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. 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. 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. 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 This solar charger should be seen as a battery pack, first and foremost. 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. 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 The battery pack also charges via microUSB, which is not ideal. 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. Number of Ports: 2 | Power Output: 5V / 2X1A | Types of Ports: USB-A | Number of Cells: 1 | Efficiency: Not listed | Battery Capacity: 5,000mAh There is no built-in battery, but the three USB-A ports allow you to charge up any phone or tablet with ease. 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 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. 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 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. 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 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.
What to Look for in a Portable Solar Charger
Water Resistance
Solar power comes from the sun, and solar panels work best outside. 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. 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. 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.
