Best Solar Battery Chargers Reviews & Ratings
Venturing outdoors is a great way of rejuvenating yourself in a world that’s increasingly becoming more hectic. You just want to plug off and enjoy the great outdoors. While it takes you off the grid, you’ll still need to bring with you a few electronic devices such as a GPS-enable smartphone to help with navigation or a camera for freezing the stunning sunset or sunrise to share later with friends and family. Powering these devices can be a real challenge seeing as there are no power outlets in the great doors.
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Here is where a portable solar charger enters the scene. They help you harness the power of the sun to recharge your devices for a couple of hours a day. Unlike portable generators, they are lightweight and compact and therefore highly portable and rely on the free, unlimited solar energy, which means they cost nothing to run. Considering the difficulty with which it is to choose a suitable portable solar charger from the market, considering their ubiquity, we put together a comprehensive but brief guide to impart on you the requisite knowledge to help you make an informed decision.
10 Best Solar Battery Chargers
1. Anker PowerPort Solar 2 Ports
The most outstanding features is its remarkable performance for a device that’s both lightweight and compact. It comes with the innovative PowerIQ technology that works by detecting the speed at which your electronic devices charges the fastest. Consequently, it’s capable of delivering a maximum of 2.4 amp for each of its two ports or 3 amps with direct exposure to the sun. And since it comes with dual ports, it can charge two devices simultaneously, the catch being only when the sun is shining – it doesn’t store power for later use.
The portability and ease of installing it are yet other features that make it an ideal choice. The device is lightweight and compact and fits with ease in a daypack. It's also easy to attach to a backpack or a camping tent as it comes with durable stainless-steel eye-holes on all four corners. Installing should be snap, even to greenhorns.
In addition to packing novel and innovative features, the Anker charger also features high-quality construction and is rugged to withstand the rigors of the outdoor environment. It charges efficiently and is remarkably portable. A must have for the outdoor, technology-loving enthusiast.
Durable and weatherproof construction
Comes with a long USB cable for charging
Exceptional value for the money
Charges numerous USB devices
Not ideal for cloudy environments
Difficult reaching optimal performance
2. Solar Panel X-DRAGON
It has a litany of features aimed at delivering the best performance no matter where the user is. One such feature is the patented SolarIQ technology that comes with a factory-installed smart IC chip enabling it to automatically adjust the current and voltage to deliver optimal power. Under ideal conditions, the device delivers a current of up to 2-amps for each of its two ports or a combined output of 3-amps when directly exposed to the sun. Its outstanding performance means your devices will always have a fully charged battery during the day when you're out.
To be truly portable, a solar charger has to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions and feature a lightweight and compact design. Luckily, the PET solar panels have a robust high-wear Oxford fabric that withstands all adverse weather conditions, including the torrid heat of the summer and the frigid temperature of the winter. And it’s both lightweight and compact.
The Solar Panel X-DRAGON is a solid choice for users looking for a powerful, efficient and smoothly running portable solar charger. It’s both cost-effective and eco-friendly and best of all, it’s highly portable.
Powerful and efficient charging
Has a carabiner for easy installation
Very portable design
Works even partly cloudy environments
A little heavy
Ineffective when charging two devices simultaneously
3. Voltaic Systems Amp Rapid Charger
A second unique selling point is the hardy, fastidious construction quality. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the fact that the device is built to last more than a lifetime with proper use and maintenance. Construction is done with robust and durable fabric and the solar panels are ultra-strong to easily weather the strongest outdoor conditions without the slightest drop in performance or durability. And to make the deal even more attractive, the manufacturer throws a generous 24-month warranty into the mix to give you cover against deficiencies in material and craftsmanship.
The ultra-light and compact design is yet another reason to consider it for purchase. With a weight of only 1.1 pounds and dimensions of 6.5 inches by 5.5 inches by 1.5 inches, it takes up minimal space and fits securely and with ease in virtually all bags. As a result, you can bring it anywhere with you. And best of all, it’s compatible with a wide range of electronic devices besides smartphones.
It’s ultra-light and compact, waterproof, and cost-effective and comes with a high-capacity power bank to keep your devices running even after the sun sets.
Highly portable
Waterproof design
Comes with backup battery
Built to last
Ineffective battery LED light monitor
4. Solar Charger RAVPower
For effective and flawless use in an outdoor setting, a portable solar charger has to feature a rugged and sturdy construction quality. This one comes with components made from hardy materials and is built to last, even with frequent use in the toughest environments. The high-quality construction makes it an ideal choice for all outdoor expeditions and will keep your devices powered throughout.
The Smart IC frequency technology also gets to benefit the user by detecting and uniformly distributing output current to all the three ports. As a result, all your three connected devices get to charge at a similar rate. Additional instrumental features include ease of installation on multiple surfaces and remarkable portability, considering that the machine is both lightweight and compact enough to fit easily into most backpacks.
The panel stands out for several reasons. Aside from being highly portable, the device is also cost-effective, easy to set up and disassemble after use. It packs several technological features to ensure your devices are charging smoothly and is waterproof. At its price, it’s an unbeatable deal.
Has pockets for protecting your device
Has metal eyelets for easy and quick installation
Compact, foldable design
Best for outdoor activities
Expensive
5. SOKOO 22W
The high conversion efficiency is yet another outstanding feature. With a solar energy conversion efficiency that more than twice that of cheap, humdrum models on the market, you’ll be getting electronic devices fully charged in a fraction of the time it takes the said flimsy models. The device comes equipped with a useful smart IC chip accurately identifies the power needs of a connected device and automatically adjust power flow to optimal levels to speed up the charging process. The automatic continuous monitoring of sunlight levels and the subsequent automatic adjustment of charging speed brings to an end the days of overcharging and inadvertently overloading your device.
In all, this is one of the best options out there offering the user a myriad of useful features and specs for trouble-free and efficient charging of different electronic devices. Going by the reviews, not once will you regret your purchase.
Works powerfully and flawlessly
Durable construction
Charges up to two devices simultaneously
Highly portable
Charges slowly when it’s cloudy
6. Nekteck 21W
The charger is yet another option that comes with a built-in IC chip for identifying the connected device and seeking to optimize the speed at which charges. A single port delivers up to 2-amps of power but together they provide 3-amps, enough to charge the vast majority of smart devices including smartphones and tablets.
If the above concrete reasons don't sway your purchasing decision, wait till you hear about the product's portability. It is very lightweight, weighing a paltry 18 ounces and boasts a compact design, with dimensions of 6.3 inches by 11.1 inches by 1.06 inches when fully folded. It fits easily into a backpack and other storage spaces and will be easy to store away at the end of the outdoor expedition.
The Nekteck 21W is a worthy investment for all intents and purposes. It’s portable, boasts a high conversion rate and comes with an 18-month warranty. While it’s lightweight and compact, it’s sufficiently rugged to withstand the vagaries of the outdoor environment.
Lightweight and compact, hence portable
Very efficient performance
High-quality construction
Only 21 watts power rating
7. AUKEY 28W
It is an economic and eco-friendly way of powering your devices when you're off the grid. Sun power is both free and unlimited and harnessing doesn't dent your pockets as much as other alternatives, like a portable generator, for instance, would. And it's quite easy to use. And it comes with two stands for keeping it perpendicular to the sunlight. Provided it's directly exposed to the sun, it'll start charging your devices immediately.
As mentioned in the introductory paragraph, it features a durable and rugged build. The fact that it's waterproof, for instance, makes it the best companion on a number of occasions. It's also able to withstand adverse weather and environmental conditions in the roughest of environments. And did we mention that it’s both lightweight and compact for hassle-free portability and transportation?
It is truly deserving of a spot on this list. It keeps your device powered all through the day for later use. Its foldable and lightweight design means you can take it places, friendly or tough.
Economical and cost-effective pricing
Remarkably efficient and durable
Provides dual USB charging
Easy to set up and use
A little expensive
8. Instapark Mercury 10M
The charger comes with three high-quality and rugged solar panels that convert the unlimited power of the sun to useful energy that you can use to recharge several mobile devices when you go off the grid. Because the three solar panels total 10 watts, they’re also ideal for powering the said devices when there is a power outage or if a disaster strikes. As you can glean from this, the portable solar charger is an all-around device that’s not just ideal for the outdoors.
Other chargers pale into insignificance when compared to this one. The device features a sophisticated design and engineering and incorporates dual-USB charging ports so you can directly charge your devices without fear of overcharging or overloading it. And by dual standard USB ports, the manufacturer means that you can simultaneously charge two devices.
This is a solid choice for the outdoor enthusiast keen on keeping their indispensable mobile devices running. The device is rugged and durable and with a combined 10 watts and dual USB ports, will easily and quickly charge the vast majority of mobile devices.
Budget-friendly pricing
Lightweight and compact
Fast and efficient charging
Capable of charging two devices simultaneously
A poor quality battery pack
10. Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus
For an efficient charging experience, the kit also contains a Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel that incorporates a game-changing technology allowing you to directly charge your device by connecting them to the USB port. The likelihood of overcharging or overloading your device is non-existent as the kit also comes with a smart junction box for preventing the two possibilities. You, therefore, don't have to come from a trip with a cooked battery that needs replacing. In addition to charging your mobile devices, you can similarly recharge your power banks during the day and use them later to recharge your mobile devices. It's this convenience and efficiency that makes the portable solar charger one of the best portable solar chargers on the market currently.
It is also built to withstand the rigors outdoor environment. It boasts a weather rating of IPX6 meaning that it's capable of withstanding rain, extreme temperatures, and other harsh environmental conditions. The rugged and durable construction makes it an ideal choice to bring to most outdoor activities. And for ease of use, you get a convenient removable pouch and kickstand for positioning it properly in the direction of the sun thus optimizing exposure. Plus, it has six copper-ally eye-holes spread evenly along its two lengths to allow for easy and quick installation.
There are more powerful and portable options out there but our tenth pick, but this one easily holds a candle to its competitors. It charges quickly and efficiently and is remarkably easy to use. Plus, it’s cost-effective and economical to run.
Has a USB rechargeable power bank
LED light makes for easy use
Rugged and durable construction
Charges quickly and safely
Poor quality batteries
9. Solar Paper + Pouch
It features a head-turning charging technology that makes it one of the most efficient options in the industry. The device boasts a high energy conversion rate and is efficient to 23.7 percent. To this add the fact that the incorporation of magnets allows for the addition of more solar panels, thereby upping the total watts and power. The implication of the innovative design is that your devices will never run out of power as long as the sun is shining, and they’ll be able to charge more efficiently and quickly.
Everything about it is outstanding. It’s portable, attractive, cost-effective, provides a quick charge time, and best of all, you can add more power by connecting additional solar panels. No regrets here whatsoever.
High-end construction for a long lifespan
Allows for adding more solar panels for powerful performance
Easy to use
Charges quickly and efficiently
Magnets are a little weak
Criteria for Choosing the Best Solar Chargers
Performance
You want to invest in a unit that’s both powerful and highly efficient at charging, which inevitably brings us to wattage. The higher the wattage the more powerful the portable solar charger. The vast majority of these devices have an efficiency range of between 20 and 27 percent, which is the solar energy conversion rate of the solar panels.
A higher percentage obviously means greater efficiency. For the best outdoor experience, you want nothing short of a model that is both efficient and powerful, and the best way of ascertaining these is by checking the chart that comes with the product, consulting a professional or better yet, calling the company. Also, make sure to check whether or not the charger is compatible with your devices.
Portability
The second most important consideration is the extent to which the model you’re enamoured of is portable. Under portability, you’ll need to consider how lightweight and compact the model is and the available carrying options. An ideal choice should not weigh you down as you walk around and should install easily on the back of a backpack so you can recharge your device while on the move. And for that to be a possibility, the device has to come with eye-holes or carabiners.
Construction Quality
The outdoor environment is a harsh one, which makes all the more important that your portable solar charger is equally rugged and durable. The device should be able to withstand great impact and scratches occasioned by an accidental drop. It should additionally be water or rainproof so that when the heaven abruptly open without warning, the device is not damaged in any way. Being an electronic device, the likelihood of overloading or fluctuations in wattage and voltage can easily spell doom to the internal electrical circuit. The portable solar charger should incorporate a way of protecting itself from these likely possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I connect my electronic device directly to a portable solar charger?
A: That will depend on the design of solar charger you’re using and whether it has any safety features to prevent over-loading and over-charging. Modern models come with intelligent technologies such as a smart IC chip for automatically adjusting the current and voltage to deliver optimal power. The feature allows for a direct connection. Check with the company before trying this, though.
Q: How effective are solar panels on cloudy days?
A: For solar panels to work, even slightly, they need to be exposed to solar power. So when clouds get in the way of that, they essentially stop being effective. There’s no way of circumventing this, though.
Conclusion
As this buying guide makes so absolutely clear, there isn’t a solar charger that’s the absolute best. And while picking out one from a market full to the brim with various models, types and sizes can be intimidating, ensure you match your choice to your unique off-grid power needs. As a rule of thumb, cheap models lack the durability, power, efficiency, and ease of use that comes with buying a high-end model. So, don’t hold back; go all the way.
