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By Thad Warren
Solar power banks are a convenient and eco-friendly way to charge your devices on the go or store energy in case of an emergency. Combining a power bank with a solar panel, these devices allow you to harness the power of the sun to keep your gadgets charged anywhere. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a camper, or just looking to reduce reliance on traditional power sources, solar power banks offer a versatile solution. They are perfect for charging cell phones, tablets, and even small electronic devices when you’re away from a wall outlet. With the ability to recharge using direct sunlight, solar power banks ensure you stay connected no matter where your adventures take you.
When choosing a solar power bank, there are several key features to consider to ensure you get the best performance and value:
By focusing on these features, you can find a solar power bank that meets your needs and keeps your devices powered up wherever you go.
When it comes to choosing the best solar power bank, it's important to keep the factors listed above in mind. In addition to solar power banks, we also reviewed various solar chargers to assess their efficiency and functionality in different conditions. These solar chargers were reviewed for their ability to support multiple devices simultaneously and their performance in varying weather conditions.
Solar power banks are incredibly handy when camping, hiking, or if you’re not sure if you will have access to a wall outlet for charging. By investing in a power bank with solar panels you can ensure that your cell phone, laptop, and any other critical devices are charged and available to use at any time.
The BLAVOR 10000mAh Solar Power Bank is an excellent choice for those on a budget. It offers a reliable and efficient way to charge your devices using solar energy.
The integrated battery packs in the BLAVOR 10000mAh Solar Power Bank enhance its functionality by allowing it to store energy for later use, making it more efficient and convenient for charging multiple devices simultaneously.
This lightweight solar power bank is extremely portable, waterproof, and includes one Type C port and a USB port. Added bonus: it has a built-in flashlight and includes a clip-on compass. Its 10000mAh battery is large enough to charge 2-3 smartphone batteries.
This is the perfect power bank to keep on your backpack or glove box for a convenient charge whenever you need it.
The Jackery Explorer 500 is an excellent choice for camping trips. Its performance in direct sun conditions is particularly impressive, ensuring efficient charging when exposed to direct sunlight. This makes it ideal for outdoor adventures where reliable power is essential.
Plan on being outdoors for an extended period of time? A large battery bank and solar panel are well worth the investment. The Jackery Explorer 500 has a 518Wh capacity battery with USB, AC, and DC outputs. This means you can plug in just about anything as long as it operates at less than 500W. This means it can power your mini-fridge or coffee maker, charge a laptop or smartphone, among powering other similar devices.
Pairing the Explorer 500 with the SolarSaga 100 solar panel allows you to recharge the unit in less than 10 hours. You can also charge the unit from your car's power port in about 16 hours.
All in all, this is a solid unit that can power most electronic devices around your campsite. If you're looking for even more power for your campsite, RV or even cabin check out our list of the best solar power generators.
Foldout solar power banks are an excellent choice for those who need a reliable source of power on the go. They are designed to be compact and easy to carry, making them perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and traveling.
Small solar panels, known for their lightweight and portable design, offer the advantage of easy transport and are ideal for charging smaller devices, although they have a reduced power output compared to larger models.
A great smaller and more portable variation of a high capacity and fast charging power bank is the foldout kit from Hiluckey. This power bank has a large capacity of 25000mAh (8-10 smartphone charges) and dual 2.1A fast-charging USB ports. While the solar panels will take around 40 hours to recharge the unit on their own, a decent wall charger can fully power it for about 12 hours.
This unit is a great mix of portability and charging capacity at a great price and is perfect for long hikes or even overnight camping.
When it comes to choosing the best overall solar power bank, efficiency and performance are key factors. A portable solar panel with high power output capabilities is essential for various setups, especially for outdoor activities like camping and backpacking. This ensures that your devices remain charged while on the go, providing both portability and efficiency.
The Licorne Solar Power Bank is a great blend of portability, capacity, charging capability, and price. The Licorne has three charging outputs: USB, USB Type C, and wireless. It has enough capacity to charge a smartphone 10 times or a tablet 4 times. Along with great charging capabilities, the Licorne is waterproof and shock-resistant.
While the solar charging of this unit takes several days of full sunlight, its capacity and versatility make it our favorite for most people looking for a small portable solar power bank.
Overall this is a great versatile solar power bank that can keep your devices charged whether you're hiking, biking, or just out and about away from your static charging station.
The Jackery Explorer 240 is a versatile solar power bank that is perfect for charging laptops on the go. It features a high-capacity battery and multiple output ports, making it suitable for various devices.
Additionally, the Jackery Explorer 240 can be integrated with portable power stations to enhance performance, allowing for quicker charging and more efficient energy generation.
Solar panel sold separately: Buy Now
On the go for extended periods of time? Need a way to keep power-intensive laptops or computers powered up? The Explorer 240 is perfect for you. With dual 5V 2.4A USB ports and a 110V 200W AC socket, this power station can charge your average laptop to full capacity two times.
The SolarSage 100W (sold separately) solar panel can charge the Explorer 240 in less than 5 hours in the right sunny conditions. This means you could keep your devices powered all day. If you need to keep multiple devices connected consider upgrading to the Explorer 500.
Choosing the right solar power bank can be overwhelming, but by considering your needs and the key features mentioned above, you can find the perfect solar power bank for you. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
By following these tips, you can choose a solar power bank that fits your needs and ensures you stay powered up on the go.
