Emergency solar phone charger. What to Look for in a Portable Solar Charger

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.

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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

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!

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.

Ready Hour Wireless Solar PowerBank Charger LED Light

Stay connected with sustainable power to carry you through the unexpected! No sub-standard power here. it has 20,000 mAh power capacity (more than double that of lesser competitor low-grade and older units. be sure to compare). And, you can charge up to 3 devices at once! With two USB ports one USB-C port, you can recharge in no time.

This wireless solar charger is rugged and dependable, perfect for emergencies, natural disasters and power outages. It’s waterproof too. And rugged. 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, high capacity device like this. You’ll be thrilled at how it fits in your hand and how fast it charges your devices. Make sure your cell phone has a constant supply of power for emergencies!

Power the devices you depend on, anytime and anywhere. Or count on the bright, long-lasting 20 LED bank of lights. Once you see this unit, you’ll want every member of your family to have one.

The best part of charging is that 2 of the 3 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! A quick boost can take you a way. Clip it to a lanyard or add a Ready Hour Solar PowerBank Charger to your go bag.

Ready Hour Wireless Solar PowerBank LED Light Specs:

Powerful, High-Capacity Battery. 20,000 mAh lithium-ion battery. charge standard cell phones up to four times. the Lit Lithium-ion battery has gone through rigorous testing to ensure durability

Built to Last. Carefully crafted with a premium silicon protective case. a durable build with side grips that makes it easy to hold. waterproof and shockproof

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. Micro-USB USB Type-C input to charge Solar Panel, c harge and discharge more than 800 times; includes a 4-stage power-level indicator; recharges devices fast

LED Bank of Lights. Hold on/off button to turn on a bright panel of 20 LED lights with a flashing red light S.O.S signal mode, 520 lumens of light

Dimensions. 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: Store in a well-ventilated area between the temperatures of around 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 hours. It is recommended to have this unit standing by, fully charged by by an electrical outlet, ready for use during emergencies.

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.

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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