The 4 Best Solar Phone Chargers Of 2024

The struggle to keep your phone charged while out and about is real, especially while on the road, during camping trips, backpacking, at festivals, or spending the day in the park. The good news is that there is now an easy charging solution - solar phone chargers. Solar phone chargers are portable solar panels that can absorb light from the sun to directly charge a phone or a small battery pack.

Our picks for the best solar phone chargers of 2024 are:

• Best overall solar charger: BigBlue 28W USB solar charger

• Best budget charger: BLAVOR Qi Solar Power Bank Portable Charger

• Best travel charger: Hulucky Outdoor USB-C Portable charger

• Best wireless charger: QiSa 38,800mAh Solar Power Bank

*Note: This is an unbiased review: we have no financial ties with any of the companies mentioned, nor do we earn money from affiliate advertising. The content of this blog is based on research and information available at the time of writing.

The best solar phone chargers of 2024

Here are our picks for the best solar phone chargers on the market.

1. Best overall solar charger: BigBlue 28W USB solar charger

Compatibility: Most 5-volt USB rechargeable devices, including iPhones and Androids. Not compatible with the iPad Pro. 

2. Best budget charger: BLAVOR Qi Solar Power Bank Portable Charger

Compatibility: iPhone, Samsung, Android, Windows, GoPro, GPS, tablets, and most USB charging devices.

3. Best travel charger: Hiluckey Outdoor USB-C Portable charger

Compatibility: Almost all 5V devices such as iPhones, iPads, tablets, and other smartphones.

4. Best wireless solar phone charger: QiSa 38,800mAh Solar Power Bank

Compatibility: most USB-C devices

What features to look for in a solar phone charger

When you’re shopping for a solar phone charger, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you get the right one for your needs, including:

• Type of charger

• Power output

• Size

• Device compatibility

Type of charger 

There are two types of solar phone chargers: 

1. Direct solar chargers

2. Battery bank solar chargers

Direct solar chargers connect the solar panels to your phone, so the energy produced by the panels goes directly into your phone’s battery. 

A battery bank solar charger doesn’t get hooked up to your phone. Instead, the panels charge a solar power bank that you can then plug your phone into later when it needs a boost. 

Power output 

You want to make sure the charger you get is powerful enough to charge your devices. If you’re only looking to charge one smartphone, a solar phone charger with a lower power output can work for you. 

If you need something that can charge multiple devices or larger electronics like tablets, you’ll want a solar phone charger with more power. A wattage between 10 watts and 15 watts of power is a good rule of thumb when looking for a solar phone charger.

Size 

The size of your charger is important! Because you’ll generally be using a solar phone charger on the go, the size and weight are important. 

Some solar chargers are made up of multiple lightweight solar panels that fold up so they can easily fit in your backpack. Others are heavier and include a backup battery pack that will add extra weight to whatever you’re carrying.

Compatibility 

Make sure that the charger you buy is compatible with your devices! Most solar phone chargers are able to charge any USB device, however, it’s always good to check before you purchase. 

Also, keep an eye out for how many charging ports the charger has. You don’t want to go on a hike with three people and only be able to charge two gadgets! 

An important thing to note about solar charging is that even if you get one with a high power output and place it in direct sunlight, they don’t have fast charging capabilities. With most solar phone chargers, it will take a minimum of five hours to fully charge your device. 

Typically, portable solar panel chargers are meant to function as a source of backup power, not as the primary way to charge your phone every day because of their slow charging speed.

Solar energy can power more than just your phone

The quality and efficiency of solar-powered phone chargers are getting better all the time. As solar technology continues to improve, we might one day have small solar panels capable of generating a substantial amount of power. 

Until that day comes, solar-powered phone chargers will best serve as a backup option and not a primary source of power.

Your phone doesn’t have to be the only thing you power with solar energy. By installing solar panels on your roof, you can power your whole home with solar. Not only does this decrease your carbon footprint, but it can also save you thousands of dollars on your utility bills.

You can use our one-of-a-kind solar calculator to get an estimate tailored to your specific home and find out how much solar could save you.