Portable solar charger buying guide

hiking trip. Choosing the right portable solar charger – one that is easy to carry, holds a decent amount of energy, is reliable can be the difference between an enjoyable or miserable camping trip!

Fortunately, it is not that difficult and here is 5 tips to follow to help you with your next solar charger purchase experience.

# 1. Look out for a fast charging solar charger

Pay attention to the solar panel charging current. The bigger the better – for example a solar panel charger
with a total output of 1200 mA charges 4 times faster than one with 300 mA.

Also, generally speaking, portable solar chargers with multiple solar panels tend to generate a higher charging current and will charge the battery bank faster.

With a faster charger, your batteries will store more energy even during cloudy weather for later use.

# 2. Buy one with integrated battery power bank

For convenience, go for a portable solar charger with an integrated battery bank so that you do not have to order it separately.

Secondly, whenever possible invest in a larger battery bank – remember, the bigger the battery bank, the more hours or charges you can get from it.

If you can afford, go for A 20,000-26,000mAh. This battery capacity should charge an iPhone 11 and a Galaxy S10 Plus at least for 3-5 times with the more power hungry iPad Pro almost 2 times with smaller battery sizes giving you fewer charges!

If a solar panel charger does not have a battery bank then consider buying one. It is better to use the solar panel to charge the battery bank and then charge your phones off the power bank later.

# 3. Look out for Lightweight and compact charger

You want a unit that is light in weight, about 600g or less with the solar panel attached – so that it does not weigh on your shoulders. Remember, you will be carrying this in your backpack as you hike.

It is a plus if it is foldable for units with multiple solar panels. This makes them compact enough to fit into you backpack!

# 4. Get a charger that can charge 2-3 devices at a go

How many devices do you need to charge at ago? You need to have as many USB ports as devices to charge at the same time.

If you have a choice, 2-3 USB ports is a good starting point, it can charge a phone, camera and power a reading light at the same time.

Bear in mind, this goes hand in hand with the battery size – a larger battery will likely have more ports to power multiple devices to charge.

# 5. Look for extras – Does it have a Light?

Does your solar phone charger have a camping light or flash light? If you can, get one with a light. This saves you from carrying a separate light!

Does it support Qi WIRELESS CHARGING? If it does then you can rest assured that it can support charging cell phones with the Qi wireless feature – cable free and tangle free.

If it does not, not a big deal – this feature makes for more convenient phone charging.

Finally, even after checking that your solar phone charger has fulfills the above, check what other users of the particular product has said especially about its reliability and support in the event that the unit fails.

By following the tips above, you will be closer to getting the best value solar phone charger for use during your next camping trip!