Portable Solar Chargers Buying Guide

TL;DR

Portable solar chargers are essential for outdoor enthusiasts, with Anker and BigBlue leading the market for reliability and efficiency. The Lixada 10W is a top budget choice, while the BigBlue 28W excels in performance for mid-range buyers, and Anker Solar Panels stand out in the premium category for their durability and integration with other Anker products.

Top Picks

Budget: Lixada 10W - Lightweight and cost-effective, ideal for ultralight backpackers.
Mid-range: BigBlue 28W - Reliable performance with multiple device charging capabilities.
Premium: Anker Solar Panels - Highly durable and efficient, perfect for outdoor activities. Buy on Amazon

Quick Summary

Portable solar chargers have become increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and travelers seeking reliable power sources while off-grid. With advancements in solar technology, these devices now offer efficient charging solutions for various electronic devices, making them essential for anyone venturing into nature.

TL;DR
Quick Summary
Key Buying Factors
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Top Product Reviews
Price Guide
Personalized Recommendations
Community Insights
Final Verdict

Key Buying Factors

Before making your purchase, consider these essential factors:

Power Output

Choose a solar charger with sufficient wattage to meet your device charging needs, especially for multiple devices.

Portability

Consider the weight and size of the solar charger, particularly for backpacking or long trips.

Durability

Look for weatherproof and rugged designs that can withstand outdoor conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ experiences - here are key pitfalls to watch out for:

Relying solely on solar power

Many users underestimate the variability of solar charging and should consider pairing solar panels with a power bank for consistent power supply.

Ignoring weight and bulk

Backpackers often overlook the importance of weight when selecting solar chargers, which can lead to carrying unnecessary bulk.

Not checking compatibility

Users frequently forget to ensure that their devices are compatible with the solar charger’s output.

Top Product Reviews

Our detailed analysis of the best options available:

Anker Solar Panels

The Anker Solar Panels have garnered a positive reputation among users, particularly for their durability and efficiency in outdoor settings. Discussions on Reddit highlight their robust design, which is often emphasized for camping and other outdoor activities. Users appreciate that the panels are weatherproofed, making them suitable for various environmental conditions. While there is limited detailed technical data available in the discussions, the general sentiment is that Anker products, including these solar panels, are reliable and perform well when used as intended. The integration with Anker’s ecosystem of power banks and chargers is also a noted advantage, allowing for seamless energy management while off-grid.

Features

Durable and weatherproof design suitable for outdoor use
Compatible with various Anker power banks for efficient energy storage

User Experiences

I use an Anker 2 panel array paired with an Anker power bank and it has served me well.

Pros

Highly durable and weatherproofed for outdoor conditions
Efficient charging capabilities when paired with Anker power banks

Cons

Limited detailed specifications available in user discussions

Best Use Cases

Ideal for camping and outdoor activities where reliable power sources are needed

Price-Performance Ratio

The Anker Solar Panels offer good value for money, especially when considering their durability and compatibility with Anker’s power bank products.

Purchase Options

View on Amazon

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Lixada 10W Solar Charger

The Lixada 10W Portable Solar Charger has garnered positive feedback across various Reddit discussions, particularly among ultralight backpackers and campers. Users appreciate its lightweight design and sufficient power output for charging devices like smartphones in good sunlight. Many users have noted that it performs well, often exceeding 3W output in optimal conditions, making it a reliable option for outdoor activities. However, the overall sentiment suggests that while it is an excellent lightweight solution, its long-term durability is still a question mark for some users.

Features

Lightweight design at approximately 100 grams, making it ideal for backpacking.
Capable of producing up to 10W of power, suitable for charging a single smartphone or small devices.

User Experiences

One user reported successfully using the Lixada 10W panel on a three-day backpacking trip, stating it kept both their phone and their partner’s phone charged without issues.

Pros

Extremely lightweight and portable, fitting easily into a backpack.
Cost-effective solution compared to larger, bulkier solar chargers, providing good value for the power output.

Cons

Limited power output may not suffice for multiple devices or in low sunlight conditions.

Best Use Cases

Ideal for solo backpacking trips where lightweight gear is essential and charging a phone or small device is necessary.

Price-Performance Ratio

The Lixada 10W offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio, especially for ultralight backpackers looking for a reliable solar charging solution without breaking the bank.

Purchase Options

View on Amazon

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Anker 21W Solar Charger

The Anker 21W Solar Charger is a portable solar panel that has garnered positive feedback in various online discussions, particularly on Reddit. Users appreciate its efficiency and practicality for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. This model is noted for its ability to charge devices effectively in direct sunlight, although it is recommended to pair it with a power bank for optimal performance. Users have reported that it performs well during extended outdoor trips, making it a reliable choice for those who need to maintain power for their devices while away from traditional power sources.

Features

Dual USB ports allow for simultaneous charging of two devices.
Folding design makes it easy to carry and store.

User Experiences

One user mentioned that the Anker 21W was effective in charging their iPhone in about two hours during a camping trip, emphasizing its reliability in direct sunlight.

Pros

Lightweight and portable, making it ideal for backpacking.
Efficient solar charging capabilities, especially when used with a power bank.

Cons

Charging speed can be slow compared to traditional wall chargers, especially in less than ideal sunlight conditions.

Best Use Cases

Ideal for camping trips, hiking, or any outdoor activities where access to electricity is limited.

Price-Performance Ratio

The Anker 21W Solar Charger offers good value for its price, especially considering its durability and efficiency in solar charging. It is a solid investment for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable way to keep their devices charged.

Purchase Options

View on Amazon

View on Manufacturer’s Website

BigBlue SolarPowa

The BigBlue 28W Portable Solar Charger has garnered a positive reputation among Reddit users, particularly for its reliability in outdoor settings such as camping and hiking. Users have highlighted its efficiency in charging multiple devices simultaneously, even under less-than-ideal sunlight conditions. The consensus suggests that while it may not be the most compact option available, its performance justifies its size, especially for those needing to charge devices on the go.

Features

Two USB ports for simultaneous charging of multiple devices
Folding design for portability and ease of storage

User Experiences

I recently got the BigBlue 28W and tested it for 3 weeks in CA hiking the TRT / PCT. Blown away by how well it works, two USB ports to charge two standard phones and a garmin very rapidly, even in non-ideal conditions (setting and rising sun, cloudy days, strapped to pack while walking). Highly recommend it, readily available for pretty cheap.

Pros

Reliable performance in various weather conditions
Ability to charge multiple devices at once

Cons

Requires direct sunlight for optimal performance, limiting its use while on the move

Best Use Cases

Ideal for camping trips where multiple devices need charging

Price-Performance Ratio

The BigBlue 28W offers excellent value for its price, balancing performance and portability effectively, making it a worthwhile investment for outdoor enthusiasts.

Purchase Options

View on Amazon

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Ryno Tuff 21W

The Ryno Tuff 21W Portable Solar Charger has garnered positive feedback across various Reddit discussions, highlighting its effectiveness in real-world conditions. Users have praised its performance during field tests, where it consistently outperformed many competitors. The charger is noted for its robust build quality and efficiency in converting sunlight into usable power, making it a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness.

Features

High efficiency solar panels that can charge devices quickly in direct sunlight.
Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry for hiking, camping, or travel.

User Experiences

One user reported successfully charging a 5,000-10,000mAh battery bank in 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, indicating that the charger performs well under optimal conditions.

Pros

Efficient solar conversion, allowing for quick charging of devices.
Lightweight and portable, ideal for outdoor activities.

Cons

Performance may drop significantly on cloudy days, limiting its utility in less favorable weather conditions.

Best Use Cases

Ideal for camping, hiking, and emergency situations where access to electricity is limited.

Price-Performance Ratio

The Ryno Tuff 21W is competitively priced considering its performance and durability, making it a solid investment for those needing reliable solar charging capabilities.

Purchase Options

View on Amazon

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Price Guide

Find the best option for your budget:

Budget ($20 - $50)

Lixada 10W

Mid range ($50 - $100)

Anker 21W
BigBlue 28W
Ryno Tuff 21W

Premium ($100 and above)

Anker Solar Panels

Personalized Recommendations

For Beginners

Lixada 10W

For Enthusiasts

BigBlue 28W
Anker 21W

For Budget conscious

Lixada 10W

Community Insights

Overall Trends

Anker products are consistently praised for their reliability and performance.
BigBlue is recognized for its ability to charge multiple devices effectively.
Lixada is favored by ultralight backpackers for its lightweight design.

Top Picks from the Crowd

Anker Solar Panels
BigBlue 28W
Lixada 10W

Controversial Opinions

Some users argue that solar chargers are not worth the investment compared to traditional power banks.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, portable solar chargers offer a practical solution for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable power sources while off-grid. The Anker Solar Panels stand out for their durability and integration with the Anker ecosystem, making them ideal for professionals and serious campers. For budget-conscious users, the Lixada 10W provides an excellent lightweight option, while the BigBlue 28W and Anker 21W cater to enthusiasts needing reliable performance for multiple devices. As the market for solar technology continues to evolve, users should consider their specific needs, such as weight, power output, and durability, to select the best product for their adventures.