A solar charger is a device that uses sunlight to generate electricity. It contains battery banks that can be used without sun, as long as they are charged before use by connecting them to a power outlet or other power source. Solar panels that do not contain battery packs require a direct connection to the device and cannot be charged without the sun. When it comes to solar chargers, the BigBlue 28W is our top pick.
In the tests, it was surpassed only by our best selection in terms of the amount of energy it produced throughout the day, and it even produced a little more when the sun was at its peak at noon. It has additional charging port and port protector that make it stand out. The main drawback of the BigBlue charger is, as the brand suggests, its size. Even though it weighs the same as the X-Dragon, it is 10 inches longer when deployed, making it a little more difficult to maneuver in the correct position.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 is another great option for those who want to get off the grid or prepare for an emergency. Anker's Powerhouse 100 is our favorite laptop charger for travelers, remote workers and others. As for solar power banks, the ADDTOP portable solar power bank is durable, waterproof and has a great solar changing capacity. It has 3 panels and can be fully recharged in 30 hours of direct sunlight.
It also comes with an LED light and a compass for outdoor use. BEARTWO is another great option for those who want to carry light luggage. This 4-panel product has the least amount of charging time needed - only 25 to 30 hours to fully charge - and can charge a mobile phone 12 or more times. When using a solar power bank, keep in mind that it's not an immediate solution to charge your devices.
The small panel can only generate a limited amount of power, even when it is in full sunlight, and most power banks now have a very high battery capacity. The instructions recommend fully charging the battery with the AC power adapter before using it for the first time. Those with their own energy system, such as solar road lights, usually don't need backup power to illuminate their home at night. Some small solar power banks allow you to charge the power bank both with the sun and with normal electricity. With all the circuits involved, the solar power bank should not be subject to splashing water or submerged in water. Solar power banks don't need to be exposed to the sun while charging your devices (as long as the battery is full), giving you more flexibility as to when and how you use them.
As a rule of thumb, divide the battery capacity of the solar power bank by the battery capacity of the phone. When charging has started, the LED lights will gradually light up and turn off as the power bank battery runs out and the mobile phone battery charges. A solar power bank can be a useful piece of technology for charging your mobile phones or tablets if you can wait and use the device once or twice a day. It's not a big gain: you could barely charge an iPhone X battery halfway with the extra power, but every watt matters if you're away from a power outlet.
