Most hikers or outdoor travelers have solar powered portable chargers as part of their essential equipment. Portable solar panel power banks have been thought great changes and improvement in the course of its evolution. Let's take a glance at the solar chargers on the market today, they use various types of solar panels, ranging from thin film panels with efficiencies from 7-15% (amorphous silicon around 7%, CIGS closer to 15%), to the slightly more efficient monocrystalline panels which offer efficiencies up to 18%.
One of the most important advantages for solar charging power banks technologically, is the voltage regulator. Usually, a solar panel produces a range of charging voltages depending on the different sun light intensity. A capable voltage regulator built in the charging circuit can help to avoid over voltage and over charge. The best solar powered portable chargers on the market today have more features other than its basic core technologies. They are designed to offer more functions with higher efficiencies and performance that will meet your expectations. Check the list of top 5 best solar chargers on Amazon in 2017 for your reference.
1. RAVPower 15000mAh Outdoor Portable Charger Solar Power Bank
This RAVPower solar power bank has a surprisingly large capacity for the built-in battery, 15000mAh, which will be able to charge 2 devices simultaneously for a few charges. For example, it can charge an iPhone 7 over 4 times, or an iPhone 7 Plus over 3 times. Except for its charging ability, this charger is light, and portable. This portable battery charger can be easily packed on the go. It can also be used to charge DC input devices due to a DC 5V/2A input design.
2. Poweradd Apollo 2 Solar Charger 12000mAh Portable Solar Panel Upgraded Solar Power Bank
Poweradd Apollo 2 Solar Charger is a fully upgraded version with higher efficiencies in solar conversion and charging speed. It can deliver 2.4 amps from each port to your devices, with the maximum output for dual output ports, 3.4 amps. This 12000mAh power bank, when fully pre-charged, can give an iPhone 6S, 4.5 charges, or give a Samsung Galaxy S5 3 charges. It works perfectly charging a tablet, like an iPad Mini too. This solar charger can work outdoors without worrying about getting wet, due to the IPX7 waterproof housing. It's built solidly to resist shocking or dropping. Apollo 2 solar charger has multiple purposes, the LED flashlights can work as an SOS distress light in case of need. It can also be used as a cigarette lighter for the unique integrated cigarette lighter that's pretty helpful for smokers to light up a cigarette effortlessly.
3. Ruipu 24000mah Portable Charger Power Bank
This Ruipu 24000mAh Portable Charger is also a great alternative, firstly, thanks to the huge capacity, 24000mAh, when it's fully precharged, you will enjoy a hassle free day outside. The energy within the charger can ensure that your cellphone and tablet will never run out of power juice. This power bank has 3 USB ports, respectively 2 amps, 2 amps and 1 amp for the output amperage. Despite large capacity 24000mAh, it's a compact and portable power bank that allows you to carry around for your backpacking easily.
4. Dizaul 5000mAh Portable Solar Power Bank Waterproof/Shockproof/Dustproof Dual USB Battery Bank
This Dizaul 5000mAh portable solar power bank is characterized for it waterpoorf and shockproof design. This solar power bank offers great protection against bad weather or accidental drops. It's made of eco-friendly silicone rubber, ABS and PC materials for its sturdiness. In detail, the USB ports are well protected by rubber caps, keeping your smartphones, tablets safe and sound when backpacking. The small size makes it extremely portable during hiking, camping or raod trips.
5. AKEEM Portable Charger 22000mAh Solar Powered External Battery Power Bank
Akeem solar powered external battery is designed differently to have a Lightnight input that's able to charge iPhones and iPads conveniently, saving a Lightning cable. The compact solar panel can charge the power bank itself effortlessly by sunlight. It has a weeklong power storage based on a 22000mAh battery capacity. It can charge an iPhone 7, up to 8 times, or an iPhone 7 Plus more than 5 times. It has three USB ports, (5V / 2.4A ,5V / 2.4A and 5V / 2.4A), providing more conveniences for charging devices simultaneously.