Best Solar Chargers

We have all been in situations where our phone’s battery runs out, and we can’t find an outlet to charge it. In moments like these, we wish there was an alternate option to power our devices—well, there is.

Solar chargers are ultimate the answer to your worries. You can use this device to power your handheld gadgets with the help of the sun. As long as the sun is shining, there is a way to charge your device.

The sun is a perpetual source of energy. However, most of us never even think of using it on a minor scale, like charging our phones. You can now harness solar power daily with solar chargers, even when you are on the go.

There are a ton of different options available for you to pick from. You need to choose the right choice and reap its benefits to the fullest!

Read on for our expert reviews of the best solar chargers available. Check the latest prices to ensure you get a great deal!

Our Top Picks

7 Best Solar Chargers

1. Anker PowerSolar 3-Port

It is one of the best options for portable solar chargers you can find online. It is easy to carry around, and it has three ports so that you can recharge multiple devices at once rapidly. The foldable design makes it easier for you to balance the solar panel facing towards the sun and increases the surface area of the panels too.

Features

High Efficiency

One of the best features of this solar charger is its high efficiency. The solar panels on this device are made of monocrystalline materials. That ensures maximum solar energy conversion into electrical energy to recharge your phones and tablets. You can expect a conversion rate of about 21% to 23.5% with this solar charger.

Fast Charging

You can fully recharge your phone using this solar charger within hours. It comes with a 12W output, so it takes very little time to power your devices. Additionally, the moment you place this solar charger in the sun, it begins recharging on its own. This way, you have a seamless charging experience with your power bank.

Multiple Ports

The Anker solar charger has three USB-A ports. You can connect three different devices simultaneously, and they will charge in absolutely no time. Each unit can provide 12W of power while the charger on its own has a total of 24W output.

Ergonomic Build

This foldable solar charger comes with a stand that helps you position the three panels in the direction of the sun. It is made of high-quality materials, making it perfect for the outdoors. While travelling, you can attach it to your backpacks to charge it on your trails. Moreover, the solar charger does not weigh too much, so it is easy to carry around.

2. Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel

The Goal Zero Nomad charger is perfect for the outdoors. It does not take too much space and was specially designed for hikers. If you are a frequent traveller and struggle with keeping your phone charged, this is the perfect option for you.

Features

Rugged Design

The solar panel is primarily built for people who like travelling and are always on the go. The panel is small and has a kickstand to balance the charger in the sun’s direction. You can also attach it to your backpacks while walking so the solar panels can face the sun and recharge.

Lightweight

This solar charger weighs no more than 360 g. It is thin and easy to store, so extra bulk is not added to your luggage when you are out on a hike. The product is tough and durable, but its compact design ensures easy accessibility.

High-Quality Output and Charging

The solar panels on this charger are monocrystalline and have an output of 5W. It is enough to recharge your mobile phone when you are outdoors. It comes with a flexible arm attached to a USB instead of a cable. It prevents long cables from coming in your way.

3. Anker PowerCore Solar 20000

If you are looking for a power bank that is small in size and comes with a bunch of different perks, then this is it. The Anker PowerCore Solar 20000 has a 20,000 mAh battery and charges your devices at lightning speed. However, that’s not where it ends. The charger also comes with a built-in flashlight to assist you on your adventures.

Features

Designed for the Outdoors

This solar charger is built for the outdoors. Its rugged design and compact build will help you carry it in your backpack wherever you go. The solar panel on this charger is small yet powerful. It is also splash proof preventing any water damage. The charger also has

High-Capacity

Though small in size, the solar charger has a very high capacity. It can power your devices for days on end with the help of its 20,000 mAh battery. It does not take too long to charge entirely either. You can attach the charger to your backpacks on trails and let it recharge while the sun is up.

In-Built Torch

While carrying a torch on treks and travels is common knowledge, there’s no harm in having a spare one either. This solar charger also has an in-built torch if you ever need it. The torch has three different light modes to assist in every setting; this includes moderate to very bright lights.

Dual Charging

Many people would be satisfied with just one charging port. However, this device has two separate charging ports to enable dual charging. It can recharge your devices quickly with its 12W and 8W outputs.

4. BioLite Solar Slate

If you are an old-school traveller and love environment-friendly gadgets, this device will steal your heart. The BioLite solar charger is an easy-to-use charger that can fit in your bags effortlessly. This solar charger is perfect for a day outing and will not fail to charge your mobile device within a few hours.

Features

Kickstand

You can balance the solar panel on the ground or over a tree branch while resting with the help of the kickstand. The stand is a simple wire loop that can be positioned at any angle to help you reap the maximum benefits of the sunlight.

High-Quality Panel

The solar panel is thin and easy to manipulate depending on the sunlight. However, the 5W monocrystalline panel ensures rapid charging and battery storage too. This way, you can have an endless energy source for your devices as long as the sun is out. If you manage to recharge the solar battery completely by sundown, you can also power your devices at night.

Sundial

One of the best features of this charger is the sundial. You can position your solar panel facing the sun by checking the sundial. It tells you the exact location of the sun in the sky, so you get direct rays to recharge your solar panel battery.

5. BigBlue 28W Solar Charger

The BigBlue solar charger is one of the best and most compatible chargers on this list. It has all the qualities of a good solar charger. It has everything you need, from fast charging to compact foldable designs. It is also mighty and comes with an in-built ammeter to prevent overcharging your device.

Features

Great Conversion Rate

This solar panel has a high conversion rate of 21% to 23% due to its premium quality panels. Additionally, the solar panel also provides fast charging. The built-in ammeter checks the voltage and amperage of the device to make sure your devices are not overcharged. It also has a chip inside to ensure a stable charge even on cloudy days.

Highly Compatible

This charger is perfect for anyone because of its compatibility. You can use it with devices from most brands. Recharge phones, tablets, and other mobile devices from companies including Apple, Huawei, Sony, Xiaomi, Samsung, HTC, Nexus, etc.

Smart IC Technology

One of the best features of intelligent IC technology is that it recharges your device depending on its capacity. Once you plug your device in, the built-in chip recognizes it and delivers a voltage fit to charge it with maximum efficiency. The single maximum USB output is up to 5V/2.4A, while the dual maximum USB output can go up to 4A.

6. Pxwaxpy Solar Power Bank

This highly inclusive solar charger works for most modern mobile devices. Many older solar chargers only come with a USB-A port which is not compatible with newer phone models. It also has an excellent battery capacity of 26,800 mAh, so you can rest assured that all your devices will be charged.

Features

Fast Charging

You can use this solar charger with its 26,800 mAh battery to power two devices simultaneously. It supports both Type-C and Micro USB ports, and it has dual charging ports, including 5V/1A and 5V/2.1A.

High Capacity

If you are an adventurer and enjoy being outdoors, you can count on this solar charger to charge your phone at least 6 to 7 times. Once fully charged, it can power devices with its 26,800 mAh battery for hours. Additionally, you can also recharge it on the go by placing it in the sun.

Universal Compatibility

This device is highly compatible and will work with devices from almost every brand. You rarely need an adapter because it comes with a Type-C and Micro USB port.

7. SOARAISE Solar Charger Power Bank

It is an affordable option for people who want a high-speed solar charger for their travels. While the fun design makes it look like it is made for outdoor adventures, you can use it daily too. Once charged, it can charge multiple devices at once with its powerful battery.

Features

Long Battery Life

This device has a very long battery life due to its powerful battery. Manufacturers claim that this product can charge your phone eight times once fully charged, a credit to its 25,000 mAh battery capacity.

Dual Outputs

The dual output feature allows you to connect two devices simultaneously and charge them simultaneously. Additionally, since it is built for the outdoors, it comes with a rubber cover protecting the ports. So, when you are not using the charger, you can cover the connection ports with this rubber stopper to prevent dust and dirt from entering.

High-Speed Charging

The SOARAISE solar charger has a 4x charging speed than any other solar-powered charger. If you are running low on time, you can plug in your device to this charger, and it will be charged in absolutely no time.

Solar Charger Buying Guide

If you’re new to harvesting the solar power universe, you will need to keep a couple of things in mind while shopping for the best solar chargers. From understanding the solar chargers working to the design specifications, this buying guide will help you select the suitable solar charger for your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Solar chargers are portable devices that use sunlight to generate electricity and can be used to charge various electronic devices, making them a convenient and eco-friendly option for on-the-go power.
• Solar chargers work by converting sunlight into electric current stored in their built-in batteries, making them versatile and reliable even in various weather conditions.
• When buying a solar charger, consider factors like size, price, power wattage, charging speed, and connections to choose the right one that suits your needs and budget.

What are Solar Chargers?

Using sunlight to power your devices has never been this easy. A solar charger is your best companion for hiking, road trips, or a day out at the beach with a compact and handy design. Functionally, solar chargers are precisely like their distinguished cousins, solar panels. Solar chargers work by converting photons from sunlight to electrons that flow in the solar cells.

While solar chargers are similar to solar panels in almost all aspects, their ergonomic design makes them stand out. Apart from their apparent lightweight design, the solar chargers are undeniably potent to keep multiple electronic devices running smoothly.

Solar chargers are a great emergency power backup solution for when you can’t seem to find a power outlet. Whether you prefer to stay off the grid or on the grid, you can keep your electronic accessories charged up with a solar charger.

How do Solar Chargers Work?

When the sunlight falls on the surface of the solar chargers, the light energy (photons) induces the loss of electrons in the silicon layers. This loss of electrons becomes the source of electric current stored in the solar charger battery for immediate or future use.

Unlike solar panels that use transformers for charging batteries, a solar charger uses fewer complex circuits. Furthermore, you can trust your solar charger to power your devices regardless of the weather conditions. As the rechargeable battery stores energy, you can plug in and out your devices just like lithium battery packs.

With a built-in battery and small LED flashlight, your solar charger is a greener and much affordable alternative. Solar chargers are nothing short of extraordinary with their superior output capacity and convenient design.

What are the Benefits of Using Solar Chargers?

Like every piece of technology, solar charges come with many benefits and drawbacks. However, the benefits and positive impact greatly outweigh the shortcomings of solar power chargers, which quite frankly are negligible.

While choosing the greener alternative to lithium batteries is not everyone’s goal, there’s some incentive for everyone regarding solar chargers. Are you still quite unsure of making the switch to solar chargers? Let’s see some rewarding benefits that you can avail of from using solar chargers.

Convenient Design

Toss out your bulky and heavy lithium-ion batteries for the lightweight and ergonomic solar charger. It’s the most practical choice for people who want to keep their devices charged on the go. The portable design makes solar chargers a safe and convenient battery backup option for your offbeat adventures.

Eco-Friendly

The list of solar chargers’ benefits would be incomplete without mentioning its positive impact on our environment. From reducing your carbon footprint to saving you extra pounds on your electricity bill, solar chargers are the most natural alternative for powering up small to medium-sized electronic devices.

Versatile

Solar chargers of the 21^st century are designed so that every electronic device is compatible to charge on it. Whether you’re an Android user or an Apple fanatic, the several different plug points on solar chargers will fit all devices effortlessly. You can choose from a vast variety of solar charger models specific to your needs.

Powerful

For a device so handy and compact, it’s incredible to see the power that is packed in a solar charger. You will get awestruck to see how impressive the battery output is of the solar chargers. As they run on a free energy source (and barring the device’s price), solar chargers are an excellent investment for people who wish to have a powerful battery backup on the go!

Portable

Whether you’re a beach lover or a mountain trekker, a durable solar charger is your best bet for charging your devices. The handy design makes solar charges an excellent emergency solution for powering your devices to help you jump-start your vehicles.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Solar Charger

Solar chargers are a new piece of technology and something that comes in a lot of different variants. There’s a lot to consider when you want to pick a solar charger that would be perfect for your electronic devices. You should keep in mind some essential things when shopping for a solar battery charger, such as:

Size

The solar charger’s dimensions, weight, and the material will be unique to your applications. If you’re picking a solar charger for camping, beach day out, or hiking, you would prefer a lightweight and portable device. However, lighter solar chargers tend to be expensive, and durability is doubtful in the long run.

Price

It’s good to have a rough budget in mind when shopping for a solar charger as it prevents you from overspending. Map out your device requirements and pick a solar charger that gives you maximum value and matches your budget.

Power Wattage

If you’re picking a solar charger primarily for your mobile phone or tablet, a 10 watts solar charger should suffice. However, if you’re planning to use a solar charger for other significant devices or even vehicles, then you can choose from models that have wattage up to 100 watts. Always check your battery requirements and output wattage; else, your battery can be severely damaged!

Speed of Charging

Nobody has time to sit around and wait for electronic devices to charge. Even if you’re making the environmentally-conscious choice of using a solar charger, having one with decent charging speed is necessary.

Connections

If you want your solar charger to charge different devices simultaneously, you must consider the types of connection and the amperage. Look for solar chargers with USB connections that guarantee uniform wattage to all connected gadgets.

Case Study: Empowering Outdoor Adventures with Reliable Solar Chargers

Background

At Solar Panels Network, we are dedicated to providing sustainable energy solutions that cater to a variety of needs. This case study focuses on a project with a client who frequently travels and spends time in remote locations. The objective was to supply a reliable and portable solar charger that could keep their devices powered during outdoor activities.

Project Overview

The client required a solar charger that could efficiently charge multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets, while being lightweight and easy to carry. Key considerations included the charger’s efficiency, durability, and compatibility with various devices.

Implementation

• Needs Assessment: We began by assessing the client’s typical energy usage during their outdoor activities. This included understanding the number of devices they needed to charge and the duration of their trips. The information was crucial in selecting the appropriate solar charger capacity.
• Charger Selection: Based on the assessment, we recommended a high-efficiency monocrystalline solar charger known for its compact design and rapid charging capabilities. This charger was chosen for its ability to provide a stable power output, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
• System Setup: The charger included multiple USB ports for charging different devices simultaneously. We also provided guidance on optimal usage, such as positioning the charger to maximise sunlight exposure and utilising the built-in features like foldable stands for better angling towards the sun.
• Testing and Demonstration: We tested the charger under various conditions to ensure its reliability and efficiency. Additionally, we demonstrated the setup and operation to the client, ensuring they were comfortable using the charger during their trips.

Results

• Reliable Power Source: The solar charger consistently provided adequate power to charge multiple devices, including phones and tablets, ensuring the client stayed connected during their outdoor activities. The charger’s efficiency was notable even on overcast days, thanks to the high-quality monocrystalline panels.
• Enhanced Portability: The lightweight and foldable design of the charger made it easy for the client to carry it in their backpack. This portability was crucial for hiking and camping trips, where weight and space are limited.
• Client Satisfaction: The client expressed high satisfaction with the charger’s performance and ease of use. They appreciated the durability and the charger’s ability to withstand various weather conditions, including light rain and dust.

Summary

This case study highlights the benefits of using a high-quality solar charger for outdoor adventures. By selecting the right product and ensuring it met the client’s needs, Solar Panels Network delivered a reliable and efficient solution. Our commitment to providing sustainable and practical energy solutions continues to guide our work, helping clients harness solar power confidently and efficiently.

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Solar Chargers

Solar chargers are incredibly convenient for anyone who spends time outdoors or travels frequently. They offer a reliable way to keep your devices powered, especially when access to mains electricity is limited.

Senior Solar Technician

When choosing a solar charger, consider the type of solar panel and its efficiency. Monocrystalline panels typically provide better performance and faster charging times, even on cloudy days.

Renewable Energy Consultant

Durability and portability are crucial for solar chargers, especially for outdoor use. Look for chargers with robust build quality and weather-resistant features to ensure they can withstand various conditions.

Outdoor Solar Specialist

Our Expertise in Solar Products

At Solar Panels Network, our pride lies in the extensive expertise of our seasoned professionals and renewable energy experts. With the rising demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient charging solutions, we are dedicated to guiding you through the options to keep your devices powered up on the go. By merging our vast knowledge with practical, real-world testing, we deliver trustworthy reviews.

Why Trust Our Reviews?

• Industry Expertise: Our experts have a deep-seated understanding of the solar industry, including solar chargers. We stay updated with technological advancements to ensure our reviews reflect the cutting-edge options.
• Hands-On Testing: True to our commitment to authenticity, each solar charger on our list has been tested for performance and durability. We’ve assessed these chargers in various settings to simulate their performance in real-life scenarios.
• Transparency: We approach our reviews with a clear and open methodology. Every recommendation is presented with an honest assessment of its features and functionality. We aim to provide you with all the necessary information, free from any external influence so that you can make the best choice for keeping your devices charged outdoors.
• Experience: Our team’s collective experience is invaluable in discerning the quality of solar chargers. We’ve seen trends come and go and understand what features offer genuine long-term value. This experience is integral to our review process, providing you with recommendations that are not just based on technical specifications but also real usability and satisfaction.

As we look towards a more sustainable future, we are dedicated to helping you find the best solar chargers for 2024. Our selection is designed to offer you a combination of innovation, reliability, and practicality, perfect for keeping your devices powered up wherever you are. With our expert advice, you can charge your devices with confidence using solar energy.

To Conclude With

With advancements in solar technology, access to quality solar charger brands is not tricky. With the popularity of green alternatives to everyday problems, solar chargers are rising to popularity.

The best solar battery chargers in the UK have a good battery life, ample wattage, robust body, and compact design. Long gone are the times when you have to weigh your baggage down with bulky batteries. We hope the top picks for solar chargers helped you make a calculated decision.

Additionally, we assume our expansive buying guide has explained to you how effective solar chargers are for powering up electronic accessories. So, go through the solar charger buyer’s guide and understand the technology better before you end up buying one.

Once you grasp what you need, all you will have to do is go online and get your hands on these eco-friendly chargers.