Cell phones, tablets, cameras, GPS… we use them every day, whether for work, study, or just for fun. Therefore, they should always be charged to be able to use them at any time. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. With the many trips during the day, it is not always easy to keep the batteries full or to have a power outlet nearby to recharge them.
A practical solution? The portable solar charger. It is a device that works with solar energy just like the best solar generators, which power up your devices at home in the case of a power outage. Its use will allow you to make considerable savings on your electricity consumption. To determine the best solar cell phone charger, you can have a look at reviews and consumer reports best solar cell phone charger, which comprises of top 5 products currently available on the market.
Reviews Of 5 Best Solar Cell Phone Chargers
1. BLAVOR Solar Qi Wireless Charger Power Bank
Have a look at this 10,000mAh wireless charger and power bank combo, which is compatible with the two most popular smartphone brands, i.e., Apple and Samsung. You can connect this device to the iPhone 8 and above or Samsung Galaxy S8 and above. Not just these, but the wireless charger is compatible with all qi-enabled mobile devices. The wireless charger charges on electricity as well as solar, but it uses a solar charging option when other sources of power are unavailable.
When it comes to the time taken by this wireless charger to get fully charged, then that is around 6 hours with a 5V/2A adapter, so you can easily charge your smartphone more than twice. The wireless charger is made of top-quality ABS materials and features a lithium polymer battery, which makes it sturdy and durable. You will get multiple ports in the charger including a type C, a couple of USB ports, dual flashlights, and a compass kit. This is a perfect device for those who love camping, fishing, hiking, cycling, traveling, and beaching.
2. BigBlue B401 3 USB Ports 28W Solar Charger
If you are looking for a powerful solar charger for your smartphones and tablets, then you can consider this particular model, which incorporates three USB-A ports to let you connect three devices for charging simultaneously. This smart device charger recognizes your device and then, offers optimal charging speed depending on the device. You don’t have to worry about overcharging and overheating while charging your devices, as the company has taken all the safety measures in this solar charger, which include short circuit protection. You can carry this wireless solar charger on long camping trips where the power grid is not that reliable.
The portable design of this wireless charger allows you to place it won’t take much space in your backpack. The charger features a highly efficient SunPower solar panel, which can convert up to 24% of solar power into electricity. The solar panel remains protected from rain and wet fog by a thick layer of PET polymer. The USB ports remain protected from water and dust with a rubber cover. You can connect a wide range of devices to this wireless solar charger including, smartphones, tablets, DSLRs, and more. The company provides excellent support for its products, so you can get in touch with them in case you need any assistance.
3. Tranmix Portable Solar Phone Charger With 4 Solar Panels HI-S025
Tranmix brings to you a highly capable solar phone charger with the ability to charge your devices 4 times faster than its competitors. The charger comprises 4 ultra-large foldable solar panels that allow it to reach a max power of 6 watts/1.2-Amperes in direct sunlight. The charger comes with a bright flashlight, which has 3 modes including ‘Steady-SOS-Flashing’. You can use this wireless charger 365 days a year due to its dustproof, rainproof, and shockproof construction.
You can charge your smartphone between 7-9 times using this wireless charger. The charger boasts dual 2.1A outputs that give you the opportunity to quickly charge a couple of devices at once. The built-in intelligent IC chip protects your devices from over-current, over-charging, and short-circuit. You will receive a micro-USB cable and user manual in the package that makes your experience a lot better.
4. QiSa Solar Charger 35800mAh Solar Power Bank With Dual 3.1A Outputs
This solar wireless charger also features 4 high-conversion solar charging panels, which can charge several of your devices at once. The solar charger has a power of 12 watts with an input current of 1.5A. It can also be used as a power bank, as it boasts a 3,580mAh battery, which eliminates the hassle of charging devices on long trips. The charger features 2 USB ports and has the ability to charge up to 3 devices at once.
It features a smart chip that automatically identifies the device and releases the charging power accordingly to prevent over-charging and other problems. The charger will convert fluctuating voltage into a stable voltage that ensures the safety of the devices connected to it. The charger is only compatible with Qi-enabled devices that support wireless charging. You can use this device in any weather condition as it is dust-proof, impact-proof, and waterproof.
5. Soluser YD-888K Solar Charger & Power Bank
Check out this 3000mAh solar charger from Soluser, which can charge several of your devices at a time. If you are using an iPhone, then you can charge from 8-12 times depending upon the model. For Samsung smartphones, the charger can charge up to 6-7 times depending upon the model. Not just smartphones, but the charger is capable of charging tablets. The wireless charger also works as a power bank and is compatible with quick charge 2.0, 3.0, and input or output bidirectional fast charging.
The wireless charger comes with 4 outputs, which include 1 Type C output port and 3 USB output ports, thus letting you connect multiple devices simultaneously. You will also like the inclusion of an LED emergency flashlight, which has three modes, flash, light, and SOS, thus letting you send distress signals as well. The wireless charger has a rugged design, plus it is made of waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof material, which allows it to work in all weather conditions. In the package, you will receive the solar charger, lanyard, user manual, and micro-USB cable.
How To Choose The Best Solar Cell Phone Charger?
A solar charger is a useful accessory for outdoor activities: hiking, sailing, camping, motorhome, climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, boating in a pontoon boat, and more.
To charge devices using solar energy, you have several options:
- Solar panels alone, whether rigid or semi-flexible
- Solar panels with integrated battery
- Solar panels with independent battery
Here are some essential criteria before choosing a solar phone charger:
Surface
The larger the solar panel, the more light it collects and the faster the energy will be stored in a battery. A small panel is easier to carry, but it will take longer to charge a battery.
A large area of solar panels is also ideal when the weather is cloudy or when the light is low during winter. Depending on the surface of the panels and the lighting conditions, charging times can vary from 4 to 16 hours of sunshine for the same battery.
Output Capacity
It is expressed in watts (W) and clearly indicated for each charger. The higher the number, the more electricity the solar charger can generate over a period of time.
The output power is important but it is also necessary to learn about the amperage of the USB outputs. An amperage of 2.4A each is required to charge a tablet.
Ability To Charge Multiple Devices
Some models of solar chargers can charge two or three devices at a time with good sunlight. Here again, the most powerful models in W are more efficient for recharging several devices simultaneously.
Always in optimal sunshine conditions, some solar chargers can power up to three devices. On the other hand, with less direct sunlight, recharging two or three devices simultaneously will take much longer than recharging just one.
Robustness
A portable solar panel is used outdoors and must withstand the sun of course but also the wind or even the rain. On a solar charger, the solar panel part is resistant to the elements whether it is the sun or the rain. On the fabric parts, the colors may be washed out after several months of exposure.
In very hot conditions, the panel can warp. Models with external storage pockets are practical. These small pockets keep cables and other gadgets safe. They also keep the USB port dry and secure while charging.
Weight And Portability
It is an essential criterion for most outdoor activities such as hiking or climbing. On the other hand, lightness is not important for the boat or the motorhome. Some solar chargers are very compact and lightweight. They slip into a pocket easily.
Other foldable chargers are heavier and bulkier. A portable solar panel has stainless steel rings so it can be easily hung on a backpack, tree, kayak, bicycle, or tent.
Travel Time
For a weekend, an external battery may be sufficient. For several days off the grid, you will probably need a solar charger.
Either way, you can fully charge your devices and have the battery backup right before you go.
Mode Of Travel
For a solar panel to be effective, it requires long exposure to direct sunlight.
Some activities like cycle touring or sea kayaking are well suited to solar charging while on the move. For hiking, the solar panel attached to the backpack must be correctly oriented towards the sun. If you are hiking in the forest, a solar charger will be of little use.
How To Use A Solar Cell Phone Charger?
Using a solar cell phone charger is very easy. The first step is to ensure that the solar panels are relatively clean and dust-free. Otherwise, a damp cloth is ideal for cleaning them.
To obtain maximum power, you must then tilt the panels correctly. The angle of the panel to the ground should be about the same as your latitude. The panel should be a little less inclined in summer and a little more in winter.
If the panel is not pointed directly into the sun, it is likely to charge more slowly. Although it is possible to charge a smartphone by leaving the panels in the same place all day, it is recommended to reposition the panels every two hours for optimal performance.
Most solar chargers don't produce as much power as the manufacturers claim. The stated amperages of the output ports are really theoretical values. That is why it is advisable to charge only one device at a time to achieve a useful charging speed.
While charging, it is advisable to put your smartphone in the shade to avoid overheating. To avoid the heat, simply place the smartphone under the panel.
Final Verdict
Having a solar cell phone charger in your backpack while traveling can make a huge difference in how your trip goes. If you like to stay connected to the world even while camping, hiking, or other outdoor adventures, then you need to have a solar cell phone charger in your bag. If you have identified the right product from the consumer reports best solar cell phone charger reviews, then you can proceed to place an order to have an efficient charger on your upcoming trip.