Power up your gadgets with the very best solar battery chargers
The very best solar chargers allow us to bring the electronic world with us wherever we go — even camping in the middle of nowhere. We gain freedom from the grid and often reduce costs. So, buy the best charger for you and enjoy all nature has to offer without sacrificing the pleasures of the electronic world. This guide will help set you free by charging your gadget outdoors.
From popular best-sellers to specialty chargers, these portable solar power banks are great for backpacking, trekking, camping or just charged while out and about.
Let’s get to it. Find the best solar set-up for your mobile phone, tablet, and laptop.
Best backpacker's solar battery charger
GoalZero Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel
The GoalZero Nomad 7 Plus Portable Solar Panel is the best pick for those wanting the freedom to go anywhere.
Specifications
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Charging Panel
Type
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One USB output, One 2.5 millimeter charging port
Ports
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6.5 x 8.75 x 0.75 (folded); 13 x 8.75 x 0.5 (unfolded)
Measurements
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16.2 ounces
Weight
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Features
Rugged folding design; Detachable kickstand; Multiple mounting points
The GoalZero Nomad 7 Plus Portable Solar Panel is the best pick for those wanting the freedom to go anywhere. Its rugged style conveniently attaches to a day pack or camping tent. The Nomad 7 Plus is a popular and versatile charger for phones, tablets to charge up your GPS and headlamps.
The durable design is made from strong plastic and features an optional kickstand for improved sunlight exposure. This makes it a great choice for a picnic in the park, mountain trekking, or placement on a window sill.
The Nomad 7 Plus features some useful functions. Prevent device damage with automatic shut-off which stops charging when device batteries are full. Plus, allways find the best way to possition your solar charger with its LED solar strength indicator. Its power USB output is 7 watts.
Full-panel performance on the go
RAVPower Solar Charger 28W Solar Panel
The RAVPower solar battery charger has a foldable 28-watt photovoltaic panel. It’s a great water-resistant travel charger for phones and tablets in and out of the city.
Specifications
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Charging Panel
Type
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Three USB outputs
Ports
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11 x 5.9 x 1.18 inches (folded); 33 x 11.8 x 0.3 (unfolded)
Measurements
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21 ounces
Weight
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Features
Folding design; Integrated cable television pocket; High-efficiency photovoltaic panels
The RAVPower solar battery charger has a foldable 28-watt photovoltaic panel. It’s a great water-resistant travel charger for phones and tablets in and out of the city.
The RAVPower’s panels fold for compact storage and unfold for faster solar charging with 4-high-efficiency solar batteries. At only 21 ounces, and the charger’s great for portability. Its built-in trio of USB outputs can charge several devices at once. The integrated zippered pocket provides convenient storage of charging cables and smart devices.
A solar charging panel with smarts
BigBlue 5V 28W Solar Charger
A smarter solar charging panel.
Specifications
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Charging Panel
Type
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Two USB outputs
Ports
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11.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 (folded); 33.1 x 6.3 x 0.33 (unfolded)
Measurements
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20.1 ounces
Weight
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Features
Built-in ammeter; Water-resistant design
The BigBlue 5V 28W Solar Charger is an Amazon top seller with advanced features. It has a foldable 4-panel design with a lot of solar capturing surface area. Its zippered pockets are great for storing and protecting gadgets while charging. The PET polymer fabric and IPX4 water-resistance are functional and industrial-strength with grommet-reinforced holes connecting the panels to a backpack, tree branches, or a tent.
best solar charging with battery
BioLite SolarPanel 10+
Smart solar battery charger with battery power.
Specifications
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Charging Panel with power bank
Type
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One USB output, One MicroUSB input
Ports
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15.26 x 1.6 x 9.5 inches
Measurements
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1.2 pounds
Weight
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3,000 mAh incorporated battery
Battery
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Features
Integrated power bank; Built-in Sundial
The BioLite SolarPanel 5+ comes with a built-in battery and portable photovoltaic panels for absorbing the sunlight throughout the day and charging at night.
This BioLite boasts a 2200mAh rechargeable battery and a 360-degree kickstand which also works as a hook for hanging and collection on the move. It has a sundial for finding the best spot and angle to charge the free-standing panel. It’s protective layer makes it weather-resistant and keep moisture out of the USB ports.
best solar charging with firepower
PowerAdd Apollo 2 Waterproof Solar Charger with LED Flashlight
Solar charging with a light.
Specifications
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Power Bank
Type
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Two USB output, One micro-USB input
Ports
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5.91 x 2.95 x 0.59
Measurements
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10.9 ounces
Weight
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12,000 mAh integrated battery
Battery
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Features
Built-in electric lighter
The PowerAdd Apollo 2 power bank has some great features like double USB outputs and an integrated flashlight. It also has a rugged design with a rubberized exterior protecting it from environmental damage.
In addition to USB ports, it has an electrical lighter which is great for starting a campfire. It’s a great power bank that can be charged even while backpacking.
Wrap-Up:
When picking your solar charger first decide on which style is best for you:
Power banks with a connected solar panel
Stand-alone photovoltaic panels for charging outdoors
Larger fold-out panels with a power bank that combine both
If you’re not sure, we recommend the following:
Smaller power banks are more convenient for on-the-go use when continuous charging is possible and demand is minimal.
For more significant charging, like when camping, you’re better off with a multi-panel charging unit. These panels have more surface area and still portable.