Stay linked anywhere with these portable charging gadgets.
Solar energy banks are a packing-essentials for the outdoor lover. They make it possible to keep mobile phones, cams, and other devices charged anywhere. Likewise, they’re vital during extreme weather power outages.
These practical, portable gadgets have come in numerous shapes, sizes, weights & styles. However, the two most popular are about the size of a mobile phone and include either a single photovoltaic panel or several expanding panels.
Solar battery chargers with one panel are more compact and slower to recharge, utilizing the sun’s energy. Multiple panels speed things up a bit but are often bulkier. The fastest method to recharge both is by plugging a USB into a convenient power source and saving energy. As soon as the power bank has actually been replenished, numerous electronics can still be charged on the gadget indoors or in the evening.
Here are the best solar energy banks, lots of with included functions such as wireless charging, waterproof outsides, and integrated flashlights.
Overall Best Solar Power Bank
QiSa Solar Power Bank
The QiSa Solar Power Bank comes with a giant battery, plus excellent bonus features, and all at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Giant battery
- Great features
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Can't be entirely immersed in water
With a massive 30,000 mAh battery, the QiSa Solar Bank is one of the largest while still providing a reasonable price. The durable gadget is ideal for staying plugged in on long camping trips.
Plus, the power bank’s ability to charge numerous gadgets and the bright, 200-lumen flashlight (with an SOS mode) can be found convenient throughout emergency situations.
Problem-free cordless charging is offered with a Qi-compatible electronic device, and additional USB ports enable up to 4 gadgets to link at a time. The IP66-rated, waterproof solar panel can withstand moderate weather conditions; however, it should not be entirely immersed.
Amazing Panel Budget Solar Charger
Nekteck 28W Foldable Portable Solar Charger
The Nekteck solar charger is a good, budget-friendly Waterproof Camping Gear Sunpowered Charger
Pros
- Great price
- Waterproof
- 2 USB Ports
For an affordable, compact Sunpowered Charger, the Nekteck is an exceptional value that’s packed with 2 USB Port for iPhone 12/11/Xs, iPad, MacBook, Samsung Galaxy, Tablet and Any USB Devices.
While lots of panel chargers take a long time to fully recharge using the solar panel, the Nekteck utilizes a useful SunPower solar panel, so it charges faster than many closely priced competitors.
Includes 5 small size panels that all folded up the size of a notebook. This durable power pack is Waterproof. It’s perfect for outdoor activities, like camping & hiking.
Best Waterproof Wireless Solar Power Bank
OUTXE W20 Wireless Solar Power Bank
The OUTXE W20 Wireless Solar Power Bank is dustproof, waterproof, and one formidable power bank.
Pros
- Wireless charging
- Dust & waterproof
- Military-grade construction
Cons
- A bit more expensive
Designed with resilient, military-grade construction, the OUTXE W20 is the perfect buddy for hikers, kayakers, anglers, and other outdoor lovers. Not only is the gadget water resistant with an IP67 ranking (suggesting it can be dropped in three feet of water for approximately 30 minutes), it’s likewise dustproof and shockproof.
Equipped with an excellent 20,000 mAh battery, the OUTXE can charge an iPhone XS as much as 7 times or a Samsung Galaxy S10 approximately five times. Charging can be done wirelessly, and there are two additional charge ports (type C and micro USB cables included). Allows up to 3 devices to be charged simultaneously.
Best Single Panel Solar Panel
Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel
The Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel is a functional yet straightforward design and is built to last.
Pros
- Portable compact size
- Water resistant
- Charges in low sunlight
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
The compact size of the majority of single-panel power banks limits the solar charging ability of the panel. Still, the Goal Zero Nomad 5 is both portable and powerful.
The Nomad 5 provides a 5-watt, rugged photovoltaic panel that’s lightweight (12.7 ounces) and water-resistant (though not waterproof). The simple style consists of a kickstand on the back to angle it into the sun, or carabiners can link to the top and attach to a knapsack for charging on the go.
The Nomad 5 set comes with Goal Zero’s Flip. This is a small battery pack (3,350 mAh) with a USB port for charging devices in low sunlight. The Nomad is among the fastest single-panel battery chargers; it can charge the Flip in just 3 hours with full sunlight.
Best Foldout Solar Power Bank
FEELLE Solar Power Bank
FEELLE Solar Power Bank offers great value plus faster solar charging than most.
Pros
- Fast solar charging
- Collapsible design
- High-capacity battery
- Lightweight & portable
Cons
- Lacks waterproofing
Foldout solar battery chargers increase the variety of solar panels available. However, their collapsible design implies they’re also portable. When the sun is out, some foldout panels can be utilized to charge gadgets directly.
The FEELLE Solar Power Bank includes a staggering 25,000 mAh high-capacity battery, efficiently charging an iPhone upwards of 10 times. Integrated, the four collapsible solar panels produce 5 watts, while dual USB ports permit 2 gadgets to charge at once.
Likewise, the reasonably priced FEELLE consists of an LED light (with an SOS mode), is water-resistant, and weighs just over 1 pound.
Best Versatile Solar Charger Five Panels Detachable
BLAVOR Solar Charger Five Panels Detachable
This BLAVOR Solar Charger has Five Removable Panels, making it suitable for day-to-day use and great for outdoor activities.
Pros
- 5 removable panels
- Panels are removable
- Qi cordless technology
- Integrated flashlight
Cons
- Photovoltaic panel ports are not waterproof
A versatile power bank for day-to-day activities or outdoor experiences, the BLAVOR is an excellent option. Four of the five retractable photovoltaic panels are detachable, so you do not need to carry them around when they’re not required.
The 20,000 mAh battery bank includes Qi cordless technology to charge suitable gadgets, plus 2 USB ports, a little compass, and an integrated flashlight for wilderness excursions.
One downside of the BLAVOR, is that the photovoltaic panel ports are not waterproof.
Best for Laptops Portable Power Station
Rockpals 250W Portable Power Station
The Rockpals 250W Portable Power Station is a completely portable package and great for charging laptops and other devices.
Pros
- Charges laptops
- 60-watt solar panel case
- Hassle-free powerhouse
Cons
- A bit heavy for some
Most laptops consume 40 and 70 watts when charging, compared to only 2 to 6 watts utilized by mobile phone or around 10 watts for tablets. This indicates you’ll require a larger power bank plus a more powerful (and more pricey) photovoltaic panel to continually replenish it– so typical power banks will not cut it.
This power station includes a 60-watt broadening solar panel case (with 4 panels) and a multi-purpose power station with a 648,000 mAh lithium battery for charging numerous devices.
With a total weight of 11 pounds, the Rockpals station and panel is a hassle-free, portable system that can turn any location into an off-grid workplace.
Wrap-Up
When deciding what solar energy bank is best for you, remember what type of gadgets you’ll need to charge and how often you’ll be away from a common power source.
If you’re just using it for an excursion or overnight outdoor camping, a cost-effective bank like the Nekteck will work.
If you’re buying one for long-term power interruptions or long trips that will require a solar recharge, a multi-panel gadget like the QiSa or OUTXE W20 is a much better fit.