Best Portable Solar Chargers for Smartphones & Tablets – Free power for your gadgets

Samuel J Tan Laptops, Mobile Devices, Smartphones, Solar Chargers, Tablets 0

Make the most of the summer with a portable solar charger and stop paying to charge your devices.

Charging your mobile devices overnight is not recommended, nor is charging your device when there is still charge in it. The way to charge your device to keep its battery’s optimum life span is to only charge it when it is below 10 percent battery level or completely depleted. But we won’t always be next to a power socket when this happens and you don’t want to be caught in the middle of the day with a flat battery.

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Enters the Solar Charger

There are two categories of cell phone and mobile device portable chargers, ones with battery built-in and ones without. We will be looking mainly at efficient solar panel chargers that do not have built-in batteries, These are typically solar panels connected together to give the desired output power with enough current to charge mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

They typically have a USB charging port to let you connect your device directly to it. These solar chargers are also smart enough to detect the type of device connected especially the current draw and set the right level of current for it. You might want to consider a High Capacity Portable External Battery Charger to go with a high output solar chargers below.

Together, you would be able to charge and conserve energy for all your devices while on the move. As we have mentioned earlier there are also small Solar Panel Chargers with Built-in Battery Pack but they are not as efficient due to the size its’ the solar panels.

16 Best Portable Solar USB Chargers for Your Mobile Devices

These solar chargers let you connect your gadget(s) (smartphones, camera, smartwatch, tablets, handheld game console or any devices that charges over USB) straight to the source of energy from the solar panel(s). If you already have a battery pack, sometimes known as a portable battery charger or power bank, any of the solar chargers listed below will charge your power bank via its’ USB port.

Here, we list the solar chargers according to the power output starting from 3W to 60W. Naturally the higher the output power the bigger they are with more interconnected panels and the faster they charge your device(s). These panels are arranged side-by-side to form a grid and to allow them to fold together for portability. More efficient charger have smaller solar panel and yet still produces high electric current to charge your devices or batteries.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these Solar Chargers and see how they compare with each other.

Up to 10W Solar Chargers

PortaPow 3W Solar Charger USB (with Battery)- 1 PANEL

Include a pocket on the back to store your device during charging and a stand to angle the panel towards the sun for optimal charging
Output Power: 3 Watts (600mA x 5V)
Output Port(s): 1 x USB Socket 5V Regulated
Dimensions and Weight: 25 x 25 x 25 cm, 250 grams

Levin Traveller 7W Solar Charger USB – 2 PANELS

Hardened PET plastic faced solar panels sewn into high-wear polyester canvas for weather-resistant outdoor durability. 4 eye hooks for attaching to backpack, tent or cloth lines for maximum sunlight. Storage pocket for device.
Output Power: 7 Watts (1400mA x 5V) mono-crystalline 16%-19% efficient solar array
Output Port(s): 1 x USB Socket 5V (up to 1A) Regulated
Dimensions and Weight: 20.5 x 20.3 x 1.2 cm – 8.07 x 7.99 x 0.49 inches (folded), 8.07 x 15.94 (unfolded), 331 grams

PortaPow Version 2 7W Rainproof Solar Charger USB – 2 PANELS

Woven into a tough waterproofed polyester fabric making the solar panel rainproof, integrated stand to angle the panel towards the sun for maximum sunlight, a pocket on the back for device and 8 eye hooks for ease of attaching and hanging. PET laminated solar panels sewn into high-wear PVC fabric for weather-resistant outdoor durability.
Output Power: 7 Watts (1400mA x 5V) mono-crystalline 16%-19% efficient solar array
Output Port(s): 1 x USB Socket 5V (1A)
Dimensions and Weight: approx. 20 x 16 x 3 cm (folded), 20 x 32 x 1.5 cm (unfolded), 365 grams

ALLPOWERS 8W Solar Charger with iSolar Technology USB – 2 PANELS

iSolar™ and Fast Charging Technology: It can automatically adjust the current and voltage to achieve maximum power, delivering its fastest possible current up to 1 Amp. Pocket to keep mobile device during charging
Output Power: 8 Watts mono-crystalline 16%-19% efficient solar array
Output Port(s): 1 x USB Socket 5V (up to 1A) Regulated
Dimensions and Weight: 232 x 160 x 10 mm (folded), 232 x 467 mm (unfolded), 330 grams

Anker 8W Portable Outdoor Solar Charger with PowerIQ Technology USB – 2 PANELS

PowerIQ™ Technology: Detects your device to deliver its fastest possible charge speed up to 1 amp under direct sunlight. Industrial-strength PET panels and polyester canvas ensure weather-resistant durability.
Output Power: 8 Watts mono-crystalline 16%-19% efficient solar array
Output Port(s): 1 x USB Socket 5V (up to 1A) Regulated
Dimensions and Weight: (9.25 × 6.69in / 23 × 16cm folded or 19.2 × 9.1in / 49 × 23cm opened), 391 grams (13.8oz)

10-14W Solar Chargers

ALLPOWERS 12W Solar Charger with iSolar Technology USB – 3 PANELS

iSolar™ and Fast Charging Technology: It can automatically adjust the current and voltage to achieve maximum power, delivering its fastest possible current up to 1.5 Amp. Pocket to keep mobile device during charging. Dual USB port with enough power to charge cellphone and ipad mini at the same time. Covenient eye hooks for easy attachment. PET laminated solar panels sewn into high-wear PVC fabric for weather-resistant outdoor durability
Output Power: 12 Watts mono-crystalline 17%-19% efficient solar array
Output Port(s): 2 x USB Socket 5V (up to 1.5A) Regulated
Dimensions and Weight: 232 x 160 x 10 mm (folded), 232 x 645 mm (unfolded), 510 grams (17.9oz)

Levin Sol-Wing 13W Solar Charger USB – 2 PANELS, HIGH PERFORMANCE

Efficient solar panel charger with higher conversion rate from lighter and smaller panel. Levin achieves this with patented treatment on premium monocrystalline silicone to capture and convert more light. Rings loops for hooking and attaching to backpack, pouch on rear for holding the device while charging. Stretchy Polyester canvas provides perfect protection for Monocrystalline silicon panels and circuit.
Output Power: 13 Watts mono-crystalline up to 22% efficient solar array
Output Port(s): 2 x USB Socket 5V (up to 1.5A)
Dimensions and Weight: 12.12 x 7.16 x 0.59 inches (folded), 12.12 x 16.45 inches (unfolded), 15.04 oz

Anker 14W Dual-Port Solar Charger with PowerIQ Technology USB – 4 PANELS

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PowerIQ(TM) Technology: Detects your device to deliver its fastest possible charge speed up to 2 amps under direct sunlight. 14 W output power enough to charge two devices simultaneously. Industrial-strength PET panels and polyester canvas ensure weather-resistant durability.
Output Power: 14 Watts mono-crystalline up to 19% efficient solar array
Output Port(s): 2 x USB Socket 5V (up to 2A) Regulated
Dimensions and Weight: (11 × 6.9 inches / 28 × 17.5 cm folded or 34.6 × 11 inches / 88 × 28 cm opened) 27.9oz

ALLPOWERS 14W Solar Charger with iSolar Technology USB & Laptop – 4 PANELS, LAPTOP 18V

iSolar™ and Fast Charging Technology: It can automatically adjust the current and voltage to achieve maximum power-delivering its fastest possible current up to 1.5 Amp. Convenient eyeholes enable easy attachment to backpacks while hiking; Portable and frame design fit for outdoor and indoor use. 10 laptop connectors included.
Output Power: 14 Watts mono-crystalline up to 17 – 19% efficient solar array
Output Port(s): 1 x USB Socket 5V (up to 1.5A) Regulated, 1 x DC5521 18V DC (770 mA) for 9-18V laptop (below 18V1A) and 12V car battery
Dimensions and Weight: 232 x 160 x 13mm/ 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.51inch (Closed Size as B5 Paper) or 800 x 232 x 1mm/ 31.5 x 9.1 x 0.04inch (opened), 630 grams /22.3oz

X-DRAGON 14W Solar Charger with iSolar Technology USB – 2 PANELS, HIGH PERFORMANCE

iSolar™ Technology: It can automatically adjust the current and voltage to achieve maximum power,delivering its fastest possible current up to 2A under direct sunlight. Slim and powerful with up to 33% lighter than equivalent solar silicon at 14 Watt output.
Output Power: 14 Watts mono-crystalline up to 22 – 25% highly efficient solar array
Output Port(s): 2 x USB Socket 5V (up to 2A) Regulated
Dimensions and Weight: 306 x182 x 10 mm/ 12.1 x 7.2 x 0.39 inch (folded), 410 x 306 x 3 mm/ 16.1 x 12.1 x 0.12 inch (unfolded), 480 grams/16.9oz

15-24W Solar Chargers

RAVPower 15W Solar Charger with iSmart Technology USB – 3 PANELS

iSmart technology ensure 100% compatibility and fastest charging speed for your Apple, Android, Tablets, and USB Powered Devices (see table below).Nylon pocket to store device. Water-resistant and mould-resistant nylon to endure all weather conditions.
Output Power: 15 Watts mono-crystalline
Output Port(s): 2 x USB Socket 5V (2A + 1A) Regulated
Dimensions and Weight: 31.89 x 10.24 inches (unfolded), 7.48 x 10.24 inches (folded), 23. 9 oz

PortaPow 15W Rainproof Solar Charger DUAL USB – 3 PANELS, HIGH PERFORMANCE

PET Laminated Monocrystalline solar panel with up to 2.3 Amp output from one USB socket or shared between two. 10 mounting hooks. In sunny conditions, charges two devices simultaneously. Capable of generating power even in conditions too cloudy for less powerful panels. Pocket on the back to store gadget.
Output Power: 15 Watts mono-crystalline
Output Port(s): 2 x USB Socket 5V (up to 2.3A max) Regulated
Dimensions and Weight: 21 x 24.7 x 3 cm closed, 63 x 24.7 x 1 cm open, 747 grams

ALLPOWERS 16W Solar Charger with iSolar Technology USB – 4 PANELS

iSolar Technology and Fast Charging Technology protect your product and deliver its fastest possible current up to 2 Amp by adjusting the current and voltage automatically to achieve maximum power. Convenient eyeholes enable easy attachment to backpacks while hiking; PET laminated solar panels sewn into high-wear PVC fabric for weather-resistant outdoor durability. On a good day, fully charge an iPhone 6 in 2.5 hours (standard testing condition (STD): 1000W/square meter, AM1.5, 25°C (40000LUX)
Output Power: 16 Watts mono-crystalline up to 17-19% efficiency
Output Port(s): 2 x USB Socket 5V (2.4A max) Regulated
Dimensions and Weight: 232 x 160 x 13 mm/ 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.51 inch (folded), 800 x 232 x 1 mm/ 31.5 x 9.1 x 0.04 inch (open), 620 grams/21.8oz

X-DRAGON 20W High Efficiency Solar Charger with iSolar Technology USB – 3 PANELS, HIGH PERFORMANCE

iSolar™ Technology: It can automatically adjust the current and voltage to achieve maximum power, delivering its fastest possible current up to 2.4A under direct sunlight.
Output Power: 20 Watts mono-crystalline up to 22-25% efficiency
Output Port(s): 2 x USB Socket 5V (2.4A max) Regulated
Dimensions and Weight: 306 x 182 x 13 mm/ 12.1 x 7.2 x 0.5 1inch (folded), 592 x 306 x 3 mm/ 23.3 x 12.1 x 0.12 inch (unfolded), 610 grams /21.9oz

Levin 20W with 16000mAh Battery USB & Laptop (5V, 8.4V, 9V, 12V, 16V, 19V, 21V) – 4 SOLAR PANELS & BATTERY

The best combination of 20W high powered laptop solar panel pack and monster capacity 16000mAh laptop external battery, provide you endless power no matter where you are.
Battery Specification: 3.7V/16000mAh capacity, 500 charge cycle, Input 12-14V (0.5-2A). Dimensions & Weight: 7.08 x 4.33 x 0.94 inches, 600 grams
Output Power: 20 Watts mono-crystalline up to 16-19% efficiency (conversion rate)
Output Port(s): 1 x USB Socket 5V (1A), DC: 5V/8.4V/9V(max 3.0A); 12V/16V/19V/21V (max: 4.7A)
Dimensions and Weight: 7.87 x 10.04 x 1.2 inches (folded), 35.4 x 10.04 inches (unfolded)

More than 25W Solar Chargers

ALLPOWERS 28W Solar Charger with iSolar Technology USB & Laptop – 8 PANELS, LAPTOP 18V

iSolar™ and Fast Charging Technology: It can automatically adjust the current and voltage to achieve maximum power, delivering its fastest possible current up to 1.8 Amp. DC port is capable of charging 18V2A laptops, 12V car battery and other 18V2A DC-powered devices.
Output Power: 28 Watts mono-crystalline up to 17-19% efficiency (conversion rate)
Output Port(s): 1 x USB Socket 5V (1.8A), DC: 5521 output for 9-18V
Dimensions and Weight: 232 x 170 x 30mm/ 9.1 x 6.7 x 1.2 inches (folded), 895 x 460 x 1mm/ 35.2 x 18.1 x 0.04 inches (unfolded), 1.16kg/40.9oz

ALLPOWERS 60W Solar Charger with iSolar Technology USB & Laptop – 10 PANELS, LAPTOP, HIGHEST OUTPUT

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Panels have high efficiency conversion rate, so it can capture more sunlight than conventional solar panels, do not need much sunlight to charge items. iSolar technology deliver the fastest charge by automatically adjusting the current and voltage to achieve maximum power, delivering fastest charge. 10 laptop connectors included.
Output Power: 60 Watts mono-crystalline up to 20-25% conversion rate, highly efficient panels
Output Port(s): 1 x USB Socket 5V (2.2A), DC: 5521 output for 9-18V
Dimensions and Weight: 31 x 19 x 6.5cm / 12 x 7.5 x 2.6inch (folded), 114 x 60 x 0.5cm / 44.8 x 23.6 x 0.19inch (unfolded) 1.36kg/47.9oz

NOTE: for solar chargers capable of laptop charging, please check compatibility with manufacturer before making any purchase decision.

Power Banks

You might want to consider a separate external battery charger (power bank) to make the most of the solar panel above.These are battery packs that you can charge via supplied USB and will work with any of the portable solar panels listed above.