Solar charger for mobile phones - 5 good models
If your cell phone battery quickly gives up on the go, you can continue to use the smartphone with a solar charger. We present 5 great models for iOS and Android devices and tell you what to look for when buying.
Buy solar charger for smartphones - you should pay attention to this
So that you do not stand with an empty battery despite the solar charger, there are a few things you should consider when buying:
- Weight and size: The solar charger should be relatively light and handy - depending on whether you want to stow the device in your pocket or a backpack.
- Battery capacity: If you want to have a spare battery on rainy days, you should buy a charger with an integrated battery. The higher the capacity, the longer your smartphone will last. It is best to choose a device with twice the capacity of your smartphone battery. So you are on the safe side even on cloudy days.
- Solar panel: Of course, every solar charger needs a corresponding panel. The bigger the better. Large solar panels collect significantly more energy, especially in poor sunlight. Basically, a small solar panel is sufficient for smartphones.
- Connections: Of course, the supported devices are also important. So make sure you can use the charger on your phone or iPhone.
- Conclusion: Basically you have to decide which criteria are most important to you. To make your decision easier, we have selected 5 models that perform well in all areas and each have a highlight.
1. EasyAcc solar charger: storage monster on the go
The EasyAcc charger is a good all-rounder for all weather conditions.
- Weight and size: With a size of 143 x 77 x 23 millimeters, the charger no longer fits in your pocket, but still finds space in laptop or handbags. The weight is also okay at 353 grams.
- Battery capacity: This is the highlight of the EasyAcc. Thanks to a capacity of 15, 000 mAh, you can fully charge your cell phone 5 to 10 times.
- Solar panel: the panel is small, the battery is large. The charging process takes a correspondingly long time. You must therefore place the device in the sun as often as possible. If you should not be able to do this, you can also charge the battery pack using an optional charger at the socket.
- Connections: The solar charger has two USB ports: one with 5 volts and 1 amp for mobile phones and one with 5 volts and 2.1 amps for tablets. The scope of delivery already includes charging cables for common Android smartphones and the new Lightning connection for Apple devices.
- Price: With just under 40 euros, the charger is not a bargain. Due to the high capacity, the high price is bearable.
2. Levin Solstar: Weatherproof solar charger for cell phones
The Levin Solstar scores above all with a thick silicone cover to protect it from falls and rain.
- Weight and size: The solar charger measures 142 x 75 x 15 millimeters and weighs almost 200 grams. This makes it significantly lighter than the EasyAcc model.
- Battery capacity: A total of 6, 000 mAh is available. This allows you to charge your smartphone two to three times. The advantage: the integrated battery can be recharged in the sun within a few hours.
- Solar panel: The solar panel is small, but works very well even with light clouds. Place the device in the sun frequently, never notice a difference thanks to the integrated battery.
- Connections: There are two USB ports on the charger to which you can connect your normal charging cables.
- Price: The Levin Solstar currently costs around 28 euros. If you are looking for a weatherproof device at an affordable price, you've come to the right place.
3. Sunload Solarclaw: Expensive charging panel for outdoor specialists
Flexible and foldable - with these properties, the Sunload Solarclaw wants to score with outdoor fans. For example, you can attach the panel to a backpack and charge it while hiking or cycling.
- Weight and size: when folded, the solar charger measures 245 x 127 x 35 millimeters, spread out it is 740 x 245 x 1.2 millimeters. Since it only weighs around 290 grams, it is still easy to transport.
- Battery capacity: Unfortunately the Sunload Solarclaw does not have an integrated battery. You can retrofit this for an additional charge, but this is not necessary in view of the great solar panel.
- Solar panel: The panel takes up almost the entire area of the spread-out charger. Ultimately, this creates an output of 6.5 watts at up to 12 volts. How to charge your smartphone and tablet relatively quickly in the sun.
- Connections: So that voltage and current do not damage your device, the solar charger contains four adapters that adjust the current for your device. If there is no corresponding attachment, you can use your own charging cable. Sunload uses the connection known from cars in the form of a cigarette lighter.
- Price: With almost 150 euros, the Sunload Solarclaw is the most expensive device in our leaderboard and therefore only for real outdoor fans.
4. Poweradd: Bargain device collects solar energy
The Poweradd solar charger is also foldable, but not quite as expensive. It doesn't have to hide from the luxury competitor:
- Weight and size: Spread out, the solar charger covers an area of 819 x 228 millimeters at a height of 2.8 millimeters. If you fold it up, you can store it in almost every pocket. The charger then measures only 234 x 168 x 38 millimeters and weighs around 500 grams.
- Battery capacity: Even the inexpensive charger does not have an integrated battery. You can easily retrofit this with a power bank.
- Solar panel: The Poweradd has a huge solar panel. You can even charge energy-hungry devices such as the Apple iPad or other tablets within a few hours.
- Connections: You can charge all your devices with the corresponding cables via the USB port. The scope of delivery does not include any accessories at the low price.
- Price: The Poweradd charger costs around 20 euros and is aimed specifically at bargain hunters.
5. Ascent EnerPlex Packr: solar charger and backpack in one
A nice combination completes our leaderboard: The Ascent EnerPlex Packr is a spacious backpack with an integrated solar panel.
- Weight and size: The backpack weighs 825 grams and measures 495 x 381 x 165 millimeters. However, this does not matter, since you do not have to stow the charger extra.
- Battery capacity: Although the backpack would be perfect, it does not contain its own battery. If you want to be independent of the weather, you should also resort to a cheap power bank.
- Solar panel: The panel is large enough and is located on the back of the backpack. This will fully charge your cell phone in under 5 hours. The only drawback: If you drive towards the sun, the power supply often cuts off because the solar panel cannot collect enough energy. You can't do without an external battery here.
- Connections: In the inner lining, connect your smartphone to the solar device via USB. So you can charge iOS and Android devices and keep them inside the backpack.
- Price: At around 120 euros, the Ascent EnerPlex Packr costs no more than a solar charger and a good backpack.
So that you really get everything out of your new charger, we will show you how to use solar chargers efficiently.