The Best Portable Solar Panel Chargers for The Money
Solar technology has become much more efficient over the past few years. Charging your computer, cellphone, or tablet when there is not an electrical outlet available can be very convenient. The sun is a resource that can be tapped to provide free electricity. Many of these solar charging devices are great for backpacking and outdoor use. You can also set up a charging station in your house close to a window that has full sun. It is a great way to save a few bucks on the electrical bill each month. We recommend using these panels in conjunction with a portable battery pack. That way you always have power stored and ready to charge your device of choice. Let’s look at some of the best portable solar panel chargers.
Best Portable Solar Panel Chargers
Anker PowerPort Solar Charger
For the price and energy output, the Anker PowerPort solar charger is an excellent portable solar charger to consider. In full sunny conditions, you can charge a basic smartphone in about 2-3 hours from 0-100% battery capacity. In cloudier conditions, it will take longer. There is a red indicator light that will turn on letting you know when the electricity is pumping. The solar panels fold up into an 8.5 x 11″ package and are about an inch thick. The solar panels are well protected from the elements with hard clear plastic and are built to last. There are two charge ports enclosed in a pocket large, enough to hold most smartphones and close with a Velcro fastener. You will be able to charge two devices simultaneously. There is a small hook and loop that will hold the pocket shut with a phone inside. The Anker PowerPort comes with several metal grommets that allow you to secure the panel to things like a backpack or hanging system. The solar panels fold up nicely into a compact carrying case when not in use. Great product, very solid and best part it’s good for the environment.
Specifications
- PowerIQ delivers the fastest possible charging speed up to 2.4 amps per port or 3 amps overall under direct sunlight
- 21 watt SunPower solar array is 21.5-23.5% efficient, providing enough power to charge two devices simultaneously
- Industrial-strength PET polymer faced solar panels sewn into a rugged polyester canvas offer weather-resistant outdoor durability
- Compact size (11.1 × 6.3in folded or 26.4× 11.1in opened) and stainless-steel eye-holes on each corner allow easy attachment to backpacks, trees, or tents
- Lightweight (14.7 oz) and ultra-thin design (1.1in folded or 0.2in opened) make it ideal for long treks
Contains
- Anker PowerPort Solar (21W 2-Port USB Solar Charger)
- 3ft Micro USB cable
- Welcome guide
- 18-month warranty
Where to Buy:
The Anker PowerPort Solar Charger is available from these retailers:
eBay:
Amazon:
AUKEY 21W 2-Port USB Solar Charger
The AUKEY 21W Solar Charger is another good portable solar panel to charge your phone, tablet, and battery pack. It comes with 4 clips that can be used to strap it to a backpack for hiking and charging. The AUKEY has convenient fold-able solar panels that expand to maximize full sun-catching capabilities. This unit does not come with charging cables it has just 2 USB ports to plug into for charging. This product is very well constructed. In full sun it will charge an iPhone 6 just as fast as using an outlet. The quality and craftsmanship of the product are aesthetically pleasing and functional. The solar panels feel sturdy and are behind a matte plastic surface that is scratch and fingerprint-resistant. I would recommend buying a USB extension cable so that you can put this device in the perfect spot while enjoying the comfort of the shade. On a pretty cloudy day, this solar panel will offer a solid half amp charge. Nice overall product for the price.
Specifications
- High conversion solar charging technology keeps your device powered up with free limitless solar power
- Exclusive Fast Charging Technology that automatically detects the max charging current and voltage for your devices
- Fastest possible charging speed up to 2 amps per port or 4 amps overall under direct sunlight
- Fold-able design, easy to carry around, great for any outdoor trips
- Two ports with max 3 A total output to charge two devices simultaneously
- Water-resistant and mold-resistant nylon to endure all weather conditions
Where to Buy:
The AUKEY 21W Solar Charger is available from these retailers:
eBay:
AliExpress:
AUKEY 14W Solar Charger with Dual USB Port
Amazon:
ALLPOWERS 60W 18V Foldable Sunpower Solar Panel
This ALLPOWERS 60W solar panel is more powerful than the other panels listed in this article. This portable solar panel is powerful enough to charge a laptop battery. It will charge a typical smartphone in about 1.5 hours under bright sunlight. It also works very well in indirect sunlight. This device is really good for outdoor spots where you just don’t have the convenience of an outlet. It is well constructed with good quality solar panels. I would recommend a large-capacity battery to charge. You just charge up the battery with the ALLPOWERS solar panel and you have all the power you need night or day. It will charge just about anything with a USB power connection. It is convenient to hang and it folds up compactly.
Specifications
- USB port(5V/2A) with iSolar™ Technology for charging your 5V powered gadgets, and 18V DC output(18V/2.2A) for charging your laptop or storage battery
- 60W solar cell up to 22%-25% efficiency
- Holes enable easy attachment to backpacks while hiking
- Portable and frame design fit for outdoor and indoor use
- Opened Size: 114x60x0.5cm / 44.8×23.6×0.19inch
- Compact Size: 31x19x6.5cm / 12×7.5×2.6inch
- Net weight: 1.36kg/47.9oz
- Weight with package: 1.68kg
- One year product guarantee
Package Contents
- 60W Foldable Solar Charger
- 10 laptop connectors
- USB cable
- Hooks
- Instruction manual
Where to Buy:
The ALLPOWERS 60W 18V Foldable Sunpower Solar Panel is available from these retailers:
eBay:
ALLPOWERS 60W 18V Foldable Sunpower Solar Panel
AliExpress:
ALLPOWERS 60W 18V Foldable Sunpower Solar Panel
Amazon:
ALLPOWERS 60W 18V Foldable Sunpower Solar Panel
Recommended External Battery Pack
RAVPower 27000mAh Portable Charger Power Bank
Using a solar panel charger with this portable battery pack will ensure that your device of choice will never run out of juice.
Where to Buy:
The RAVPower 23000mAh Portable Charger Power Bank is available from these retailers:
eBay:
RAVPower 27000mAh Portable Charger Power Bank
Amazon:
RAVPower 27000mAh Portable Charger Power Bank
Feature image courtesy of adamr at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Conclusion
Equipped with these portable solar panel chargers you will never have to worry about running out of power. Just place one of these panels in the sun and watch your device charge away.
More Articles You May Like:
Leave a comment