Solar phone chargers: Best options in 2023 reviewed

Keeping your phone charged on the go can be a hassle – hunting for an outlet isn't how anybody wants to spend their day. Whether you're traveling, camping, or simply walking around, a solar phone battery charger provides an easy and environmentally-friendly solution.

You don't have to install solar panels on your roof or subscribe to a local community solar farm to benefit from renewable solar energy. Instead, you can start small (both for your wallet and in physical size) with a solar-powered phone charger.

Solar phone chargers use the same technology as regular solar panels but on a much smaller scale. The sun hits a small solar panel, which either charges a battery bank or directly plugs into and powers your phone, much like solar panels on your roof can power your home directly or charge a battery system.

Size/power

One of the critical factors to consider if you're in the market for a solar phone charger is the size of the product. When we say "size" in this context, we mean how much power the charger produces in watts and stores if it has an attached battery. A charger between 10 and 15 watts of power is usually sufficient for charging one or maybe two phones. The wattage of a charger is the amount of solar electricity it can produce, so larger panels usually mean more wattage.

Type: direct charger vs. attached battery

There are two main types of solar phone chargers to keep an eye out for:

Direct phone chargers do just that - they're usually a couple of small solar panels (often that fold up for easy transportation) that you can plug into. However, these chargers only work when the panels are in the sun, as there's no attached battery to store any generated electricity for later.

Panel/battery combo chargers are direct chargers with an added battery. This means that you can charge the battery separately from your phone. In other words, you can keep the panels out during the day when it's sunny and charge your phone at your convenience later in the day.

Portability

The beauty of a solar charger is that you don't need a wall outlet to juice up your phone. You'll probably want a device that's easy to move around and lay out in the sun. Many solar phone chargers can hang off of a backpack on the trail or sit on the dashboard of a car and fold up, making them perfect for on-the-go power.

Compatibility

Device compatibility is less of an issue, but you'll want to watch out for it just in case. Most chargers come with a USB port you can use with just about any phone, but it's worth double-checking to ensure you won't have any connection problems.

There are thousands of solar phone battery charging products out there. We looked at some of the more popular options to see how they stack against each other. Most solar phone chargers will get you where you need to go, and it's more about subtle aesthetic and functionality differences between chargers.

Buyer's guide: solar phone chargers

Blavor Solar Power Bank

Price: $30
Best features: Size and backup power

The only solar phone battery charger on our list with attached backup battery storage, the Blavor Solar PowerBank, looks like a small black and orange brick with solar panels attached and is perfect for a little charge boost on the go. While it won't charge as fast as other options in this article (the panel is less than 20 square inches), the all-in-one design lets you charge the built-in battery and juice up your phone later. One fun feature on some newer Blavor products is Qi charging compatibility. This technology allows for wireless charging in many newer smartphones.

Buy on Amazon

BigBlue 28W Solar Charger

Price range: $70 - $80
Best feature: SunPower solar panels

The BigBlue solar charger uses a brand of solar panels that should be familiar to anyone who's shopped for home solar panels. SunPower is the industry leader in efficient monocrystalline solar panel tech. BigBlue says that their SunPower solar cells are up to 23.5% efficient, a surprisingly high-efficiency rating. Aside from the top-notch solar cell technology, this charger must be in direct sunlight and connected to your phone to charge, as there is no connected battery pack. However, you can always buy a separate one and charge it up for power when the sun is not out. BigBlue's solar charger is collapsible for easy transport, durable in most weather conditions, and lightweight. It also has three USB ports, charging multiple devices simultaneously.

Buy on Amazon

Anker 24W Portable Solar Charger

Price: $80
Best features: Flexibility

Most solar chargers use the same kind of solar panels as those on your roof, made of silicon. The Anker Portable Solar Charger does something different and has solar cells made of copper indium gallium selenide, or CIGS. This type of thin-film solar panel is physically flexible, meaning you can bend the panel itself without breaking it. This added flexibility makes the Anker charger a good option for more rugged trips if you're worried about damage to your gear. The charger must be in direct sunlight and connected to your phone to charge, as there is no connected battery pack. However, you can always buy a separate one and charge it up for power when the sun is not out. Anker's product still has enough power to be effective and can simultaneously charge three different devices.

Buy on Amazon

Goal Zero Nomad line

Price range: $99 - $599, depending on size
Best feature: Integrated kickstand

Goal Zero makes plenty of eco-friendly outdoor products, from solar-powered coolers to phone chargers and everything in between. Available in 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 watts, their Nomad line of portable solar phone chargers stands up well to most options out there, and you can pick the size that works for you based on the number of devices you want to charge. A unique feature of Nomad phone chargers is the attached kickstand (except for the two largest sizes) – for any hikers, a Nomad solar charger could be the perfect solution for on-the-trail electricity. These chargers must be in direct sunlight and connected to your phone to charge, as there is no connected battery pack. However, you can always buy a separate one, and Goal Zero offers plenty of their own – check out their Sherpa or Venture lines as a starting point.

Buy on Amazon

LuminAID PackLite Charger Lantern

Price range: $50 - $70
Best feature: Built-in lantern

These solar lanterns are a unique solar charging product designed for camping trips. LuminAID's solar lantern is an inflatable lantern and solar phone charger in one package. While it's not the highest-powered option on our list, the LuminAID PackLite is a fun product that can provide lighting and an extra charge on a trip.

Buy on Amazon

Can my solar phone battery charger charge my portable GPS?

More than likely, the answer is yes! Check that they are compatible before charging, but a solar charger is a great backup power supply for a backpacking GPS.

Can I travel with my solar phone battery charger?

Yes, they are designed for backpacking, camping, and other travel. If you are hopping on a plane, make sure you do not put your solar phone battery charger in your checked luggage, though – electronic devices of that sort are not allowed there.

Can I leave my solar phone battery charger hanging off of my backpack?

Yes, you can, as long as it doesn't get in your way. This is a great way to charge while walking around or hiking. Just ensure you are conscious of it so you don't damage it.

Solar energy is capable of a lot more than just powering your phone! The best place to compare options for home solar installations is the EnergySage Marketplace. By registering your property to get solar quotes, you can compare offers side by side from qualified, pre-vetted installers near you and speak with an Energy Advisor to discuss which offer is the best for you. If you want to see how much you can save by going solar, check out our Solar Calculator for an instant estimate based on your unique property.