can fully charge a phone or tablet in approximately two hours. Another standout feature of this solar charger is its ability to stop charging when it senses your device is overheating or has reached its full capacity. Two carabiner clips are included with the foldable charger for hanging and hauling needs. In addition to providing your phone with top-notch energy, the team at Ryno Tuff is also committed to giving back to the earth — with every purchase of this solar charger, the company will plant a tree through the National Forest Foundation.
Price at time of publish: 63
The Details: 2 ports | 1.04 pounds | 21 watts | 18.1 x 11.8 x 0.12 inches (unfolded); 5.9 x 11.8 x 0.79 inches (folded) | Waterproof
Best Flashlight
LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern
With five brightness settings to light up your chosen environment, this backpacker-favorite lantern features adjustable straps so you can easily hang it from trees or inside a tent. It’s also collapsible (a must for those on the go), shatterproof (made from heavy-duty TPU, an elastic plastic that’s PVC-free), and waterproof (it can survive being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes).
Price at time of publish: 50
The Details: 1 port | 0.53 pounds | 2,000 mAh | 6 x 6 x 6 inches (unfolded); 6 x 6 x 1 inches (folded) | Built-in battery | Waterproof
Tips for Buying a Solar Phone Charger
Consider device compatibility
When it comes to finding the perfect-for-you solar phone charger, it’s important to consider the types of ports (USB being the most common) your charger houses, as well as when you’ll be using it. A key rule of thumb: The bigger the solar panels, the faster your phone will charge, since the larger solar panels will capture more sunlight, thus providing more energy to your device. If you’re looking for something more compact, just know the charge time of those chosen power packs — which can typically reach 10-plus hours for solar phone chargers — will be on the lengthier side.
Know the difference between direct and battery-bank solar chargers
A built-in battery (i.e. a battery-bank solar charger) is important if you’re looking to charge your phone overnight or during a cloudy day, for example. The built-in battery will store any unused energy from the sun for future use (no sunlight needed as this is happening), while a portable direct charger without a built-in battery is best for on-the-go usage. For example, when you attach your solar panel charger to your backpack and connect the USB cord to your phone during an especially sunny hike, your phone will charge as you carry on with your adventure.
Think about portability
One of the biggest points in purchasing and using a solar phone charger is to bring it with you while caping, hiking, or enjoying other outdoor activities. You’ll want to make sure your charger isn’t so bulky or heavy that it become difficult to take with you while still providing all the capabilities you’re looking for.
As the name suggests, solar phone chargers are powered by the sun. Here’s how: Photons carry energy from the sun, creating an electric field that produces energy that’s transferred to the charger itself, which is then delivered to the device. So, do solar phone chargers actually work? It really comes down to your expectations. Charging speed and durability are reflective of how you’re using your portable solar-powered charger. A few tips to consider: Make sure the solar panel is completely exposed to the sun, without any obstruction, and be patient — depending on which solar pack you choose, it’s important to remember that garnering a full charge will take more time than it would with a classic wall charger.
Power output is measured in either mAh (milliamps per hour) and watts. Both units speak to the energy charge. The higher the number (for both), the more energy can be stored—meaning a longer battery life.
You can take your solar phone charger on the plane if and only if your charger doesn’t contain a built-in, lithium-ion battery (the most common type of battery used in chargers). Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to “[creating] sparks or [generating] a dangerous evolution of heat,” which is why the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and TSA do not allow portable chargers containing this battery in checked luggage; you can bring it on the plane with you, but only if it’s packed in your carry-on. Have a battery-less solar phone charger? You’re cleared to check it in as long as it’s able to fit into your suitcase.
Why Trust Travel Leisure
Grace Gavilanes is a writer-editor who has covered a wide range of topics — from celebrity news and beauty to food, wellness, and travel — for close to a decade. Her writing has been published in InStyle, Food Wine, Glamour, and Mic, among other outlets. To curate this list of the best solar phone chargers, she drew from her own experience as a lifestyle writer and researched dozens of products.
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The Best Solar Charger for Camping and How to Choose the Right One for You
Have you ever been out in the wilderness on a camping trip when suddenly you realize your phone is running low on battery? Well, fret no more!
If you’re sick of being without power in the great outdoors, you need a solar charger for camping. This life-changing accessory keeps you connected to the world and helps you stay prepared for emergencies.
So keep reading to learn about our picks for the best solar charger for camping. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix to charge your phone on a weekend getaway or a powerful setup to energize a week-long camping trip, you’ll find the right option here!
Our Top Picks
Hiluckey Solar Charger Portable Power Bank
Are you searching for the ultimate outdoor companion that ensures you’re always powered up? Check out the Hiluckey Solar Charger Power Bank, one of the best solar chargers for camping.
After absorbing all the sun’s rays, you can expect to get a whopping nine days out of this impressive power bank! The 4 high-performance solar panels harness the sun’s power to reach a 6W in direct sunlight, keeping your devices alive even in remote locations.
Boasting an incredible 25000mAh high capacity, this solar-powered wonder charges your phone up to 8-10 times and your tablet 3-4 times. Experience lightning-fast charging with its upgraded 15W outputs, capable of juicing up an iPhone to 50% in just 30 minutes.
Plus, with one USB C port and dual USB A ports, you can simultaneously charge three devices with ease. So gear up for your next adventure and stay connected with this impressive camping solar charger.
- Boasts a high-speed charge to juice up your devices faster
- Foldable for excellent portability
- Harnesses enough power for multiple charges without depleting the power bank
- Includes emergency LED flashlight
BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank
The BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank is perfect for anyone looking to make a low-budget addition to their camping setup.
Despite the minimal price tag, this powerful charger is built to last! Not only is it waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof, but it’s also crafted from flame-retardant ABSPC materials, so it can withstand the roughest outdoor conditions.
Plus, this is one of the smallest, most lightweight solar-charged power banks on the market, making it perfect for backpacking trips. The tiny frame easily fastens to the outside of a backpack so you can charge it as your hike.
You’ll find an impressive 10,000mAh capacity on this little guy, and it’s capable of charging three devices simultaneously. You can also get multiple charges out of this power bank for a standard iPhone.
You’ll find ports supporting micro USB, USB Type A, and USB Type C, meaning you can charge an iPhone, iPad, Airpods, and all Android phones.
The BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank is an affordable, lightweight addition that makes your outdoor expedition much more enjoyable and safe, so why not try this small-but-mighty solar charger for camping?
- Includes features like a bright LED flashlight, carabiner, and compass
- One of the smallest solar chargers on the market, great for low-gear camping trips
- You can get multiple charges out of the power supply
- Takes a while to charge via solar alone, but you can charge it ahead of time and use it as a power bank
GOODaaa Power Bank Wireless Charger
The GOODaaa Power Bank Wireless Charger can be a literal lifesaver when you’re out in the wilderness.
This Smart power bank is not just any ordinary solar charger for camping; it ingeniously combines solar power and a hand crank generator for those moments when you need power the most. If you’re caught in an emergency scenario, just rotate the handle on top to stay connected to an energy supply.
It also includes a built-in LED flashlight with 3 flashing modes (SOS/Strobe/Steady) for power outages, along with a compass to help you on your way.
Boasting a colossal 45800mAh capacity, this portable charger is your powerhouse on-the-go. With five inputs and seven outputs, it caters to all devices- iOS, USB C, and Micro USB. And guess what- you can use all seven outputs at the same time!
If that’s not impressive enough, it also includes a wireless charging area for extra accessibility.
The GOODaaa Power Bank Wireless Charger is a robust camping solar charger that will hold up in any emergency scenario. If you prioritize safety while camping in the great outdoors, it will make a welcome addition to your kit.
- Powerful charge that lasts a long time
- Includes many emergency features like a strobe light and compass
- You can charge this power bank through a hand crank, solar, or via USB
- Accommodates 7 devices at a time
LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Camping Lantern and Phone Charger
If you’re looking for a camping solar charger that accomplishes more than just powering your devices, check out the LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Camping Lantern and Phone Charger.
Equipped with a powerful 2000mAh battery, this extra-bright LED solar lantern illuminates your campsite with up to 150 lumens and doubles as a reliable phone charger.
That means you can keep your camping set up nice and lightweight by ditching the bulky camping lanterns and opting for this portable light that folds into a 1-inch thick square.
When fully charged, this weightless lantern/charger combo provides 50 hours of light. You can recharge back to full it in the sun in 12-14 hours or via USB in 1-2 hours.
If you’re looking for a reliable outdoor companion to accomplish the double duty of shedding light on your campsite and charging your phone, this solar charger for camping will make a great investment.
- Multi-purpose lighting and charging features come in useful on backpacking expeditions
- Extremely portable and condenses down to a small size
- Versatility to solar charge or power via USB
- Not as powerful as other solar chargers on this list
- Could take up to 2 days to recharge in the sun
BioLight SolarPanel 10
Unleash the power of the sun with the incredible BioLite SolarPanel 10! This high-efficiency solar charger for camping features an innovative 360-degree kickstand, allowing you to position it at any angle on even the roughest terrain.
The built-in sundial ensures you capture the most direct rays for maximum charging potential. Keep track of your 3200mAh battery’s charge with the strength indicator and status button.
The amazing 10W USB output lets you charge phones, cameras, tablets, and more! And you can even get a head start on energizing your supply since the micro USB charge-in lets you boost your battery at home.
The corner latches make it easy to attach to a backpack, perfect for external storage or when you want to catch some rays to charge your supply on a hike.
There’s a lot to love about the BioLite SolarPanel 10, and while it doesn’t come cheap, you certainly can’t argue about the quality of this incredible solar charger for camping.
- Boasts a 10W charging power
- Built-in sundial helps you find the most direct rays
- 360-degree kickstand makes it great for rough terrain
- You can clip it on the outside of your bag to save room and charge while you’re on the go
Camping Solar Chargers: Buyer’s Guide
Now that you know our top picks for camping solar chargers, give our buyer’s guide a read to figure out which is best for you.
Power Output
When looking for the best camping solar charger, one of the most important factors to mull over is power output.
But first, a crash course in electricity terms: mAh (milliamp hour) refers to the storage and charge capacity, whereas W (watts) indicates how much energy a device consumes. In the case of camping solar chargers, the wattage refers to the amount of energy it can produce.
So, if you’re looking for a powerful camping solar charger, look for one with the highest mAh and watts. In this case, our Best Overall choice, the Hiluckey Solar Charger Portable Power Bank, would be your best bet.
If you’re looking for a solar charger for emergencies only, you can get away with a cheaper option like the Best Budget selection, the BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank.
It’s also important to consider the type of devices you’ll be charging and how much power they require. To make the most out of a “glamping” trip, try the GOODaaa Power Bank Wireless Charger, which can power 7 devices at once. Not bad for being in the middle of the wilderness!
Portability
Next, you gotta factor in the portability of your camping solar charger.
The BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank takes the lead in this category for its tiny size and minimal weight, which you can easily tuck away in a backpack without noticing it’s there. The Hiluckey Solar Charger Portable Power Bank is not much larger and packs more power.
Another option that boasts incredible portability is the LuminAID Charger, which also gives you a bright camping lantern in addition to a power supply, further helping you cut down on your gear list.
Even the largest option (the BioLight SolarPanel 10) comes with clips, so you can carry it externally and take up less room in your backpack.
So it all depends on personal preference here. If you plan on doing most of your camping via car, then choosing a larger, more powerful option might make the most sense.
But if you plan on going on a canoe trip or backpacking adventure, choosing a small, compact charger will save a lot of hassle in the long run.
Ease of Use
The ease of use is an important category here. The last thing you wanna do in an emergency scenario is fumble with buttons and how-to guides on how to work a solar power charger.
We have to hand it to the BioLight SolarPanel 10 for providing excellent accessibility, whether through the built-in sundial to find the brightest rays or the strength indicator and status button to see how much juice it’s got.
All the options on this list are pretty simple to use, but be sure to test them all out before embarking on your adventure. Especially the GOODaaa Power Bank Wireless Charger with its extensive features.
Waterproof
Since you’re taking your solar charger on an outdoor adventure, it’s important to know how each option stands up to water.
The Hiluckey Solar Charger Portable Power Bank is water-resistant but not completely waterproof, whereas the BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank advertises the latter.
The GOODaaa Power Bank Wireless Charger is also waterproof and arguably the most durable out of the list, making it suitable for harsh environments.
So if you’re hoping to take your solar charger on a portaging trip or any adventure near water, you may want to prioritize a waterproof option.
Solar Chargers: Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions about the best solar chargers for camping, don’t stress! Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions from fellow solar enthusiasts.
Do solar charges work on a cloudy day?
Is your camping trip plagued by overcast days? Not to fear, because your solar charger will still operate in cloudy conditions. That being said, it will definitely absorb less light, so it may take longer to recharge, but it’s still worth leaving outside to soak up the reduced rays.
What’s the difference between a solar charger and a solar bank?
In your search for the best solar charger for camping, you probably discovered these two options. While solar chargers and solar banks both have a similar function, there’s one key difference. Solar banks have the versatility to absorb power from the sun or through an outlet.
This feature comes in handy if you’re going on a camping trip because you can charge it up to full capacity before you leave and then top it up via the sun during your trip.
Wrapping Up the Best Solar Charger for Camping
Whether you’re looking for a lightweight charger in case of emergency or a high-octane setup to power your devices, we hope you found the right option in our guide to the best solar chargers for camping. Our favorite is the Hiluckey Solar Charger Portable Power Bank, but you won’t go wrong with any of the picks on our list!
Looking to invest in your camping setup? Check out our Camping Gear page for more product reviews.
Posted on Last updated: June 12, 2023
My name is Ryan Cunningham and I’m on a mission. I want to get families, singles, anyone and everyone outdoors and enjoying the world of camping! You’ll find everything you need to get started here.
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