Solar chargers are like giant, invisible extension cords that let us power up gadgets wherever we roam. But they don''t just bring life to the devices that fuel our far-flung adventures. The best portable solar chargers free us to focus on the people, places, and activities that truly fill our buckets.
Our experts have been writing about solar panels, charging docks, power strips, batteries, and other trusty travel tech for over 25 years. During that time, charging technology has gotten safer and smarter. Batteries have gotten smaller yet more powerful. Solar panels have become way more commonplace both at home and along the dusty trail.
Specifically for this buyer''s guide, we conducted online research and identified over a dozen portable solar chargers ranging in price from $30 to $649. After careful consideration, we narrowed down the candidates to a handful that we tested in real-world conditions.
Below are the best portable solar chargers based on our testing. To help you find the best charger for your unique needs, we''ve included a Comparison Chart, a Buyer''s Guide, and a Price & Value section.
Editor''s Note: For our November 13, 2024 update, we added a Price & Value section to explain what buyers get at different price points.
Clearly, the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel ($649) is the elephant in the room. By a wide margin, it''s the biggest, heaviest, and most expensive of the portable solar chargers we tested. But it earned our top honors because it has a few tricks up its sleeve.
First and foremost, its bifacial design — the fact that it has solar cells on both sides of the panel — means that it can capture more energy than panels of a similar size and power rating. How much more depends on how reflective a surface it''s placed on. Flatter, lighter-colored surfaces will reflect sunlight better onto the rear panel, which is rated for 155 W. In this regard, a mirror would be the ideal surface, and grass would be the least favorable.
Despite being so expensive, the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial actually represents a decent value. It delivers the lowest price in terms of wattage and the second-highest wattage as a function of the panel''s area. Even its exorbitant weight is dissipated by how easy it is to carry in its weatherproof protective case. Speaking of that case, the one we received was soft and, therefore, couldn''t be used to facilitate propping up the panel, as they claim on their site.
The only complaint we have about them is that the power station only turns on by pressing a series of buttons — first the main power button and then one for the type of outlet you want to engage — rather than activating automatically from plugging into a particular port.
Ironically, Outdoor Tech Dawn Solar Panel ($130) was a bit of a dark horse. It was among a few related solar products that the company sent us for testing. But we didn''t seriously consider it until we noticed how it compared to other contenders.
For example, the GoalZero Nomad 20 and the BioLite SolarPanel 10+ each retail for $150. This solar panel, which offers two and four times the power, costs twenty bucks less than either of them. So it represents a great value in terms of what you get for what you pay, second only to the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial.
Other than its value, the Outdoor Tech Dawn is well-designed. It''s easy to carry since it has built-in handles that magnetically clasp together. Its zip-up pouch stores three integrated (non-detachable) cables, one USB-C for phones and tablets, and two DC for charging external batteries. Plus, it sports a standard USB-A port, so you can charge tons of small devices.
Outdoor Tech''s Dawn Solar Panel isn''t the cheapest or most powerful solar charger on this list. But it''s the best combination of power and affordability. If you''re looking to spend under $150, it''s pretty much a no-brainer.
It was a close call, but the GoSun Solar Panel Backpack ($129) just narrowly edged out the competition to win the solar backpack category. It did so by being minimalist on the one hand and maximalist on the other.
In the name of being sparse, this GoSun panel makes sacrifices in positioning and convenience. It doesn''t feature a built-in stand. Though it does have holes in the corners, the bundle doesn''t include straps to actually lash it to the backpack — which is a nice bag, by the way. And the panel lacks an attached pouch on it for holding charging cables.
By contrast, the Outdoor Tech Mountaineer Solar Backpack that we tested directly attaches its solar panel via four sturdy side-release plastic buckles. That panel also features a nice webbed cargo pouch, which we like. But the downside is that it''s a single panel that generates 35% less wattage, and it doesn''t easily attach or position other than to the backpack itself.
Where the GoSun Solar Panel Backpack really shines is with all the fun accessories it includes. It comes with a flat fork and spoon, small battery pack, USB-powered LED task light, and a poncho with its own carrying case. Considering the solar panel retails for $39 on its own, the backpack and all these extra accouterments make this an excellent bundle.
A car shade that''s also a solar charger? Genius! But even more than that, the GoSun Shield ($199) can be a lifesaver.
In addition to USB-A and USB-C ports, this clever solar charger has a DC port for use with the two included cords. The first, with barrel connectors on both ends, is meant to charge up a power bank. The second, with a barrel connector on one end and a pair of alligator clips on the other, can theoretically jumpstart a car.
We didn''t get a chance to test this function, but a few months ago, we were car camping on a remote part of Hawaii''s Big Island and foolishly left our keys in the ignition overnight, draining our car’s battery. If we had this product, then we would''ve gladly tested that functionality.
Barring emergency situations, this product is still super useful. It can be used as an ordinary car shade either inside or outside the windshield. By supposedly blocking up to 80% of the sun''s radiation, it doesn''t cool your car but will definitely keep it less warm.
If placed inside, it''ll be significantly less effective as a solar charger, but thanks to its included straps, it''ll at least attach pretty easily via your visors. And thanks to the integrated adjustable stands in the back, it functions just as well as a regular solar panel away from the vehicle as it does atop it.
One of our quibbles with the 9-pound GoSun Shield is that this four-panel folding array isn''t easy to carry. It has a strap that holds it all together but no handles or carrying case. It also doesn''t tuck away neatly into a backpack. Also, solar-wise, it''s relatively weak for its size.
By comparison, the BioLite SolarPanel 100 is 30% smaller yet can generate 66% more power. But if you want a solar charger that can both throw shade into your car and potentially jumpstart it, this is the one.
For the better part of a year, we''ve been using the Pale Blue Earth Approach Portable Solar Panel ($80). So when we decided to compile this buyer''s guide, it was among the first we thought to include.
It''s lightweight, sturdy, and simple to throw into a backpack or beach bag for backup power. We also like how it packs two USB-A charging ports and a cargo storage pouch to hold our phone, so our beloved device doesn''t have to sit on a sandy beach or wet pool deck while charging. Even better, using the included grip cords, it''s easy to lash to a beach chair or tent.
Now that we''ve tested over a dozen portable solar chargers, we can see some of the Pale Blue Earth Approach''s shortcomings. First and foremost, it''s a bit weak for its size. For context, the GoSun Solar Panel 10 is smaller when unfolded and provides a few more watts of power. Also, the Approach isn''t very powerful relative to its price. For about 60% more money, the Outdoor Tech Dawn boasts almost six times as much power.
To be fair, the Approach also comes in a 21W version (essentially, three of these panels conjoined). But again, compared to the Outdoor Tech Dawn, which costs less and offers more, it''d be hard to recommend that bigger brother.
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