Best 5 Solar Power Banks

By windenergyfoundation.org

November 11, 2020

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Nomad 7 Plus (Price not available)

Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel Recharger

Charge phones and USB devices directly from the sun, featuring a dynamic auto-restart and intelligent electronics that optimize output to match the device. Best used to direct charge phones, Small devices, and 10-30 watt rechargers
Easy-to-read LED indicator displays strength of solar conditions. Receive immediate feedback on panel-to-sun placement to improve Solar charging experience
Detachable kickstand provides optimum angle placement, natural shade for charging devices and a vented pocket for temperature regulation. Weatherproof layering easily sloughs rain and snow
The Nomad 7 Plus features an auto restart that s smarter than anything else on the market. With the ability to track power flow history, The Nomad 7 Plus knows the difference between a device that has reached a fully charged state and one that disconnects due to environmental causes, I. E. Lack of sunlight, shadow, etc
You can plug your phone, camera, headlamp, etc directly into the panel or use it to recharge a power bank for later use.

Specs

Type: Charging Panel
Battery: None
Ports One USB output, One 2.5 mm charging port

Dimensions 13 x 8.75 x 0.5 (unfolded); 6.5 x 8.75 x 0.75 (folded)
Weight: 16.2 ounces
Special Features: Multiple mounting points; Detachable kickstand; Rugged folding design

The Nomad 7 Plus is a solar panel that produces electricity from the sun and that can be used to charge small devices and phones that require 10-30 watts of charge. The Nomad 7 plus also comes with a smart charging feature that disconnects the phone when it is fully charged. If there is any interference during charging due to shadows or lack of sunlight, the panel will reconnect the device as soon as the conditions improve.

The Nomad 7 Plus also comes with several LED indicators that tell you the strength of the sun as well as when a device is charging or not charging. The LED indicators are especially useful when placing the panel as they help you position the panel better for maximum charging efficiency. Its rugged design also makes it perfect for the outdoors so you can take it almost anywhere and charge your devices as long as there is adequate sunlight.

P R O S

Its rugged nature makes it perfect for the outdoors
The detachable kickstand it comes with, combined with the LED, make it easier to place the Nomad 7 plus for maximum charging efficiency
It is lighter than the Nomad 13 when the kickstand is removed, which improves its portability a lot
Can fully charge a variety of devices
Can fully power devices that need little power, even without connecting a power bank

C O N S

The Nomad 7 plus cannot be chained to other charging devices
It does not lie entirely flat, so it can be a bit fragile when used lying flat
Does not charge the new iPhones due to Apple’s charging and power design

View on Amazon(Price not available)

RAVPower Solar Charger ()

Specs

Type: Charging Panel
Battery: None
Ports: 3 USB outputs, One 2.5 mm charging port

Dimensions: 12.83 x 8.15 x 1.89
Weight: 26.4 Ounces
Special Features: Folding design, four grommet holes for hanging the panel anywhere

The RAVPower solar charger uses 25-watt solar panels that are very efficient, with an efficiency of up to 23.5%, which ensures the devices you connect to the panel will charge very fast. Some have even compared using the panel in full sunlight to charging directly from the wall. It also comes with iSmart technology that detects the devices you have connected to the panel and optimizes power delivery to each of the devices. Additionally, its smart IC frequency technology distributes the output current to the devices being charged to ensure all of them are charged evenly.

The RAVPower solar charger is a great option for those who spend a lot of time outdoors because of its impressive build quality and how light it is. That said, it can be used in a variety of other situations such as when there is an extended power outage to keep phones and tablets charged.

P R O S

It charges devices at the same as a charger connected to a wall outlet would under ideal conditions
It is light enough to carry anywhere
Can charge a large variety of devices including the latest mobile phones
It folds up easily and there is velcro to keep it folded
Comes with 3 intelligent USB ports that tailor power delivery to the device being charged
It is powerful enough to fill even some of the larger power banks

C O N S

It can have problems charging devices when there are slight shadows or even behind windows

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BigBlue 28W Solar Charger($67.49)

[Upgraded] BigBlue 3 USB Ports 28W Solar Charger(5V/4.8A Max), Portable Foldable Solar Panel for Camping, IP44 Waterproof, Compatible with iPhone 11/XS/XS Max/XR/X/8/7, iPad, Samsung Galaxy LG etc.

Upgraded Triple USB Port: Each maximum output is 5V/3A and the total maximum current is at 5V/4.8A. BigBlue 28w solar charger allows you to charge multiple devices at once (Note: if one device requires a large current, the other two devices may not be charged). The built-in smart charging technology can provide optimal and 100% safe charging in direct sunlight
Used High-quality Solar Cell: The solar cells BigBlue adopted improve the solar charger’s durability by reducing heat buildup, making them more robust and less prone to damage, which extends their lifespan. Without metal lines on the front, these cells capture more sunlight, enhancing electricity generation and providing a sleek, modern design.
Higher Solar Conversion: Upgraded solar panels convert up to 25.4% of solar power into free energy in enough sunlight, which is the most durable panels at present, standing up to elements and wear and tear better than conventional panels. BigBlue uses a special polymer surface to protect solar panels from occasional rain or wet fog ( The junction box is not waterproof)
Portable Camping Solar Charger: With a folded size of 11× 6×1.4in and a lightweight (1.5 lbs) design, it is compact and light enough to fit into any camping backpack or hiking daypack. It is also a must-have for stashing in an emergency kit. BigBlue solar phone charger is a great option if you’re taking an extended camping trip or traveling somewhere with an unreliable power grid
Wide Compatibility: BigBlue USB solar charger offers a tiny power plant that can generate power for your phone (Android and Apple), power bank, speakers, and other small electronics to keep them charged when the sun is out (Note: we don't provide the lightning cable for Apple devices). Our portable solar charger can't store electricity and can't charge laptops and power station

Specs

Type: Charging Panel
Battery: None
Ports: Two USB ports up to 5V/2.4A Max each

Dimensions: 11.1 × 6.3× 1.3 (folded)
Weight: 21 ounces
Special Features: Built-in ammeter, 4 clip hooks, industrial-strength PET polymer fabric(waterproof)

The BigBlue 28W Solar Charger comes in a neat 4-panel design that is easy to fold up and is lightweight enough so you can carry it anywhere. The built-in ammeter is a welcome addition, letting you know how well the device is performing and the amount of current being used to charge your phones or other connected devices.

The BigBlue 28W Solar Charger also comes with SmartIC technology that detects the devices connected and delivers the fastest charge supported by those devices. Because of the Industrial-strength PET polymer fabric, the BigBlue 28W Solar Charger is waterproof and has a pouch that helps protect your devices from rain and other environmental conditions.

Users will also appreciate the 4 clip hooks the BigBlue 28W Solar Charger comes with as these let you hang the panel anywhere it can get adequate sunlight. These hooks can also come in handy to secure the device if it is being used in windy conditions.

P R O S

Compatible with both Apple and Android devices
Has over current, overcharge, over-voltage, and short circuit protection built-in
It is waterproof so can be used in any kind of weather
The handy ammeter can be used to gauge the amount of power being used to charge the devices connected as well as the intensity of the sun
The BigBlue 28W Solar Charger uses high-efficiency solar panels for higher sunlight conversion

C O N S

The BigBlue 28W Solar Charger is not compatible with the iPad pro
Slight shadow can interfere with charging so a user would have to close and open the panel to restart charging
All four panels must be exposed to the sun for optimum charging

View on Amazon($67.49)

BioLite SolarPanel 5+()

Type: Charging Panel
Battery: Comes with a 2200mAh power bank built-in
Ports: One USB output

Dimensions: 11.26 x 1.54 x 9.02 inches
Weight: 3.53 ounces
Special Features: 360-degree kickstand; Integrated sundial

The BioLite SolarPanel 5+ is an impressive charging panel due to two main reasons; it comes with a rechargeable power bank and an integrated sundial. The power bank ensures you can charge your devices even when you do not have a lot of sunlight. It can also be recharged from the wall when you need it fully charged before heading out. The sundial makes it easy to orient the panel so you place it in a position to receive the most sunlight.

The BioLite SolarPanel 5+ is well-designed and uses high-efficiency dollar panels with a 5w output. Due to this output, the BioLite SolarPanel 5+ can charge a variety of devices including tablets, phones, tablets, and other Boilite products. The weather-resistant design makes this panel great for the outdoors and because of its thin design, it is better able to dissipate heat, stay cool and therefore better maintain its high efficiency.

P R O S

Its robust, rigid construction makes it easier to set up than foldable panels
The integrated sundial ensures you can easily orient the BioLite SolarPanel 5+ for optimum output
The power bank can be charged both from the panel and from plugging into the wall
Comes with a USB to micro-USB cable

C O N S

The battery is not replaceable
Their customer service could be better

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Blavor Solar Power Bank and Charger ()

Specs

Type:Power bank with an integrated charging panel
Battery: 10,000mAH power bank
Ports: One USB output

Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.1 x 0.8
Weight: 9.3 ounces
Special Features: Qi wireless charger, dual flashlight, compass, USB type C charging port

The Blavor Solar Power Bank and Charger is an amazing product with lots of features. Its most notable features are the 10,000mAH power bank, Qi wireless charger, the solar panel as well as the compass that comes in the box. The power bank can charge Android devices using the USB port and the Qi wireless charger and is compatible with the latest Apple devices as well as all devices that support Qi wireless charging.

The Blavor Solar Power Bank and Charger is well-built and with its IPX4 rating, it is a great device for the outdoors. Additionally, it comes with a dual flashlight which makes it a great option for outdoor adventures and camping. Because it is light, you can take it everywhere but note that it cannot be used on passenger airplanes due to the batteries it comes with. The charger is made out of premium ABS material while the power bank contains a high-efficiency Lithium polymer battery

P R O S

The Qi wireless charger will charge devices compatible with Qi technology including both Android and Apple devices
The dual flashlights and included compass make it a great product for outdoor activities like camping and hiking
The charger is IPX4 splash-proof, dustproof, and shockproof so it can be used in a variety of conditions
Even when the power bank is depleted, you can still use the solar panel to charge devices directly
The Blavor Solar Power Bank and Charger comes with intuitive LED indicators that tell you how much charge you have left on the power bank as well as when a device that is connected is charging