© Igors Rusakovs / Shutterstock.com
For many people, the words “solar power” conjure up ideas of big industrial facilities and black tile-like objects on rooftops. The reality is that solar power is far more than that, up to and including battery packs that have been around for a while and make a great addition to any home or travel kit.
These solar-powered packs are small enough to fit in a pocket or backpack but powerful enough that they can charge your smartphone or tablet multiple times without recharging. The best part is that when you do need to recharge, you have a near limitless source of energy ensuring you never run out of battery.
Let’s take a look at some of the best solar-powered battery pack options you can find on the market today.
- Best Overall: Hiluckey Solar Charger
- Best Output: LICORNE Solar Power Bank
- Best Dual-Charging: 4Patriots Power Cell
- Best Lightweight: BEARTWO Portable Solar Charger
- Best Flashlight: BLAVOR Solar Power Bank
- Best Multipurpose: QiSa Solar Charger
Best Overall: Hiluckey Solar Charger
- 25000mAh High Capacity: The solar power bank charges up 8-10 times for your phone and 3-4 times for your tablet, and it can be used for 9 days on average per charge.
- 4 Large Solar Panels: This solar charger comes with 4 high-performance solar panels that can reach 6W in direct sunlight to keep your phone up and running even in places without electricity.
- Fast Charging: With the upgraded 15W outputs, the portable solar charger can fast charge an iPhone to 50% in 30 minutes. One USB C port and dual USB A ports achieve the simultaneous charging for three...
- Built for Outdoors: Rugged construction is dust, shock and splash resistant, you can hang it on a backpack or put it in a bag when camping, hiking. Built in a bright LED flashlight, perfect for power...
- 2.5X Recharging: The USB C port supports both input and output. A full recharge will take about only 8 hours with a PD fast charger (not included). Internal security system protects your device from...
When you want a solar power battery pack that can last and last, the Hiluckey Portable Powerbank is the best choice.
The best part of the Hiluckey is its 25,000mAh power bank which is good for 8 to 10 charges for your phone and up to 3 to 4 charges for a tablet. Once charged, the Hiluckey can hold its battery from its solar panels for up to 9 days on average before power starts to drain.
©Daniel Krason/Shutterstock.com
A total of four solar panels each reach 6 watts when placed in direct sunlight before bringing power to the dual USB-A charging ports. Each port offers 2.1A of high-speed charging and auto detects your device to detect optimal charging output.
Battery life aside, the Hiluckey is perfect for the outdoors with solid construction that is dust, shock, and splash-resistant. And, when you need it, a built-in LED flashlight has three modes for finding your way in the dark.
Check out the Hiluckey Solar Charger on Amazon here.
Best Output: LICORNE Solar Power Bank
- 36800mAh Solar Charger: High Capacity Solar Power Bank with 36800mAh large capacity, built-in lightning cable, micro cable and type C cable, total three cables for all mobile phone directly. This...
- 6 Outputs & Wireless Charging: The portable charger power bank equips with Micro USB & Type C input ports and 5V/3A USB Quick charge & Type C Output ports. It also has wireless charger which supports...
- Dual Multifunctional Flashlight: Built-in 1.8W flashlight spotlights, with Strong-SOS-Flash modes, lead you through darkness and emergencies as lifesaver. 3 lighting modes: Strong light/Strobe/SOS,...
- Durable & Sturdy Design: The solar battery charger is made of premium ABS and PC Silicone material, equipped with solar panel which is a handy tool for camping, cycling, fishing, traveling, hiking and...
- Warm Tips: Please kindly know that solar charging is an additional feature. Due to the small panel size, large capacity and uncontrollable sunlight intensity into consideration, the solar charging...
When it comes to battery life, the LICORNE Solar Power Bank offers a whopping 36,800mAh of support for your devices. That’s plenty of room for multiple smartphone cycles before needing to be recharged.
What really helps the LICORNE stand out is, its not one or two, but six outputs plus wireless charging. That’s enough support for all of the devices you could bring on your own or to charge all of the smartphones and tablets your entire group brought with them on a trip.
On top of the standout battery life, there is a 1.8W flashlight with SOS flash mode and a strobe light for help in emergencies. That makes for three lighting modes in total and, because of the solar power, you won’t ever be without battery life when you need it most.
Add in a sturdy design with IP66 waterproofing and you are ready to handle the elements with confidence.
You can find the LICORNE Solar Power Bank on Amazon here.
Best Dual-Charging: 4Patriots Power Cell
- RECHARGEABLE SOLAR PANEL: Your portable solar power bank is rechargeable using the free power of the sun. The 5-inch solar panel lets you recharge the 8,000 mAh lithium ion battery without cords or...
- WATER RESISTANT: IP67 waterproof rating means your solar power bank can stand up to rain & splashes. Rubberized exterior protects your external battery against drops. We’ve dumped it on rocks,...
- DUAL USB CHARGING PORTS: 2 USB ports let you charge 2 devices at once. Now, you can easily charge any USB-Compatible devices. Your 2 USB ports have outputs of 5V 2.1A. Strong lithium-ion battery can...
- IDEAL FOR VARIOUS OUTDOOR OR TRAVEL ACTIVITIES: Great for travel, camping, hiking or emergencies. The super-bright LED flashlight brightens up any dark area. The solar panel means you can charge it...
- CHARGES YOUR: iPhone, iPad, Android smartphones, flashlights, radios, e-readers, Kindles, GPS systems, personal cooling fans, cameras, handheld games, music players, iPods, bluetooth speakers, LED...
The 4Patriots Power Cell is that wonderful combination of a product that has a standout main purpose of powering your devices with solar power.
It adds the bonus of being able to quickly power up its 8,000mAh battery pack with an included micro-USB cord. This makes it ideal for charging up before you start out on a trip and then relying on the sun to power once you run out of the initial battery life.
Two USB ports let you charge up to two devices at once. Each port includes a 5V 2.1A output so you can recharge up to 500 cycles before you need to replace the battery. An IP67 waterproof rating gives it the ability to survive in the elements by handling rain and splashes with ease. 4Patriots even says you can dump it on rocks and still keep charging.
One additional benefit is that the charger is TSA-approved so you can take the included LED flashlight with you no matter where your destination may be.
Pick up the 4Patriots Power Cell today on Amazon here.
Best Lightweight: BEARTWO Portable Solar Charger
- 【Compact & Portable Design】- One of the smallest and lightest solar charger on the market(only weighs7.4oz). Extra hanger included, easy to hang on your backpack, perfect for camping, hiking and...
- 【Dual-USB Output】- Charge 2 devices simultaneously with max output up to 5V/2.1A, deliver fast charge. Only takes 4-5 hours to fully charge the battery(via 5V/2A charger), save your charging time...
- 【IP67 Waterproof】- Every USB port or micro USB port is covered by rubber cap, better protect battery from water; Reinforced corner makes it more tough and sturdy; Rugged surface to avoid slipping.
- 【Built in mini LED Flashlight】- with three modes available(Normal /SOS /Strobe), convenient to control with one button. SOS mode is specially designed for emergency use.
- 【Safety for Use】- Made of eco-friendly silicone rubber and ABS + PC material. CE, FCC, RoHS certified, reliable and durable. Kindly noted that it's comparatively slow to recharge the battery via...
When it comes to hiking, camping, and being out in the wild, weight matters. The lighter your bag, the more enjoyable of a time you have walking miles and miles on trails to your destination. That’s why the BEARTWO 10,000mAh compact solar powered battery pack is a fantastic choice.
At only 7.4 ounces, it’s the lightest of the bunch without sacrificing any capability or charging time.
The solar-powered battery can charge in about 4 to 5 hours while being able to charge an iPhone or Android smartphone completely. Two USB ports enable charging at both 1A and 2.1A for varied charging based on your devices.
The IP67 rating adds a waterproof design that is wrapped in high-quality silicone rubber so it’s durable enough to battle the elements. The BEARTWO is compact enough to fit in a pocket or small backpack so it’s great to have on the go.
Get your BEARTWO Solar Charger on Amazon here.
Best Flashlight: BLAVOR Solar Power Bank
- Brand-Oriented & Outdoor Charger Pro: With over ten years experience of portable solar power banks, BLAVOR has already gained the favor and trust of over 27 million global users. BLAVOR only uses the...
- Leading USB C Input&Output Tech and Qi Wireless: 5V 2.4A output, 50% faster-charging speed, and zero damage to your devices. Support charging 3 devices simultaneously, multiple charging/recharge...
- Premium Battery & Smallest Solar Charger: BLAVOR uses the safer Lithium-cobalt battery, which is 50% more cycling times than a normal Li-polymer battery. The smallest and lightest portable charger on...
- Safe Material and Comfortable Design: The outer case is made from flame-retardant ABS+PC materials. The waterproof silicone better protects the internal structure of the charger. Rubber skin-feel oil...
- Multi-Purpose Outdoor Power Bank: BLAVOR portable solar charger is made IPX5 waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. The built-in dual super bright flashlight and the included compass carabiner would...
There’s flashlights on solar-powered battery packs and then there is the BLAVOR Solar Power Bank.
With its dual flashlight set up, it’s bright—very bright. Perfect for camping, traveling, hiking, beaches, and cycling, you won’t don’t have to worry about the dark anymore. With up to 164 feet of visibility, the light shines bright enough to keep you out of harm’s way for up to 100 hours, thanks to the 10,000mAh solar-charged battery pack.
With the built-in battery bank, there’s enough power to charge an iPhone 12 and above up to three times as well as flagship Android devices up to 2.5 times. Qi-certified wireless charging is also on board so you can skip the USB-C cable.
Made out of premium ABS material, the BLAVOR is incredibly durable and able to completely withstand wherever and whatever your adventure discovers.
You can find it on Amazon here.
Best Multipurpose: QiSa Solar Charger
- Solar charger, as long as there is sunlight, four high-conversion solar charging panels can be continuously charged. Its solar power is 12W and the input current is 1.16A.This is equivalent to 116% of...
- Solar power bank 38800mAh large battery, let you get rid of the anxiety of battery power anytime and anywhere.
- Solar power bank has a wireless charging function, two 5V3.1A USB fast output ports, can charge up to 3 devices at the same time. Note: Only Qi-enabled devices are compatible with wireless charging.
- Power bank is waterproof, drop-proof and dust-proof, and can still work normally in extreme environments.
- Solar power bank has a built-in smart chip that can automatically identify and be compatible with different devices, convert fluctuating voltage into stable voltage, stabilize the device, and ensure...
The QiSa Solar Charger is a great solar-powered battery pack that offers a whopping 38,800mAh battery pack charged by sunlight.
With two USB outputs, it can charge up to three devices at a time. One major bonus of the QiSa is that it includes Qi-enabled wireless charging (up to 10W) so, if you have a compatible device and forget your cable at home, no worries! It works in extreme heat and cold temperatures which is yet another solid bonus.
What also helps differentiate the QiSa is its multiple-purpose light. Whereas many solar-powered battery packs offer a flashlight, the QiSa adds multiple functions. Along with a strong and low light, there are also two functions for both SOS and strobe light to help in the event of an emergency.
With massive battery life available, you can run one of these lights almost indefinitely if you keep recharging via sunlight.
Grab the QiSa solar battery pack on Amazon here.
How to Pick the Best Solar-Powered Battery Pack: A Step-by-Step Guide
When choosing between the best solar-powered battery pack, there are a few things to consider:
- Charging speed
- Durability
- Number of connections
- Charging capacity
- Weight (size)
©Zern Liew/Shutterstock.com
Charging Speed
One of the biggest reasons you buy a solar-powered battery pack is to stay powered up when you’re away from an outlet. However, it won’t do much good if it takes three days to charge, so charging speed is important. You want to try and locate a solar-powered battery life that works with at least 10W of power when charging your device. That’s pretty standard so you will find the same charging speeds as you find with non-solar-powered battery packs.
Durability
You’re in the wild where the elements can be less than predictable, so you don’t want to have to worry about babying a solar-powered battery pack to avoid damage. Find one that offers waterproofing, dust resistance, and shockproofing, as well as the right material like silicone to help keep it safe in the event of a fall.
Number of Connections
As you step away from the comfort of power outlets, you might need to bring a number of devices with you to stay charged. That’s why the number of ports is important so you don’t have to be concerned about charging only one device at a time. Most solar-powered battery packs will have at least two USB outputs and you wouldn’t want any less than that.
Charging Capacity
The last thing you want to worry about is running out of battery life. Solar power is designed so you don’t ever run out of battery, but having a large battery pack capacity adds a sense of comfort that you are staying charged at all times. Finding a battery pack with at least 20,000mAh of capacity is ideal to make sure you have enough juice for multiple smartphones or emergency devices.
Weight and Size
Smaller and lighter are better. That’s the name of the game for solar-powered battery packs. If you’re out hiking, you want less weight in your bag, not more. Selecting a lightweight battery pack is ideal so you can either put it in a pocket or connect it to the outside of your bag without having to worry about adding unnecessary bulk.
Using Solar Powered Battery Packs: What It’s Like
Using a solar-powered battery pack, regardless of which one you try on this list, isn’t much different than using a non-solar-powered battery pack. The biggest difference might be the speed at which it charges, as solar-powered options tend to limit to 12W whereas non-solar-powered can hit 15W. It’s a minor difference to be sure, but something to consider all the same.
Consumers, hikers, campers, and the like who want to try these products will really enjoy the flexibility of something that can charge under the power of the sun.
It’s a limitless power source and it’s good peace of mind to know that you won’t be without a charge for long. Someone who wants really long battery life will enjoy the size of the QiSa Solar Charger which more than doubles most of its competition.
People who want to have a solar-powered battery pack should rest assured that all of the options on this list are exemplary at what they do. Someone who wants the biggest amount of power should look to the Jackery, especially if you’re using a camper or an RV.
Smartphone owners will love the Anker option as it’s a trustworthy name they are already familiar with but in a form factor they likely haven’t considered previously.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, you have a lot of great options as a consumer looking at solar-powered battery packs. If you only have to pick one, the Hiluckey is a tried and true option that combines solid battery life, fast recharging, and a great form factor that can properly handle the elements.
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