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What are the best solar portable chargers?

4

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Aug 9, 2018

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Here’s the Deal

3 Options Considered

Best solar portable chargers	Price	Dimensions	Weight
-- SunJack 14W Solar Charger With Battery Pack	$138.95	Folded 6.5” L x 9.25” W x 2” H, unfolded 31.5” L x 9.25” W x 1” H	24 oz (33 oz with batteries)
-- ALLPOWER 60W Solar Panel Charger	$165.99	Unfolded 44.8 x 23.6 x 0.19 in, folded 12 x 7.5 x 2.6 in	47.9 oz
-- Anker 21W 2-Port USB Powerport Solar Charger	$59.99	Unfolded 26.4 × 11.1 × 0.2 in, folded 11.1 × 6.3 × 1.1 in	14.7 oz

SunJack 14W Solar Charger With Battery Pack

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Top Pro

Additional pockets and bands can carry devices

Multiple options for holding devices allows for charging without having to come up with unnecessary carrying methods. See More

Top Con

Poor price-to-watts ratio

Inclusion of a battery has pushed the price up to surprisingly high levels, despite the panels producing less wattage than competitors. If the user doesn't plan on using the battery, or already has a high-quality external battery, this may not be the most effective option. See More

Specs

Dimensions:Folded 6.5” L x 9.25” W x 2” H, unfolded 31.5” L x 9.25” W x 1” H

Weight:24 oz (33 oz with batteries)

Outputs:2 USB ports, 5V output

Top Pro

Included battery allows for usage in more versatile conditions

This package comes with an 8000 mAh external battery that can be fully charged by the panels in a reported 5 hours—impressively fast—and allows device batteries to be charged under less-than-ideal weather conditions or at night. See More

Top Con

External battery means more cables and small components

The inclusion of an external battery can complicate carriage by adding additional cables or pieces that can be lost. See More

Top Con

Larger size with lower voltage than competitive panels

Other panels can produce more current with a smaller profile, and the included clips are less versatile than the eyelets that are often included with other models. See More

ALLPOWER 60W Solar Panel Charger

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Top Pro

Water resistant packaging increases portability

Though inclement weather hampers panel effectiveness, these panels offer light water resistance in case of splashes or other mishaps. See More

Top Con

Only one USB port limits handheld charging options

The DC output occupies the space where many other panel sets have a second USB port, so charging multiple handheld devices is impossible with this set. See More

Specs

Dimensions:Unfolded 44.8 x 23.6 x 0.19 in, folded 12 x 7.5 x 2.6 in

Outputs:1 5V/2A USB port, 1 18V/3A DC

Top Pro

Eleven eyelets give many options for attaching to packs or tents

The eyelets and large panels make it very easy to attach this panel set to hiking or camping equipment and find optimum angles for sunlight capture. See More

Top Con

Bulky for a solar panel set

Though offset by superior power output, these panels can be a little more difficult to transport—when unfolded these panels are almost 4 ft long and 2 ft wide. They also weigh 3 lbs, two to three times the average panel set. See More

Top Pro

High-output DC plug allows for laptop charging

Unlike most portable solar panel chargers, this set has a built-in system that can charge a variety of laptop computers (albeit while the computers are in a low power mode) without the need for an additional power inverter. Be sure to check online for compatibility before purchase, though. See More

Anker 21W 2-Port USB Powerport Solar Charger

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Top Pro

Identifies most effective voltage for devices

The Anker is equipped with technology to identify the most effective charging conditions for devices plugged in, to offer the quickest charge without wasted energy. Keep in mind that this requires a relatively strong level of direct sunlight to utilize. See More

Top Con

Lacks water resistance

The Anker does come with a polyester sleeve that can provide some protection, but the unit is not water-resistant, so care must be taken in the rain or other wet conditions. See More

Specs

Dimensions:Unfolded 26.4 × 11.1 × 0.2 in, folded 11.1 × 6.3 × 1.1 in

Outputs:2 USB ports: 2.4 amps each or up to 3 amps across both

Top Pro

Higher-voltage panels can handle more power-hungry devices

21W panel set can accommodate larger or more power-hungry handheld devices, able to charge a tablet and a phone simultaneously. See More

Top Con

Monochromatic panels are less efficient than modern options

The Anker Powerport Solar uses a more dated monochromatic panel that, while more durable than modern options, is generally heavier and usable in fewer scenarios than modern (CIGS) equivalents. See More

Top Pro

Eyelets allow panels to be strapped to a backpack

These panels can be laid out or propped against an object while stationary, or tied to a backpack in order to charge while on the move. See More

Top Con

No included battery storage

This set of panels don't come with a battery, so charging will be impossible in poor weather conditions and night time. The user can overcome this by providing their own battery. See More

Top Pro

As portable as a tablet

When folded, this set of panels is about one foot by six inches, slightly larger than an iPad. With a basic bag or a backpack, the panels won't be a massive drain on available space. This particular set of panels weighs in at 14 oz (less than a pound), so it won't be a major impact on most hikes or backpacking trips. See More

Agni Solar Portable Charger

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