It’s 2022 and solar power is used everywhere, including phone chargers. Solar-powered phone chargers not only cut down your electric bill but help you go a little green along the way. We’ve narrowed down the best options on the market.
The best solar phone chargers
BigBlue 3 USB Ports 28W Solar Charger
- Easy to carry
- Lightweight
- Three USB ports
- High energy conversion
- Wide compatibility
- 24-month warranty
- Durable protective features
If you need something with a lot of power, the BigBlue 3 USB Port 28W Solar Charger is ideal. With three large solar panels, it measures 11.1 × 6.3 × 1.3in folded or 33.1 × 11.1× 0.2in when open, so you can still enjoy the handy portability of a smaller solar charger. It weighs just 20.6oz, so it shouldn’t bog you down when trekking.
You can make use of three USB ports to charge multiple devices. Its energy conversion rate is also top-notch: it can convert as much as 23.5% of solar power into free energy as long as you have enough sunlight to power it. With multiple solar panels, no matter where or how you position them, there should always be some light available.
Despite its slim design and lightweight build, it’s durable, using a PET polymer surface that protects it from the elements and guarantees longevity. The two-year warranty is great for peace of mind.
You can lay it flat, or hang it from your tent or backpack so you can charge it while on the move.
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Anker 15W Dual USB Solar Phone Charger
- PowerIQ charging technology
- Charge two devices simultaneously
- Highly portable
- Industrial strength PET polymer
- Storage loops
- Advanced short circuit safety
- High-wear polyester canvas
Built for your iPhone or Android device, the Anker 15W Dual USB Solar Phone Charger is designed to give you the most bang for your buck. Simply lay this mat anywhere you wish, depending on the sun’s current position, and you’ll be good to go. The compact size allows for easy fold-up and storage and the charger features a max 23.5% efficiency rating.
This kit also includes a 3ft micro USB cable, a welcome guide with instructions and maintenance care, plus the stellar 18-month warranty. You get a charging speed of up to three amps in direct sunlight (ideal conditions), or about 2.4 amps in non-ideal conditions. If it starts to rain you can use the waterproof polyester canvas cover.
See Anker 15W Dual USB Solar Phone Charger on Amazon
Nekteck 28W Portable Solar Panel Charger
- High-efficiency
- Monocrystalline solar panels
- Smart IC Chip technology
- Portable and foldable
- Durable design
- Charge two devices
- Waterproof
With a maximum conversion rate of 24%, the Nekteck 28W Portable Solar Panel Charger is perfect for those who crave high efficiency. The mono-crystalline solar panels absorb plenty of sunlight throughout the day and can deliver a maximum of 3.0 amps, or 2.0 amps per port.
The Smart IC Chip technology delivers a fast charging experience for two devices. It identifies USB-powered devices so there is no wasted energy while charging. The safety-conscious design prevents overheating or short circuits.
Like the other picks, it’s remarkably portable, and it follows the folding panel trend. This design also ensures durability and resists water and dust.
The zippered side compartment gives you a place to store your phone as well as any cables.
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Dizual Portable Solar Phone Charger
- ABS + PC design for durability, perfect for hiking
- Two rubber cap-protected USB ports
- Football grain design to aid in waterproofing
With an integrated hook, this is perfect to hang on the loop of your backpack, keeping your phone charged while out on the trail. You get two USB ports, protected by rubber caps. The panel itself is waterproof and includes a football-style design that helps water run off of your device.
Crafted of ABS plastic and PC, the Dizual Portable Solar Phone Charger can withstand drops like a champion. Due to the small size of the solar panel itself, charging takes a little bit longer, but this is balanced out by the excellent price.
See Dizual Portable Solar Phone Charger on Amazon
X-DRAGON Solar Charger 8-Panel Station
- Comes with a slew of cables and adapters
- 22% – 25% solar panel energy retention
- High-wear Oxford fabric for weather resistance
Alright, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Need enough solar power retention for the entire camping crew? You’re going to need some serious power. X-DRAGON’s Solar Charger brings you 22% – 25% energy retention. It features dual USB ports for charging multiple mobile devices, or an 18V adapter (included) to charge your laptop.
Water and weather-resistant, you can leave it in light rain without worrying about damage, and can simply place phones underneath the eight-panel design to shield them from the rain.
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SunJack 15W Solar Charger Power Bank
- Two amps of power per USB port (comes with two individual, removable power banks)
- Includes USB-C Qualcomm 3.0 cables for quicker charging
- Outstanding 12-month warranty
This rugged, portable, and weather-resistant solar panel comes with two detachable power banks. Energy is fed into these, giving standard phones up to ten full charges (which is pretty insane). If you’re using this for in-home use, such as mounting outside of your window, you’ll be able to charge the entire family’s electronic devices on a single day’s charge.
It is also ideal for camping. If you’re camping with friends, but you’re not roughing it, you’ll be able to keep your devices charged with ease. It’s also extremely durable. Accidentally kick up stones, leave it out in the rain, or drop it off a twelve-foot ledge, and the SunJack 15W Solar Charger Power Bank is still going to work as if nothing happened.
See SunJack 15W Solar Charger Power Bank on Amazon
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Different types of solar chargers
Monocrystalline
These generally require less space but aren’t always the best at charging.
Polycrystalline
The difference between this and monocrystalline is the material that each individual solar cell is made of. In this case, a silicon substrate. In short, a polycrystalline panel has multiple cells, while a mono has one large cell to absorb solar energy.
CIGS Panels
Crafted of copper, indium, gallium, and selenide (CIGS), these thin-film photovoltaic technology centerpieces are flimsy but can generate more power. They require less film, and overall, are much better for the environment, and in certain cases, provide you with more power per charge.
Features to look for in solar chargers
Portability
As we just said above, CIGS panels are extremely portable, but other power banks with solar panels can be pretty heavy.
Connections
Quite simply, how many connections it has to charge devices. In most cases, you’re only going to see one or two USB or micro USB connections. But don’t let that put you off. You have to think about how much energy it’s taking in, versus how many different conduits it has to output through. In our humble opinion, one USB connection is plenty to get the job done.
Power
This all plays into efficiency percentage (most solar panels cannot go above 29% efficiency). How much power your charger can hold when it’s just soaking up the sunlight? Pay close attention to the power-related features to see which one is right for you.
A few things to understand about solar panels
Solar tech is still evolving. The first solar panels were designed in the 1800s but could only hold up to 1% power retention. Now, there are some panels that claim up to 33.2% retention. Certified-use panels can go up to 29%.
Solar energy is clean energy but doesn’t operate the same way that commercials and advertisements would make them think. They are an investment and they cut down on your energy consumption, but they’re also finicky at times. It’s worth giving a new charger a half-a-dozen or more uses to get the hang of one.
