What’s worse than a phone with zero percent battery life? When you have a dead cell phone with a charger, but no access to an electrical outlet.
Whether you are at home and the power goes out, or on a camping trip far away from civilization, you still want access to your phone.
Staying plugged-in to what is happening with family and friends is significant to you, even if you cannot literally plug in your Android or iPhone.
Quit worrying about draining your phone’s battery or being without electricity. Start harnessing the power of the sun to keep your smartphone running all day and night at full charge.
By using a portable solar-energy powered phone charger, you can ensure your devices keep their power no matter where you are.
Best Solar Phone Chargers of 2024
Best Overall Solar Energy Phone Charger
BigBlue 28W
Lightweight and functional, the BigBlue 28W has expandable panels and 3 USB ports.
Buy BigBlue 28WBest Overall Solar Energy Phone Charger: BigBlue 28W
Best Foldable Solar Panel Phone Charger: ECEEN 13W
Best Lightweight Solar Power Bank: Renogy 15000mAh
Best User-Friendly Design Solar Phone Charger: PowerGreen 21W
Best for Large Devices Solar Phone Charger: X-Dragon 40W
Best for Small Devices Solar Phone Charger: RAVPower 25000mAh
Best Shockproof Solar Phone Charger: Nekteck 10000mAh
Best 4 Panel Solar Phone Charger: ADDTOP 25000mAh
Best Bang for Your Buck Solar Phone Charger: Anker 21W
Best High Capacity Solar Phone Charger: Kilponen 26800mAh
Best Pocket-Size Solar Phone Charger: Becharming 26800mAh
Best Overall Solar Energy Phone Charger
BigBlue 28W
- Weight: 20.6 ounces
- Watt: 28W
- The number of USB Ports: 3 USB ports
The BigBlue 28W Solar Panel Charger has an array of unique features that make it more versatile and durable. It is inexpensive, user-friendly, and efficient.
BigBlue 28W offers three output ports, which is more than most, a weatherproof SunPower solar panel, a port protector, and has expansive but lightweight panels.
Best Foldable Solar Panel Phone Charger
ECEEN 13W
- Weight: 12 ounces.
- Watts: 13W.
- The number of USB Ports: 2 USB ports.
The ECEEN 13W solar charger captures more sun than conventional solar panels, which means we generate more electricity per panel. Its high efficiency and speedy charging capabilities make it reliable for travel.
This solar charger is foldable and features an innovative kickstand.
The ECEEN 13W does not perform well in low sunlight situations or during days with cloud-filled skies. It requires direct sunshine to ensure your mobile devices do not run out of power.
Best Lightweight Solar Power Bank
Renogy 15000mAh
- Weight: 9.5 ounces.
- Watt: 2W.
- The number of USB Ports: 2 USB ports.
The Renogy 15000mAh is a small, lightweight, and versatile power bank.
It offers two additional light sources, integrated and plug-in, including a bright built-in light with strobe functions Built-in LED light for emergencies.
A water-resistant and portable charger makes it great for traveling.
“The Renogy 15000mAh is a small, lightweight, and versatile power bank.”
Best User-Friendly Design Solar Phone Charger
PowerGreen 21W
- Weight: 20.3 ounces.
- Watt: 21W.
- The number of USB Ports: 2 ports.
The PowerGreen 21W is durable with a user-friendly and smart design. It does not have unnecessary material, even though it has a large storage pocket.
This solar-powered charger has a storage pocket, comes in multiple colors and is durable.
The PowerGreen 21W is more substantial and bulkier than others. It will best serve you on car camping trips rather than during backpacking adventures.
Best for Large Devices Solar Phone Charger
X-Dragon 40W
- Weight: 37 ounces.
- Watt: 40W.
- The number of USB Ports: 1 port.
The X-Dragon 40W is one of the larger solar panel chargers, and it is best for charging a laptop and other large mobile devices.
Compatible with laptops and other large devices, it is comparatively inexpensive.
Due to its size, the X-Dragon 40W is heavy and uncomfortable to carry on trips. Its design is best for those who want to live off the grid with a fully charged laptop.
Tip: The X-Dragon 40W solar charger is currently available for $119.99 on Amazon.
Best for Small Devices Solar Phone Charger
RAVPower 25000mAh
- Weight: 19 ounces.
- Watt: N/A
- The number of USB Ports: 3 USB ports.
The RAVPower 25000mAh has a large battery that charges devices quickly. It can charge multiple devices at once, which is a big plus.
A portable charger, it has Micro USB & USB-C inputs.
The RAVPower 25000mAh large battery is also its downfall. It makes the power bank uneasy to carry and cumbersome.
Best Shockproof Solar Phone Charger
Nekteck 10000mAh
- Weight: 12.8 ounces.
- Watt: N/A
- The number of USB Ports: 2 USB ports.
The Nekteck 10000mAh is an affordable rain and dust resistant solar phone charger. It is ideal for bringing on camping and hiking trips.
Perfect for long flights, road trips, and camping. It has an anti-skid protecting effect and an LED flashlight helpful in the event of emergencies.
The Nekteck 10000mAh does not have the most user-friendly case. Its buttons and overall design can be a challenge to operate.
“The Nekteck 10000mAh is an affordable rain and dust resistant solar phone charger.”
Best 4 Panel Solar Phone Charger
ADDTOP 25000mAh
- Weight: 19 ounces.
- Watt: 5W.
- The number of USB Ports: 2 USB ports.
The ADDTOP 25000mAh provides a massive battery backup for usage during outdoor activities and adventures.
It is compatible with almost all the 5V devices like iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Sony, Huawei, HTC, LG, Nexus, Tablet, camera, Bluetooth, GPS, and more.
A portable solar charger is handheld sized and auto-stops when the phone is fully charged. It also helps protect against overheating.
Take note that when traveling the ADDTOP 25000mAh is not heat, impact, or shock resistant.
Best Bang for Your Buck Solar Phone Charger
Anker 21W
- Weight: 15 ounces.
- Watt: 21W.
- The number of USB Ports: 2 USB ports.
The Anker 21W Solar Charger has a simple and functional design. It is durable, rugged, and water-resistant. Anker comes with a standard short circuit and surges protection technology to prevent your devices from damage.
The Anker 21W Solar Charger will not charge the following devices: iPod Nano, iPod Classic, iPod Shuffle, HP TouchPad, and Asus tablets.
Tip: The Anker 21W solar charger is currently on sale for $69.99 on Anker.com. This price includes a 18-month warranty.
Best High Capacity Solar Phone Charger
Kilponen 26800mAh
- Weight: 12.3 ounces.
- Watt: N/A
- The number of USB Ports: 2 USB ports.
The Kilponen 26800mAh is perfect for leaving it on the dashboard of your car on sunny days.
Its high capacity battery lets you build up solar energy on the power bank while at work. You can have enough juice to power your devices to sit wireless by the pool at home.
Keep your equipment safe with this solar charger. While at home or on the road, the Kilponen 26800mAh is a great backup solution.
Best Pocket-Size Solar Phone Charger
Becharming 26800mAh
- Weight: 19 ounces.
- Watt: N/A.
- The number of USB Ports: 2 USB ports.
The Becharming 26800mAh is a compact power bank with plenty of features like a built-in charge meter, flashlight, and the choice of micro USB or USB-C input for charging.
Easy to carry. Detachable panels. Convenient and practical. Compatible with most phones.
The Becharming 26800mAh can take up to 8-10 hours of recharge time. Some might find this to be too long of a wait time.
“The Becharming 26800mAh is a compact power bank with plenty of features like a built-in charge meter, flashlight, and the choice of micro USB or USB-C input for charging.”
What Features to Look for in a Solar Charger
The amount of technology and gadgets we access daily can feel overwhelming. It can cause many to scratch their heads in confusion when being presented with plenty of options.
Although options and tech are good, they do not always make the buying process easy.
If you are still unsure of which solar phone charger to buy, this valuable information will help narrow down your choices to find the right charger.
Which components do you prefer in a solar charger? Choosing the right one for you depends on the features that matter most.
Prevent being stuck with an incompetent phone. Instead, use an affordable 2020 solar-powered charger that will keep your phone functioning in all kinds of situations.
Here are a few essential factors to consider before you buy your solar-energy phone charger to ensure you make the right choice.
Features:
- Long-lasting battery life.
- Compatible with different types of devices. i.e., Samsung Galaxy (Android), iPhone, and iPad (Apple).
- Comfortable size with a compact design
- High quality and efficient solar charger
- Lightweight design is easy to carry while traveling, and great for outdoor activities.
- Water-resistant and a dual-port flashlight
- Easy to use, perfect watts of power, and a rugged design.
- Portable solar power banks and power packs
- USB-C ports, output ports, and.dual inputs.
- Use of direct sunlight for solar panel charging
- The fastest charge, and it includes a charge indicator.
- Support clean energy at an affordable price point.
- Rechargeable battery and provides much power to connected devices.
- Reliable power source and works in case of emergencies.
- Foldable panels and other special features
Although the features depend on your preferences, there are some essential items your solar charger should include.
Here are the essentials.
Power: Make sure the solar charger is powerful enough to charge the device you want and can do it in a sufficient amount of time. Consider size and if you will want to charge several phones.
- Look for a charger with at least 7 watts to charge a smartphone.
- Choose closer to 15 watts or higher for charging multiple devices or more power-intense ones.
Portability: If you do not mind trading some bulk for more power, choose a folded solar panel. It can likely result in a larger surface area and provide more power than a single solar panel phone charger.
Connections: Check the solar charger for compatibility. Make sure it will work with your specific device(s). If you want to charge several devices at once, check to see how many ports the charger includes.
- Smaller electronic devices with USB cables for charging needs roughly 5V output ratings.
- Larger electronics may require 12V-24V.
Battery Backup: Since there is no guarantee that the sun will always shine, make sure your solar charger can store your charge by juicing up a rechargeable battery for you to use when you need it. Thus, prepare for the cloudy days to maintain connections.
With so many solar-energy chargers on the market, it can make choosing one harder to do. Avoid settling for less or selecting a solar charger using looks alone.
It must be functional.
Find your top pick by doing a little research to ensure your solar phone charger meets all your charging needs.
Conclusion
One of the greatest things about solar chargers is that outlets are no longer necessary for maintaining the battery life of your phone. There is real freedom in that. To have the choice of whether to use electricity, plugs, or cords to charge our mobile phones is one many would opt for and often. Stop having to choose between staying at home with your phone or going camping with friends.
Go on, have fun. Take the trip, your phone, and lots of photos to post them on social media in real-time. Getaway and leave the noisy streets, traffic jams, and work-filled weekends behind. And take your favorite device WITH you. It is possible to travel wirelessly. You can enjoy the great outdoors with your smartphone or tablet. All you need is your mobile device, sunlight, and the best solar charger for your phone.
