How many solar chargers are there?

We tested 34 solar chargers to power our adventures, including brands like Jackery, GoalZero, Renogy, and more. A good solar charger lets you power your essential communication and outdoor electronics, no matter how far off the grid you go. Over the last decade, we have tested almost 100 different solar panels of varying sizes.

How much does a solar charger cost?

As such, it’s no surprise that both the 28 Watt BigBlue solar charger retails for about $70 while the slightly smaller 21 Watt Anker solar retails for less (if you can find it). One advantage of solar panels is they seem to become less expensive year after year as the technology improves.

What is a solar power charger?

There’s a lot to understand about solar power chargers, but at their heart, a small solar panel consists of several photovoltaic cells grouped together to absorb some of the sun’s energy and convert it into an electric charge that you can use to charge electronics.

Which solar charger should I buy?

The Jackery SolarSaga 100 is our favorite bigger solar charger. This lightweight panel is more affordable than most similarly sized models and performs as well as the best of them. It's user-friendly and effective in full and partial sunlight. When it's time to pack up camp, simply fold up the legs, then fold it in half and pack it away.

What is the best solar charger for off-grid camping?

100 watts or more: These are the largest solar chargers that you can still pack away to move. They're the best energy-intensive devices and have fast charging speeds to keep your large battery banks or power stations full. A 110-watt panel is best for charging a large power station when off-grid camping.

Are portable solar chargers a viable way to provide electricity outdoors?

Thanks to efficiency advances and cost decreases in solar cells, portable solar chargers are finally proving to be a viable means of providing electricity outdoors. A backcountry user might carry a smartphone, GoPros, headlamp, tablet, camera, headphones, and PLB or GPS devices.