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8 Best Solar Chargers 2020-2021

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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

4.6/5

The GoalZero Nomad 7 Plus Portable Solar Panel is the best pick for those wanting the freedom to go anywhere.

Specifications

  • Charging Panel

    Type

  • One USB output, One 2.5 millimeter charging port

    Ports

  • 6.5 x 8.75 x 0.75 (folded); 13 x 8.75 x 0.5 (unfolded)

    Measurements

  • 16.2 ounces

    Weight

  • 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

4.5/5

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

  • Charging Panel

    Type

  • Three USB outputs

    Ports

  • 11 x 5.9 x 1.18 inches (folded); 33 x 11.8 x 0.3 (unfolded)

    Measurements

  • 21 ounces

    Weight

  • 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

4.4/5

A smarter solar charging panel.

Specifications

  • Charging Panel

    Type

  • Two USB outputs

    Ports

  • 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 (folded); 33.1 x 6.3 x 0.33 (unfolded)

    Measurements

  • 20.1 ounces

    Weight

  • 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+

4.4/5

Smart solar battery charger with battery power.

Specifications

  • Charging Panel with power bank

    Type

  • One USB output, One MicroUSB input

    Ports

  • 15.26 x 1.6 x 9.5 inches

    Measurements

  • 1.2 pounds

    Weight

  • 3,000 mAh incorporated battery

    Battery

  • 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

4.1/5

Solar charging with a light.

Specifications

  • Power Bank

    Type

  • Two USB output, One micro-USB input

    Ports

  • 5.91 x 2.95 x 0.59

    Measurements

  • 10.9 ounces

    Weight

  • 12,000 mAh integrated battery

    Battery

  • 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.

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