Your complete guide to portable solar chargers and power banks
Whether you're backpacking through remote wilderness, preparing for emergencies, or simply want an eco-friendly way to keep your devices charged, portable solar chargers offer freedom from the grid. Modern solar technology has made these devices lightweight, efficient, and affordable enough for everyday outdoor use.
This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing and using portable solar chargers, from understanding wattage and efficiency ratings to selecting the right charger for your specific needs.
Portable solar chargers use photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight into electrical energy. When photons from sunlight hit the solar cells, they knock electrons loose from atoms in the semiconductor material, creating an electrical current. This current is then regulated and can either directly charge your device or store energy in an integrated battery.
Measures the maximum power output under ideal conditions. Higher wattage means faster charging. A 20W panel can charge a phone in 2-3 hours of direct sunlight, while a 5W panel might take 6-8 hours.
The percentage of sunlight converted to electricity. Modern panels range from 20-25% efficiency. Higher efficiency panels produce more power from the same surface area, making them ideal for backpackers.
For solar power banks, this indicates stored energy. A typical smartphone has a 3,000-5,000mAh battery. A 20,000mAh power bank can charge most phones 4-5 times.
USB-A ports typically deliver 5V/2.4A (12W). USB-C ports with Power Delivery (PD) can provide 18-60W for faster charging of phones, tablets, and laptops.
Most portable solar chargers use one of three cell types:
These combine a solar panel with an integrated battery. The solar panel continuously charges the internal battery, which then charges your devices. They're convenient but the small built-in panels charge slowly—often taking 20-50 hours of sunlight to fully charge the battery. Best used as a power bank that can top itself off during extended outdoor trips rather than relying solely on solar.
Best for: Day hikes, casual outdoor use, emergency backup
Typical specs: 10,000-45,000mAh, 1-5W solar panel, USB-A and USB-C ports
The BLAVOR Solar Power Bank is a popular option with 10,000mAh capacity, wireless charging, and a rugged design that includes a built-in flashlight—useful features for camping.
These dedicated panels fold up for portability and unfold to expose larger solar surfaces. Without an integrated battery, they charge devices directly in real-time. They offer much faster charging than solar power banks because they have larger panel surface area, typically 20-100W compared to 1-5W on power banks.
Best for: Multi-day backpacking, car camping, extended outdoor trips
Typical specs: 20-60W output, 2-4 USB ports, folds to book size
The BigBlue 28W Solar Charger is a highly-rated foldable panel with three USB ports and SunPower cells for higher efficiency. It's a great balance of portability and power output.
These larger panels (100W+) are designed for charging portable power stations, RV batteries, or running small appliances directly. They typically use MC4 connectors and may require a charge controller for battery applications.
Best for: RV/van life, car camping, home emergency backup, off-grid setups
Typical specs: 100-200W, MC4 connectors, kickstand or hanging grommets
For vehicle battery maintenance, the SOLPERK 20W Solar Panel Kit includes a charge controller and is designed for 12V battery trickle charging.
Some solar panels are designed to integrate with specific devices like security cameras, trail cameras, or smart doorbells. These typically have proprietary connectors and mounting hardware.
Best for: Home security setups, remote camera installations, IoT devices
| Use Case | Recommended Type | Min. Wattage | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day hiking | Solar power bank | N/A (battery size matters more) | Lightweight, rugged, 10,000+ mAh |
| Weekend backpacking | Foldable panel | 15-20W | Compact fold, carabiner clips |
| Thru-hiking | Lightweight foldable | 10-15W | Ultra-light (<1 lb), durable |
| Car camping | Large foldable | 40-60W | Multiple ports, fast charging |
| RV/Van life | Portable panel + power station | 100-200W | MC4 connectors, kickstand |
| Emergency prep | Power bank + foldable panel | 20-30W | High capacity battery, radio/light |
To determine what wattage you need, consider what you're charging:
A 20W panel in good sunlight produces roughly 20Wh per hour. Accounting for efficiency losses (typically 20-30%), you'd get about 14-16Wh per hour of usable power. So a 20W panel could charge a smartphone in about an hour of direct midday sun.
Based on real-world performance, build quality, and value, here are our recommended solar chargers for different use cases:
The BigBlue 28W strikes the ideal balance between portability and power output. The SunPower cells are more efficient than standard cells, meaning faster charging in the same footprint. The smart IC chip automatically detects your device for optimal charging speed.
Check Price on AmazonWhile the built-in solar panel is best for emergency top-offs rather than full charges, the BLAVOR combines practical outdoor features with solid power bank performance. The wireless charging is convenient for newer phones, and the flashlight modes are genuinely useful for camping.
Check Price on AmazonWhen you need maximum stored power for extended trips, this high-capacity bank can charge most smartphones 8-10 times. The trade-off is weight and size, making it better suited for car camping or base camp use rather than ultralight backpacking.
Check Price on AmazonFor those who need faster charging or want to power larger devices, the FlexSolar 40W delivers significantly more power while still being backpack-portable. The USB-C port supports Power Delivery for fast-charging compatible devices.
Check Price on AmazonELECOM brings Japanese engineering to this compact 4-panel design. It's a great option for those who want reliable performance in a smaller package, perfect for day hikes where you want solar backup without the bulk.
Check Price on AmazonDesigned specifically for maintaining 12V batteries in vehicles, boats, RVs, and tractors. The included charge controller prevents overcharging, and the weatherproof design allows semi-permanent outdoor installation.
Check Price on AmazonFor the best portable solar setup, pair a foldable solar panel with a separate high-quality power bank:
This approach gives you the best of both worlds: high-wattage solar input during the day and stored power available anytime.
Yes, but you need sufficient wattage. Most laptops require 45-65W for active use charging. A 60W+ panel with USB-C Power Delivery can charge many modern laptops directly. Alternatively, use a larger panel (100W+) with a portable power station that has AC output.
With a 20W panel in direct midday sun, about 1-2 hours for a full charge. A 10W panel takes 2-4 hours. Solar power banks with their small built-in panels might take 20-50+ hours of direct sunlight to fully charge their internal battery via solar alone.
Yes, but at reduced capacity. Light cloud cover might give you 50-70% of rated output, while heavy overcast might drop to 10-20%. They won't work indoors or in deep shade.
Quality solar panels can last 20-25+ years with gradual efficiency degradation (typically less than 1% per year). However, portable panels face more wear from folding and transport—expect 5-10 years of good performance with proper care.
Check the IP rating. IPX4 means splash-resistant (light rain okay). IPX5 can handle heavier rain. Regardless of rating, it's best to bring panels inside during storms and never submerge the charging ports.
Monocrystalline cells are more efficient (20-25% vs 15-20%), darker in color, and more expensive. For portable chargers where space is limited, monocrystalline is usually worth the premium because you get more power from the same panel size.