Key TakeawaysSolar Panel Types Matter: Monocrystalline panels offer the highest efficiency and charge batteries faster compared to polycrystalline and thin-film options. Charging Speed Influencers: Key factors affecting charging speed include sunlight intensity, panel tilt and orientation, battery type, and ambient temperature.
Direct solar charging speed measures how quickly a solar panel will charge electronic devices. The primary purpose of a solar panel is to transform sunlight into usable energy efficiently. Therefore, we placed a lot of emphasis on direct solar charging speed in our testing.
These chargers are usually designed to be used more like a portable battery pack and less like a solar panel because the solar panel often isn't big enough to reliably generate a lot of power from the sun. The panel will work in a pinch, but it can be slow to charge the integrated battery.
Which solar charger is best?
The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE was the best value, providing great charging speed, light portability, and a low price tag. If you need to charge a phone or camera, see our portable solar charger review, which compares smaller and more packable panels.
When you're shopping, the terminology can be confusing. By "solar battery chargers," we mean lightweight, lower-wattage devices that can directly charge personal electronics while on the go, typically via USB port. "Portable solar panels" are their larger, heavier, and higher-power siblings.
It has two USB-A outputs that can each put out up to three amps, which is enough power to charge any USB device. Roughly the size of a notebook, this solar charger unfolds into three panels and has a zippered case that can easily hold two charging cables, a battery pack, and more.
How does a solar charger work?
Solar chargers use energy from the sun to generate electricity. You can charge a number of items, such as a cell phone, laptop, or even a car battery, depending on the size and power of the solar charger. Solar powerbanks and solar chargers typically operate via a solar panel or by using an electrical connection, such as a USB cord.