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Best Solar Phone Chargers In 2022

This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Last Updated April 10, 2020
GearHungry Staff
GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.
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It’s 2022 – it’s time to start looking at solar for everything, and not just hooking panels up to the roof. It’s being used everywhere, including phone chargers. Yes, solar-powered phone chargers to not only cut down on your electric bill, but to go a little green along the way. We’ve narrowed down the best solar phone chargers – these are the type you can leave on the windowsill to charge your phone while you’re seeing to other tasks, or on the dash of the car for your morning commute. The possibilities are endless, but the products are not. As always, here’s the cream of the crop from Gear Hungry.

The Best Solar Phone Charger

1
BigBlue 3 USB Ports 28W Solar Charger

bigblue 3 usb ports 28w solar charger

If you need something with a lot more power, the BigBlue 3 USB Port 28W Solar Charger is just what you need. It’s larger than the GoerTek, but with 3 large solar panels and measuring 11.1 × 6.3× 1.3” folded or 33.1 × 11.1× 0.2” when opened you can still enjoy the handy portability of smaller solar charger. It weighs just 20.6 ounces, too, so it shouldn’t bog you down too much when trekking up never-ending mountain trails.

Again, you can make use of 3 USB ports to spread the charging power, but if you’re traveling alone, then you can use these ports to charge a range of devices, so you never feel too separated from home, at least not for too long. Its energy conversion rate is also top notch. It can convert as much as 23.5% of solar power into free energy as long as you have enough sunlight to power it. With multiple solar panels, it can absorb as much light as possible, ensuring that no matter where or how you position it, there should always be some light source available.

Despite its slim design and lightweight, it’s durable, using a PET polymer surface that protects it from the elements and guarantees longevity. As long as you keep the solar charger safe, you can ensure your devices will stay charged, and with a 2 year warranty, you can also feel confidently covered.

You can lay it flat, hang it from your tent or your backpack so you can charge while on the move, so regardless of how fast or how slow you are moving, you can at least rely on fully powered devices throughout the day. And you may also be interested in some of the best AAA rechargeable batteries from our list, so check them out.

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Key Features:

Easy to carry

Lightweight

3 USB ports

High energy conversion

Wide compatibility

24-month worry-free warranty

Durable protective features

Specification:
  • BrandBigBlue
  • ModelB401
  • Weight1.29 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

2
Anker 21W Dual USB Solar Phone Charger

anker 21w dual usb solar phone charger

Built for your iPhone or Android device, Anker 21W Dual USB Solar Phone Charger is designed to give you the most bang for your buck, on multiple fronts. For one, it’s excellent with mobility – simply lay this mat anywhere you wish, depending on the sun’s current position, and you’ll be good to go. This compact size allows for easy fold-up and storage in a laptop bag, messenger bag or backpack, and retains up to a max 23.5% efficiency rating.

This kit is also going to include a 3ft micro USB cable, their welcome guide with instructions and maintenance care, as well as their stellar 18-month warranty that covers more than you’d imagine. You get a charging speed of up to three overall amps in direct sunlight (ideal conditions), or about 2.4 amps in non-ideal conditions. If it starts to rain, don’t worry – Anker already thought of that. This comes with a waterproof polyester canvas cover, so everything (perhaps except for your phone), is going to be safe.

Key Features:

PowerIQ charging technology

Charge 2 devices simultaneously

Highly portable

Industrial strength PET polymer

Storage loops

Advanced short circuit safety

High-wear polyester canvas

Specification:
  • BrandAnker
  • ModelA2421011
  • Weight14.7 ounces
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON ANKER

3
Nekteck 21W Portable Solar Panel Charger

nekteck 21w portable solar panel charger

Perfect for those who crave high efficiency with a maximum conversion rate of 24%, the Nekteck 21W Portable Solar Panel Charger may only offer 0.5% more than other options, but when it comes to specific situations, this could make all the difference. The mono crystalline solar panels absorb plenty of sunlight throughout the day, and can deliver a maximum of 3.0 A, or 2.0A per port for complete control and reliability.

The Smart IC Chip technology delivers a fast charging experience for two devices. It identifies USB powered devices so there is no wasted energy while charging. Despite this speedy charging system, it’s still safe to use, and the additional protective design prevents overheating or short circuits that guarantee consistent performance and longevity through many charges this year, next year, and beyond.

Much like the other picks, it’s remarkably portable, and it follows the folding panel trend of other choices that soak up the maximum amount of daylight energy that provides a constant stream of power when you’re on the move or winding down at the end of the trailhead. This design also ensures durability, and it’s resistant to water and dust so you can maintain peace of mind no matter where in the world you find yourself.

There are outdoor hooks to ensure further consistency with keeping it powered, while the zippered compartment on one side gives you a place to store your phone or other devices as well as any cables to save you from losing them during your expedition. If you’re heading on a backpacking trip and are concerned about keeping your phone charged for photographs, this is another excellent option.

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Key Features:

High-efficiency

Monocrystalline solar panels

Smart IC Chip technology

Portable and foldable

Durable design

Charge two devices

Waterproof

Specification:
  • BrandNekteck
  • Weight1.13 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON NEWEGG

4
Dizual Portable Solar Phone Charger

dizual portable solar phone charger

Dizual speaks to more than just green-goers, but to hikers as well. With an integrated hook, this is perfect to hang on the loop of your backpack, allowing you to keep your phone charged in the event of an emergency while out at the camping trail. You get two USB ports, protected by rubber caps to aid in waterproofing. The panel itself comes waterproofed and includes specific football-style design to help water run off of your device, not simply protect it from leakage.

Crafted of ABS plastic and PC, Dizual Portable Solar Phone Charger can withstand drops and falls like a champion. Due to the smaller size of the solar panel itself, charging takes a little bit longer, but you’ll also see that reflect on the excellent price. Solar panels don’t come cheap, which is why Dizual made it their mission to make the most cost-effective and shockproof portable solar panels on the market. We’re happy to say, we’re pretty confident that they achieved that.

Key Features:

ABS + PC design for durability, perfect for hiking

Two rubber cap-protected USB ports

Football grain design to aid in waterproofing

Specification:
  • BrandDizual
  • Weight4 ounces
BUY ON WALMART

5
X-DRAGON Solar Charger 8-Panel Station

x-dragon solar charger 8-panel station

Alright, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Bringing enough solar power retention capabilities for the entire camping crew? You’re going to need some serious power. X-DRAGON’s Solar Charger brings you 22% – 25% energy retention, while most leading portable panels (none that are on this list) only hold around 15% – 17%. You have dual USB ports for charging multiple mobile devices, or an 18V adapter (included) to charge your laptop.

Water and weather resistant Oxford fabric means you don’t have to rush around like a madman while pulling everyone’s phones off the charger. You can leave it in light rain without worrying about damage, and simply house the phones underneath the eight-panel design to shield them from the rain. In total, you have a 40W potential, and an easy time setting this up on or off of the power bank/stand combination.

Key Features:

Comes with a slew of cables and adapters

22% – 25% solar panel energy retention

High-wear Oxford fabric for weather resistance

Specification:
  • BrandX-DRAGON
  • Model6575727
  • Weight3.1 pounds
BUY ON NEWEGG

6
SunJack 15W Solar Charger Power Bank

sunjack 15w solar charger power bank

Four flat panels that fold out, and a power bank – SunJack knew what they were getting themselves into, and absolutely nailed it. This rugged, portable and weather-resistant solar panel comes with two detachable power banks. Energy is fed into these, giving standard phones up to ten full charges (which is pretty insane). If you’re using this for in-home use, such as mounting outside of your window, you’ll be able to charge the entire family’s phones, tablets, etc., on a single day’s charge.

Now, this is ideal for camping situations. If you’re camping with friends, but you’re not roughing it, you’ll be able to keep your devices charged with ease. Contour this panel to the sun’s position for maximum effectivity, and let nature take its course – this thing is tough to an intense level. Accidentally kick up stones, leave it out in the rain, or drop it off a twelve-foot ledge, and SunJack 15W Solar Charger Power Bank is still going to work as if nothing happened. Make sure you also check our guide to the best wireless chargers. 

Key Features:

Two amps of power per USB port (comes with two individual, removable power banks)

Includes USB-C Qualcomm 3.0 cables for quicker charging

Outstanding 12-month warranty

Specification:
  • BrandSunJack
  • ModelSJ20K
  • Weight2.5 pounds
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMARTBUY ON NEWEGG

Solar Phone Charger Buying Guide & FAQs

No two solar chargers are built the same - it’s a vastly different technology, especially in such small, portable form. These are the main features you should be looking out for, especially if you want to get the most for your money.

solar phone chargers faq

Different Types of Solar Chargers

Monocrystalline - These generally require less space, but aren’t always the best at charging. If you’re all about saving square footage, or in the case of phone chargers, square inches, you’ll be wise to go with a monocrystalline model.

Polycrystalline - The difference between this and monocrystalline resides in the material that each individual solar cells are made out of. In this case, silicon substrate. In short, a polycrystalline panel has multiple cells, while a mono has one large cell to absorb solar energy.

CIGS Panels - These go against the grain. Crafted of copper, indium, gallium and selenide (CIGS), these thin-film photovoltaic technology centerpieces are flimsy, but not when it comes to power. They require less film, and overall, are much better for the environment, and in certain cases, provide you with more power per charge.

Portability

As we just talked about, CIGS panels are extremely portable, but other power banks with solar panels can be pretty heavy. If portability is an issue, such as if you’re carrying it to school/work in the morning to let it charge on the windowsill, you may want to consider something that’s going to give you more space. Portability is huge, because nobody likes carrying things awkwardly.

Connections

Quite simple, how many connections it has to charge devices. In most cases, you’re only going to see one or two USB to micro USB connections here, but don’t let that put you off - you have to think about how much energy it’s taking in, versus how many different conduits it has to output through. In our humble opinion, one USB connection is plenty to get the job done.

solar phone chargers faq

Powers

This all plays into efficiency percentage, (most solar panels in general cannot go above 29% efficiency as technology is expanding), how much power your charger can hold when it’s just soaking up the sunlight, and more. Pay close attention to the power-related features to see which one is right for you.

A Few Things to Understand About Solar Panels

This tech is still rapidly evolving every single day, marked by serious milestones. The first solar panel existed in the 1800’s, but it could only hold up to 1% power retention. Nowadays, there are some panels (nothing proven by researchers/energy authorities yet), that can reach up to 33.2% retention. We know that certified-use panels can go up to 29% at the moment, but it’s always expanding.

Solar energy is clean energy but doesn’t operate the same way that commercials and advertisements would make them think. They are an investment, they cut down on your energy consumption, but they’re also finicky at times, so you may have to give a half-a-dozen or more uses before fully determining your opinion on a specific model we’ve selected. Each model has something to offer.

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