Solar chargers have a wide range of uses. Sure, you can install permanent panels on your house to lower your carbon footprint and energy bill, but the fun doesn’t stop there. A portable solution provides flexibility and endless power when you’re traveling or moving around, and typically doesn’t cost a lot to get started.
Whether you’re RVing full-time, going camping for the weekend, or simply want something you can move from place to place around the property, good portable solar chargers can power most of your electronics, whenever and wherever you need them.
There are inexpensive, lightweight versions that won’t weigh you down in the great outdoors, and are far more convenient than carrying a huge battery pack with you and worrying about whether it will last the whole time you’re away.
It’s worth mentioning that for USB-powered devices it’s typically more reliable to charge a small-ish power bank from your solar panel and then charge your device from the power bank, rather than plugging the device directly into the panel.
If you’re concerned with charging your electronics on the go and whether you’ll be able to keep them powered up no matter where you are, there’s a solar charger out there that fits the bill.
From small, inexpensive solar panels for phones and flashlights to larger, more powerful solutions to charge your RV battery, these are the best portable solar chargers in 2023.
- Weight: 1.5 pounds (699g)
- Number of panels:4
- Max output: 18W PD
- Battery included? Yes, 20,000mAh
- Weight: 20 ounces (567g)
- Number of panels: 4
- Max output: 12W (single port)/24W (total)
- Battery included? No
- Weight: 12 ounces (340g)
- Number of panels: 3
- Max output: 10W (single port)/10W (total)
- Battery included? No
- Weight: 11 pounds (5.3kg)
- Number of panels: 4
- Max output: 220W
- Battery included? No
- Weight: 18 ounces (510g)
- Number of panels: 4
- Max output: 12W (single port)/20W (total)
- Battery included? No
Best Portable Solar Charger (With Battery): BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank
If you want a solar charger with the convenience of an integrated battery and fast charging options, the BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank is the way to go. Not only does it have a pair of USB-A ports, there’s also a USB C Power Delivery (PD) port that’s unusual in small solar power banks like this.
The 18W output from the USB C port means you can fast-charge most phones and tablets, and even (slowly) top up some smaller models of laptop.
The integrated battery means it weighs a fairly hefty 1.5 pounds, but the bundled strap at least makes it a bit easier to carry. Two different flashlights are built-in: a directional, front-facing one, and a larger version on the bottom which throws a wider light that reaches roughly 30 feet.
The larger light has three different brightness levels available, while the SOS and strobe modes are useful in an emergency. There’s also a built-in compass. The design is rugged, and comes in a hard plastic shell with reinforced rubber corners and water-resistant port covers.
While the high-capacity 20,000mAh battery works well, the three solar panels can take quite a while to charge it. With a maximum output of 1.2amps, they can take two or three days to fully recharge the battery even in direct sunlight.
You’ll have the most success by fully charging the battery from a wall socket or laptop before you head out into the wilderness, and then topping it up from the sun each day. Charging via the USB C port is the fastest approach, but there’s also a micro-USB port that does the same thing more slowly.
Buy on AmazonBest Portable Solar Charger (Without Battery): BigBlue
One of the best-selling portable solar chargers on Amazon, this Big Blue model was recently upgraded. The inbuilt information panel keeps you up to speed on how your devices are charging via the three 2.4A (12W) USB outputs, and it offers safer, more reliable charging thanks to the voltage regulator.
The charger only weighs 20 ounces, so it’s relatively easy to carry with you. The foldable design minimizes the physical area of the four panels when they aren’t in use, while letting them expand out to 33 inches. It’s also water-resistant (IPX4), and includes a zippered pocket to keep your devices secure while they’re being charged.
It’s made of an industrial-strength PET polymer that will hold up under strenuous travel conditions. Reinforced holes on the edges of the panels allow you to hang them from a tree, the outside of your tent or backpack, or anywhere else where they’ll get the most sun.
For all of its impressive features, though, you will find a couple of downsides. Even though it’s collapsible and lightweight, it tends to be a bit bulky, and it can also sometimes struggle to charge multiple devices at once.
To get around that problem, charge a small power bank from the solar panels and use that to power some of your devices instead.
Buy on AmazonBest Value Portable Solar Charger: Eceen 13W
For a simple, sleek, and affordable solar charger, the Eceen is your best option. It offers consistent performance in a compact package, is super lightweight at just 12 ounces, and has a pair of USB outlets that let you charge two devices at once.
It’s easy to use and it will charge most phones just as quickly as higher-capacity panels, as long as you’re only powering one at a time. It folds nicely into a zippered pouch for portability and has clip-on points so you can attach it to your pack, your tent, or a tree.
Either of the USB outlets provide a useful 10W of power, but the combined output is no higher, so charging can be pretty slow when you have two devices plugged in.
The nice thing about this solar charger is that, for the price, you get a lot of hidden features. It has automatic sun detection, as well as inbuilt protection against short circuits, over-current, over-charge, and over-voltage events.
While the device is affordable, 13 watts isn’t a lot, so it won’t power larger devices. It also tends to struggle in partly cloudy conditions. If you need a higher power output, Eceen also makes a larger 20W model.
Buy on AmazonBest Portable Solar Charger for RVs: DOKIO Folding Solar Panel Kit
While it weighs a hefty 11 pounds, the DOKIO folding solar panel kit is one of the best semi-permanent solutions for those who like to RV or camp for longer periods. Simply fold it up, take it with you, and set it up when you get there.
It’s ultra-thin and stylish, making it easy to stow and a great addition to your campsite without being an eyesore. Although primarily designed for charging 12v batteries and DC generators, the control unit also includes a pair of USB ports for charging smaller devices.
The unit also lets you know how full your battery is, and protects your devices against overcharging, reverse currents, reverse polarity, and short circuits.
The kit comes with all of the cables and connectors you need to power various types of 12v battery or portable generator, including a three-meter cable, a one-meter cable with a crocodile clip, a JY60 short connector, and five different DC plug tips.
With many solar panels, they’ll advertise a certain output, but the real-world performance is quite different. This one actually is capable of the 220-watt output it advertises, at least in ideal conditions, surprising given the large rating. Models with higher and lower capacities are also available.
The exterior fabric is water- and mildew-proof, and the panels fold and Velcro together so they can fit into the included waterproof bag and be more easily transported. The bag also has pockets for all the cables, plugs, and accessories: a small but welcome bonus.
Buy on AmazonBest Portable Solar Charger for Hiking: NekTeck 28W Foldable Portable Solar Charger
The NekTeck solar charger comes in a variety of sizes, but the 28W version is the best for charging a couple of devices at once. It’s rugged, but the design is versatile enough to make it useful in a number of different scenarios.
This is one of the best portable solar chargers for hiking, thanks to its foldable design, high power output, multiple attachment hooks, and waterproof fabric. It has two USB ports that will automatically detect the type of connected device to avoid under or overcharging it.
It weighs just 18 ounces, making it easy to carry in or on a pack, and its compact folded size makes it great for camping, hiking, biking, and most other outdoor activities. The quality of the construction feels superior to many other affordable models, and the grommets and stitching are strong.
The carabiners included in the package are subpar, however, so if you’re planning to attach this solar panel to your backpack or tent, you may need to invest in some higher quality hooks.
When angled directly towards strong sunlight, it’s able to charge most portable electronics fairly quickly at up to 12W from a single USB port. However, like all panels, it’s less effective in indirect sun or when there’s cloud cover.
Buy on AmazonMain image via Shutterstock, product images via Amazon
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