Choosing the right solar power bank from the sheer variety of options can be overwhelming. Check out this comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the perfect solar power bank for your needs.
The power output of a solar power bank depicts the amount of energy it can generate and store to charge your phone and other devices. A power bank with a high amperage battery can conserve enough energy to recharge a phone multiple times without a recharge, but it also needs longer sun exposure to fully charge the battery.
You should also factor in the durability of a solar power bank. Because you could use it outdoors, get a device that’s made of sturdy, durable material to withstand accidental drops and harsh environments. With a rugged and dependable power bank that can withstand routine wear and tear, you don’t have to worry about replacing it every few months.
While all power banks are compact and handy, their portability varies, at least in a technical sense, from model to model. Some units have high-quality and more powerful built-in batteries that add to the weight and bulkiness of the device, while others are more compact with low-capacity batteries.
The model that will work the best for you will depend on your unique needs. If you spend most of your time outdoors and need a solar power bank to charge different appliances when electricity is scarce, you need a high-capacity device. If you often go out for one-day trips and only need to charge your phone several times, a low-capacity and more compact unit is a better choice.
While solar power banks don’t dig a hole in your pocket, some are more expensive than others. You might have noticed that the price of a solar power bank increases with the battery capacity and additional features.
If you’re on a budget, save your hard-earned money on features that you won’t need and getting a basic solar power bank that charges your device several times.
Dust and debris can interfere with the power generation process of the solar power bank, so you should keep it clean for optimal performance. These elements can create a barrier between the solar cells and the sunlight, hindering the process of electricity generation.
Many solar power banks have a pocketed design where you can keep your phone while it charges. These pockets might absorb heat and work as a hot oven for your phone and negatively affect its performance. You should avoid your power bank from overheating to promote the safety of the devices being charged.
With its 36,800mAh powerful battery, you will have enough power supply to juice up your electronic devices on the go. The sturdy housing keeps the panel and solar cells secure, adding to its durability. The compact design, amazing power, rugged Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) construction, and faster recharging have earned this solar power bank the top spot on this list.
This high-quality solar power bank comes with built-in, high-capacity lithium polymer batteries to generate and store enough electric energy to power up your phone, camera, or other devices. While the compact size of most power banks limits the charging capacity, the Kapurji power bank is both lightweight and powerful.
You can rely on this power bank for all your charging needs because it works for over 1600 charging cycles. The super bright LED light allows you to see hazards from a distance for safe trekking or camping. Also, this powerful charger can work for up to 100 hours, allowing you to enjoy your long trips with no disruption.
With a battery capacity of 42,800mAh, this solar power conserves enough energy to power up your phone with no frequent recharge. Made of high-quality, durable ABS material, this power bank is waterproof, dust-proof, shock-proof, and chemical resistant, keeping it in pristine conditions for years.
The practical two LED flashlight design is ideal for wilderness jaunts and you can use the SOS mode to send emergency signals to your fellow trekkers if you go missing. You can keep track of the status of the battery with the five pilot indicators. The green one turns on when the power bank is charging by solar and the blue light flashes during USB charging.
If you’re looking for a durable and more versatile solar power bank that you can take with you on the commute to work or on outdoor adventures, the Yelomin makes an excellent choice. Equipped with a high-quality 30,000mAh battery, this portable solar power bank can quickly charge your phone up to six times without a recharge.
To make charging more efficient, this handy device supports 5V/3A quick charge, allowing you to enjoy your trip to the fullest. You can also charge your devices wirelessly if you want to avoid the mess of cables. Made of durable ABS and PC silicone, this power bank can withstand wear and tear of everyday use, showing no visible signs.
This powerful yet affordable power bank will not only keep your devices fully charged during outdoor adventures but also accompany you through the darkest nights with its flashlights. Equipped with three different charging cables, this power bank offers great value and allows you to charge multiple devices when you’re out and about.
The best part is that you can charge Qi-compatible devices wirelessly and multiple USB ports allow you to charge different devices simultaneously. With an IP66 rating, this waterproof solar power bank can efficiently withstand water splashes and rain.
With a high-capacity 30,000mAh battery, this solar power bank by QiSa is one of the most powerful options. This heavy-duty device features two bright 200-lumen flashlights that come in handy in emergency situations. You can also send emergency signals with the SOS mode and you can use the strong light or flash mode to light up your way in the dark.
A: The cost of a solar power bank varies depending on its capacity, features, and quality. A standalone solar power bank can cost as high as $150, but some basic units are available for as little as $25.
A: Absolutely! These power banks are powered by sunlight, so you need to put them under direct sunlight by adjusting the panels in the right direction to recharge them quickly. Be mindful that it doesn’t mean you can’t recharge your power banks when the sun isn’t shining because they work in cloudy weather as well but the efficiency is marginally reduced.
A: The signs may vary from model to mode, but some are common. When your device leaks the juice or loses its connection with the attached device, replace it. Other than this, look for any visible signs of wear and tear, too.