Nothing annoys more than a low battery in the middle of your road trip. It also frustrates running low battery on your phone in the middle of something important in your office or home due to power outage. As a result, the existence of solar cell phone chargers is a great idea. These chargers tap energy from the sun hence charging your phone with or without electricity. These chargers are also important as they help to reduce the huge electricity bills. Some are portable to keep your phone charged even while on a trip.
Solar chargers absorb energy from the sun and transfer it to your cell phone’s battery which in turn charges your phone. How? They are mostly installed on rooftops or placed on open ground to obtain and store energy from the sun. They then have an outlet cable to transfer that energy to your device battery.
Types of Solar Cell Phone Chargers
There are two main types of solar phone chargers that exist in the market today.
- Direct solar cell phone chargers
- Battery bank solar phone chargers
Direct Solar Cell Phone Chargers
Direct solar phone chargers transfer energy directly from the solar panel to your phone through a USB cable. They are the cheapest and easiest solar chargers o use. They are also portable and convenient to carry around.
Advantages
- Cheapest and easy to use.
- Waterproof hence not affected by rain.
- Robust and not prone to rust.
Disadvantages
- Ineffective when there is no sunlight.
- Slow to charge compared to electric chargers.
Battery Bank Solar Charger
This charger has a solar panel and battery bank allowing you to charge your phone even when there is no sunlight. It stores energy in its power bank thus does not use solar panels directly to charge your phone.
Advantages
- It is the most effective as it charges your phone even without sunlight.
- It is reliable with a fast charging ability.
- Compatible with several models of phones and comes with a flashlight as an added feature.
Disadvantages
- Exposure to too much heat can destroy your device’s battery life.
What to Consider When Buying Solar Chargers For Cell Phone
There are many types of solar cell phone chargers in the market. Some are legit and effective while others are fake and ineffective. The following factors distinguish between fake and legit solar chargers.
Power
A good solar charger should have sufficient power to charge your phone’s battery adequately. They should also hold enough power that allows charging more than one device simultaneously. When charging many devices or high power intensity devices like iPods, your solar charger should hold an average power of 15-16 watts or more.
Portability
Portability is also an important factor to consider. This mostly applies to users who travel often. These users need less bulky and portable chargers to allow them to charge their phones while on transit. However, bulky and less portable is best to install at home or office roofs. This is because they have large surface areas hence stores most power.
Durability
A good solar charger should be strong and durable. The durable charger gives you the value of your money as it ensures your charger lasts long with no replacement or damage cost. They should have strong metal frames and thick panels for durability. Strong and durable chargers are also resistant to rust, thus suitable to install on your rooftops with no worry of the rain.
Connections
A good solar charger should have several output connections. This allows you to charge more than one cell phone per time.
Battery backup.
Solar charger with battery backup is best for users living in humid areas. Battery backup is for storing sufficient power when the sun is not bright.
Charging time.
Reliable solar cell phone chargers should take less time to charge. These chargers should have large surface area panels that allow faster absorption of power thus takes less time to charge.
Price
Price is a key factor to consider when selecting a solar phone charger. A quality charger should not be extremely cheap as cheap products are associated with poor quality.
Best Solar Charges For Cell Phone
With the existence of several types of solar charges In the market, we have done thorough research and outlined the most reliable and effective solar cell phone chargers to consider. These chargers also portray the above-mentioned factors for effective performance.
1. Anker 21W Portable Solar Cell Phone Charger
this solar charger has industrial strengthened PET polymer that helps it to withstand rough outdoor activities. Its solar panel is carefully covered by a polymer canvas that ensures its fully weathered resistance. These panels are also foldable and multi-layered to trap solar energy more efficiently. It also exhibits surge protection technology that ensures your phone is fully protected.
In addition, the charger is easily compatible with all IOS, android phones, and all other USB chargeable devices apart from a few cases like HP touchpads and Acers tablets. It also has a fast-charging technology that enables it to dispense up to 2.4 Amps per port.
More to that, it boasts a sleek and lightweight design that makes it suitable for outdoor activities. It is also portable and can easily fit into many types of bag packs.
- It is durable
- Has fast charging technology.
- It does not support wireless charging.
- It cannot operate without sunlight.
2. X- Dragon 20W Sun Power Cell Phone Solar Charger
As mentioned above, there is a wide range of solar charging options in the market. However, not all protect your phone from rampant charging issues like over current and overcharging. This is different from X- dragon solar charger as it automatically adjusts excess current flows thus protecting your phone from damage.
This charger comes with dual USB ports and can dispense up to 2 AMPs per port. This ensures it can charge two devices at a time. It also boasts of a thin design that is completely foldable making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Additionally, it is crafted with a standard temperature-resistant and anti-corrosive fabric. This makes it both water and dustproof hence less prone to damage.
- It is fitted with solar IQ technology to automatically adjust its voltage flow.
- It supports fast charging.
- It does not support wireless charging.
- It doesn’t work effectively when there is no sunlight.
3. NekTeck 21 W Portable Solar Charger
This amazing solar charger comes with three affordable solar panels. In times of strong sunlight, each of the three solar panels can put out between 800-1000 MA. It also has an ultra design that is exemplary lightweight hence ideal for long trips.
In addition, it comes with a dual USB port that functions concurrently. This makes it charge two devices in time as a result of its first charging technology. It is also powered by smart IC technology that gives the device its own microchip that detects when a device is plugged in. with this feature, each port is comfortably able to maximize its charging speed up to 2 AMP.
Moreover, it is designed to withstand rugged outdoor conditions due to its water and shockproof materials. Most importantly, it is broadly compatible. I mean, rather than phones, it can also charge cameras and all other USB-supported devices.
- It is very hence easily portable.
- It supports fast charging.
- It does not store power for future use.
4. BLAVOR Solar Power Charger
With this modern 2000 MAH solar power bank, forget about low battery issues on your phone during a power blackout or outdoor activities. This is because it exhibits up to 18 W powers that store sufficient energy. It also supports wireless charging to all smartphones with wireless charging technology.
It also features 2 USB features and one bi-directional type C port. This allows it to charge more than one device at the same time. Not to forget the small and lightweight size that makes it portable to carry around and charge your phone during outdoor activities. It comes with an inbuilt flashlight to provide light in dark-world adventures.
Moreover, it boasts of hard and waterproof materials hence save from damage. It has an inbuilt compass that easily gives directions during your adventurous activities.
- It supports both fast and wireless charging.
- Has inbuilt flashlight.
- Charges multiple devices concurrently.
- Takes tong time to store energy from the sun.
- It is costly to acquire hence not affordable too all.
5. BigBlue Upgraded Solar Charger
If you are looking for a reliable outdoor solar charger, this is the ultimate design to consider. It is equipped with three USB ports with weatherproof port protectors for safety. These ports allow you to charge more than one device concurrently. These ports can offer an average current flow of 5V/4.0A maximally.
It has 4 solar panels that fully functions to ensure it harnesses maximum solar energy hence easy charging your phone’s battery. Its exemplary lightweight solar panels are easily fordable making it easy for it to fit into almost all types of bags hence easily portable.
Up to 4 buckles are attached to this charger for easy mounting on bag packs so that they harness whenever the need arises. It is also compatible with all USB chargeable devices like phones, cameras, and tablets. Not to forget, it is designed with a special PET polymer surface that functions to ensure this specific charger is waterproof thus highly durable.
- It comes with three USB ports for multi charging.
- It has a high energy conversion rate.
- Wide compatibility.
- It cannot store power for future use.
- It does not support wireless charging.
6. Renogy E. Lumen Portable Solar Charger
Designed with an outlook that resembles that of a normal torch, this solar charger is easily mountable on a bike to use as a flashlight while in the dark. It has a modern solar panel that is well covered with a portable solar case to easily harness solar energy.
Unlike most, this specific solar charger does not limit the user when it comes to charging options. I mean, the user can either charge through direct sunlight or electricity via a USB port. It also comes with extra features; seat belt cutter, glass shattering hammer, and an inbuilt compass making it suitable for outdoor activities.
More to that, it has an inbuilt 2000 Mah battery for sufficient power storage hence can be sued as a power bank. Not to forget its sleek modern look and water resistance anodize aluminum body that makes it hardcore to outdoor conditions. Moreover, it has a side magnet for easy gripping and mounting.
- It has attractive and modern design.
- Used as a power bank.
- Easily mounted on a bike for flash that can light up to 200 m.
- It has a small battery capacity.
- No wireless charging.
7. Feeke Solar Power Bank
This is another amazing solar charger that is equipped with a large power storage capacity of 30000 MaH. This allows the user to charge multiple devices without running out of power. It also supports Qi wireless charging thus compatible with all wireless charging phones. More to that, the charger has 2 USB ports that allow the user to charge two phones via the ports and one through wireless charging technology simultaneously.
It is important to note that this device’s charging speed is not altered despite charging three phones at a time. This saves a lot of time. It has a modern charging technology that allows it to charge devices at a very fast speed twice as much as ordinary charging devices.
In addition, it is simply crafted with a light sleek design that boosts portability. This allows the user to charge their phone regardless of his location. Nonetheless, it has a built-in powerful LED flashlight that runs for quite a long.
It also features hard, rigid, and rugged materials that make the charger dust, shock and waterproof hence less prone to damage.
- Used as both a charger and a power bank.
- Has a large power storage capacity.
- Supports wireless charging.
- Charges multiple phones.
- Takes long to store sunlight energy.
8. GRDE Portable Solar Charger
This amazing solar energy comes with an outstanding array of features. It is fitted with 3 USB ports with wireless charging technology that allows charging multiple phones at the same time. I mean the user charges 3 phones through the USB port and one through wireless charging hence saves much time.
It is also fitted with a 26800 Mah battery thus stores immense power and can level its power delivery intensity thus protects the phone from overcharging. It has no charging restrictions as it charges through both electric cable and solar charging systems. Unlike most power banks that come with a single flashlight, this particular charger has 28 LED lights that allow three light intensities.
- Charges up to 4 phones simultaneously hence save time.
- It has multiple and advanced light features.
- Supports wireless charging.
- Stores enough power for future use.
- Takes a long time to be charged fully.
Frequently Ask Questions on Solar Chargers For Cell Phones
Do solar phone chargers really work?
They do. Solar phone chargers work with or without sunlight depending on its mode of charging. Direct solar cell phone chargers work only when there is a scorching sun in the sky while battery bank chargers work any time regardless.
What is the best solar phone charger?
There are several best solar phone chargers as described above. If looking for one, then consider one of the above chargers.
How much does a solar charger cost?
The cost of a solar charger varies per its capacity. For instance, a solar charger with a capacity of 4kW has an average cost of 15000$ while that of 8kW has an average cost of 29000$.
How long do solar chargers last?
Different solar chargers have different durability depending on the strength of its panel and covering frame. They also last depending on the total number of times they have changed. A normal charger charges 300-400 times before they die. Strong durable chargers last for more than two years without breaking out.
How long does it take to charge a phone with a solar charger?
Solar chargers take 25-30 hours to fully charge its power bank. Fully charged power banks charge a phone 12 to 14 times. Consequently, most manufacturers advise users to charge their phones one to two hours depending on the capacity of the battery. This is to avoid under or overcharging the battery which destroys it.
My Recommendation
Solar cell phone chargers are important to have as it helps to conserve electricity. These chargers are also clean with no environmental pollution. As seen, some are portable allowing your phone to remain fully charged while on a trip. We, therefore, advise users to consider some of the above-explained chargers for effective performance.
