The Best Solar Chargers (2024 Update)

Solar chargers generate electricity from the sun, eliminating the need for a wall outlet. You can then use that electricity to charge your devices, such as your phone, laptop, fan, or car battery. To find the best solar chargers, we combined our personal analysis with thousands of real customer reviews. Also, you can find out the best solar cell phone chargers or best solar chargers for camping.

1. Goal Zero Nomad 20

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Goal Zero

• Material: Plastic

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 30.51 x 0.98 x 12.99 inches

• Item Weight: 2.28 Pounds

• Efficiency: High Efficiency

• Connector Type: Usb

Product's highlights

The Goal Zero Nomad 20 is significantly heavier than its sibling, but a kilo isn't too heavy to carry on a camping trip, and you're getting three solar panels in one. It's tough and durable, folds flat, and delivers an impressive 20W of power in direct sunlight.

There are two options for connectivity: an attached 8mm cable that plugs directly into a portable power station (20W) or a USB-A port that charges smartphones, camera batteries, and the like at up to 10W.

Pros

• Excellent craftsmanship

• Simple to use

• Rugged

Cons

• Heavy

2. BioLite SolarPanel10+

Important Specifications 

• Brand: BioLite

• Connectivity Technology: USB

• Connector Type: Micro USB

• Compatible Devices: Tablets, Cameras

• Wattage: 10 watts

• Power Source: Solar Powered

Product's highlights

The BioLite SolarPanel10+ can be used to charge your laptop, smartphone, or power bank directly from the sun: our reviewer discovered that it took six hours to charge a 10,000mAh portable battery to 80% capacity. It works best when aimed directly at the Sun, so the BioLite SolarPanel10+ includes a small sundial to assist you.

If you don't have blue skies and all day to spare, you can charge your devices directly using the onboard 3,200 mAh battery. Furthermore, as you might expect, the battery can be charged by sunlight.

It is, however, the smallest on our list, with a capacity of only 3,200 mAh. And it won't even charge your smartphone completely. However, if you're going to be off the grid for an extended period of time, it does provide a practical way to keep your devices charged without having to go near a power outlet.

Pros

• Powered by the sun

• Built-in battery

• Travels well because it folds up.

Cons

• Only offers minor top-ups

3. BigBlue 5V 28W

Important Specifications 

• Brand: BigBlue

• Connectivity Technology: Usb

• Connector Type: USB

• Compatible Phone Models: HTC Google Apple iPhone Huawei LG Motorola Samsung Xiaomi cellphones etc.

• Included Components: no

Product's highlights

The BigBlue 5V 28W Solar Charger is currently the best on the market. It's small enough to take on long journeys, camping trips, and festivals, and it's made up of four 7W solar panels. Even on a cloudy day, it folds out to quite a large size, providing enough power for stable, reliable charging. And the built-in Smart IC Technology ensures that your devices are charged as quickly as possible.

The stainless steel eye-holes on each corner make it simple to attach it to a backpack, tent, tree, or fence. A digital ammeter displays the number of amps present. Furthermore, three USB ports allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time.

A special PET polymer surface protects it from light rain or wet fog with an IPX4 level of waterproofing. And, best of all, it's reasonably priced, making it a no-brainer for anyone looking for a solar charger.

Pros

• Charger stability and dependability

• Ammeter digital

• Waterproofing to IPX4

Cons

• Not the most affordable

4. Ryno Tuff Portable

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Ryno Tuff

• Connectivity Technology: Usb

• Connector Type: USB

• Compatible Devices: Smartwatches

• Included Components: Solar Panel, Carabiner hooks, 1 Mircor USB Cable

Product's highlights

Looking for a solar charger that is even more affordable than the BigBlue, which is ranked first on our list? The Ryno Tuff Portable Solar Charger is less expensive while still providing excellent charging for your devices. It's also lighter, weighing only 481g.

This solar charger is built to be water-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and temperature-resistant. Two USB ports are hidden in a protective pocket. There are also two carabiner hooks for attaching it to a backpack, tent, bike, or vehicle. While its 21W output isn't as powerful as the BigBlue's, it's still a viable option.

Pros

• Low cost

• Lightweight

• Excellent performer

Cons

• Not the most potent

5. Goal Zero Nomad 5

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Goal Zero

• Material: Plastic

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 9.45 x 1.1 x 7.01 inches

• Item Weight: 360 Grams

• Connector Type: USB

• Included Components: Solar Panel

Product's highlights

When you're on the trail for days, weeks, or even months, you want to carry as little as possible. As a result, the Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel's weight of only 360g is a significant benefit.

However, because this charger does not fold out, it can only provide a maximum of 5W of power to your devices. As a result, there is only one USB output. On the plus side, it comes with a built-in kickstand that allows you to angle it for optimal solar collection. In addition, each corner has an attachment point for strapping it to your rucksack. It's also nice and cheap.

Pros

• Lightweight and compact

• Low cost

Cons

• There is only one port

1. Is it possible to charge solar chargers without the sun?

Most solar power chargers include battery banks, if charged beforehand by plugging them into a wall outlet or another power source, can be used without the sun. Solar panels without battery packs must be connected directly to the device and cannot be charged without the sun.

2. Can I bring a solar charger with me on an airplane?

A solar charger, in general, can be transported on an airplane. Solar chargers, on the other hand, use lithium-ion batteries and should not be checked as luggage (where they are more likely to be damaged).

3. Are solar chargers useful?

Yes! Portable solar chargers are useful for people who spend a lot of time outside and are not near a power source. Larger solar chargers can store clean energy for use when the sun is not shining. Both options can be useful in an emergency when the power goes out.

Getting out in nature requires disconnecting, but you may want to bring your devices with you in case of an emergency or to take photos. A solar charger is the best way to keep devices charged while out in nature.