Solar power has multiple uses and applications for our everyday lives. 

One of the best examples of this statement is being able to charge your smartphone through a small solar panel.  

Whether you are an adventurer who wishes to travel and practice outdoor sports like hiking, climbing, trekking, or fishing, or whether you are just a student or eco-friendly mindset person, then purchasing a solar phone charger is a good way to stay connected to your smartphone anywhere, anytime. 

In this article, you will find some of the most valuable solar smartphone chargers that you will be able to use, some merely to charge your phone and others capable of more. Let’s take a look at some of them.   

10 Best Selling Solar Phone Chargers

1. Foxelli Dual USB Solar Charger 10W

Foxelli Dual USB Solar Charger 10W

The Foxelli Dual USB solar charger has earned multiple positive reviews due to its performance, quality, and features, making it a perfect choice to charge your smartphones.

The product consists of polycrystalline solar cells that provide enough power to charge two smartphones at the same time. The first noticeable and interesting feature of Foxelli is that it has a foldable structure that allows you to comprise its size when stored and expand it for maximum solar power harvesting when used.

Foxelli integrates a smart charging technology that automatically detects the required current input that is needed for a device and distributes the electric current output among the two devices. The charger can deliver up to 1.85A total.

The solar phone charger can be used for multiple smartphones and also for other gadgets through its 5VDC input. The product is compatible with iPhone X, XS, XR, 8 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S10, S9, S8, S7, Nexus, LG, HTC and gadgets such as GoPro, iPad, and Kindle.

Perfect for the travel and camping experience, thanks to its portable and lightweight design, the charger can be easily taken everywhere since it only weighs 1.1 lbs. People who enjoy backpacking, camping, kayaking, hiking, and other similar outdoor activities will love this phone charger.

2. BEARTWO 10000mAh Portable Solar Charger

Portable Solar Charger, BEARTWO 10000mAh

The Beartwo 10000mAh solar phone charger has a compact design that resembles a smartphone and that is capable of charging two devices at the same time with a maximum continuous output of 5V/2.1A to deliver a fast charge. This device has also been designed with highly sophisticated smart ICs (to deliver optimal current and charge faster) and with multiple fall-safe circuitry protection. 

Similar to the GoerTek product, the BearTwo features two charging methods, one of them is the AC adapter 5V/2A charger which only requires between 4-5 hours to completely charge the power bank, while the second method implies charging the power bank with the integrated solar cell (used as an alternative source of energy in the outdoors).

Moreover, every GoerTek power bank has an IP67 waterproof rating that provides one of the most outstanding performances against both water and dust particles. Besides, the power bank also features a built-in LED flashlight that has three modes of operation (normal, SOS and strobe) which can be easily controlled through a single button.

The Beartwo 10000mAh capacity is enough to charge your iPhone 8 between 4 and 5 times without any issue and can also be used for Samsung, Windows, and other Android smartphones. Besides, you can also use it for charging cameras, GPS, GoPro, and tablets.

3. Nexgadget Qi Wireless 20000mAh Solar Charger

Solar Charger 20000mAh, Qi Wireless Portable Solar Power Bank

Nexgadget provides another very useful power bank that can be charged through solar power. The device has been designed with a built-in lithium-polymer battery with a 20,000mAh capacity that can be easily used to charge iPhones (up to 4 times), iPads (2 times), tablets as well as other smartphones or electronics ( between 3-4 times). 

A very important feature of this power bank is that it can automatically adjust the output current to protect your smartphone and electronics from undesirable effects like overcharging, over-current, over-voltage or from short-circuits that could damage the performance of the devices. 

The Nexgadget solar power bank can get fully charged within 6-8 hours by using the Micro-USB or Type-C inputs located in the bank and connecting them to an AC output. Using solar energy as a charging source is also possible thanks to its front side solar panels, however, they shouldn’t be used as a primary charging source. Moreover, this portable solar power bank also features two traditional USB outputs and a single type-C output that allows charging up to three devices at the same time.

Based on the practical situations that could be used for, Nexgadget has designed a bright LED  flashlight located in one of the sides of the power bank with 3 modes of operation (steady, SOS and strobe) which can be useful in emergency situations and especially during nights. This power bank has been manufactured to be resistant and durable as well. Moreover, the outer case is made from an ABS plastic material that protects the battery from shocks, drops, dust (IP6 dust protection) and even water (IP54 rainproof).

Finally, this 20,000mAh battery bank is one of the best in the market as it can wirelessly charge devices thanks to its Qi wireless charger (electrical energy transfer by induction between devices separated up to 4 cm) which allows charging the fourth device at the same time.

4. GoerTek 25000mAh Battery Solar Power Bank Portable Panel Charger

Solar Charger, 25000mAh Battery Solar Power Bank Portable Panel Charger

One of the most valuable options to charge your smartphones using solar power is the GoerTek 25000mAh battery power bank. 

This product has been designed with a Li-polymer battery that has a 25000mAh capacity, enough as to charge an iPhone XS over 7 times or a Galaxy S9 Plus for nearly 6 times. To charge this power bank, you will have two options, the first is to use a 5V/2A adapter to be connected to a wall outlet, and the second one is to use the integrated solar panel. Each solar charger brings a blue indicator light that turns on when the power bank is getting charged by the AC adapter and turns a green light on if it’s getting charged by solar power.

Besides, the power bank has 3-USB ports (1A, 2A, 2A) that allow you to charge up to 3 devices at the same time, making it perfect for travel experiences in which you can go with family or friends. Moreover, the portable charger has been manufactured with ABS materials that integrate 36 LEDs that act as a powerful lighting source to be used in emergencies or simply outdoors. The LEDs have 3 lighting modes (low-mid-high).

5. Tranmix Solar Charger 25000mAh Portable Power Bank

Tranmix Solar Charger 25000mAh Portable Power Bank

Tranmix offers a very clever alternative to charge smartphones on the go by using solar energy. By combining the structure of a solar charger and a solar power bank,  the Tranmix model brings up to 4 small foldable solar panels that can sum up to 6W total. By simply placing the Tranmix charger facing direct sunlight, the solar panels will start generating electricity which will be used to simultaneously charge both your phone and the battery bank. The product also features a Micro-USB (needs 12-15 hours to reach full charge) and Type-C input (requires 22-25 hours for full charge).

Moreover, the power bank has a 25,000mAh capacity (92.5Wh), enough to charge most phones up to 10 times and most tablets over 3 times. Besides, the battery also features a dual 2.0A output that allows you to charge 2 devices simultaneously with a 2A charging speed. Actually, by using a USB-A to USB-C cable adapter you may also charge your laptop.

The construction of this solar power bank has been manufactured to the outdoor experience with a strong shock-resistant case that protects the battery and the solar panels from any damage. It also features emergency lights and waterproof protection (with protective cover for the USB ports as well) that can last over 5 years with excellent performance. Super-bright LEDs have been built-in to act as an emergency light source with steady, SOS and strobe modes of operation.

6. RAVPower Solar Charger 24W Solar Panel

RAVPower Solar Charger 24W Solar Panel

Rav Power brings these state of the art product that has been designed with high-efficiency solar cells that reach values up to 21.5% – 23.5%. Perfect for portable applications such as travels, camping and outdoor activities of any kind. 

Moreover, the charger is especially suitable for hiking activities since its solar panels are lightweight (almost 50% lighter than other solar chargers). It also features four built-in steel loops that you can use for hanging the product on a tent or tree. These steel loops are also especially useful when you are on the go since you can attach them to your backpack. Meanwhile, the product will be using the sunlight on your backside to charge your smartphones. Among other models, the Rav Power charger is compatible with the iPhone XS, XR, X8, 7 Plus, Galaxy S9, S8, Note 8 and many more.  

Unlike other solar chargers, the Rav Power product holds three USB ports which are equipped with an iSmart technology that automatically detects and delivers the optimal charging current for all the connected devices at once. The maximum output that can be delivered per port is 2.4A and up to 4.8A in total when the charger is exposed to sunlight. Two micro-USB cables are also included in the product to make it even easier for you.

An important tip to consider is that the solar charger cannot be placed directly on high heat conduction surfaces such as concrete or sand since the heat on the backside of the module will drastically reduce performance.

7. BigBlue 5V 28W Solar Charger with Digital Ammeter

BigBlue 5V 28W Solar Charger

Big Blue is another popular brand for solar smartphone charging devices. In this case, we evaluate the 28W solar charger that has a built-in ammeter that shows accurately how much electric current your smartphone is pulling from the solar charger (generally a number between 0.8A and 1A). This is a very useful way to find out whether the charger is generating a decent amount of current with the incoming solar energy or not.

Moreover, the Big Blue solar charger can be easily folded (11.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches) and unfolded (11.1 x 0.2 inches) into 4 small solar panels (each of them of 7W per piece) which allows you to cover a bigger area to harvest energy from the sun and increase your solar power production. 

The charger has been specially designed to be capable of charging all Android smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy S8/S7/S6/Edge, LG and Nexus. Other devices such as iPhone XS, XR, X, 8 and 7s can also get charged thanks to the Smart built-in chip that will automatically detect the optimal charging current of each device and will secure a stable charge. However, for other devices, you will need an extra cable. The Big Blue charger will have 2 USB port outputs (5V/2A and 5V/2.4A respectively) that will deliver up to 4A (between the two ports), meaning up to 20W.

Another important characteristic of this charger is that it has been designed with a 21.5-23.5% efficiency made from SunPower solar cells ( the top quality brand in the market).

8. Aeiusny 20W Solar Charger Foldable Solar Panel

Aeiusny 20W Solar Charger Foldable Solar Panel

The Aeisny 20W solar charger is another very useful gadget that you can use for charging your smartphone no matter where you are.

This solar charger has been designed for multiple outdoor applications such as hiking, climbing, trekking, and camping where you will need a lightweight and durable gadget to work properly. EFTE materials (powerful industrial construction plastics) make the charger strong, thinner and lighter than other portable chargers. 

Moreover, the EFTE solar cells can convert up to 24% of solar energy into DC electricity that can be later used for charging smartphones like the iPhone XR / X / 8P  or the Samsung Galaxy S9, S8 and other electronics. Both Android and iOS devices can be successfully charged and up to 3 devices can be simultaneously charged by using the 3 USB output ports available. The maximum available current output of the Aeisny charger is 3.8A.

The charger features Smart IC technology and includes steel holes located on the edge of the product including 4 durable carabiners that can be used to hang the charger on a tree or tent pole during a camping experience.

9. YOLK Solar Paper 10 Watt

YOLK Solar Paper 10Watt

Finally, the solar smartphone charger that could not be missing on this list is the Yolk Solar Paper. A unique and remarkable smartphone charger that has no competition in terms of size and weight when compared to other solar smartphone chargers. Actually, it is unlikely to find a more portable solar charger in the market than the Yolk Solar Paper. 

The interesting thing about the solar paper is that you can size the power output of your solar charger. By simply using small magnets that can get attached one to another, you can add solar paper cells to create a higher solar panel output with a single USB output. Every two added solar papers will increase solar capacity in 5W. 

As you can see, this power size capacity can only be used for charging smartphones like iPhones, LG, Nokia, Samsung, and others. The integrated LCD screen will show you the electrical current output that can be generated by the panels.

10. Ryno-Tuff Portable Solar Charger for Camping

Ryno-Tuff Portable Solar Charger for Camping

The Ryno-Tuff portable solar charger is the final option in this valuable list of solar smartphone chargers, but not the least important.

Actually, with up to 25% efficiency, the Ryno-Tuff is one of the best solar chargers available in the market. Using the Sunpower X-series cells (the most efficient in the photovoltaic industry), this 21W solar charger can completely charge your smartphone in as little as 2 hours simply and you will also be able to charge up to two devices at the same time. The Ryno-Tuff output provides 2.4A per port with a maximum of 3A when both ports are used at the same time. 

The product is compatible with Android phones, iPhones, tablets, battery power banks and technically any USB electronic device. Ryno-Tuff is compact as well thanks to its foldable structure (5.9 x 11.8 inches). Besides, you can easily store it inside a backpack or even hang it outside of the bag by attaching it to the integrated carabiners. 

The Ryno-Tuff solar charger specializes in providing extra-protection for the adventurer. With a water, dust and corrosion resistance that will allow it to withstand remarkably high temperatures and rain no matter where you are.

Which Facts Should I Consider When Purchasing a Solar Phone Charger?

With so many brands and models available, you will need some basic background to understand the elements that you should look for when selecting a solar phone charger, as well as the elements that you should consider when using one.

Efficiency and Power Output

Maybe the two most important parameters that must be considered when selecting a solar smartphone charger are related to efficiency and power output.

The efficiency of the solar panel represents the amount of solar energy that can be converted into DC electricity based on a specific surface area. A higher efficiency solar panel means that the amount of DC electricity that can be obtained from the module using the same panel size will be higher. 

Most solar chargers will have their solar cells based in either polycrystalline or monocrystalline technology which will adjust the efficiency values that can be obtained. Mono-cells will generally have higher efficiencies than polycrystalline cells. For top smartphone chargers, the efficiencies values range between 20-25%, however, you may find others close to 18-19% that could be used as well.

Moreover, the power output should be the next factor to consider . Keep in mind that there is an important difference between the solar panel power output and the solar charger output. 

The power output of the solar panel is not constant at all since it depends on the solar radiation values that are available in your location, however, you will notice that the solar panel will have a nominal value. This reference value is based on the power output of the solar panel under specific irradiance conditions that have been standardized in the market.

Therefore, you must be careful not to confuse the nominal plate power output of the solar panel with the actual power output that your electronics will be receiving. This value can be obtained based on the specs of the USB port outputs, in other words, based on the voltage and electrical current, you can obtain the power output of the charger by multiplying the voltage by the current.

A higher solar panel power output rating will mean that the solar panel will be able to generate more power even under low irradiation conditions. Generally, the nominal power output ranges will be located between 10W and 60W.

All of this will also impact the time that will be required to fully charge a smartphone, the number of times that it could get charged (in case of solar power bank) and the number of phones that can get connected simultaneously. 

Portability

Since these chargers will generally be intended for charging smartphones and small gadgets, they will have very compact sizes and will be lightweight as well. 

Nevertheless, depending on the type of activity that you will be performing, you may need them to have other features such as steel loops and carabiners for hanging them easily on a backpack. Also, durability and shock-resistance are important properties that you should look for, especially if you are doing hiking and climbing. For other outdoor activities such as fishing, waterproof rating protection would gain extreme importance as well.

In this list, we have also combined two possible ways to easily charge your smartphone through solar power: through the solar chargers or the solar power banks. Both devices can be used for charging your smartphone, the advantage of the solar power banks is that besides storing solar power for later use, they generally have a more compact size that can easily fit into a pocket.

Compatibility

Finally, you must also check the compatibility of your smartphone with the USB output ports of the solar smartphone charger, generally, most Android devices are covered, but you should check the description. The number of USB port outputs will also be an important fact to consider since the more ports available, the more smartphones you will be able to simultaneously charge, which is good in the case that you are traveling with family or friends.

Conclusions

Having a solar smartphone charger is a great choice to make especially if you are the kind of person who enjoys the opened-air spaces. A solar charger will allow you to go camping, hiking, climbing, fishing or even just enjoy a full day in the park while always staying connected and having backup power for your smartphone.

In this list we addressed some of the top available options in the market, however, you may also find other models with similar performances out there. Simply when selecting a solar smartphone charger, always take into account the effective power output that your electronics will be receiving, the number of devices that can get charged and the compatibility with your smartphone. Also, take into account additional features or factors that may influence your decision based on the activity that you regularly perform, whether it is fishing (waterproof) or any other outdoor activity (shock-resistance, durability, circuitry protection).