Solar chargers are like giant, invisible extension cords that let us power up gadgets wherever we roam. But they don’t just bring life to the devices that fuel our far-flung adventures. The best portable solar chargers free us to focus on the people, places, and activities that truly fill our buckets.

　　Our experts have been writing about solar panels, charging docks, power strips, batteries, and other trusty travel tech for over 25 years. During that time, charging technology has gotten safer and smarter. Batteries have gotten smaller yet more powerful. Solar panels have become way more commonplace both at home and along the dusty trail.

　　Specifically for this buyer’s guide, we conducted online research and identified over a dozen portable solar chargers ranging in price from $30 to $649. After careful consideration, we narrowed down the candidates to a handful that we tested in real-world conditions.

　　Below are the best portable solar chargers based on our testing. To help you find the best charger for your unique needs, we’ve included a comparison chart, a buyer’s guide, and a frequently asked questions section.

　　The Best Portable Solar Chargers of 2024 Best Overall Portable Solar Charger: EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel Best Bargain Portable Solar Charger: Outdoor Tech Dawn Solar Panel Best Portable Solar Charger Backpack: GoSun Solar Panel Backpack Best Portable Solar Charger for Cars: GoSun Shield Best Overall Portable Solar Charger EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel Specs Max Power Output 220W Weight 20.9 lbs. Weatherproof IP68 Adjustable Stand Yes Carrying Waterproof case Charging Ports Integrated DC cables x 2 Dimensions 23 x 24.3 x 1.5 in. folded, 72.0 x 32.3 x 1.0 in. unfolded Best For Overlanding, RVing, charging portable power stations

　　

　　

　　Pros Captures sunlight on both sides of the panel Tempered glass is thin and durable Good price for its size and power Panel and carrying case are both waterproof Cons Expensive Heavy Limited use cases Scott Tharler Clearly, the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel ($649) is the elephant in the room. By a wide margin, it’s the biggest, heaviest, and most expensive of the portable solar chargers we tested. But it earned our top honors because it has a few tricks up its sleeve.

　　First and foremost, its bifacial design — the fact that it has solar cells on both sides of the panel — means that it can capture more energy than panels of a similar size and power rating. How much more depends on how reflective a surface it’s placed on. Flatter, lighter-colored surfaces will reflect sunlight better onto the rear panel, which is rated for 155 W. In this regard, a mirror would be the ideal surface, and grass would be the least favorable.

　　Despite being so expensive, the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial actually represents a decent value. It delivers the lowest price in terms of wattage and the second-highest wattage as a function of the panel’s area. Even its exorbitant weight is dissipated by how easy it is to carry in its weatherproof protective case. Speaking of that case, the one we received was soft and, therefore, couldn’t be used to facilitate propping up the panel, as they claim on their site.

　　Having said all that, this solar panel’s primary mission is simply to charge up a portable power station, which will, in turn, charge your myriad devices at your leisure. For this testing, EcoFlow sent us their Delta 2 Portable Power Station to use in tandem with the panel. Together, they represent a potent combo.

　　The only complaint we have about them is that the power station only turns on by pressing a series of buttons — first the main power button and then one for the type of outlet you want to engage — rather than activating automatically from plugging into a particular port.

　　Without question, the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel is not only the most powerful solar charger we tested but also the most talented. If you have the cash, it’s a great value for what you get.

　　$379 at AmazonCheck price at ecoflow Best Bargain Portable Solar Panel Outdoor Tech Dawn Solar Panel Specs Max Power Output 40W Weight 4.85 lbs. Weatherproof IPX3 Adjustable Stand Yes Carrying Built-in handles, pouch Charging Ports USB-A, integrated cables for USB-C and DC x 2 Dimensions 16.2 x 16.2 x 1.6 in. folded, 32.4 x 16.2 x 1.1 in. unfolded Best For Car camping, glamping, general use

　　

　　Pros Plenty powerful for the money Magnetically clasping handles makes carrying easy Built-in pouch holds charging cords Integrated DC and USB-C cables Digital readout provides instant info Cons IPX3 leaves it susceptible to dust and rain Not able to charge bigger laptops directly Scott Tharler Ironically, Outdoor Tech Dawn Solar Panel ($130) was a bit of a dark horse. It was among a few related solar products that the company sent us for testing. But we didn’t seriously consider it until we noticed how it compared to other contenders.

　　For example, the GoalZero Nomad 20 and the BioLite SolarPanel 10+ each retail for $150. This solar panel, which offers two and four times the power, costs twenty bucks less than either of them. So it represents a great value in terms of what you get for what you pay, second only to the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial.

　　Other than its value, the Outdoor Tech Dawn is well-designed. It’s easy to carry since it has built-in handles that magnetically clasp together. Its zip-up pouch stores three integrated (non-detachable) cables, one USB-C for phones and tablets, and two DC for charging external batteries. Plus, it sports a standard USB-A port, so you can charge tons of small devices.

　　The module connects to the integrated cables in the pouch and features a digital display that offers real-time feedback about the energy coming in and going out. It’s quite handy, and given how powerful the panel is, it makes sense to want to track that data.

　　Outdoor Tech’s Dawn Solar Panel isn’t the cheapest or most powerful solar charger on this list. But it’s the best combination of power and affordability. If you’re looking to spend under $150, it’s pretty much a no-brainer.

　　$120 at Amazon Best Portable Solar Charger Backpack GoSun Solar Panel Backpack Specs Max Power Output 10W Weight 0.65 lbs. Weatherproof N/A Adjustable Stand No Carrying Inside backpack Charging Ports USB-A Dimensions 5.25 x 7 in. folded; 10.5 x 7 in. unfolded Best For Hiking, backpacking

　　

　　Pros Panel is thin and light Good power for its size Bundle includes several handy accessories Cons Difficult to position Panel doesn’t feature a carrying pouch Scott Tharler It was a close call, but the GoSun Solar Panel Backpack ($129) just narrowly edged out the competition to win the solar backpack category. It did so by being minimalist on the one hand and maximalist on the other.

　　The minimalist part is that the GoSun Solar Panel 10 that comes in the bundle is the thinnest, lightest solar panel on our list. Most panels are pretty thin, but this one’s super svelte, roughly the thickness of just two credit cards.

　　And the Solar Panel 10 barely weighs anything. It’s just a hair lighter than the Pale Blue Earth Approach, a single panel we’ve used a bunch this past year that offers less wattage and a little more than half the weight of the only other 10W folding panel on this list.

　　In the name of being sparse, this GoSun panel makes sacrifices in positioning and convenience. It doesn’t feature a built-in stand. Though it does have holes in the corners, the bundle doesn’t include straps to actually lash it to the backpack — which is a nice bag, by the way. And the panel lacks an attached pouch on it for holding charging cables.

　　By contrast, the Outdoor Tech Mountaineer Solar Backpack that we tested directly attaches its solar panel via four sturdy side-release plastic buckles. That panel also features a nice webbed cargo pouch, which we like. But the downside is that it’s a single panel that generates 35% less wattage, and it doesn’t easily attach or position other than to the backpack itself.

　　Where the GoSun Solar Panel Backpack really shines is with all the fun accessories it includes. It comes with a flat fork and spoon, small battery pack, USB-powered LED task light, and a poncho with its own carrying case. Considering the solar panel retails for $39 on its own, the backpack and all these extra accouterments make this an excellent bundle.

　　$129 at GoSun Best Portable Solar Charger for Cars GoSun Shield Specs Max Power Output 60W Weight 9 lbs. Weatherproof N/A Adjustable Stand Yes Carrying Strap holds together when folded Charging Ports USB-C, USB-A, DC Dimensions 9.5 x 27 in. folded, 56 x 27 in. unfolded Best For Overlanding, car camping

　　

　　Pros Provides shade for car interior Able to jumpstart a car Can be used away from vehicle Multiple charging ports Cons Weak power for its size Doesn’t fit in a backpack Scott Tharler A car shade that’s also a solar charger? Genius! But even more than that, the GoSun Shield ($199) can be a lifesaver.

　　In addition to USB-A and USB-C ports, this clever solar charger has a DC port for use with the two included cords. The first, with barrel connectors on both ends, is meant to charge up a power bank. The second, with a barrel connector on one end and a pair of alligator clips on the other, can theoretically jumpstart a car.

　　We didn’t get a chance to test this function, but a few months ago, we were car camping on a remote part of Hawaii’s Big Island and foolishly left our keys in the ignition overnight, draining our cars battery. If we had this product, then we would’ve gladly tested that functionality.

　　Barring emergency situations, this product is still super useful. It can be used as an ordinary car shade either inside or outside the windshield. By supposedly blocking up to 80% of the sun’s radiation, it doesn’t cool your car but will definitely keep it less warm.

　　If placed inside, it’ll be significantly less effective as a solar charger, but thanks to its included straps, it’ll at least attach pretty easily via your visors. And thanks to the integrated adjustable stands in the back, it functions just as well as a regular solar panel away from the vehicle as it does atop it.

　　One of our quibbles with the 9-pound GoSun Shield is that this four-panel folding array isn’t easy to carry. It has a strap that holds it all together but no handles or carrying case. It also doesn’t tuck away neatly into a backpack. Also, solar-wise, it’s relatively weak for its size.

　　By comparison, the BioLite SolarPanel 100 is 30% smaller yet can generate 66% more power. But if you want a solar charger that can both throw shade into your car and potentially jumpstart it, this is the one.

　　$199 at GoSun Best of the Rest Pale Blue Earth Approach Portable Solar Panels Specs Max Power Output 7W Weight 0.68 lbs. Weatherproof IP53 Adjustable Stand No Carrying No case Charging Ports USB-A x 2 Dimensions 7.9 x 11.8 x 0.8 in. Best For Through-hiking, charging phones and cameras

　　

　　Pros Simple and super lightweight Dual USB charging ports Built-in cargo storage pouch Includes lashing cords Cons Only powers small devices Not weatherproof Relatively weak for its price Scott Tharler For the better part of a year, we’ve been using the Pale Blue Earth Approach Portable Solar Panel ($80). So when we decided to compile this buyer’s guide, it was among the first we thought to include.

　　It’s lightweight, sturdy, and simple to throw into a backpack or beach bag for backup power. We also like how it packs two USB-A charging ports and a cargo storage pouch to hold our phone, so our beloved device doesn’t have to sit on a sandy beach or wet pool deck while charging. Even better, using the included grip cords, it’s easy to lash to a beach chair or tent. 

　　Now that we’ve tested over a dozen portable solar chargers, we can see some of the Pale Blue Earth Approach’s shortcomings. First and foremost, it’s a bit weak for its size. For context, the GoSun Solar Panel 10 is smaller when unfolded and provides a few more watts of power. Also, the Approach isn’t very powerful relative to its price. For about 60% more money, the Outdoor Tech Dawn boasts almost six times as much power.

　　To be fair, the Approach also comes in a 21W version (essentially, three of these panels conjoined). But again, compared to the Outdoor Tech Dawn, which costs less and offers more, it’d be hard to recommend that bigger brother.

　　So while the Pale Blue Earth Approach Portable Solar Panels aren’t the most powerful or the best value, it’s still sturdy, light, affordable, and convenient to toss into a bag for peace of mind.

　　Check price at Paleblue GoalZero Nomad 20 Specs Max Power Output 20W Weight 2.28 lbs. Weatherproof IP65 Adjustable Stand Yes Carrying No Charging Ports DC, USB-A Dimensions 11.5 x 7.4 x 1.3 in. folded, 11.5 x 21.8 x 0.8 in. unfolded Best For Travel, camping, charging power banks

　　

　　Pros Decent power for its size Adjustable stand Integrated DC cable Flexible charging port Works great with external battery Cons Not the strongest value for the price No carrying case Scott Tharler Taken just on its own, the GoalZero Nomad 20 ($150) is a decent solar panel. But pair it with the GoalZero Sherpa 100AC power bank (that we also tested) and it becomes a dynamic duo worth writing home about.

　　In terms of its price relative to its power and its power relative to its size, the Nomad 20 represents an average value on both counts. Its weight is a little on the lighter side of average. Its weatherproofing is good and protects it from dust and water sprays. But pair it with that Sherpa battery, and this mild-mannered solar panel goes from average to amazing.

　　The Nomad 20 charges the Sherpa 100AC with its integrated DC cable. (The panel also features a USB port for charging small devices directly.) After unwinding the DC cable enough to plug into the Sherpa, the LED readout on the power bank lights up, indicating how much power it’s getting and roughly how long it’ll take (given steady conditions) for it to fill up. It can be a little tough to make out the smaller numbers in super bright sunlight, but it’s readable.

　　Once the Sherpa 100AC starts to fill up, you now have two USB-A, two fast USB-C and one AC outlet at your disposal. The USB and AC charging can be activated separately. And if your phone supports fast wireless charging, this 25,600mAh power bank can do that, too. So it’s big enough to power laptops and all your smaller devices, and it’s small enough that you can take it on a plane in your carry-on with no problem.

　　Unlike other panel and battery combos that are too big or too small to travel with, the GoalZero Nomad 20 and GoalZero Sherpa 100AC power banks are just the right size to take care of all your basic charging needs on the fly.

　　$112 at REICheck price at Goalzero BoomPods Neutron Power Bank Specs Max Power Output N/A Weight 0.83 lbs. Weatherproof IPX4 Adjustable Stand No Carrying No case Charging Ports USB-A x 2 Dimensions 3.3 x 6.7 x 0.9 in. Best For Charging phones and other small devices

　　

　　Pros Compact, durable design Inexpensive Charges two USB devices at once Built-in flashlight Available in two colors Cons Small solar panel No cables included Scott Tharler About the same size as a smartphone but twice as thick, the BoomPods Neutron Power Bank ($55) packs plenty of functionality.

　　First and foremost, it’s a 10,000mAh power bank capable of charging most smartphones a couple of times. In fact, you can charge two phones — or a phone and a tablet — at once via its dual USB-A ports. To keep its splash-proof rating, those ports need to be covered with its rubber stopper.

　　A built-in flashlight runs across the back of its body. In low mode, it emits a good mood light for hanging out in a tent — and even has a built-in hook-and-loop strap to hang it from the rafters. In high mode, the light is both cooler and brighter than our phone’s flashlight. Thus, it’s worthy of guiding the way around your campsite in the dark or foraging for gear buried in your backpack.

　　Last but not least, it does feature a solar panel. It’s not big, but we can attest that it does work. It might take a day or two in strong sunlight to fill up. But it also fills up (more slowly) from indirect light on cloudy days. Still, it’s better than having a power bank that can only be charged off your car, a wall outlet, or a power station.

　　At the end of the day, the BoomPods Neutron Power Bank is an affordable power bank with a built-in flashlight that can recharge via solar. It’s tough, light, and pocketable. And we prefer the white colorway, which doesn’t get quite as hot when we leave it in the sun.

　　Check price at Bespoke Post MPowerd Luci + Powerbank Specs Max Power Output N/A Weight 0.63 lbs. Weatherproof IP67 Adjustable Stand No Carrying Strap Charging Ports USB-C, USB-A Dimensions 6 x 1.5 in. collapsed; 6 x 5.4 in. Inflated Best For Camping, charging phones and other small devices

　　

　　Pros Compact and lightweight Decorative and fun Up to 50 hours of light Waterproof USB-A and USB-C charging ports Cons Small solar panel Have to inflate to fully use Only white light Scott Tharler Since we just discussed a power bank with a built-in light, let’s talk about a light with a built-in power bank. The MPowerd Luci + Powerbank ($55) is a crowd pleaser for how little space it takes up in your bag and then gets inflated. But it’s also a very well-designed product.

　　For instance, its breakapart straps on top allow the solar panel to be unencumbered for charging during the day and the lantern to be hung up at night. It also has a static strap on the bottom, so it can be lashed to your bag, collecting sunlight while you’re on the move.

　　In low mode, the lantern is rated to provide over two full days of continuous light. It also has a medium mode that could set a 4-person tent aglow and a high mode bright enough to illuminate a small campsite. It’d be nice to have a few colored lights thrown in, but the white light is fairly warm and soothing.

　　We tested but decided not to feature a couple of other battery-packing lights. The Solight Qwnn is mesmerizing in its origami splendor. And it’s nice to be able to just swing open rather than have to inflate. But it costs twice as much as the MPowerd Luci + Powerbank and it wasn’t easy to position its solar panel toward the sun. We also considered the highly affordable Duracell 2000 Lumen Tri-Power Lantern but decided against it for being bulky and not weatherproof.

　　Thus, although other light/battery combos exist, we prefer the MPowerd Luci + Powerbank. It’s simple, affordable, weatherproof, fun, and decorative. Plus it can top off your phone via USB-A or fast-charging USB-C. So it’s a great little gadget to sneak into your bag.

　　Check price at Bespoke Post Best Portable Solar Charger Comparison Chart

Portable Solar Charger	Max Power Output	Weight	Weatherproof	Adjustable Stand	Carrying	Charging Ports	Dimensions	Best For
EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel	220W	20.9 lbs.	IP68	Yes	Waterproof case	Integrated DC cables x 2	23 x 24.3 x 1.5 in. folded, 72.0 x 32.3 x 1.0 in. unfolded	Overlanding, RVing, charging portable power stations
Outdoor Tech Dawn Solar Panel	40W	4.85 lbs.	IPX3	Yes	Built-in handles, pouch	USB-A, integrated cables for USB-C and DC x 2	USB-A, integrated cables for USB-C and DC x 2	Car camping, glamping, general use
GoSun Solar Panel Backpack	10W	0.65 lbs.	N/A	No	Inside backpack	USB-A	5.25 x 7 in. folded; 10.5 x 7 in. unfolded	Hiking, backpacking
GoSun Shield	60W	9 lbs.	N/A	Yes	Strap holds together when folded	USB-C, USB-A, DC	9.5 x 27 in. folded, 56 x 27 in. unfolded	Overlanding, car camping
Pale Blue Earth Approach Portable Solar Panels	7W	0.68 lbs.	IP53	No	No case	USB-A x 2	7.9 x 11.8 x 0.8 in.	Through-hiking, charging phones and cameras
GoalZero Nomad 20	20W	2.28 lbs.	IP65	Yes	No case	DC, USB-A	11.5 x 7.4 x 1.3 in. folded, 11.5 x 21.8 x 0.8 in. unfolded	Travel, camping, charging power banks
BoomPods Neutron Power Bank	N/A	0.83 lbs.	IPX4	No	No case	USB-A x 2	3.3 x 6.7 x 0.9 in.	Charging phones and other small devices
MPowerd Luci + Powerbank	N/A	0.63 lbs.	IP67	No	Strap	USB-C, USB-A	6 x 1.5 in. collapsed; 6 x 5.4 in. Inflated	Camping, charging phones and other small devices

How We Tested the Best Portable Solar Chargers Throughout several weeks of testing in typical real-world situations, we used a wide variety of portable solar chargers. Some were small novelties, including a power bank and a few lanterns, each clad with solar cells capable of topping off our phones.

　　Others were varying sizes of dedicated solar panels, with the larger folding variety able to refill an entire portable power station, one of which we also tested specifically for this guide. All that to say, it’s been months since we’ve seen a wall outletand our phones haven’t died once.

　　We conducted our research on the Big Island of Hawaii, no stranger to sunshine. But we also tested on cloudy days and even left the panels out in the occasional rainstorm once or twice. In the end, we rated these products based on such factors as power (relative to price and panel area), ease of use, portability, adjustability, price, and special features.

　　Why You Can Trust Us Our philosophy at GearJunkie is simple: embrace the gear that gets us outside. In the world of gadgets, that translates into many devices that inevitably require power. So when it comes to solar technology, we like to keep current.

　　Leading our testing efforts, Scott Tharler has been writing about consumer electronics for various outlets for over 25 years. Throughout that time, Tharler’s attended CES more than two dozen times. Covering power-related products is one of his favorite beats. He met the GoSun guys right when they launched their first solar oven. And first-hand, he’s witnessed wire-free charging tech that promises to power small devices through the air.

　　Over that same span, it’s become commonplace to see solar technology helping to illuminate our walkways, tech up our campsites, and lower our electric bills. We’re all about it. And we’ll continue to cull and assess additional portable solar chargers for future iterations of this guide.

　　Looking for more tech? Check out our roundups of the best portable power stations and the best power banks.

　　Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Portable Solar Charger As it turns out, we’re suckers for all power-related products. But it’s especially nice to know that whether tailgating, overlanding, or hiking and camping miles from the nearest vehicle, there’s a power source up in the sky that we can tap into from almost anywhere.

　　As magical as that may seem, selecting a portable solar charger can certainly be a daunting task. Some are as small as a journal, and others as big as a mattress. They can run under a hundred bucks or into the thousands. And somewhere within that vast range is a solar charger that will power the devices you need. But making an informed decision requires dedicated thought and research.

　　

　　BoomPods solar-powered Neutron Power Bank can charge two phones at once; (photo/Scott Tharler) Fortunately, this empowering guide packs all the essential info you’ll need to choose the best portable solar charging solution for you. You’ll learn why you should and shouldn’t consider particular types of portable solar chargers and which features matter most. In a nutshell, it’s everything you need to know about purchasing a portable solar charger that truly deserves its place in the sun.

　　Power (Wattage) This number, which often appears in the solar product’s name — as with the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel, GoalZero Nomad 20, and BioLite SolarPanel 10+ — indicates the maximum power in watts that the solar charging system can generate.

　　By multiplying the average watts generated by the time the panel is exposed to sun, you can get a sense of how much energy the panel can actually store. For instance, if a 100W panel is able to steadily collect 75 W of power for four hours, that’s 300Wh.

　　

　　GoSun’s solar-powered backpack (right) narrowly edged out Outdoor Tech’s (left) in our testing; (photo/Scott Tharler) You just need to assess how that matches up against your device charging needs to determine if you need more/bigger panels. Some manufacturers, such as Jackery, offer online tools to help you roughly estimate your needs.

　　You input your use case and what devices you plan to use, and the calculator relays which solar panel and portable power station options can tackle that many watt-hours. Remember, as when buying light bulbs, just because you can get more watts for the same price doesn’t mean you should.

　　The other way to determine your wattage needs is in the reverse, based on how much space you have or how much you want to spend. That is to say, if you’re backpacking, it doesn’t make sense to be looking at a big 100W or 400W system you’ll never want to lug around. Likewise, if you’re overlanding, you probably won’t just need a dainty 10W panel for all the devices you’re carting along.

　　Furthermore, if your budget maxes out at $200, it doesn’t make sense to eyeball way more expensive systems. So, you should look at solar charging systems based on the factors that are most important to you. If it’s the price, check out our Value pick, the Outdoor Tech Dawn Solar Panel.

　　And if it’s space, the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial and GoSun Solar Panel Backpack offer the greatest number of watts relative to their respective solar panel areas.

　　Efficiency How effectively solar panels convert the sun’s rays into electricity is ever-evolving. Not so long ago, you might have been lucky to get 15-20%. But today’s solar panels can routinely achieve efficiency in the 22-23% range, maxing out around 25%. After all, though capable of being translated into electricity, those rays also generate heat and light. So it’s not a perfect system, but the technology is always improving.

　　

　　All of BioLite’s solar panels feature a helpful analog sundial to optimize positioning; (photo/Scott Tharler) Though manufacturers don’t always indicate the efficiency of their solar panels, it’s a good thing to know when you can. Because the better the efficiency, either the more power a same-sized panel can generate, or the smaller and lighter a panel needs to be to generate the same wattage. And that has direct implications for the system’s portability.

　　Portability The three biggest factors at play in whether you bring along a solar charger on your adventures and how easy it is to use are size, weight, and how you carry it.

　　Size How much space does it take up in its most compact form? From this group, the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial is heads and shoulders above the rest — in either a good or bad way. It’s the size of an art portfolio case. On the small side, the BoomPods Neutron Power Bank is fairly pocketable. Obviously, those represent two very different use cases.

　　

　　EcoFlow’s 220W Bifacial solar panel is dedicated to charging portable power stations; (photo/Scott Tharler) But it’s important to think about how much space you’re willing to dedicate in your pack and/or vehicle to a solar charger and where you’ll likely be using it. For instance, the GoSun Shield is too tall to stow in a backpack, but that could be fine since you’ll mostly be using it on and around your vehicle, as opposed to hiking with it. Bottom line: Pay attention to a solar charger’s dimensions when folded/packed.

　　Weight Other than the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel — the perennial outlier of this group, which weighs just north of 20 pounds — the average weight of the solar chargers we tested was just under three pounds.

　　As a rule, though solar panels do vary somewhat in efficiency, expect their weight to correlate to how many watts they offer. Thus, a 20W solution will probably be twice as heavy as its 10-watt counterpart. But as you’re about to see, how you’ll carry the solar charger is also a factor.

　　Carrying Obviously, it’s easier to carry something with a case and/or handles, but its more so for the heavier, bulkier solar panels on our list. For instance, the fact that the 5-pound Outdoor Tech Dawn’s built-in handles magnetically clasp together makes it super easy to carry.

　　The BioLite SolarPanel 100 we tested is not only almost twice as heavy but also a little awkward to carry because we had to work harder to grasp the built-in handles together.

　　

　　With its included grip cords, the Pale Blue Earth Approach can attach to lots of places; (photo/Scott Tharler) And yet, twice as heavy as that, there’s something about the weight distribution of the 21-pound EcoFlow 220W Bifacial in its case that doesn’t feel so daunting. So it’s all about how carryable the panel is, especially if you plan to haul it over a significant distance to use it.

　　Since, with gear, the little things can ultimately make a big difference — it’s worth mentioning that we’re fans of the solar chargers that feature webbed pouches or zippered pockets attached to them. Very handy for storing charging cables — or perhaps even the device being charged.

　　For instance, the single-panel version of the Pale Blue Earth Approach Portable Solar Panels doesn’t have (or need) a carrying case, but it does feature a handy pouch on the back. We used it to stash our phones, avoiding potentially damaging wet and sandy surfaces.

　　Positioning How you position your solar panel is one of the three biggest factors you can control in how well it performs. So, if you’re looking to optimize how much sunlight you collect, choosing a solar charger with an adjustable stand is important. Fortunately, most of the ones we tested do.

　　And the ones that don’t, such as the Pale Blue Earth Approach and the panel that comes with the GoSun Solar Powered Backpack, often include holes so that they can be conveniently lashed to a backpack, tent, boat railing, or other creative rig.

　　Real-Time Feedback The question remains as to how you know the panel is well-positioned. Some feature a number of colored lights that indicate whether the sun it’s collecting is stronger or weaker. Others, such as all the BioLite SolarPanel products we tested, integrate a super helpful analog sundial. The closer you line up the shadow of the painted dot, the better the panels are aligned for catching rays.

　　

　　Outdoor Tech’s Dawn solar panel gives real-time feedback about power input and output; (photo/Scott Tharler) A few of the systems offer digital feedback. For instance, a readout is built into the Outdoor Tech Dawn. Theres also one built into the external batteries we used alongside the GoalZero Nomad 20 and EcoFlow 220W Bifacial. In each of these cases, we were able to track in real-time how many watts the system was pulling and make small positioning adjustments until those numbers maxed out.

　　Connections To a large extent, the degree to which a solar charger can connect to other devices determines how useful it is.

　　Outputs One of the big factors that drew us to the GoalZero Nomad 20 is that it features not only a USB-A port but also an integrated cable designed to charge solar-optimized power banks, such as their Sherpa 100AC. That unit has not only two USB-A ports and two power delivery USB-C ports, each capable of charging a laptop, but also an AC outlet into which you can plug small appliances. So it’s important to consider both the number and types of ports offered on the solar charger itself and an external battery if you’ll be using one.

　　Battery vs. Direct In addition to offering more functionality and power when the sun’s not around, using an external battery (a power bank or portable power station) provides an extra layer of safety for your devices. Today’s batteries tend to be smarter about doling out power in a way that’s consistently safe for the mobile device on the other end, as opposed to just freewheeling it by connecting directly to the solar charger and crossing your fingers.

　　

　　Clearly, these two solar-based systems represent two different scales of charging needs; (photo/Scott Tharler) This is what makes solar chargers with built-in batteries appealing. Along with such obvious entries as the MPowerd Luci + Powerbank and BoomPods Neutron Power Bank, the BioLite SolarPanel 10+ features a built-in battery.

　　In each of these cases, the batteries act to regulate voltage in a way that protects your phone or other mobile devices from being overcharged. Some solar panels integrate controllers that do the same thing, so it’s something to pay attention to, especially on larger solar chargers.

　　Creating Series Is it better to get more solar panels of a lower wattage or fewer at a higher wattage? The answer to this question depends on whether you more heavily value price or modularity. In other words, it might be less expensive — not to mention easier to transport and simpler to use — a 400W solar panel as opposed to four 100W panels. But if you usually only need a 100W panel to refill your portable power station of choice, there’s no sense lugging around a 400W beast every time.

　　If you decide that you do want to connect a series of solar panels, it’s easiest/best to go with the same brand, model, and wattage. That way, you can just follow the suggestions on the site about how many can be connected in a series and have peace of mind that they’ll play nicely together.

　　Portable Power Stations Having said what we just did about connecting panels in series, it’s possible to mix and match solar panels from one brand with portable power stations from another. Conversely, manufacturers sometimes change their connection port types, rendering previous solar panels incompatible with newer power stations.

　　In either case, don’t assume that a solar panel will connect to a portable power station — with or without an adapter. Look to see what type of connection it’s sporting. For instance, MC4 is a popular kind of DC connection you might encounter. But especially if you’re purchasing a solar panel and portable power station separately, first be sure to check the physical shape and electrical compatibility of their connection.

　　

　　GoSun’s Shield can charge your devices, prevent your car from getting hot and jumpstart it; (photo/Scott Tharler) Price For what it’s worth, the average price of all the portable solar chargers we tested was around $170. But that varies wildly, along with the power and size of the chargers. To level the playing field, we calculated the price per watt. So, although the retail cost of purchasing the GoSun Shield, Outdoor Tech Dawn, and EcoFlow 220W Bifacial ranged broadly from $130 to $649, each of those costs roughly $3 per watt.

　　For perspective, the $150 BioLite Solar Panel 10+ equates to $15 per watt. Thus, the value proposition for portable solar chargers involves focusing on how much power you get for the price. Relatively speaking, then, we see that the cost of a solar system doesn’t need to be astronomical.

　　FAQ Will a solar panel actually generate the power its rated for? Not usually. The wattage quoted is its maximum power output under ideal (i.e. laboratory, not real world) conditions. In a “normal” scenario, even in direct sunlight, you might expect a solar panel to pump out 25 to 75 percent of its wattage rating.

　　The external factors that greatly affect solar performance include the part of the world you’re in, the season and time of day, cloud cover, shade, any dirt or other objects on the panel, and the outdoor air temperature. In other words, it’s very easy not to have ideal conditions. So couch your expectations accordingly.

　　Can solar panels work on a cloudy day? Yes. As anyone who’s ever gotten sunburned on an overcast day can attest, the sun’s rays are still beaming through, even if it’s not clear and bright. Solar panels are built to collect those rays despite the dreary conditions. In fact, some can even snag power from indoor light, though it’s a tiny fraction. Bottom line: Solar panels work best on bright, sunny days.

　　How can I optimize my solar panel’s performance? There are three main factors that you can control. First, keep the solar panel as clean as possible. Second, position the panel so that no part of it is in the shade. And third, monitor the panel’s tilt throughout the day. For instance, you may want to adjust the panel in the late morning and mid-afternoon as the sun’s position changes.

　　Although apps and sites with fancy calculators will tell you the exact optimal solar panel angle at any time based on your precise location, that’s not very practical for portable solar chargers. The easiest solution is a good old-fashioned analog sundial, such as the ones built into the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial and the entire BioLite SolarPanel line.

　　Are solar panels weatherproof? To varying degrees, yes. Be sure to check out a solar panel’s Ingress Protection rating. The first number relates to dust. If it’s a 5 or 6 (i.e., IP53 or IP68), that means the solar panel is protected against dust, which is helpful to know if you’re in a windy mountain or desert location.

　　The second number has to do with liquids. If it’s a 4 through 6 (i.e., IPX4, IP65), you don’t have to worry about splashes or rain. The ones marked IP67 and IP68 are totally waterproof and theoretically able to be safely submerged.

　　Can I connect multiple solar panels in a series? Yes. This is a common feature in solar panels rated for 100 W and higher. Typical use cases for panels of that size are overlanding, RVing, and glamping, situations where you want to be able to scale up your solar charging capabilities based on the demand of a particular expedition.

　　Although it is possible to create an array made from different products that feature identical voltage and current ratings, the safest way to go if you’re creating a series of solar panels is just to hook up multiple iterations of the exact same product.

　　Can a solar panel damage my device? Yes, if you plug your device directly into the solar panel. The difference between watts and volts is important, especially for phones and other small devices charged via USB. Today’s small devices can handle a higher wattage charger but not higher voltage (more than 5 V for most phones).

　　On the flip side, not having enough wattage either won’t charge your laptop or, if it does, may damage its battery. That’s why it’s safer to use solar panels with built-in controllers or batteries that regulate the outgoing voltage.

　　Or, even better, use your solar panel to charge an external battery (or portable power station) designed to receive solar input, such as the GoalZero Sherpa 100AC power bank we tested, and then use that battery to charge your devices safely.

　　

　　

　　No Battery, No Problem: Box Synergy Solar 7 Charger Folds to Fit in Your Pocket Box Synergys Solar 7 Panel not only performed great in testing, but it also stands out from others on the market. Read our full review.

　　

　　The Best Portable Power Stations of 2024 A good portable power station will keep you off the plug for days or even weeks at a time. Weve tested the latest, including Anker, Goal Zero, and more.