7 Best Portable Solar Chargers in [current_year] (Review)
If you want to have amazing outdoor experiences while staying connected to your devices, you won’t need to be close to a wall charger anymore but just need to get yourself one of the best solar chargers in 2020. These offer reliability for long-term trips, they allow you to continuously charge a portable battery and they work perfectly as phone chargers. They’re also small in size and have lightweight designs for optimum performance outdoors. We will give you an insight into the top solar chargers in 2021 helping you decide which product is best for your needs.
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The Best Solar Phone Chargers
1. Anker 21 Solar Phone Charger
The Anker 21W dual USB has an energy conversion rate between 21.5-23.5%. Using 21W from SunPower solar cells, the product provides enough power to charge two USB devices simultaneously. This valuable phone charger works perfectly for iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy S7/S6/Edge and Plus, Nexus, HTC and more.
Also, the Anker 21W USB solar charger incorporates the fast charging technology that allows it to deliver up to 2.4 amps per USB port under direct sunlight.
Moreover, the simple design of the product makes it the ideal backpack solar charger. The compact size of 11.1 x 6.3 inches and the ultra-thin design of 1.1 inches when folded, offers portability and simplicity, making it suitable for the camper or the adventurous one. Lightweight is also an important property, representing only an additional 14.7oz of weight to your backpack.
The Anker 21W solar panels have an incredible durability thanks to its PET polymer faced panels that are sewn into a rugged polyester canvas that provides water-resistant protection as well.
2. Nekteck 21W Solar Charger
The Nekteck 21W solar charger is a smart solution developed to provide portable solar power rapidly to charge your phone.
The three high-efficiency panels are based on SunPower Maxeon technology, that allows them to reach 21-24% of conversion efficiency while providing enough power to charge two devices at the same time, using its dual USB 5V power output.
The USB solar charger is embedded with the smart IC chip technology (maximizing charging speed to 2A per port) and also has a durable canvas to withstand possible damages that could be incurred during experiences in the outdoors. Moreover, each section produces up to 800-1000mA under direct sunlight conditions, making it suitable to charge an iPhone, tablets and smartphones, GPS, cameras, and other USB supported devices.
The universal waterproof solar phone charger also contains two outdoor hooks that can be used to hang the foldable modules on a tree, a tent, or inside the RV. Portability is also important for these types of products, and this is why having an ultra-light weight (18 oz) and compact size of 6.3x11x1 inches when folded is a remarkable feature of this product. Based on these features, you can also consider it as the ideal GoPro solar power charger, since these cameras only demand 2.5W and need portability as well. Moreover, if you are looking for solar chargers for hiking, then Nekteck is also for you.
3. Goal Zero Nomad 7 Portable Solar Charger
The Goal Zero Nomad 7 portable solar phone charger is another amazing option for those who are looking for portable solar power for camping coming from the highest quality brand in the sector.
These lightweight and easy-to-carry solar panels are designed specially to charge most handheld USB devices such as phones, GPS, headlamps, and small power banks. They also work great to charge power banks such as the Flip 10 (2.5-5 hours to charge), the Guide 10 plus (3-6 hours to charge), and the Venture 30 (8-16 hours to charge). Besides, it also comes with a 12V-output for car chargers.
The Nomad 7 solar panel is equipped with a water-resistant cover that is foldable and that also serves as a protection for the PV cells. This cover allows you to take the portable product to camping experiences, hiking or even to the beach if necessary.
Moreover, these solar power chargers feature an integrated indicator light that will turn on whenever the solar panels are facing sunlight and are generating electricity. Regarding some important specs of the monocrystalline solar panel, the rated power output is 7 watts and it weighs as little as 16.2oz (460g).
4. BigBlue 5V 28W Solar Charger
The BigBlue is another remarkable solar energy-based product that uses SunPower solar panels with a 21.5%-23.5% conversion efficiency to provide off-grid power for many outdoor activities such as camping, climbing or even fishing.
Integrated with Smart IC technology, these portable solar power chargers assure the fastest charging speed up to 4 Amps. Moreover, the product is equipped with a special PET Polymer surface with an industry-strength that protects your device from any damage. It additionally guarantees IPX4 waterproof level protection.
Considering the 28W of power output available, the weight of the device exceeds the expectations at 21 oz, and the folded dimensions are 11 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches. The dual-port power applies to all the Android devices, making it the ideal solar cellphone charger.
Additionally, this product has an interesting feature. Unlike other products, the product includes an ammeter to verify the actual electric current production of the units. Typically when you charge an iPhone it will demand 1A, and with the ammeter, you will be able to check the values between 1A-0.8A. This will also become handy to check if the device is working or not.
5. UPGRADE Solarfairy
UPGRADE Solarfairy is an American brand with almost 7 years of experience, delivering portable power banks and chargers for mobile devices to America and Europe, reaching almost 400 thousand members in 2018.
These solar phone chargers have a high energy conversion rate. Designed with high-efficiency cells that can convert up to 21.5-23.5% of solar energy into electricity, this represents 23.7% more power conversion than traditional cells.
Moreover, this device incorporates the Smart IC frequency technology which detects all the connected devices and efficiently distributes the current output up to 4.8A when used under direct sunlight.
The compact size of the USB solar charger is crucial. When folded, the dimensions are barely 28 x 12cm, a size that can easily squeeze in your backpack when you go hiking. Another important detail is weight. RavPower offers chargers that have the perfect size for a portable power source.
This outstanding but cheap portable solar charger has three integrated USBs ports of 5V DC and at least 2.4A to charge three USB devices such as iPhones, iPads, Galaxy Note, LG, and many other cell phones using the iSmart charging technology. This feature allows the product to detect the small device and adjust the maximum current allowed to increase the charging speed.
6. Foxelli Dual USB Solar Charger
Foxelli offers one of the greatest solar powered portable chargers for the camper and the adventurer.
Using a polycrystalline solar panel, the Foxelli solar charger is able to charge up to two devices at the same time. Integrated with smart charging technology, the product powers devices delivering up to 1.85 A in total.
As with other portable solar chargers, Foxelli offers this dual USB charging ports option to the market to charge multiple devices such as an iPhone X, an iPad, Samsun Galaxy Note, Edge, mini, S8, S7, an LG smartphone, a GoPro camera, a Kindle, and other electronic devices.
Given its power output, the device has a small size and weighs only 1.1 lbs. It’s ideal to use for backpacking, hiking, camping, or other activities since it has 11 built-in loops to attach the modules to the backpack.
Another advantage is that this valuable solar phone charger is waterproof, which also makes it suitable to do other extreme activities such as kayaking or canoeing. And in case you are worried about its durability, you will realize that the PET polymer cover will make the device resistant to water and even dust.
7. Sound Revo Solar Charger
The 40W Sound Revo solar charger is a remarkable power supply with a high-output rating making it ideal for those who are looking for portable solar power for RV’s.
To maximize its power output, the X-Dragon is built with panels from the top efficiency brand in the market, SunPower. Designed with monocrystalline solar panels that have a conversion efficiency that varies between 22-25% under direct sunlight exposition.
Efficiencies are usually between 15-18%, which means that you could obtain up to 50% more solar power with these cells than with others available in the market.
As with previous models, the product includes a dual USB port that has a 5V/2A output, but to be considered a good solar charger for camping, it also has an 18V DC voltage output that makes it perfect to charge electronics like laptops, tablets and other 18V devices or even 12V car batteries.
The X-Dragon has also a built-in smart IC chip to optimize the distribution of electric current up to 2.8A under direct sunlight. My favorite feature about this product is that unlike other models available, the X-Dragon includes surge and short circuit protection for the multiple devices that may be charging. Based on these features, you can consider this product as a great solar charger for laptops.
How to Choose Your Device – 5 Things to Look For
Weight
One of the most important variables to consider at the moment of choosing a portable solar cellphone charger is the weight of the device.
Depending on the outdoor activity that you want to do, the weight will become less or more important. For instance, if you are looking for a solar phone charger for camping purposes, a lightweight device will not be as crucial.
You will be able to place the device hanging on the tent or in the ground, and if you want to save it, you can simply put it back inside the tent or the RV.
But if you are going hiking or trekking, every additional gram counts. Solar chargers for backpacking must be lightweight, and it must also be the first variable to take into account. Otherwise, you will start thinking that these solar phone chargers do more harm than good.
Portability – Size
Another important factor is the portability of the solar phone charger. Here, two aspects enter into the scenario.
First is the way that you can carry the solar panels. Some products have included steel loops that can be used to attach the device to a backpack or to hang it on a tent, but many do not include this feature.
When you go to the outdoors there are high probabilities that you will have to carry water, bags, lanterns and other things, and is most probable that your backpack will eventually get full with other stuff.
Therefore, adding solar phone chargers inside the backpack is not always possible. The best solar phone charger for hiking should have included a steel loop or steel eye-holes for easy carry on the exterior side of the backpack. In other words, the ability to hang the solar panels is very important. However, if you are going camping, this variable could be considered as an additional since the solar panels won’t be constantly moving and won’t represent a valuable space inside the backpack.
The second is the size of the USB solar charger. Unfolded dimensions are important to have an idea of the surface area needed to start charging multiple devices. That being said, folded dimensions are also crucial since they will give you a reference of how much space you will need in your backpack or in your tent.
Power Output and Efficiency
The next thing that you need to look at are the specs. The efficiency of portable solar panels is essential. This is a parameter where you cannot save expenses because doing so will imply a disappointment in performance every time.
Decent efficiency values should be between 19%-25%. In this case, purchasing brands that use solar panels manufactured from the most efficient brand in the market (SunPower) is probably a good idea since you will receive additional power.
The power output is also very important since it will give you an idea of whether or not your solar panel is able to handle a single USB device or if it will be able to charge multiple devices.
Accessories and Features
Another important detail is the accessories that the solar phone chargers include. Does it have a single USB port? Or dual USB ports? Are there any adapters included? Does it have a built-in LED light or any other features built-in?
Considering any valuable additional feature or accessory included without representing an important additional cost is a variable to take into account in the selection process.
Cigarette lighters, overcharge or short-circuit protection, or a solar power bank are typical accessories or features that are always well-received by the customer.
Protection
Finally, given the nature of the activities and the environment where the phone chargers will be performing, there is absolutely no doubt that having a weather-resistant solar energy based charger is a crucial factor to take into account.
Many products have a PET polymer-based protection that guarantees that the solar chargers will be guarded against any possible damp or drop in hard landscapes. Take a look at this feature. Also, if you are going to practice kayaking, fishing, or sailing, make sure that the product you buy is waterproof.
What is the Most Powerful mAh Device?
The most powerful mAh solar charger is the one that contains the highest solar power bank capacity.
The best solar battery charger from a capacity perspective is the CXLiy Portable Charger Power and Solar Charger with 25,000 mAh of energy capacity. These solar chargers have a relatively small surface area and have two USB ports that can be used to charge multiple devices when fully charged. It also features built-in LED lights for illumination and SOS lights as well.
Besides, its light weight and portability make it the perfect solar phone charger. The warranty provided up to 24 months is also another interesting feature to take into account.
It is important to mention that there is a difference between the most powerful mAh solar charger and the most powerful watt portable solar phone charger. The first one acts as the best portable solar battery, able to store a lot of energy to charge multiple devices, several times, but the instant power output to charge the power bank will probably be low.
The second one is referred to as the portable solar charger with the highest instantaneous power output. Based on this, we can select the X-Dragon solar charger as one of the best available choices in the market that will allow you to charge a phone, a solar power bank, a tablet, an iPad, a laptop and so powerful as to be considered as a 12 volt solar battery charger.
What is the Lightest Device?
Based on our top 7 products on the market, we can conclude that the brand that offers the best balance between power output and weight is the Anker 21W Dual USB small portable phone charger.
As we discussed in the product section, this charger has included solar panels from SunPower at a maximum efficiency of 23.5%, which maximizes the power output that the cells can produce, and reduces the size of the product as well.
However, there is another solar phone charger that offers the lightest and most reliable solution for the entire market: The Solar Paper by Yolk Station: considered as the world’s thinnest and lightest solar phone charger.
At only 4.8 oz., the also have a 0.4-inch thickness with a 5W power output and 1A output. The phone chargers do not have an integrated battery and features 23.7% efficiency values with an LCD amp meter that shows the charging speed.
The solar paper is only suitable to work as phone chargers, but you can add more capacity by using expandable magnets that will give you enough power to charge a tablet (including 2 or 3 solar papers).
