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.
Number of Ports: 2 | Power Output: 2.8A max USB, 18V DC | Types of Ports: USB-A, DC | Number of Cells: 8 | Efficiency: 22 to 25% | Battery Capacity: N/A
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.
Number of Ports: 3 | Power Output: 5V / 4.8A | Types of Ports: USB-A | Number of Cells: 4 | Efficiency: Not listed | Battery Capacity: N/A
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.
Blog
Reviews and information on the best Solar panels, inverters and batteries from SMA, Fronius, SunPower, SolaX, Q Cells, Trina, Jinko, Selectronic, Tesla Powerwall, ABB. Plus hybrid inverters, battery sizing, Lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, off-grid and on-grid power systems.
March 10, 2023 Jason Svarc
One of the big drawcards for those with rooftop solar is the ability to charge an EV using your own power. Charging with your own solar-generated electricity can essentially eliminate the ‘fuel’ cost of an EV altogether. However, in practice, this is not always as easy as it sounds. In this article, we discuss the various home EV chargers available, analyse different solar charging options, determine how long it will take to charge an EV using solar, and address some of the issues with using rooftop solar and batteries for charging. For those interested in Vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, we have a separate detailed article about using V2L for backup power.
How to charge an EV at home using solar
Charging an EV using your own rooftop solar can be relatively easy, but it depends on several factors, the most obvious being the size of your solar system, the time of day, and the weather. If you want to charge an EV quickly using solar only, then you’ll need a large enough solar system and some help using a Smart charger which we will describe in more detail later.
How easy it is to charge an EV using solar depends on the following factors:
- Type of charger used. Charger speeds can range from 2kW to 22kW
- Your solar system size. Typical rooftop solar systems range from 5kW to 15kW
- The vehicle battery level. How much do you need to charge?
- How often do you travel, and how far do you drive?
This might sound complex, but fortunately, we have built a free solar and EV charging calculator so you can estimate how much solar you need to charge an EV based on your driving distance and charger type used.
If you don’t drive often, charging an EV at home using solar can be easy using a simple portable plug-in (level 1) charger and a relatively small 5kW solar system. However, as explained later, solar EV charging using a more powerful level 2 charger can be somewhat tricky, even with a much larger solar array. The problem arises as the solar system will often not generate enough to cover a level 2 charger at full power during cloudy or bad weather. Luckily, this is where Smart EV chargers can help, along with several other solar charging options explained below.
EV battery capacity. Kilowatt-hours (KWh)
Before we get into too much detail about the different types of chargers and charge rates, it’s necessary to understand EV battery capacity and range. Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and electric vehicles are available with a vast range of different battery sizes, from 24kWh up to 100kWh or more. Most common EVs have a battery capacity of around 65kWh, which generally provides a driving range of about 350km, depending on the conditions and how efficiently you drive. Each kWh of battery capacity will deliver around 5km to 8km of driving range. For a real-world comparison, lighter, more efficient EVs can use as little as 12kWh per 100km (1kWh = 8.2km), while larger, high-performance EVs can use 20kWh or more per 100km of driving (1kWh = 5km).
An average EV uses around 16kWh per 100km (1.0kWh = 6.0km)
Driving at higher speeds results in less driving range due to increased aerodynamic drag. However, most EVs also have regenerative braking, which recovers much of the energy which is typically lost during braking to slow the vehicle. Regenerative braking is particularly beneficial in city start-stop driving, where it improves efficiency and reduces brake dust and air pollution.
Home EV charging options
For those with solar installed, the first thing that comes to mind after purchasing an EV is what charging options are available and whether they are compatible with a rooftop solar system. Before we get into detail, it’s worth pointing out that most level 2 chargers, also called wallbox chargers, are relatively simple devices that can be installed on any home or business with or without rooftop solar. The main difficulty is whether your utility grid connection has enough spare capacity to support a level 2 charger, which generally requires a 32A supply.
Technically there are three levels of EV chargers, of which only the first two can be used at home. Level 1 is a basic portable (granny) charger that can be plugged into any ordinary 10A socket, or a larger 15A power socket. Most EVs come equipped with a small 10A charger as standard. Level 2 are compact wall-mounted chargers that are permanently installed on homes and businesses. Level 3 are very large, powerful, fast chargers generally found at dedicated roadside EV charging stations.
- Level 1.Portable 10A or 15A plug-in chargers from 1.4kW up to 3.6kW (10A to 15A)
- Level 2.Dedicated wall-mounted chargers from 5kW up to 22kW (Wallbox charger)
- Level 3.Roadside EV charging stations from 50kW up to 350kW (DC fast charger)
The 4 types of home EV chargers
Plug-in (socket) EV charger
Most EVs come equipped with a simple level 1 charger that can be used with any common 10A wall socket. These small, portable chargers generally require 12 to 36 hours to fully recharge an average EV, depending on the battery size and initial state of charge. Most 10A chargers can charge at a maximum rate of 2.2kW but typically draw from 1.7kW to 2.0kW, which adds around 10km to 14km of range per hour, depending on the vehicle. powerful 15A portable chargers are also available which are very affordable but will require a dedicated 15A outlet to be installed in the home or garage.
An average residential 6kW solar system can generate 2 to 3kW even during partly cloudy weather, so solar EV charging using a 10A level 1 plug-in socket charger is quite easy.
Single-phase Wallbox EV chargers
Level 2 single-phase EV chargers can be wall or post-mounted and come in a variety of options and designs. Most are rated at 32 Amp, which is the equivalent of 7.4kW of power, and can provide a vehicle with a range of 40 to 50km per hour at the full charge rate. Given that the average person drives less than 50km a day, in theory, you will only need an hour or two to recharge a vehicle daily. An average EV can be fully recharged in 8 to 10 hours using a regular single-phase 7kW Wallbox charger.
Solar EV charging using a single-phase EV charger (7kW) is possible using a large 10kW solar system during good weather. However, a Smart EV charger is the best option as it can dynamically adjust the charging rate to match your solar generation.
Three-phase Wallbox EV chargers
Level 2 three-phase home EV chargers generally look identical to single-phase wall-mounted devices and are typically rated at 32 Amps. However, due to having three supply phases, they can supply three times as much power as the single-phase version, which is roughly equivalent to 22kW of charging power. This can provide a vehicle with a range of 120 to 150km per hour at the maximum charge rate. So fully recharging an average EV can be done in less than 3 hours using a 3-phase Wallbox charger.
Solar-only EV charging using a powerful 3-phase charger (at 22kW) can be difficult, even with a very large 15kW solar system, especially during cloudy weather. Solution: A three-phase EV charger set at a lower charge rate (such as 12kW), or preferably a three-phase Smart EV charger, is the best option as it can dynamically adjust the charge rate to match the solar output.
Combined solar inverter and EV charger
A recent technology is a combined solar inverter and EV charger that can charge directly from rooftop solar. Integrating a charger with a solar inverter is a clever solution that eliminates the need for a separate EV charger along with additional wiring and potential electrical upgrades. The only downside is the inverter must be installed in a garage or close to the vehicle.
SolarEdge is the first solar inverter manufacturer to produce a combined solar inverter and EV charger that can either charge from solar only or from solar and the grid simultaneously at a rate up to 7.4kW. This is ideal for those looking to add solar and an EV charger at the same time and have a preference for Smart home controls. Note, the SolarEdge energy meter is required to enable the Smart charging features.
How long does it take to charge an EV using solar?
This is an open-ended question as it depends on the EV battery capacity and the solar system size. Generally, it will take a long sunny day to charge an average EV from 20 to 80% using a standard 6.5kW rooftop solar system. Naturally, the more solar, the better when it comes to EV charging from home, especially in colder, less sunny locations. Unless you drive more than 80km per day, EV charging from rooftop solar will be relatively straightforward using a regular rooftop solar system provided you are home during the day. Try our solar and EV charging calculator to simulate EV charging using solar.
Average daily EV CHARGING TIMES using a rooftop solar system (Sydney, Australia).
- 6.5kW solar system = 7 hours to charge from 20 to 80% ( Hyundai Kona 64kWh)
- 10kW solar system = 5 hours to charge from 20 to 80% ( Hyundai Kona 64kWh)
The actual charge time can vary significantly depending on how low the EV battery is, the type of EV charger and weather conditions. A larger 10kW rooftop solar array with a more powerful 7kW Type 2 charger could charge an EV up to 80% in 6 to 8 hours on a sunny day, while a more powerful 3-phase charger and 15kW solar array could take as little as 5 hours. Many of these charging times assume the household load is low, and weather conditions are mostly sunny; however, things are not always ideal in practice. This is where a Smart EV charger can help if you want to avoid paying for grid power to charge your EV at home.
Average daily EV CHARGING RATES using a rooftop solar system (Sydney, Australia).
- 6.5kW solar system = 4.5kWh per hour = 22km of range per hour
- 10kW solar system = 7.5kWh per hour = 36km of range per hour
Note: Average solar levels in Sydney are similar to those in Spain or Southern California.
EV charging Efficiency
The charging efficiency of a typical EV, using a household EV charger, depends on a range of factors, including the charge rate, ambient temperature, battery temperature, charging cable length, and conversion efficiency of the vehicle’s power conversion system (AC to DC converter). Temperature can have a big effect on charging efficiency due to a number of reasons. High ambient temperature can mean a vehicle may need to run the battery cooling system while charging, while very low temperatures require the battery heating system to be running while charging. Additionally, any charger will operate less efficiently in very high temperatures due to increased electrical resistance.
Recent testing conducted by Clean Energy Reviews using a BYD Atto 3 electric vehicle compared the charging efficiency of a small portable 10A charger to a 7kW dedicated EV charger at various charging rates. The results, shown in the chart below, indicate that a portable 10A charger’s charging efficiency is lower than that of a dedicated EV charger due to the lower charging rate and losses in the charging cable and extension leads used with portable chargers.
Cable losses
Cable losses are a result of resistance and associated voltage drop as the electrical current travels through a cable. The amount of voltage drop depends on three main factors, the charging current, the cable length and the cable size; longer cables and higher currents result in greater losses. The cable resistance also increases with higher temperatures resulting in voltage drop and lower power (Note: Power (W) = Voltage x Current). As the test results above indicate, longer cables, especially extension leads used with portable chargers, result in higher losses. The losses can also be amplified in high temperatures, especially if the charging cable and extension leads are lying in the sun (on concrete).
Solution: Use a shorter cable or extension lead if possible. Or use a larger size cable. Most 10A extension leads use a 1.0mm2 copper core size, while 15A leads generally use a larger 1.5mm2 copper core. A 15A outlet and cable will help improve charging efficiency if you require a long extension lead.
Low charge rates = Lower efficiency
Most power conversion equipment (inverters or chargers) will operate more efficiently when working close to the rated power output, and EVs are no different. An electric vehicle’s built-in charger needs to convert AC power from the grid to high-voltage DC power to charge the battery system. This process requires power conversion (via transistors) and powering auxiliary controls like battery cell balancing and temperature regulation. If the charger is rated at 7kW and the charge rate is set to only 2kW, then the losses will be greater. Charging at closer to 50% of the charge rating or higher will help improve charging efficiency.
Smart EV Chargers
Smart EV chargers offer various Smart charging modes to optimise when and how your EV is charged. Charging options include scheduled charging to charge during off-peak times automatically or when electricity are low, boost charging and solar-only charging. If you have rooftop solar installed, you can use a Smart EV charger to maximise your self-use of solar. These Smart app-controlled chargers can monitor your solar generation and divert it to your EV charger instead of exporting excess solar to the electricity grid. This way, you don’t end up drawing power from the grid to charge your EV, even during poor or intermittent weather.
How do Smart EV chargers work
A standard home EV charger will draw at a fixed rate, typically 3.5kW to 7.4kW, depending on the type of charger and settings used. However, when charging from rooftop solar, the energy generated may be far less, especially during cloudy or poor weather. Smart EV chargers overcome this problem by using an energy metering device called a CT clamp mounted near the main electrical supply connection to monitor the energy flow to and from the grid. Once it detects excess energy flowing out to the grid from your solar, it will charge the EV at that specific amount. However, this can constantly vary due to changes in power consumption and solar generation, so the Smart EV charger continuously adjusts the charge rate to match the excess solar generation. See our Smart EV chargers article for more information.
Off-grid solar EV charging
Charging an EV using an off-grid solar system can be challenging since the battery capacity of an EV can be far greater than the battery capacity of a residential off-grid system. For instance, an average EV has a 60kWh battery, while an off-grid household may only have a 35kWh battery. In this situation, the high power consumption rate using a Level 2 EV charger (up to 7kW) could completely drain an off-grid battery in 5 hours if it is not monitored or controlled correctly, resulting in system shutdown or excess backup generator runtime. To compound this problem, most Smart EV chargers cannot be used to charge using solar only in an off-grid system, as there is no grid export for the charger to reference, even in an AC-coupled off-grid system. However, Smart EV chargers can still be used as regular EV chargers in an off-grid system as long as you monitor the consumption or use timers to prevent draining the off-grid battery.
Currently, only one dedicated off-grid EV charger is available from Victron Energy. Victron specialises in off-grid power equipment, so it’s not surprising they developed a Smart EV charger with off-grid functionality that can be programmed not to discharge the household battery below a pre-set level (min SOC). However, for it to operate, the charger must be connected to a Victron off-grid system containing a Victron GX device (Smart control hub).
For those more technically inclined, there are alternative methods to ensure the off-grid battery system is not discharged too low using a regular EV charger together with a contactor (relay) controlled by either an off-grid inverter, Smart shunt or MPPT.
Charge HQ. Smart charging using OPCC
A recent technology currently in the trial phase in Australia is a Smart app-based control system that integrates with an existing solar system to charge an EV. A startup company called Charge HQ has developed the software, which is compatible with a number of popular solar inverters and energy storage systems, including Fronius, SolarEdge, Tesla, and Sungrow, plus energy monitoring platforms like Solar Analytics.
To function, Charge HQ needs to be able to control the EV charging over the Internet. It can either talk directly to your electric vehicle or to the Smart charger installed in your home. However, the EV charger must be an Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) compatible charger with support for external power control. If it does not support power control, the system can still start charging when there is enough solar and stop when the available solar is below the set charge rate. EV chargers with OPCC compatibility can also be incorporated into Smart home control software.
Bidirectional chargers. V2G V2H
A new technology that will become more popular in the future is vehicle-to-grid or V2G, using what’s known as a bidirectional charger. This might sound complex, but it simply allows two-way energy flow from your electric vehicle. Ordinary EV chargers send energy in one direction during charging, whereas bidirectional chargers can also draw power from your vehicle, if required, to power your home or help balance the electricity grid in times of high demand.
Another emerging technology is vehicle-to-home or V2H. This is similar to the V2G, but the energy is used locally to power a home and enables the EV to function much like a large household storage battery to help increase self-sufficiency using solar.
For V2G to work, the EV must be able to accept two-way charging and there are only a few V2G compatible EVs on the market including the latest Nissan Leaf. This technology will become a game-changer in the near future and can offer a wide range of services including powering your home and storing excess solar energy. Learn more in our detailed bidirectional chargers explained article.
Vehicle-to-Load. V2L
EVs with vehicle-to-load or V2L technology are much simpler and do not require a bidirectional charger to operate. V2L gives the ability to plug-in electric appliances directly into standard (10A) AC outlets built into the vehicle. EVs with V2L technology can supply AC power and are used as a backup power supply in the event of a blackout or an emergency. Considering the average EV has a 60kWh battery, a fully charged EV could, in theory, supply a regular household for several days non-stop. Another useful feature of V2L is it can be used to top-up other electric vehicles if they happen to be stranded due to a flat battery.
EV charging using a battery
If you are away most of the day, charging an EV using rooftop solar can be challenging. However, this is where battery storage can help. Most average home battery systems are 10kWh in size, which can provide up to 80km of driving range, provided you can use the total battery capacity for charging. In reality, only half of the battery may be available due to household consumption requirements, so this may only provide 30 to 40km of driving range. However, considering the majority of the population (who live in cities) drive short distances on average, this may be suitable. For those who drive longer distances, a larger battery or off-peak charging will be required to recharge the vehicle. Smart EV charging systems such as the SolarEdge inverter EV charger can help manage and optimise your EV charging using solar and battery storage.
Single-Phase Vs 3-Phase grid supply
Two main grid connection types are available for homes, single-phase and 3-phase. Single-phase electricity connections are generally limited to a maximum of 20kW or 80A, while a 3-phase residential connection can supply up to 45kW (3 x 63A).
Most homes in Australia, Asia, the UK and North America have a single-phase, 220 to 240V supply. The maximum energy that can be supplied from the electricity grid is typically 12kW to 20kW (50A to 80A). However, you cannot utilise the full grid capacity to charge an EV, or you will not be able to use any other appliances at the same time. If you did, every time you use a toaster or microwave, the grid supply switch would trip off due to overload. For this reason, most single-phase EV chargers are limited to 32A or around 7kW. This is not bad unless you really need to fast-charge at home. However, higher charging rates can be enabled using an EV charger with a load-balancing function that monitors household consumption and adjusts the charging rate accordingly. Learn more about load-balancing in our Smart EV chargers article.
Most commercial businesses have a 3-phase supply, so installing one or more high-power 22kW EV chargers is possible, depending on the capacity of the building’s electrical connection. However, multiple level-2 EV chargers could also overload a commercial grid supply, so Smart load-balancing EV chargers are also recommended.
High Sierra® IPX 5 Solar Fast Wireless Power Bank
Price includes: Your one-color logo or text decorated in one location. For more colors, decorating options or customizations, click on Request a Quote.
The High Sierra® IPX5 Solar Fast Wireless Power Bank has a 10,000 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery (37Wh) that works as a wireless charging pad or normal power bank. It has a solar panel, a built-in flashlight and a carabiner clip for easy carrying. IPX5 Waterproof. USB Output: 5V/2.4A; Type-C Output: 5V/2.4A. Supports three wireless charging modes: 7.5W for All iPhone 8/X/11/12/13 Series; 10W for Samsung Galaxy S9/S9 plus/S8/S8 Plus/Note 9/8 and more, and 5W standard charging for all en. 5.12″ D x 2.91″ W x 0.98″ H
Minimum order is 15 units, you may order any quantity above 15.Price/quantity breaks are shown, the more you order, the lower the unit price.
Description
The High Sierra® IPX5 Solar Fast Wireless Power Bank has a 10,000 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery (37Wh) that works as a wireless charging pad or normal power bank. It has a solar panel, a built-in flashlight and a carabiner clip for easy carrying. IPX5 Waterproof. USB Output: 5V/2.4A; Type-C Output: 5V/2.4A. Supports three wireless charging modes: 7.5W for All iPhone 8/X/11/12/13 Series; 10W for Samsung Galaxy S9/S9 plus/S8/S8 Plus/Note 9/8 and more, and 5W standard charging for all en. 5.12″ D x 2.91″ W x 0.98″ H
SKU: VLZIC-NHIAY
Setup charge: 65.00
Packaging: Bulk
Additional information
5 to 8 working days or 1 to 3 working days for rush service
Where Do I Send My Art?
You will receive a confirmation email after check out. Simply reply to that email attaching your art with any special instructions. A free mockup/proof will be provided for you to approve before we begin production.
- Complete order must be placed online with payment, or received no later than 7:00 PM EST email to rushorders@brandeditems.com
- Complete and accurate electronic or camera-ready artwork must be received no later than 9:00 PM EST to the Rush Service email address: rushorders@brandeditems.com
- Orders received on weekends, holidays and Fridays after 4:00 PM EST will be processed the following business day.
- Artwork email must state distributor name, contact name, contact phone number, valid purchase order number and the file type of the vector artwork used (i.e. eps, ai, pdf).
- Only one standard location applies.
- Maximum of 1000 units or the highest quantity shown.
- Maximum of 3 products/SKUs per order.
- Maximum of 1 order per customer, per item, per day.
- Minimum quantity is the lowest column shown for an item.
- Shipping via our FedEx or UPS only.
- Proof approvals are not available.
- International service is not available.
- Subject to production capacity at the time the order is entered with the factory. Every effort will be made to fulfill all orders, but there may be cases where production cannot meet demand, we will notify you as soon as possible in the event that this situation arises.
Ready Hour Wireless Solar PowerBank Charger 20 LED Room Light
This wireless solar charger is rugged and dependable, perfect for emergencies, natural disasters and power outages. It’s waterproof too. Take it camping or on a hunting trip. Keep in your RV or cabin.
Any time you’re outdoors and need to charge your devices or gear, you’ll want a powerful device like this.
A TRUE POWERHOUSE
High-Powered Charging : Stay connected with sustainable power to carry you through the unexpected! No sub-standard power here. With 20,000 mAh power capacity (triple lesser competitor units. be sure to compare).
Power the devices you depend on, anytime and anywhere—three devices at once with 2 USB ports 1 USB-C port or a single device like a cell phone four times before recharging.
Whole-Room Light : Or count on the bright, long-lasting LED bank of lights. Once you see this unit, you’ll want every member of your family to have one.
Fast Charging : Two of the three USB ports on this device are fast chargers, so you won’t have to sit around and wait for hours. Or, set your device or cell phone on the wireless charging surface!
BUILT TO LAST LONGER
Water Drop-Proof Casing : Carefully crafted with a premium silicon protective case. a durable build with side grips that makes it easy to hold or use the lanyard clip. waterproof and shockproof.
High-Energy Density Lithium Ion Battery : Put through rigorous testing to ensure durability
SPECS
Charge on the Go. 3 USB Cable Outputs. Output 1: 5V/3A; Output 2: 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A; TYPE-C Output 3: 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A.
Fast Charging. Solar Panel, Micro-USB USB Type-C input to charge, charge and discharge more than 800 times; include a 4-stage power-level indicator; can recharge in approximately 60-90 minutes by wall outlet, depending on power adapter block.
LED Bank of Lights. Hold on/off button to turn on a bright panel of LED lights with a flashing red light S.O.S signal mode, puts out 520 lumens
Dimensions. 4 x 1.2 x 7.38 and weighs 1.55 pounds
What’s in the Box. Wireless Solar PowerBank Charging Unit, micro-USB cord, manual
Storage: Optimal storage conditions range from 30-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not expose to temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Battery Care: As with all battery-run devices, proper upkeep is critical for the prolonged function of this unit. If the unit is left to sit for long periods, the battery can drain and even become inoperable. Make sure to charge the battery every few months to extend its life and performance.
The solar panel with this unit is primarily intended to power your LED flashlight. A couple hours of intense sunlight equals a couple hours of LED flashlight power.
Although the power bank will charge via solar panel, that is not the primary intent on having the solar panel. The conversion rate for this size of solar panel under optimal, full sun conditions is 550 mAh per hour. It would take on average about 40 hours to fully recharge the 20,000 mAh battery once the sun’s rays are intense enough to reach the maximum conversion rate. On a full battery, the LED flashlight can last up to 72 hour. It is recommended to have this unit standing by, fully charged by by an electrical outlet, ready for use during emergencies.
Top Ultralight Solar Chargers Reviewed (From 3.6oz)
Need an ultralight solar charger for backpacking or a thru-hiking trip? Here’s a thorough review of the best options based on overall weight, power-to-weight ratio, and features.
Most of the backpacking solar panels here are under 1lb. Honestly, it’s hard to find a charger lighter than 1lb but which will still reliably charge your devices (if it doesn’t work, it’s just dead weight!). I’ve also included some solar chargers which are heavier but more powerful. These could still be considered ultralight if you are backpacking in group and will share the weight between members.
Quick Picks:
Comparison
You want more watts per ounce with backpacking solar chargers.
Best Ultralight Solar Chargers for Backpacking
Anker PowerPort Solar Lite
Best For: Fantastic power-to-weight ratio plus great features
In pretty much every list of the top portable solar chargers, the Anker PowerPort takes the #1 spot. There is good reason for this. The solar charger is very reliable, durable, and is lightweight for its wattage. It’s easy to use on the trail because there are elastic loops for attaching the solar charger to your pack and a for holding your devices.
There are two versions of the charger which are good for backpacking: 15W and 21W. Of the two, the 21W is definitely superior. It only weighs a tiny bit more but will actually charge two devices at the same time. At 2.4A per port, it’s fairly fast – though note you’ll only get a max of 3A when charging two devices at once. Unfortunately, it is often unavailable.
If you have perfect sunlight and angle it well, then you maybe could charge two devices at once with the 15W. But it’s a lot faster with the 21W charger.
Unfortunately, the 21W solar charger is often out of stock — which is why the Anker 15W gets the #1 position.
The charging ports are locating inside a canvas pouch, which means the solar charger is (mostly) water resistant.
One slight annoying thing is that the Anker PowerPort charger closes with Velcro (which gets debris stuck in it). I’d rather have a magnetic closure instead.
Lixada 10W Solar Charger
Best For: Insanely cheap and lightweight solution for backpackers who understand solar
I first heard about Lixada in discussions about solar panels on Reddit and backpacking forums. Lixada doesn’t have the name recognition as brands like Anker or Goal Zero, but they are starting to develop a huge fan base with ultralight backpackers. Part of the reason is because the Lixada solar panels are stupidly cheap and amazingly lightweight.
Starting with weight: At 3.56oz, the 10W Lixada solar charger gives you the most power per weight of any of the backpacking solar chargers reviewed here.
Not surprisingly, the Lixada is lacking in a lot of features. Most noteably, it doesn’t have an auto-reset feature – which means it will stop charging if a Cloud passes over it. You’ll have to unplug the device and replug to get it to start charging again.
It also doesn’t have a blocking diode, so it could actually draw power from your device in low-light situations. I wouldn’t ‘use the Lixada to directly charge devices. It’s more reliable for charging a power bank and then using that to power your devices.
As one user pointed out though, the Lixada is great if you are willing to put the effort into understanding solar. Get yourself a multi-meter and test the solar panel under different scenarios (weather, light, cables, device…). Once you understand this info, you will be able to get away with using such a cheap and lightweight solar panel for backpacking trips.
Goal Zero Nomad Solar Chargers
Best For: Backpackers who don’t mind a higher weight-per-ounce in exchange for more reliability.
- Watts: 5w/10W/20W
- Weight: 12.7oz/17.6oz/33.6oz
- Size: 9.5 x 7. X 1.1 inches (5w)
- Auto Reset: Yes
- Ports: 1x1A/1×1.5A/1×2.1A 8mm 1.3A solar port
- Cost: – See price here at Amazon and here at REI.
The Goal Zero Nomad used to be considered the best backpacking solar chargers. Now there are many other better options when it comes to weight. When you look at the amount of watts per ounce, the Goal Zero chargers are actually really heavy. The 5W and 10W chargers are also very slow.
There is some good though. Goal Zero Nomad chargers are very reliable. The tech does a good job of matching charge output to device. You won’t have to worry about the auto-reset not workingn or the charger draining your device if you let it sit too long. It’s also waterproof to IPX6.
If you are set on getting a Goal Zero Nomad charger, than I’d get the 10W or 20W. They aren’t lightweight enough for most backpackers but deliver more power and are chainable.
Get it Amazon or REI
ECEEN 13w Solar Charger
Best For: Hikers who want a very cheap solar charger that works well enough in good weather
The ECEEN is one of the cheapest solar chargers you can get which is still lightweight enough for backpacking.
Considering how cheap this backpacking solar charger is, it surprisingly has a (mostly) reliable auto-reset feature. It’s also waterproof, durable, and easily straps to your pack.
Now for the bad. The ECEEN does charge in full sun but won’t charge at all – not even a trickle – in low light. It’s also unrealistic to expect to charge two devices at once. The 2amps is only for ideal conditions and even then it won’t charge at a full 1amp per connection. Don’t bother with this solar panel for backpacking trips in fall, spring, or which will take you through shady forests.
Voltaic Arc 10W Solar Charger
Best For: Another budget solar charge for charging in sunny weather
The Voltaic Arc 10W solar charger seems fantastic at first glance. 10W is perfect if you only need to occasionally charge small devices when backpacking. The watts-per-ounce is good and it’s a nice compact size.
In clear skies and bright sun, the charging is actually very good. But, as soon as the weather gets a bit cloudy, the performance on the Arc 10W charger gets VERY slow.
I also don’t like that the charging port is completely exposed. You’ll need to be careful that it doesn’t get wet or dirty. There’s also no for holding your device while charging.
BigBlue 28W Solar Charger
Best For: Backpackers with high energy demands or traveling in a group
At 28W, the Big Blue solar charger is probably too large for most backpackers. But, if you have high power needs or there are multiple people in your group to share the weight, this is one of the best solar chargers you can get.
It has a lot of nice tech features like overcharge protection and the auto-reset features works. The solar panels are actually efficient. And, while you will never get 100% of the advertised charging amount, it performs better than most other solar chargers.
Do note that there doesn’t seem to be a blocking diode on the charger. If you leave a device attached to the charger in low-light conditions, it will drain your battery instead of charging it. You’ll need to unplug it in overcast weather, especially if multiple devices are attached.
Note: This charger is not compatible with the iPod Pro.
NekTeck 28W Solar Charger
Best For: If you don’t mind taking a risk with a generic brand
If this solar charger seems too good to be true, you are right. It doesn’t perform as well as some of its more well-known competitors and a lot of people were sent faulty chargers. Don’t expect to get a full 28W worth of charging power. The auto-reset feature can be finnicky and you might need to unplug/replug to get it to charge in cloudy conditions. The pouch is tiny and can barely fit many devices. And a lot of those 5-star reviews on Amazon seem to be fakes.
Still, there are a lot of people who like this solar charger. It’s rugged enough to withstand abuse and the price is pretty cheap. So, if you don’t mind taking a risk on a generic brand, go for it — but please test it to make sure it’s working before you take it backpacking! The brand is pretty good about issuing refunds if yours is faulty.
SunJack 15W Solar Charger
Best For: Overall great solution for charging two devices at once
While they don’t get as much attention as Anker or Goal Zero, SunJack is a very reputable brand of solar chargers. The weight is pretty good, especially considering how durable the solar charger is. It is (mostly) waterproof.
There’s a mesh for protecting your devices and the charging port. The elastic Band for holding your device in place is a nice touch. I also like that they use a magnetic closure instead of annoying Velcro.
The technology behind the solar charger also seems to deliver as promised. It will actually charge two devices at 2A each in good sunlight. There is Smart overcharge protection too. I would have listed this higher in my picks but it is often out of stock.
Tips for Choosing Lightweight and Ultralight Solar Chargers for Backpacking
Do You Even Need a Solar Charger?
Backpacking solar chargers are cool devices but, for most short trips, you really don’t need one – especially if you aren’t using many devices. As David Roberts of Solargenerator.guide says, “If you aren’t going to be in a place where you can count on at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day, then don’t waste your money. Opt for a less-expensive power bank, instead.”
For example, on a 7-day backpacking trip, I might need to recharge my headlamp batteries, camera battery, and/or Kindle. A lightweight 10,000mAh powerbank is more than enough to do this. Further, a powerbank is a lot more reliable than a solar panel when it comes to charging.
2: Inadequate Wattage = Dead Weight
Want a backpacking solar charger which weighs under 12oz? You’ll be hard pressed to find a setup which offers more than 5 watts of power.
As a general rule, you will need at least 10 watts in order to reliably charge phones and other small devices while backpacking. Anything less than 10 watts means it will take forever to charge a device – even in ideal conditions!
Also note that some devices won’t charge at low power. Nokia phones, for example, require 120mAh to start charging. If the low-watt solar panel can’t produce this amount, then the phone won’t charge at all.
An ultralight solar panel might not meet your power needs. It’s better to carry a few more ounces for gear which actually works than lug around dead weight.
Look At Watts Per Ounce
Don’t make the mistake of just looking at the overall weight of a solar charger. Instead, you need to look at the watts per ounce. The more watts per ounce, the lighter the solar charger really is.
For example, the Anker PowerPort is 13.7oz but has 21 watts. The Goal Zero Nomad 5 is lighter at 12.7oz, but only is 5 watts. As talked about above, it’s usually better to carry a few extra ounces and have a charger capable of doing the job.
Don’t Forget the Weight of Extras
It’s worth noting that most manufacturers only list the weight for their solar panels. This weight does NOT include accessories like cables, 12volt-to-USB adapters, or charge controllers. These can add a few ounces to the setup.
Likewise, you’ll probably also want a powerbank to use with your solar charger – which means anywhere from 2.5oz to 10oz more weight. This will allow you to store power for later and many solar chargers simply perform better when used to charge power banks.
Reduce Your Power Needs
The best way to reduce your solar charger weight is to reduce your power needs.
The less you use your devices, the smaller of a solar panel you can get away with. Normally you shouldn’t get less than a 10 watt solar panel, and that’s in ideal conditions. To get away with a low watt solar panel, you’ll need to:
- Keep your phone turned off or in flight mode (if you are using it for photos)
- Download LUX to control screen background
- Use Greenify app to turn off background apps without having to uninstall
- Keep phone GPS off until you need it
- If you listen to music on your phone, use earbuds instead of the speakers
- Keep devices at “room temperature” Sleep with them on cold nights if you must.
- Be stingy about taking photos and videos.
- Set up camp on time so you don’t have to rely on headlamps at night.
Be Realistic About What Ultralight Solar Chargers Can Do
Don’t get me wrong: backpacking solar chargers are awesome and have come a long way. They’ve gotten smaller, more durable, and much more reliable.
But they still aren’t perfect.
You aren’t going to be able to strap a small charger to your backpacking, hike through a shady forest, and expect your devices to get fully charged.
Want to really cut weight from your pack? Check out my eBook!
Oftne, the most effective way to cut weight from your pack is to start with your food. My eBook has over 50 dehydrator backpacking recipes — most which have over 130 calories per ounce! Plus there’s tons of info on planning backpacking meals. I’ll even give it to you for half off.