A
%Start The 5 Best Portable Solar Chargers of 2022 Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Best Products > Phones & Accessories 185 185 people found this article helpful
visibility
572 views
thumb_up
14 likes
E
Doud Writer 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. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 2, 2022 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by
Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire.
thumb_up
9 likes
E
lifewire's fact checking process We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best
products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Tweet Share Email Phones & Accessories Accessories The best solar chargers use the sun's abundant power to keep your devices and batteries topped off.
thumb_up
4 likes
J
Solar chargers aren't just for nature enthusiasts. People who spend a lot of time outdoors, whether that's camping or commuting, will find them useful, as well. These chargers help keep your devices ready to go without you needing to be near a power outlet.
thumb_up
0 likes
S
With so much of our lives revolving around electricity, the case for solar chargers is not hard to make. Some solar chargers are small enough to strap on to the top of your backpack, so even as you walk to work, or set your backpack down next to a window on the train or in your car, you can use the sun's power to your advantage. The Rundown Best Overall:
X-DRAGON Solar Panel Charger at Amazon Jump to Review Best Battery Life:
SOARAISE Solar Power Bank at Amazon Jump to Review Best Phone Charger:
Dizaul Portable Solar Power Bank at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portability:
BigBlue 28W Solar Charger at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Hiking:
Nekteck Solar Charger at Amazon Jump to Review in this article Expand Our Picks About Our Trusted Experts What to Look for in a Portable Solar Charger
Best Overall: X-DRAGON 40W Portable Foldable Solar Panel Charger
4 Amazon View On Amazon What we like Lots of accessories DC charging Folds down small 18-month warranty What we don't like Battery not included No water resistance Large Expensive Our best overall charger is capable of producing up to 40W of juice from its eight efficient panels.
thumb_up
2 likes
H
It opens quite large 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 out in the rain, and there's no battery included.
thumb_up
33 likes
L
But if you have larger items that need a charge, the X-DRAGON SunPower Solar Panel Charger is a great choice. You can plug in your phone and your 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 as well.
thumb_up
28 likes
V
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 that you can get a charge when you need it.
thumb_up
23 likes
A
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
Best Battery Life: SOARAISE Solar Power Bank
4.8 View On Amazon What We Like Built-in battery Flashlight Faux leather covering IP65 What We Don't Like Slow to charge via sunlight MicroUSB If you're looking for a high-capacity battery with solar charging, the SOARAISE Solar Power Bank might be the device for you. This is a 25,000mAh power pack that charges via microUSB (which is dated) or by sunlight, which is relatively slow. But the battery pack has a nice faux-leather look on the outside which gives it some style.
thumb_up
24 likes
B
It also has a built-in flashlight and is IP65 water and dust-proof, both of which are nice extras. This solar charger should be seen as a battery pack, first and foremost.
thumb_up
48 likes
V
The solar panels are great for charging up the battery while on the go and will help make the battery last longer, but they really should not be considered as the primary charging method. This charger is for people who want a battery pack first, but will be out and about long enough to pick up a little sun along the way.
thumb_up
33 likes
J
Number of Ports: 2 Power Output: 5V / 2.1A Types of Ports: USB-A Number of Cells: 4 Efficiency: Not listed Battery Capacity: 25,000mAh
Best Phone Charger: Dizaul 5000mAh Portable Solar Power Bank
3.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On EBay What we like Lightweight Water resistant Comes with a light What we don't like microUSB Flimsy port covers Dizaul Portable Solar Power Bank Review: Stay Charged, Everywhere The Dizaul Portable Solar Power Bank is another battery with a built-in solar panel, though this time, you're limited to a single cell. The power bank has two USB outputs rated at 1 amp each.
thumb_up
16 likes
C
The battery pack, itself, is lightweight and can easily be thrown into a pocket or, better yet, attached to a backpack. The battery pack has a built-in flashlight, but it also comes with a USB reading light, which is a nice add-on. The battery pack also charges via microUSB, which is not ideal.
thumb_up
16 likes
J
These days, we'd really like to see USB Type-C here. The battery pack is water resistant, but the port covers keeping it sealed are a little on the flimsy side. This is a great battery pack for on-the-go people who occasionally need to top up when they're away from power—think commuters, rather than hikers.
thumb_up
33 likes
J
Number of Ports: 2 Power Output: 5V / 2X1A Types of Ports: USB-A Number of Cells: 1 Efficiency: Not listed Battery Capacity: 5,000mAh "The Dizaul 5000mAh Portable Solar Power Bank is a lightweight and portable option for the urban dweller or occasional adventurer who wants a reliable on-the-go smartphone charger." — Yoona Wagener, Product Tester
Best Portability: BigBlue 28W Solar Charger
3.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On EBay What we like Folds small Three USB-A ports Water resistance What we don't like Power output falls short of promise Battery not included BigBlue Solar Charger Review: Reliable Power on the Go The Big Blue Solar Charger is a highly-portable solar charging solution that folds down to a small 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches when closed. While it is long, it's very narrow and thin, meaning it will fit into most backpacks with ease.
thumb_up
9 likes
E
Included carabiners allow you to open it up and strap it to your backpack while you're out in nature. There is no built-in battery, but the three USB-A ports allow you to charge up any phone or tablet with ease.
thumb_up
45 likes
A
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.
thumb_up
3 likes
L
Unfortunately, the panels were capable of outputting only around 17W maximum during our testing. There's a pouch on the end for holding cables or even devices while charging, which is a nice bonus.
thumb_up
39 likes
A
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 "Even in less-than-ideal lighting situations, such as a cloudy day with snow on the ground, I was able to achieve 10W output (when using both 2.4A ports)." —Gannon Burget, Product Tester Green Tech: What It Is and How It Impacts You
Best for Hiking: Nekteck 21W Solar Charger
Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On EBay What We Like IPX4 Folds small Zipper pouch to hold cables or battery High efficiency What We Don't Like Battery not included Expensive When you're out and about and the sun is shining, make use of it!
thumb_up
38 likes
H
The Nekteck 21W Solar Charger gets up to 24% light efficiency, which is pretty high in the industry. It can easily attach to a backpack for charging while you're on the go. Two USB-A ports can deliver up to 2A of juice, or up to 3A combined.
thumb_up
7 likes
C
When it's not in use, the charger folds up and can fit inside your bag. A zipper pouch where the ports are located can be used to store a battery or cables.
thumb_up
18 likes
D
Speaking of which, a battery is not included with the panel, so if you want to store power, you'll need to supply your own. That's a bit of a surprise considering how expensive the panels are. You're paying for the panels' efficiency, not the whole package.
thumb_up
47 likes
S
The panels are also rated IPX4, so they'll stand up to water splashes. This item is mostly geared toward people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Number of Ports: 2 Power Output: 3A max Types of Ports: USB-A Number of Cells: 3 Efficiency: 21 to 24% Battery Capacity: N/A Final Verdict We have to give our overall nod to the X-DRAGON SunPower Solar Panel Charger (view at Amazon) and its 40W of power output and high-efficiency cells.
thumb_up
3 likes
B
It's true that this charger doesn't include a power bank to store all that juice, but if you are away from power and need to charge up 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. If you want something smaller that can still hold a good charge, we really like the SOARAISE Solar Power Bank (view at Amazon).
thumb_up
45 likes
M
The built-in power bank is capable of holding a lot of juice, which will keep your devices nice and charged. The panels are large enough to be strapped to your backpack and stay topped off, or it folds down neatly into your bag, waiting to charge whatever you need.
thumb_up
47 likes
E
About Our Trusted Experts
Adam Doud has been writing in the technology space for almost a decade. When he's not hosting the Benefit of the Doud podcast, he's playing with the latest phones, tablets, and laptops. When not working, he's a cyclist, geocacher, and spends as much time outside as he can.
thumb_up
16 likes
N
Yoona Wagener has a background in content and technical writing. She has written for BigTime Software, Idealist Careers, and other small tech companies. Gannon Burgett has more than a decade of experience as a freelance photojournalist and sports photographer.
thumb_up
16 likes
W
FAQ How quickly will a solar charger charge? 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.
thumb_up
45 likes
V
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. Can you really jump-start your car? If it's big enough, a solar panel can deliver a charge to your car's battery to allow it to start.
thumb_up
47 likes
E
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.
thumb_up
7 likes
I
Will you get more solar power if you leave it in a window? 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.
thumb_up
0 likes
A
Solar panels are meant to be outside and under the sun, or put away.
What to Look for in a Portable Solar Charger
Water Resistance
Solar power comes from the sun, and solar panels work best outside.
thumb_up
19 likes
R
Rain and snow are also outside, so if you're shopping for a solar panel, it's a good idea to also look for water resistance in case you unexpectedly get caught out in the rain.
Built-in Battery
Solar panels generate power, and that power has to go somewhere.
thumb_up
32 likes
A
If you just have a solar panel and nothing plugged in, the panels will not generate power, which is fine, but a battery would allow you to not only generate power, but store it until you need it.
Power Output
Keep in mind the kinds of devices you'll be using.
thumb_up
28 likes
J
If all you need to charge is a phone or tablet, most solar panels will be able to do the job. If you need to power something larger, such as a laptop or even a car, you'll need to make sure you've got a setup powerful enough to get the job done. Was this page helpful?
thumb_up
7 likes
L
Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire BigBlue Solar Charger Review: Reliable Power on the Go The 4 Best Charging Stations of 2022 WBPINE 24000mAh Solar Power Bank Review: Huge on Battery Life The 8 Best Emergency Radios of 2022 JETSUN 16750mAh Solar Power Bank Review: Power Up, Off the Grid The 7 Best Green Gadgets to Buy in 2022 The 5 Best Portable Laptop Battery Chargers of 2022 How to Pick a Portable USB Charger and Battery Pack The 4 Best USB-C Chargers of 2022 The 8 Best Portable Generators of 2022 Expert Tested: The 3 Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks in 2022 Omnicharge Omni 20+ Power Bank Review: One Brick to Charge Them All MaxOak 185Wh/50000mAh Battery Pack Review: Do-It-All Bank POWERADD Pilot Pro2 Review: Plenty of Power to Charge Your Laptop and Other Devices The 7 Best Rechargeable Battery Chargers of 2022 The 8 Best Laptop Bags of 2022, Tested by Lifewire Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
thumb_up
46 likes
N
Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
thumb_up
16 likes
Similar Discussions
-
Mace took a shot at former WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman
-
Juan Martin Del Potro on his iconic 2009 US Open final against Roger Federer
-
Mumbai Indians set to have new head coach in IPL 2023 as Mahela Jayawardene and Zaheer Khan promoted to global positions
-
5 British WWE Superstars who surprisingly don t have a match at Clash at the Castle
-
Body Odor Remedies From an Expert Everyday Health
-
Bachelor in Paradise Are Jacob and Jill Together Now?
-
Who Owns Marilyn Monroe s House? Actress Only Stayed a Year
-
Google faces lawsuit for paying temporary workers less The News Pocket
-
Mercedes EQS electric sedan officially launched in China The News Pocket
-
ATV Quad Bike Pet Transporter APK Download for Android
-
Qatar Radio FM APK Download for Android
-
Darus Salam Masjid INC APK Download for Android
-
Idle Daycare Tycoon APK Download for Android
-
freshbenies APK Download for Android
-
Tunisia weather APK Download for Android
-
Weerwaarschuwing Weeralarm NL APK Download for Android
-
Texas Stars APK Download for Android
-
Woodcraft Island Survival Game APK Download for Android
-
Femme poignard e en pleine rue Nantes le suspect de 21 ans a avou Nantes Attaque Au Couteau
-
Hors Normes un film in dit avec Vincent Cassel ce dimanche 16 octobre sur TF1 Hors Normes
-
Mom of victim of suspected serial killer thanks police chief at emotional vigil
-
Los conservadores gobernar n Suecia con el apoyo externo de la ultraderecha Conservador Ulf
-
How to Make Grilled Vegetables in Disney Dreamlight Valley
-
Dead by Daylight Halloween Event is Now Official The Nerd Stash
-
Cities Skylines October 6 Update Patch Notes The Nerd Stash
-
176 Creative Dares For Friends To Liven Up The Party
-
quot AITA For Kicking A Server Out Of My Wedding? quot
-
Dad Of 4 Girls Tweets Conversations With His Daughters And It s Impossible Not To Laugh At Them 50 New Tweets
-
That Text From Your Friend May Not Be as Innocent as It Seems
-
How to Customize CarPlay and Unlock Hidden Secrets