The 5 Best Solar Power Banks

The 5 Best Solar Power Banks

Whether you’re stuck in a blackout and need to charge your phone or lost in the woods in need of some extra juice for your devices, the usefulness of a solar power bank caot be overstated. In today’s technology-dependent world, getting stuck in a situation without power can be exceptionally jarring, and most people would rather avoid them at all costs.

Relying on an exteal battery pack is fine, but what happens if it loses charge before you get access to more power? Or if you have a rechargeable bank, what happens if you forget to charge it before you got out? In these cases, a battery that merely needs the light of the sun to restore power can make or break a tough situation.

What Is a Solar Power Bank?

Just as the name suggests, a solar power bank is a battery power bank storage unit that gets its energy from sunlight. These kinds of banks are especially useful during camping trips when there are no electricity sockets to be found, but keeping charged equipment for emergencies is necessary. When deciding to purchase a solar power bank, make sure that you’ll have plenty of sunlight to charge it, and that when you’re not outside you’ve got a way to charge it from an outlet. While many of the banks on this list can be fully recharged with sunlight, it’s often advertised as more of an emergency option and not the intended primary source of power.

For many, the most time efficient way to get full charge is to let the bank power up while coected to a wall outlet in the home. Still, solar power banks are an invaluable investment for anyone who spends lots of time away from electricity while still needing plenty of electronic devices.

Top 5 Solar Power Banks

Universal 10000mAh Portable Dual USB Exteal Solar Power Bank

The Universal 10000mAh Portable Solar Power Bank is a great investment for anyone with a multitude of devices, or wants the freedom to switch devices at will without worrying about compatibility with their current products. Multiple heads are included for the USB cables that comes with the battery, making switching between charging devices as simple as changing the adaptor at the end. Dimensions of 7.6 x 4.4 x 1.4 inches make this battery relatively compact and easy to carry along. Operation is as simple as pressing the button to start charging (as indicated by the illumination of the LED light) and pressing it again to stop (the light will tu off).

One thing to keep in mind about the Universal 10000mAh Portable Solar Power Banks is that the first three recharges must be conducted while coected to the wall, not through solar power. Make sure to charge for at least six hours each time as this is essential to the high performance of the battery. If you are worried about over charging, fear not, because it comes with over-charge protection.

Currently $19.99 on Amazon

Cobra CPP 300

For compact convenience outdoors when it comes to keeping a charge on your devices, the Cobra CPP 300 is a great candidate for those looking for their perfect solar power source. With a 6,000mAh Lithium Polymer Battery Pack, this foldable device can charge multiple devices without issue. It comes with two USB ports, one micro USB coector to lighten the load of wires you’d have to carry around to make good use of the battery.

When it comes to charging, the Cobra CPP 300 can be charged from the wall as well as the dual solar panels it sports when folded out. The 5.52in x 2.92in x 0.64in dimensions when folded mean this battery pack is perfect for anyone who is lacking in space but packing on the electronics.

Currently $75.35 on Amazon

Levin? Solstar Solar Panel Charger 6000mAh

If you know you’re going to be in situations where the elements might not always be on your side, then the Levin Solstar Solar Panel Charger might be a great option for you. Though it is highly suggested that you don’t use solar power alone to charge it and instead use wall charge, the Levin Solstar Solar Panel Charger can be charged solely by sunlight in emergencies. The only advertised rain-resistant charger on this list, the Levin model won’t be damaged by some rainfall if you need to leave it out to charge naturally.

On top of this, if you’re very active and are worrying about accidentally dropping the Levin to it’s doom, fear not for it is shock proof as well, keeping it from taking too much damage after a fall. When charging the device, it is not advisable to leave it on an easily over-heated surface, even though the battery is anti-explosion. There is a hook on the top that makes attaching it to a backpack or belt loop an easy method of transportation for this 1000+ recharge cyclelife battery to come along with you on any trip.

Currently $23.99 on Amazon

Poweradd 8000mAh

If you’re looking for something that can be used in emergencies as a solar charger, but generally need a power pack that you can often charge from the wall, the Poweradd 8000mAh has you covered. It is recommended when possible to charge the Poweradd through the wall since it is small, meaning the panels can’t capture enough sunlight in a short amount of time to properly charge the battery, though it can be used this way in emergencies. It can hold enough charge to reinvigorate a few iPhones or one iPad, making it super handy to have around if you’re low on battery with no outlets in sight. It comes with a convenient hook to latch it onto a backpack or purse so it doesn’t take up extra room in your bags or pockets. However, with dimensions of 5.5in x 2.9in x 0.64in, it doesn’t take up that much room to begin with!

Optimal working temperature for the Poweradd 8000mAh is between 68°F-140°F(or 20°-60°C if that’s your prefered measurement), so don’t leave it charging on a surface that is prone to overheat. Overall, if you don’t think you’ll find yourself in too many situations where solar charging is necessary, but you want to have it as an emergency option, the Poweradd 8000mAh can give you that security without putting a huge dent in your wallet.

Currently $29.99 on Amazon

ALLPOWERS 10000mAh Solar Panel Charger with iSolar Technology

The best selling solar power bank on Amazon, the ALLPOWERS 10,000mAh Solar Panel Charger is a great addition to your outdoors arsenal for emergencies. Though it can be charged completely from sunlight, it is not advised to charge the ALLPOWERS this way. Please use a wall plug instead. It is confirmed to charge Apple, Samsung, and other devices that use a 5V USB cord to get power. The sellers of the ALLPOWERS explain that when fully charged, it can hold enough power to charge 4 iPhone 5s. It comes with protection against short circuits and over currents by shutting the system off if either one of these things occurs.

Inside the ALLPOWERS is an iSolar chip, making the energy being produced from gathered sunlight the most efficient and effective energy it can be, guaranteeing a fast charge for any device. When charging, be sure to note the USB outputs are different: one has an output of 1A and the other has 2.1A, meaning newer devices that take more power should be plugged into the 2.1A if you plan on using them while they’re charging. Being compact and well recommended, the ALLPOWERS 10,000mAh SOlar Panel Charger with iSolar Technology is one of the best battery options on the market.

Currently $29.99 on Amazon

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