12 Best Solar Chargers Reviews and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Solar Charger?
The world is going through dire power needs. Electricity, being the most inevitable entity to properly function almost everything globally, is in high demand everywhere. And, it is not that easy to ensure the constant flow of electricity too. It is not cheap, and the sources that supply electricity might fall short due to natural disasters or any other reasons. But as constant electricity is in high need, generators, chargers, etc. were introduced. There are multiple devices like them that produce or store electricity for later use or emergency instances. A solar charger is one of the most popular of such devices which is currently sold all over the world.
The popularity of the solar charger owes to the fact that it provides energy from a renewable resource; that is sunlight, and thus, no pollution or harmful effects on the environment is caused, unlike many other such devices. The costs of solar devices have also fallen due to the increase in government incentives and schemes intending to boost solar products. Considering multiple criteria, a carefully curated list of the best solar chargers is provided below for you:
Solar Chargers: A Brief Summary
With the growing awareness about the carbon footprint of humans and the need of finding environment-friendly alternatives for daily purposes, the market has witnessed a rise in the production of solar chargers too. Presently, countless versions and models of solar chargers are available, and finding the best options out of them could be a daunting task due to the sheer number of options. The following list is made in the hope of easing out this task for you. It contains everything about the best solar charger options in the market, which is enough to make an educated decision:
Quick Summary
1. Best quick charge solar charger: Solar Charger 26800mAh, Riapow Solar Power Bank
2. Foldable solar charger: Big Blue 3 USB Ports 28W Solar Charger
3. Best solar charger for outdoor activities: ADD TOP Solar Charger Power Bank – 25000mAh Portable Solar Phone Charger
4. Waterproof solar charger: Solar Power Bank with Dual 3.1A Outputs 10W Qi Wireless Charger
5. Best solar charger kit: Topsolar Solar Fairy 100W Portable Foldable Solar Panel Charger Kit
6. Best shockproof solar charger: Solar Power Bank 30000mAh, Suscell Portable Solar Phone Charger
7. Solar charger ideal for hiking: Solar Charger 25000mAh, Tran mix Portable Solar Phone Charger
8. Slimmest solar charger: Power Bank Soxono Solar Charger 30000 mAh
9. Best portable power station: 200W Portable Power Station, FlashFish 40800mAh Solar Generator
10. Best solar generator: Jackery Solar Generator 1000
11. Solar generator ideal for camping: ECOFLOW EFDELTA Solar Generator 1260Wh with 160W Solar Panel
12. Best solar generator kit: BLUETTI AC200P Portable Power Station with Solar Panel
Solar Chargers – Detailed Review with Pros and Cons
1. Solar Charger 26800mAh, Riapow Solar Power Bank
This 26800 mAh solar charger manufactured by Riapow is one of the best portable solar chargers with wireless features. This wireless feature enables inductive charging for all Qi-supported mobile devices universally. The battery capacity and battery life are high enough that it can retain the power from a single recharge for eight days.
With the fast-charging feature built in it, it can power any mobile device to its 50% in less than half an hour. It can charge up to 4 devices at the same time. As an alternative to solar recharging, a USB charger is also included with which, the charger can be recharged completely in less than 7 hours.
An LED flashlight is also present in it with three different operating modes, which is ideal for outdoor camping and hiking. It is also waterproof and shockproof. It has managed to earn a 4.5-star rating out of 5 on the Amazon platform.
Pros
- Wireless
- Compact and portable
- Fast charging
- Flashlight led flashlight
- Waterproof
- Qi certified
- Two-way recharging
- Airplane safe
- Drop-resistant
Cons
- Claim of being waterproof is not up to the par
- Solar recharging functions properly only on extremely sunny days
2. Big Blue 3 USB Ports 28W Solar Charger
Manufactured by the brand Big Blue, this portable solar charger is foldable in nature. It is ideal to charge most mobile devices from mobile phones to headphones. It can charge multiple devices at the same time. It has smart charge technology that enables the charger to identify the nature of the connected device and then provide an appropriately optimized current to suit its needs. This technology avoids the connected devices from experiencing any power fluctuations and thereby causing any damage.
The solar conversion rate is quite high for this solar charger. It can convert almost 24% of the solar energy into usable electric power. The solar panel is made to withstand any harsh conditions and thus, can survive humid temperatures, rain, fog, etc. It is universally compatible. A built-in LED indicator light is present to show the status of the battery power. It has got a 4.5-star rating out of 5 on the Amazon platform and is also listed under the ‘Amazon’s choice” section.
Pros
- Foldable
- Can charge almost all mobile devices
- 100% safe charging
- Multiple devices can be charged simultaneously
- Solar conversion rate is high
- Universal compatibility
- Automatic restart functioning
Cons
- Cannot store electricity
- Would not work on a semi-sunny day
- Cannot support laptops
3. ADD TOP Solar Charger Power Bank – 25000mAh Portable Solar Phone Charger
This solar charger manufactured by A Add top brand comes with USB and micro-USB connectors. It has got a high battery capacity of 25000 mAh. The battery charge is enough to charge an iPhone11 7 times. Four solar panels are provided with the charger to fetch maximum sunlight. It is estimated that the four panels can together enable almost 4 times faster recharge than a normal single panel.
It can charge up to two devices at the same time and it is also equipped with fast charging technology. The smart charging feature installed in it ensures the supply of optimized power to the connected devices. The solar charger is of high durability and thus, can withstand water, shock, and dust.
A multiple-layered protection system is intact for this solar charger to avoid instances of overcharging, overheating, etc. This charger is also safe to carry along in an airplane. A built-in LED flashlight is also present in it to handle emergencies. It has got a 4.4-star rating out of 5 on Amazon.
Pros
- Four solar panels are present
- High battery capacity
- Dual charging
- Built-in LED light
- Multiple level safety systems
- Solar conversion rate is higher than 80%
- Airplane safe
Cons
- Cannot charge laptop or computer
4. Solar Power Bank with Dual 3.1A Outputs 10W Qi Wireless Charger
The brand named Qisa has manufactured this portable solar charger that is capable enough to produce 38800 mAh power. The solar power output is 12 W on sunny days. It has got a high solar conversion rate. It has got a wireless charging feature and dual output ports which, in total, can charge up to three devices at the same time.
It is made to work in extreme conditions and thus, has proved to be dustproof, shockproof, and waterproof. A built-in LED flashlight is also present which can be operated at four different intensities according to the needs. A built-in smart chip present inside the solar charger ensures that the connected devices are compatible with the charger and tries to provide accordingly optimized power for each of the connected devices. It has also got a multi-level protection system in place to avoid any kind of damages caused by possible power fluctuations.
Pros
- Wireless
- Waterproof
- Built-in solar panel
- Solar conversion rate
- Drop-proof and dust-proof
- Built-in smart chip
- Fast charging
Cons
- The charging efficiency of the solar panels is lower than what is being advertised
5. Topsolar Solar Fairy 100W Portable Foldable Solar Panel Charger Kit
The Top Solar’s solar charger is foldable and thus, extremely portable. It comes with a wattage of 100 watts and weighs around 5.1 pounds. It comes with fast charging technology and dual USB ports. There is a built-in smart chip present in the solar charger that ensures that the connected devices are provided with appropriately optimized power to avoid any power fluctuations or further damages. The smart chip also boosts the charging speed of the charger by a significant amount.
This charger is quite portable once folded and it comes with adjustable brackets to help to get it set up when outside. The brackets also enable the charger to be placed at various angles to fetch more solar power. The monocrystalline solar panel ensures a high solar conversion rate. It can work well even in low-light conditions. The durability of the charger is ensured by the advanced laminated technology and by using the material called ETFE. It has got a 4.4-star rating out of 5 on the Amazon platform.
Pros
- Built-in smart IC chip
- Foldable
- Easily portable
- Conversion efficiency is quite high
- High durability
- Compatible with power stations too
Cons
- Expensive
- The advertised output power can’t be produced
6. Solar Power Bank 30000mAh, Suscell Portable Solar Phone Charger
The portable solar charger manufactured by the Suscell brand comes with a 30000 mAh battery capacity. It provides the option to charge two devices at the same time. With a recharge cycle of more than 1000, it is compatible with almost all mobile devices. The built-in smart security protection enables the charger from having to overcharge, overheating, etc., and thereby protects the connected devices from having any kind of damage.
The charger comes with a built-in LED flashlight which can be both used as emergency lighting and as a torch in emergency situations. The power bank can be charged in two ways; via USB and solar panel. Though solar charging is available, the speed of charging via a solar panel is dependent on the availability of strong sunlight, and thus, does not have a good solar conversion rate. It might take a while for the charger to get completely charged via solar charging.
It comes with a warranty of 12 months from the manufacturer. It has got a 4.3-star rating out of 5 on the Amazon platform and is listed under the ‘Amazon’s choice’ section.
Pros
- Waterproof and shockproof
- High battery capacity
- Built-in flashlight
- Intelligent protection
- Both USB and solar charging is available
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- The waterproof feature is not as efficient as claimed in the advertisements
7. Solar Charger 25000mAh, Tran mix Portable Solar Phone Charger
Manufactured by Tran mix, this solar charger comes with four solar panels. It has a battery capacity of 25000 mAh which is enough to provide up to 9 full charges for an iPhone. The extra solar panels are foldable and thus, extremely portable and ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities. Compared to a single-panel solar charger, this charger can get recharged four times faster.
The charger is constructed to withstand shock, rain, dust, etc. It also comes with a built-in flashlight which can be operated in three modes for emergency situations. It has dual 2.1 A output ports. It is equipped with fast charging technology and the built-in smart IC chip identifies the particular power requirement of each of the devices connected and provides well-optimized power to them to protect them from causing any damages from overheating, overcharging, etc.
It has got a 4.5-star rating out of 5 on the Amazon platform and it is also listed as an ‘Amazon’s choice’ product there.
Pros
- Portable
- 4 solar panels are present
- Universally compatible
- Built-in flashlight
- Shockproof, dustproof, rainproof
- Built-in smart IC chip
- Two-way recharging
Cons
- It takes long hours to get fully recharged
8. Power Bank Soxono Solar Charger 30000 mAh
Built by the Soxono brand, this portable solar charger comes with a huge battery capacity of 30000 mAh. This high capacity enables it to charge multiple devices multiple times. It can be used to power up almost all mobile devices from cellular phones to GoPro. It can charge two devices at the same time via its dual 2.1 A USB output ports.
Although it has got a solar recharging option, it might take quite a while for it to get fully charged via solar power. The solar conversion rate is a bit lower than usual and thus it is better to keep the solar charging option for emergencies. A USB charging port is available and its function is the primary charging option for this charger.
The battery of this charger has passed multiple safety and efficiency tests and has got several safeguards to protect the connected devices from experiencing any kind of power fluctuations, short-circuits, etc.
Pros
- High battery capacity
- Two-way recharging
- Dual outputs
- Long standby time
- Multi-layer protection
- Shockproof
- Built-in LED battery indicator
Cons
- It takes quite a long time to charge it using the solar panels
9. 200W Portable Power Station, FlashFish 40800mAh Solar Generator
The portable power station manufactured by Flash Fish comes with a wattage of 200 W. It weighs around 4.8 pounds and is lightweight when compared to other similar models. It can charge up to 5 devices at the same time. One of its output ports is a quick charging one and it is a universally compatible one too.
It can power up almost every device that may be necessary for camping or tripping or in a recreational vehicle. It is also ideal to charge CPAP machines. Even though it does not support pass-through charging its high battery capacity of 40800 mAh makes it sure to not run out of battery during emergencies. It has a built-in LCD on the power panel which provides all the necessary information required during its operational hours.
It can be charged in three ways and one of them is solar charging. It also provides multi-layered protection against all kinds of power and temperature fluctuations and safeguards the connected devices from having any kind of damage. It comes with a 12-month warranty from the manufacturer. It has got a 4.4-star rating out of 5 on the Amazon platform.
Pros
- Ideal to power up CPAP machine
- Can charge 6 devices simultaneously
- Portable
- Built-in LCD battery charge display
- Three-way recharging possible
- 12-month warranty
- Multi-layer protection
Cons
- No in-built solar panel
10. Jackery Solar Generator 1000
This solar generator manufactured by the Jackery brand comes with a wattage of 1000 watts. It is ideal for outdoor camping due to the high battery capacity that it possesses. It comes with two solar panels and during operation, they make little to zero noise. It also supports pass-through charging.
It is equipped with three AC output ports. It is suitable for camping purposes as it causes zero emission and is thus, environment-friendly in nature. It is of high durability and has a safe battery management system intact. It comes with a two-year warranty and has managed to score a solid 4.8-star rating out of 5 on the Amazon platform.
Pros
- High solar charging capability
- Zero noise
- Clean, safe energy production
- Multi-layer protection
- Can charge multiple devices simultaneously
- 2-year warranty
- High durability
- Zero emission
Cons
- Shut down automatically, if made to operate for more than 12 hours under 10W
11. ECOFLOW EFDELTA Solar Generator 1260Wh with 160W Solar Panel
The portable solar generator manufactured by Eco Flow is popular for its 160W foldable solar panel. It has the best fast recharging feature available in the market. It can be recharged to 100% in less than two hours and the battery retaining capacity is also quite significant. It can also be recharged via a solar panel in less than four hours.
It comes with 6 AC power outlets. The generator, including the solar panel, is waterproof in nature. It can also store the generated power for quite a long time with its solar cell technology. It has got a 4.5-star rating out of 5 on the Amazon platform.
Pros
- Comes with a foldable solar panel
- Quick-charging
- Fast recharge
- Charge 13 devices simultaneously
- Waterproof
- High durability
- No emission
Cons
- Tends to lose power if simply left switched on
12. BLUETTI AC200P Portable Power Station with Solar Panel
The portable power station with a solar panel, manufactured by Bluetti, includes a 2000 W solar generator kit that contains all the accessories necessary for it. It weighs around 60 pounds. The solar panel is separated into three pieces and is foldable in nature.
It can charge up to 6 devices at the same time and it can be recharged in multiple ways. The solar panel has got adjustable brackets and is easy to assemble. It has earned a 4.5-star rating out of 5 on Amazon.
Pros
- Have a foldable solar panel
- Portable
- Fast-recharging
- Long battery life
- Scratch-proof
- High durability
Cons
- Recharge time varies from the advertisement
- Actual power output is less
What is a Solar Charger?
The history of solar-powered devices dates back to the early 19th century. The possibility of having renewable, clean, and safe energy made scientists ever since to focus on the endless potential of solar power in the field of energy. Solar chargers are one of the recent additions to the list of solar-powered devices, and undoubtedly one of the popular options too.
Solar chargers are equipped with thick or thin filmed solar panels that collect the sunlight when kept in direct exposure and store them within the solar cells present in it, which later converts the solar energy into electrical energy. There are different types of solar chargers according to the type and size of the solar panels used in them. There are thin-film solar chargers, monocrystalline solar chargers, etc. available in the market. There are also many other types like foldable, removable, rollable, etc.
As the number of options and models is high within the solar charger section, it is crucial to know more about the multiple aspects of a solar charger before proceeding to buy one.
Types of Solar Chargers
Different types of solar chargers are available based on the technologies used in them. Although there are many, some of the mainly used technologies are poly-crystalline Silicon chargers, monocrystalline silicon chargers, and flexible CIG chargers. The customers should choose any of the technologies based on their needs, purpose, and budget.
Monocrystalline silicon chargers
This is one of the most commonly used solar power technology. Such chargers can provide a solar conversion rate efficiency of 21 %, which is one of the best in the market. It offers high durability also. The only drawback when compared to other types of chargers is that it is a bit more on the expensive side.
Polycrystalline Silicon chargers
These kinds of chargers are available for bigger power production and thus rarely found in small and extremely portable chargers. Its biggest pro is that it is available in a very affordable range.
CIG chargers
These chargers are extremely flexible and thus, are available in various interesting and attractive models and designs. Even though they are one of the most expensive models available in solar chargers, they are extremely water-resistant, dustproof, and also operate with a higher efficiency which makes sure that power is being produced even on a cloudy day.
How Does Solar Charger Work?
Among all the renewable energies that can be used for energy production like sunlight, tide, wind, etc., solar power is the one that is available to most people around the world irrespective of any specific geographic terrain. This is one of the major reasons why solar-powered chargers are a big bit among the population. Even though the working process of the solar chargers is quite simple and convenient, the working principles and the components are not. It demands the presence of many complex mechanisms to e sure the efficient production of electric power out of a solar panel. Some of them are:
Solar module/ Solar panel
Several solar cells are arranged together to make a solar module, which when further grouped, creates a solar panel. A solar module or solar panel consists of a high transparency PV glass layer that allows the sunlight to fall on the solar cells and at the same time, protects the solar cell, a frame made of Aluminum alloy, Solar cells, and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate film which covers the solar cells to provide a protective layer.
Junction Box
Beneath the solar module, a junction box can be found, which contains output terminals, bypass diodes, cables, and MC4 Connectors. This junction box is waterproof and dustproof.
Diodes
There are two types of diodes present inside a solar charger: Bypass Diodes and Blocking Diodes.
Bypass diodes are used to manage the partially exposed solar cells during a shady day by bypassing the low efficient current made by them to the load via an alternative way. It is not ideal to mix up such current with the high-quality current produced by the completely functioning solar cells, and this is what the bypass diodes do.
Blocking Diodes block the reverse flow of current into the batteries when not in use and thereby prevent them from getting discharged or drained out.
Voltage Regulator
A Voltage Regulator situates between the solar panel and the battery and controls the flow of current from the solar panel into the battery to avoid any instances of overcharging the battery. It may or may not consists of features like low voltage disconnect which provides a good deal of protection to the battery pack.
Battery
Every solar charger contains a battery pack that facilitates the transformation of solar energy into electrical energy. The solar power supplied to the batteries via the voltage regulator is stored in the form of chemical energy and later gets converted into high-quality electrical energy. There are different types of batteries available in the market like Lead Acid Batteries, Lithium-Ion Batteries, Nickel Cadmium Batteries, etc.
What Are the Benefits of Solar Chargers?
The invention of solar panel technology and the production of power via solar energy revolutionized the energy production milieu in many aspects. The universal availability of the resource and the positive impact on the environment made solar panels and solar chargers popular choices. There are many more pros of a solar charger and some of them are mentioned below:
1. Renewable Energy Source
The unique selling point of a solar charger is the commitment and responsibility that it maintains towards the environment. They make use of the sun’s energy to produce clean and safe power and thereby avoid the use of any fossil fuels or other non-renewable energy sources that are harmful to both nature and the people.
2. Low Costs
Although solar power production units and chargers were considered to be on the expensive side of the market before, the situation has changed drastically now. The government support, incentives, and rebates that are provided to solar device users made the production and installation cost of a solar charger go down. This makes them affordable and reliable to people with any kind of budget.
3. Ideal for storing charge
A solar charger is the best alternate for a solar generator as the latter is always criticized for its inability to store power. A solar charger can fetch maximum solar energy when it is adequately available, and then store it to use later. There is no need to expose the charger to sunlight during charging your mobile device.
4. Ideal for outdoor purposes
As a solar charger provides clean, safe, and quiet energy, it is ideal to carry around for outdoor purposes. They are compact, easy to use, and produce no waste material or fumes. It also doesn’t require any special apparatus to recharge itself, which makes it further suitable for traveling and outdoor activities.
5. Reduce electricity bills
As a solar charger does not require charging via a power outlet, it consumes little to no electricity for its running. This can bring down the electricity consumption and bills significantly.
How to Choose a Solar Charger?
The power requirements of the global population are on a rise. It is expected by the people, mostly millennials to have an uninterrupted and continuous power supply for their mobile gadgets as they have turned out to be an inevitable part of their lives. Although there are multiple power sources available to charge devices like cellular phones, solar chargers have been a popular choice ever since their conception. And as the popularity of solar chargers is high these days, a huge number of manufacturers are into the production of them and the buyers have to keep a keen eye on several specifications before buying a solar charger to make the most of your money:
1. The durability of the charger
It is important to understand that a solar charger tends to be a bit more expensive than a traditional charger and thus, most buyers intend it to be a one-time purchase for long-term usage. So, durability should be a priority while buying a solar charger to make sure that the product will last for a while and will withstand harsh and extreme conditions. So, always look for waterproof and dustproof chargers that come with protective coverings or layers.
2. Storage Capacity
The storage efficiency and capacity of a solar charger should be observed and understood well as it shows the number of hours it would take the charger to get drained off of power before being in the need of a recharge again. The higher the storage efficiency, the better the performance and the reliability of the charger. As solar chargers may take a while to get fully recharged and be able to power again, this feature is of extreme importance.
3. Conversion rate/ Efficiency
The conversion rate is the rate of power production according to the rate of sunlight consumption. So, a higher solar conversion rate indicates that the power production from a unit amount of sunlight is higher in that particular device when compared to other similar devices. Read the product specifications and find out the charger with the best solar conversion rate or efficiency.
4. Wattage
Before proceeding to buy a solar charger, calculate the power requirement and wattage that you may need. Most of the standard-sized solar chargers can charge small mobile devices like cellular phones and in case you want your charger to provide power for other gadgets like laptops, make sure you buy a charger with appropriate output wattage. In short, the output power of the charger should at least be equal to or more than the input power required for your connecting device.
5. Weight and Size
Solar chargers are available in numerous sizes and shapes. Consider your needs and buy an appropriately-sized charger. Bigger chargers usually take much more time to get fully recharged too. So, if your needs are minimal, a standard-sized charger would be more than enough.
6. Battery Technology
There are various types of battery packs available within a solar charger and each of them has its fair share of pros and cons. A decision should be made only after considering the positives and negatives of all of them.
NiMH Batteries provide the option to replace the batteries once they are out of power, whereas lithium-ion batteries are the most popular ones and lead-acid batteries are the most energy-efficient ones.
7. Number of output ports
It is always better to have multiple numbers of output ports to charge multiple devices simultaneously. It can also save a significant amount of time while charging too.
8. Pass-through charging
Pass-through charging technology is what enables the charger to provide power to the connected devices even when it is going through recharging. It is a very important feature to be looked at in a charger as it can save valuable time.
9. Safety and protection
Make sure there are enough battery and system protection facilities are intact in the chargers. Look for overload and overheating preventing features and auto shutdown features in the case of an emergency.
10. Universally compatible ports
Always look for chargers that come with universally acceptable and compatible output ports that are mostly USB. It enables you to take up your charger everywhere you go and can make it useful to charge up a wide variety of mobile devices.
11. Recharging time
There are many solar chargers that tend to take a minimum of 6 or more hours to completely charge themselves. Such long hours of charging may seem inconvenient during an outdoor activity or during an emergency. So, choose a charger that needs a lesser recharging time.
12. Inverter technology
A built-inverter technology could enable the charger to provide optimized and safe power to sensitive devices like cellular phones. Any kind of power fluctuations will be controlled by the charger and also, and the extrasolar charge will be saved via this technology too.
13. Extra features and accessories
It is always ideal to have several extra features along with a regular solar charger. Wireless charging pads, extra recharging option, built-in indicator lights, etc. are some of the many extra features that you can look for in an efficient solar charger.
Solar Charger – Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Solar Panels Charge on Cloudy Days?
The good thing about a solar charger is that it will provide you with the opportunity to harness renewable and clean energy from the sun. In turn, it can help you cut down on the electricity bills and even your environmental footprint. Before moving to solar panel installation, people living in areas outside of the sunbelt get a doubt whether this charger will work on cloudy days.
Yes, solar panels can generate power from the sun even on cloudy days. The reason is that photovoltaic solar panels can use both indirect and direct sunlight for the generation of electric power. Of course, they are more effective when they are exposed to direct sunlight on sunny days. But, still, they continue to generate energy during cloudy days. The rate of generation can reduce but you can still expect a solar charger to produce power during sunny days. Even, on days with heavy cloud coverage, solar panels can generate 10 to 25% of their normal power output.
If there is rain following clouds, solar panels can benefit. You might wonder how? Rain can clear away the dust and dirt from the solar panels you have installed on your rooftop. In turn, their sunlight absorption will improve further. But, remember that solar panels cannot generate power at night as sunlight is absent at night.
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How to Charge Battery With Solar Panel?
When you use a solar charger for charging your battery, you can get the satisfaction of using clean and renewable energy. Nevertheless, before you start charging, you will have to install a charge controller. This controller will help with the regulation of voltage from the solar panel that moves to the battery. Without a controller, on sunny days when the solar panel generates more energy from the sun as compared to what your battery can actually handle, there are chances of damage to the battery.
Before you buy a charge controller, check the back of the solar panel to know its wattage and accordingly choose the charge controller. For better efficiency, you can choose an MPPT Charge controller. If you are looking for affordability, a PMW charge controller can be the right choice. When you mount the charge controller, make sure that its mounting is done in a grounded place and out of elements.
Now, connect the positive and negative wires to your battery. You will find input ports in the charge controller. In these ports, slide the ends of the wires. When connecting the wires to the charge controller, an MC4 connector would be the safe choice. Now, connect the wires from the charge controller to the solar charger to ensure it’s working. Now, leave your battery on the charge controller until it is completely charged.
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How Long to Charge Solar Battery?
Let us consider that you have a 200ah battery. In this case, only 80% of the power is usable because of depletion restrictions. In other words, you only have 160 amp-hours of energy for drawing on. Let us consider that you find that you can typically spend two days with the energy from the battery, you have the restriction to consume only 80 amp-hours per day.
When you take the case of an average 100-watt panel, it can produce about 30 amp-hours of power per day. This will happen on an average sunny day. So, when you take the case of an average sunny day, you will need three 100-watt panels or a single 300-watt solar panel for fully recharging your battery.
The total charging time relies on different factors like the state of the battery and its type and also the climatic condition. In case, the battery is entirely drained, a 300-watt solar panel can charge the battery within 5-8 hours. The charging speed of the panel will vary based on how much sunlight it gets. If it gets the utmost sun exposure on a sunny day, it will charge quicker. If the day is cloudy, it will take a longer time to charge.
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Solar Chargers vs Solar Generators
When you take the case of a solar charger, it uses solar energy for supplying power to batteries and devices. In most instances, chargers are portable. But, solar generators need not have to be essentially portable. Solar chargers can charge Ni-Cd battery banks and lead-acid batteries and batteries of different capabilities. Solar chargers generally use charge controllers for safely powering devices with the right wattage of power supply. Chargers also have panels attached to them like strips.
When you take the case of solar generators, they come as a complete package and are capable enough to power your entire home. Based on the total wattage, a solar generator can also help with powering your power-intensive appliances and devices. When solar chargers are always portable, solar generators can either be portable or can also be bigger. The reason is that they come with bigger solar panels. In most solar generators these days, solar panels are foldable and they also have a kickstand for power generation on the go.
When solar chargers help with powering your handheld devices mostly, solar generators can power even bigger kitchen appliances and your handheld devices as well. Due to the size, solar generators cost you more compared to solar chargers. Nowadays, you can find both solar chargers and generators with the best set of features to make things easier for you when it comes to powering your devices on the go.
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Solar Chargers vs Portable Power Stations
Are you thinking about whether you can buy a solar charger or a portable power station? If so, you should go for the former if your requirement is to power only handheld devices. But, when you use a portable power station, you can power not only your handheld devices but also your bigger appliances. The reason is that portable power stations come with different output ports to let you power your appliances with ease.
Solar chargers often have smaller solar panels attached to them. But, power stations need not essentially have solar panels. When needed, you can buy them separately for on-the-go power generation. Of course, portable power stations are portable but they are not as portable as solar chargers. When you can take the case of portable power stations, you can find models that you can carry in your backpack. But, when it comes to solar chargers, you can find pocket-sized units. So, carrying them is pretty much easier compared to portable power stations. You can use pocket-sized solar chargers when you commute to your workspace daily. But, portable power stations can come in handy when you camp or when you are on a weekend trip with your family.
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Solar Chargers vs Portable Fuel Generators
When you take the case of portable fuel generators, they are powered by fuel like gasoline, propane, or even diesel. But, a solar charger will generally be powered by a solar panel. When you buy portable fuel generators, you will have to carry fuel if you wish to use the generator for a weekend trip. But, you are relieved of carrying fuel when you go for a solar charger. Of course, solar chargers are very portable and they cannot provide you with much power like portable fuel generators. But, they are easy to carry and they are friendly to users in many ways.
If your power requirement is more, you can go for a portable fuel generator. But, if your requirement is just to power your hand-held devices like smartphones and tablet PCs, you can confidently choose a solar charger. Further, solar chargers can be charged on the go as they have small-size solar panels attached to them. But, fuel generators cannot be powered on the go unless and until you carry the required fuel with you. Otherwise, you will have to buy fuel separately for which you will have to search for a store.
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Solar Chargers Vs. Inverter Generators
Inverter technology is undoubtedly a great innovation among generators. With the presence of an inverter generator, you can ensure that you can get a safe power supply to your sensitive devices like smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops. But, you cannot expect that much portability that you can get from a solar charger from an inverter generator.
You can simply carry a solar charger in your pocket. But, this is not possible in the case of an inverter generator. Further, inverter generators can use any type of fuel. With this, you will have to carry the required fuel when you carry an inverter generator with you for powering your appliances. But, you are relieved of the worry of carrying or looking for a store to buy fuel when you use solar chargers. They generally have solar panels attached to them. So, you can get the power generated by these panels free of cost from the sun to power your devices.
Solar chargers will help you save money on fuel. But, in the case of an inverter generator, you will have to spend on the fuel. Even if the inverter generator can be charged from solar panels, you will have to buy solar panels separately.
Conclusion
Solar chargers are gaining much popularity over the last few years, mainly due to their environment-friendly nature. Among the best solar chargers, a shortlist of handpicked ones is given below to assist you further:
- Best Foldable solar charger: Big Blue 3 USB Ports 28W Solar Charger
- Best portable solar charger: Power Bank Soxono Solar Charger 30000 mAh
- Best solar charger for outdoor activities: ADD TOP Solar Charger Power Bank – 25000mAh Portable Solar Phone Charger
It is important to look for multiple features before buying a solar charger to make the most out of it. We hope that the buying guide above will be of help for you to choose the most ideal and efficient solar charger for you.
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