The approach of the May holidays and summer holidays means that soon we will be spending a lot of time outdoors: going on picnics, going to the dacha and hiking. To prevent your smartphone from running out of charge at the most inopportune moment and to prevent you from depending on a portable battery, you can charge your smartphone using solar batteries. It's easy, fast and very cheap. In addition, you can always involve your child in working on this device - show him the basics of soldering and connecting power circuits, and also tell him about the operation of solar panels and environmentally friendly ways of generating energy. If you have the necessary parts and tools, the work itself takes no more than five minutes, and the cost of components will cost you about 200 rubles.

Tools and materials

Compact solar panel for (6V) - about 70 rubles.
- USB charger circuit (5V) - about 100 rubles.
- Wire for connecting components
- Plastic card for stand
- Smartphone and cable for testing
- Glue gun
- Soldering iron
- Multitool

You need to follow five simple steps

1. Cut the wires to such a length that they can be used to conveniently connect the panel to the charger circuit

2. Solder the wires to the solar panel and connect them to the charger, observing the polarity

3. Use a glue gun to attach the charger to the panel and make sure that the USB port outline does not touch the wires

4. Bend the plastic card and stick it to the inside of the panel for later use as a stand

5. Connect your smartphone and check the functionality of the charger

Receiving energy from an inexhaustible natural source and converting it into electricity. Not so long ago, such a statement could only be found in science fiction books. But today, thanks to progressive technologies, people have learned to receive energy from the sun and use it to charge various devices. Such units are not yet very popular in the domestic market. However, it is possible that very soon charging with solar batteries will become a necessary attribute of a comfortable life.

Scope of application

Scope of application

What is a solar charger? This is a device with a simple design.

It consists of the following elements:

• Converter;
• Battery charge controller;
• Battery.

Thanks to its extremely simple configuration, the solar-powered device is highly reliable and multifunctional.

Its operating principle is as follows: the rays falling on the solar panel are captured by it and converted into electricity. It is collected on the battery, but the rate of its accumulation depends on weather conditions and the power of the panel and is regulated by the battery charge controller.

Naturally, in cloudless weather the accumulation rate will be maximum, and in cloudy weather it will be minimum. As for the solar battery, it can have a power from 0.2 W to 3.5 W and when using the latter, the battery charging speed will be no more than 5 hours.

Let's watch the video, scope of application and subtleties of choosing a device:

In addition, portable solar chargers are equipped with a USB port for connecting various types of modern equipment to them. The output current can reach 2.1 A and such models are used for tablets.

On the solar charging body there is a charge indicator and an on/off button. Additionally, the package includes adapters for various phone models and a USB cable.

Types of solar chargers

The classification of this kind of gadgets is carried out according to several criteria. First of all, they differ in power. Moreover, solar-powered chargers for phones and tablets are small in size and weight, which makes them convenient to use.

Powerful charging models using solar batteries have large dimensions, but since the area of ​​their panels is quite large, the power significantly exceeds the values ​​​​permissible for compact models.

Another difference is the location of the battery. It may be built-in or not. Elements of the first type are intended for mobile equipment.

Solar battery chargers without a built-in battery have a wider range of applications. They can provide energy for both mobile equipment and small TVs, refrigerators, and lighting devices.

A variety of adapters

There are differences in the type of battery itself. In chargers with solar panels, lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries are most often used. The latter are able to retain a charge for quite a long time and are characterized by the absence of a “memory effect”.

All the pros and cons of devices

The main advantage of such gadgets over conventional ones is the ability to use them in places where there are no electrical networks. Therefore, solar battery chargers are in greatest demand among outdoor enthusiasts, fishermen and extreme tourism enthusiasts.

Various shapes and types

But besides this, gadgets have a number of advantages, among which we should highlight:

1. Environmental safety;
2. Durability;
3. Does not require fuel;
4. They work silently;
5. The resulting energy is completely free.

But, like any device, a solar charger has some disadvantages. First of all, it is high cost and low efficiency. But still, it is not even these qualities that affect the purchasing power of the device, but such as low efficiency in bad weather and dependence on geographical location.

It is these parameters that most often have a decisive influence when purchasing a charger. However, we can say with confidence that this equipment is the future.

Device selection criteria

When hiking or fishing, there is often a need to power mobile phones or tablets. And if earlier it was almost impossible to solve this problem, today it has become possible thanks to the advent of portable devices that convert solar energy into electric current. But when choosing a charger, you need to take into account its output current and voltage, which depend on the characteristics of the battery.

But there is another aspect. Since solar panels can only operate during daylight hours, the chargers in which they are used must be equipped with a battery. It is he who will accumulate energy during the day and release it to your mobile equipment at any time of the day. However, keep in mind that for stable charging of a phone or tablet, it is necessary that the charger output have a voltage corresponding to this parameter of the equipment.

Watch a video about the Solar Charger P1100F-2600 model:

Often the device has additional functions, such as charging the battery from the mains using an adapter. The package may also include adapter kits for connecting devices that differ in model and manufacturer brand.

There are solar-powered chargers equipped with a USB connector, which allows you to connect any gadgets to them. All these parameters must be taken into account when choosing a specific charger, which will allow you to use it with maximum efficiency.

Review of popular models

Although there are quite a lot of chargers on the domestic market, only some of them are in demand. This is due to a variety of factors. One of the most popular is the Solar Charger P1100F-2600 model. It is designed for charging digital cameras and phones, as well as some other devices.

The device is equipped with a built-in lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 2600 mAh and a solar battery charge controller.

Watch a video about a high-capacity charger:

The charger is compact in size and light weight and is ideal for hiking and walking outside the city. The kit includes adapters for charging phones of various brands. The model range of devices of this brand is represented by samples with different battery capacities, on which the cost is directly dependent.

Simpler and cheaper models include devices made in China. They are equipped with batteries with a voltage of up to 5.5 V and a battery capacity of 600 mAh. Such devices are designed for use with mobile gadgets.

Model brand PETC S09

There are also samples on the market with large battery capacities and sizes. Naturally, they are more expensive. Although in constructive terms they do not have any special differences. Such devices can be used to charge laptops, video or photo cameras, and mobile terminals.

The products of Chinese companies are also represented by models without batteries. These include devices of the PETC S08-2.6 brand. But such gadgets are inconvenient because they can only be used during the day and are not able to work at temperatures above 60°C.

Conclusion

Based on the information received, we can conclude that buying a solar-powered charger is an ideal option for travelers. They are compact in size, easy to use and you don’t have to pay for the electricity received.

Do you go hiking often or are you constantly on the move? In the hot summer, even the most notorious geek strives to get away from the concrete jungle - to the seas, oceans, and forests. Someone chooses a hotel and completely loses the hassle of maintaining themselves and their gadgets (sockets and showers are, after all, brilliant inventions). Well, we, lovers of wild nature and multi-day hikes, encounter a number of problems, one of which is the lack of sockets. But there is one difference between an advanced and resourceful user and an ordinary person - he will use the scorching sun for his own selfish purposes. How? Of course, charge your tablet or smartphone using solar-powered portable chargers!

But there are so many of them... From expensive branded ones to cheap ones. How to figure it out? What is the difference? What do customers praise? Read our review, we have selected for you the 5 best chargers for all occasions.

Pros of solar charging:

• A paradise for those who like to save money - charge your gadgets without using sockets.
• Quickly charge your gadget within 2-3 hours anywhere there is sun.
• Quite low price and long service life (more than 5 years).

Disadvantages of chargers:

• The size of most devices (especially those capable of charging large gadgets like a laptop) is large enough to be transported in a pocket. The minimum folded size of a large charger is ~20x15 cm. The power bank is definitely more convenient for transportation - 15x7 cm, without the need to unfold the device. Such a gadget will easily fit into your pocket along with a smartphone connected to it.
• This type of charging is only effective in sunny weather and does not accumulate charge! This means there is a high chance of being left with discharged gadgets after sunset. This rule, of course, does not apply to power banks (external batteries).
• The need to deploy some particularly large chargers to connect to your gadgets.

How to choose a portable solar charger or an external battery?

Let's now figure out what characteristics are necessary for “survival” in hot summer conditions. What should you pay attention to first?

• Waterproof

Splashes of summer rain or a wet towel carelessly thrown nearby can kill any gadget, so the most important point is water resistance.

• Compatible with various gadgets

An iPad, an Android smartphone, your favorite soap dish - and all with different interfaces. Carrying three different devices with you for recharging is not very convenient. Therefore, our choice is models with extended compatibility.

• Compactness

You don't want to lug around a mini power plant, right? The more flexible, thin and ergonomic the charger, the better. Pay special attention to “flexible” models - such a device will not break if it falls to the ground.

• Price

To save or not? The question is complex and depends on your financial capabilities. Our top list presents the best options in terms of price/quality ratio. In any case, it is hardly worth paying more than 2,000 rubles for an external battery, or more than 7,500 rubles for a solar charger for a laptop (although we will still consider one premium model below). But we also don’t recommend the no-name model for 300 rubles.

We have selected for you the 5 best models in different categories:

• universal solar charger
• powerful solar charger for laptop
• External solar battery for phone
• solar-powered charger in the form of a backpack.

The best universal solar charger

There are 2 models at a similar price competing for the title of best universal solar charger:

1. Solar Charger (Upgrade Version), CHOE 19W 2-Port Solar Phone Charger(power 19W), worth 3500 rub.
2. Anker 21W 2-Port USB Solar Charger– more powerful (21W) product for the price 4000 rub.

Both models combine all the necessary qualities and provide enough power to simultaneously charge two smartphones in a couple of hours. And despite the fact that the CHOE charger has less power, it is not inferior to the Anker 21W in solar energy conversion and also promises to convert up to 23% of the sun's energy into charge energy.

They won't fit in a pocket, but they will feel comfortable in a backpack without taking up much space. Both models have 3 solar panels, which is enough for phones, but not enough for a laptop (the next model is for that).

As for compatibility, all the necessary interfaces are available. You can connect all modern mobile gadgets on both iOS and Android.

Thanks to the metal rings on the surface of each of these models, you won't need to stop and unfold them - you just need to attach the device to your backpack and catch the sun right on the go.

The best solar charger for a laptop

ALLPOWERS 28W Foldable Solar Panel Laptop Charger

Unfortunately, not all such devices have the power to charge large gadgets like a laptop, so we turn to a “larger” model. There are 8 panels here; produces 28 watts of power, which will be enough to fully charge a 5000 mA battery in a laptop in 3 hours. Smartphones and tablets - in about the same time. Of course, subject to sunny weather. It must be said that the dimensions are noticeable only when unfolded - when folded, the charger is a compact bag that can easily fit into a backpack. The kit includes a bunch of adapters that are compatible with all modern laptop models, so the question of compatibility automatically disappears. There is also an interface that allows you to charge mobile gadgets using micro-USB. Hence the rather high price tag. But let's face it - he's fair.

The only negative is susceptibility to climate change. It is highly not recommended to use the device in pouring rain or near a fire.

The best solar mobile charger for your smartphone or iPhone

Portable solar power bank

If you don’t want to carry a charging folder with you, but will only charge mobile gadgets, pay attention to this external acc. As you understand, the main difference between this model and the previous two is that it stores energy, and you can charge it not only during the day, but also at night.

Waterproof, with a rubber shockproof casing, weighing only 317g, easily fits into your pocket, with a built-in flashlight - isn't this the ideal battery for everyday use? Add in a price tag of 2,000 rubles and we get a pure must-have for any practical user. But you won’t be able to charge anything larger than a smartphone or tablet from such a baby.

The best solar charger in the form of a backpack

SunLabz® Solar Charger Backpack (7w) INCLUDING 10,000 mAh Power Bank and 1.8L Hydration Pack

And another indispensable companion for traveling through the stone and real jungle is a backpack with solar panels. It is not one of the largest in size, but a 14” laptop with a bunch of useful little things will fit. The 6W solar panel hides a pocket underneath where connected gadgets are located. It’s a small thing, but the question of “where to put it” is automatically resolved. All devices are connected via a micro-USB cable that produces 5V.

The backpack comes with a 10 mA power bank, which produces the same 5V, sufficient to charge all portable gadgets. The volume is enough for two full charging cycles of the smartphone. Unfortunately, the included drive does not have a protective casing or a carabiner for fastening. Also, the size can be a disadvantage for tall people, especially men - such a backpack will look too comical on an oversized back. This thing is worth it~ 3500.

SOLSOL Solar Hat

And finally, we have prepared a bonus for you - a promising unusual solar charger in the shape of a fashionable cap for ~ 3500. A promising project appeared on Indiegogo in the spring of 2016, and now such a cap is widely available for sale. If classic power banks and solar panels are too boring and banal for you and you want not only a useful gadget, but also a stylish accessory, pay attention to SOLSOL. The visor of this cap will definitely not go unnoticed in the crowd.

The only thing that can raise doubts is the convenience of such a cap. Devices are connected to it using a micro-USB cable to a connector hidden in the back of the cap. Whether you carry a connected smartphone in your hands or find a long wire that will reach the nearest pocket is up to you. The visor produces a power of 1 50mA - 278mA - quite enough for a standard smartphone charging cycle (2-3 hours). There are no protruding parts inside the cap, only a wire connecting the solar panels to the USB output.

The manufacturer did not limit itself to one color, and Solar Hat is presented in five colors. The device definitely deserves attention - adherents of a “green” lifestyle will especially appreciate it. Well, if you show up to their party wearing such a cap, you will definitely find yourself in the center of attention.

Let's summarize everything using a comparison table:

Model	Model price	Size	durability	Laptop
Anker 21W		66x28	+	-
RAVPower 16W		63x230	+	-
Panel ALLPOWERS 28W

How to choose a solar battery for your phone?

Today there are many phones on the market with high performance and small batteries. Therefore, in order not to be left alone with a discharged smartphone, many users are thinking about purchasing an additional power source that can be used on the road. Nowadays there are many different external batteries. But there are very few truly convenient solutions. After all, the portable power source itself also needs to be charged. As a rule, such batteries are charged for 8-10 hours until they reach full capacity. And this is from the electrical network, and via USB charging will take much longer. In addition, many people like to go out into nature, go hiking, travel, etc. And in such conditions it is extremely difficult to find an outlet. In such situations, an external solar battery can be very helpful. This is an autonomous battery that will charge your phone anywhere, and will replenish its charge from the sun's energy. Among other things, this is also a free way to replenish the energy of mobile electronics. As you may have guessed, this review will focus on solar-powered batteries for phones and other mobile equipment.

In appearance, solar-powered batteries resemble ordinary portable batteries. This is a small box with an indicator and several ports. As a rule, the package includes many different adapters for charging mobile devices. But they have one feature. These batteries have built-in photocells. They accumulate solar energy and convert it into charge. Solar batteries have a mini USB or micro USB interface designed to transfer electrical energy to a mobile device.

Some models of solar batteries are equipped with special indicators that show the level of charge required to charge the phone. Before directly charging the phone, such devices require recharging their battery cells. The charging process can take several hours. The specific time depends on how bright the light is. To charge your phone from a solar battery, you just need to connect the devices with a suitable adapter. Manufacturers include adapter cables for the most common devices in the package.

Most consumers expect that the use of a solar battery will be completely autonomous and will not depend on an outlet at all. In this case, the question of the efficiency of charging a phone from a solar battery is relevant. The process of charging a full battery capacity takes from 6 to 10 hours and depends on the intensity of the sun. Even under the most favorable conditions (a clear sunny day), this charging option lasts longer than from the electrical network. The latter option takes from 2 to 4 hours.

A charged solar battery can recharge a simple push-button telephone in 2 hours. If you are charging a modern smartphone, it will take significantly longer to fully charge. As a result, the charging time will depend on the capacity of the phone’s battery and the current provided by the external battery port.

Basic parameters of solar batteries

The key parameter is power. The average solar battery has a power value in the range of 4-12 watts. In principle, this value is sufficient to charge a phone and other small gadgets (smart watches, music player). But if you are planning to charge a tablet or laptop using the device, then it is better to look for a model with more power.

As for the filling of a solar battery, it can be , and or . They are assembled like laptop batteries. The more battery cells and the capacity of the device, the more charge accumulates, the more devices a particular model can charge. The downside here is that as the assembly elements increase, the weight of the device and its dimensions increase.

In size, most solar batteries correspond to a video cassette, if you still remember such storage media. The mass of solar batteries is about 0.5 kilograms. There are models with larger capacity and weight. It’s up to you to decide, since on a hike such a “brick” in your backpack will be burdensome. It is highly advisable to choose a solar-powered battery that has the necessary interfaces and adapters to charge the device from a car cigarette lighter or electrical outlet. It won't be superfluous.

Price of solar batteries

The simplest low-power models will cost the buyer about 1 thousand rubles. But the quality in this case leaves much to be desired. Cheap devices from China are usually sold in this price category. But if you try, you can find simple and effective solutions.

The price of a solar battery increases as the set of functions increases and the equipment included in the device increases. If you have a large set of cables and adapters, the price will be about 3 thousand rubles. The power of such devices will be at least 10 watts.

Solar batteries in the upper price category have a price tag of approximately 5 thousand rubles. These models are quite large in size and weight. They come complete with a large set of cables and adapters, and various additional accessories. Some devices are equipped with a display. Often these multi-function batteries allow you to charge tablets, netbooks and laptops.

Pros and cons of solar panels

pros

The main advantage of solar batteries is the ability to charge your phone in nature. While somewhere in the mountains, you can safely charge your phone without an outlet. Users who have purchased a battery for such purposes are usually completely satisfied with the alternative energy source. Among the advantages, many owners of such devices note the versatility of solar panels. In most cases, in addition to charging from the sun, they can be charged from the mains. And then they charge the phone. It turns out that solar batteries act as a standard power bank.

Minuses

The disadvantages include the huge number of Chinese devices that have flooded this segment. Experts believe that Chinese solar batteries are produced using low-quality photovoltaic cells. Often such solar panels are semi-finished products for the production of more complex equipment. Often such solar panels are sold at an inflated price that does not correspond to their quality. For a Chinese battery, the price of 2 thousand rubles is too high, experts in this field say.

Examples of external batteries for a solar-powered phone

Let's look at a few examples of solar batteries from different manufacturers. We tried to take devices from different price categories so that you have an idea of ​​what is on the market.

This model is splash, shock and fall resistant. Perfect for travelers and lovers of extreme recreation. The solar battery has a charge indication.

The battery can be charged from solar energy or from a computer (car cigarette lighter) via a USB interface. The solar battery can be used to recharge iPhone, iPad, various music players, PSP, smart watches and other mobile electronics while traveling. Moreover, the presence of 2 USB ports allows you to charge 2 mobile devices at once.

Main parameters:

• Capacity: 8000 mAh;
• Input port: 5 volts, 2 amps;
• Output port: 5 volts, 2.1 amps.

The price of the battery is about 1.8 thousand rubles.

A small and convenient device for charging various portable devices. Your mobile phone, tablet and player will be constantly charged with this battery. In addition to your phone, you can charge digital cameras, MP3 players, etc.

A reliable and safe device that you can carry with you all the time. It will extend the battery life of the phone on a business trip, travel, at the dacha, etc. The solar battery itself can be charged from the sun or the electrical network. There is a flashlight.

Main parameters:

• Power: 2 watts;
• Capacity: 10000 mAh;
• Ports for charging mobile devices: 5 volts, 1 and 2.1 amps.

The Torch 250 is a harvester that includes a lithium battery, solar panel, powerful LED light and dynamo.

The Torch 250 solar battery will help you out in any situation. It will generate electrical energy for you anywhere absolutely autonomously. In addition to solar power and dynamo, the battery can be charged via a USB interface.

The Torch 250's USB output port can charge your phone, GPS navigator, and other mobile electronics.

Main parameters:

• The device can operate in three lighting modes: diffused light, flashlight, emergency signal. In order to save energy, the brightness of the lighting can be adjusted;
• As a power source, Torch 250 can charge smartphones, tablets and other gadgets;
• Charging is carried out from a dynamo, solar panel, USB interface;
• The design of the Torch 250 solar battery has good strength and durability.

The potential of using solar panels is limited only by your imagination. Many believe that the day is not far off when all of humanity will completely switch to using electricity obtained from the sun. Nowadays, solar panel technology is often used to provide electricity and charge a variety of gadgets.

A solar-powered portable charger is a fairly lightweight, compact and useful device that very often comes to the aid of travel enthusiasts, as well as those who want to save some electricity.

The design of solar panels for a hike is quite simple. The basis of the device is converter blocks that perceive sunlight, generating electricity under its influence. The exact layout of such a charger may vary significantly, depending on the selected model. We’ll take a closer look at different types of solar chargers, as well as their design features, below.

The charger for solar-powered gadgets has a built-in converter unit. It consists of several two-layer wafers of crystalline silicon, which are interconnected by wires. The operating principle of such a device is based on the photoelectric effect.

This effect was discovered back in the nineteenth century and is based on one property of silicon that is useful in practical applications. This element is a semiconductor.

If you place two plates of crystalline silicon very close to each other, and then heat the top plate using light rays, you will be able to observe a very interesting effect, which many may remember from a school physics course. The silicon atoms of the top silicon wafer will release electrons, which will be captured by the bottom wafer. This effect will create a constant voltage in the network, which will persist until the light source disappears.

Silicon can be applied in two ways:

• polycrystalline;
• monocrystalline.

It is the second option that is the most effective, since in such silicon wafers electrons can move rectilinearly, which provides greater efficiency.

When to use

A portable charger with a built-in solar battery is used to charge power for a variety of gadgets. This device has found popularity among active travelers, as well as hiking enthusiasts. If you don’t have access to an outlet for charging your gadget for a long time, then having a solar battery will be very useful.

Since solar energy is completely free, such devices have gained popularity among budget-conscious people. The fact is that charging various devices in a month draws a fairly large amount of electricity. At the same time, if you use a solar-powered charger, you can charge your gadgets absolutely free. The cost of purchasing a charger will quickly pay for itself.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• the ability to charge the gadget anywhere there is sunlight;
• solar energy is absolutely free;
• a solar battery charger is capable of delivering sufficiently high power and voltage;
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• useless in prolonged absence of sunlight;
• in cloudy weather there may be power outages;
• Some fairly large models can take up a lot of space in a bag, as well as a fairly large area when opened.

Varieties

There are several types of solar chargers, the main differences being the power, current and output voltage.

Depending on the above parameters, there are chargers for the following types of gadgets:

• mobile phones and tablets (you can also charge portable players, e-books and other gadgets with low power consumption);
• laptops;
• universal chargers.

A portable solar-powered tablet charger produces the lowest voltage, which is usually 12 - 18. Such devices are as compact as possible, but it is worth remembering that such a charger will not fit in a pocket, since a sufficiently large area is required to obtain sufficient power and voltage photocells Also, as for tablets, some models of such gadgets do not require much less electricity than laptops.

To charge a tablet, 18 volts of output is enough, regardless of the model, but 12 may not be enough, but it will be enough to charge a phone. On the other hand, charging at 18 volts may be enough to run a small netbook.

If you buy a solar charger for a laptop, the output voltage should be approximately 18-21 volts. Chargers that deliver more than 20 volts are ideal for laptops. Such charges require exposure to the sun to connect the laptop.

Universal chargers, as a rule, have a special adapter with the ability to adjust the voltage.

Connection types

Solar battery chargers can have several types of connections, which we will consider in more detail.

Directly

The solar charger can be connected directly to the gadget. In such a situation, the charging case should have a connector for connecting adapters for various gadgets (most often a USB port or an ordinary socket). Such devices are the most compact, but their use can damage the gadget due to voltage surges.

Through an adapter

One of the safest options for connecting a gadget to a charger is to use an adapter that provides a stable output voltage, usually with the ability to adjust. Kits for such chargers often include adapters for connecting gadgets of different types and manufacturers.

Via storage battery

Using a storage battery will allow you to charge your gadget not only when the sun is shining, but at any necessary time. In such a situation, the solar battery is connected to a special battery, which accumulates electricity (charged from the solar battery), and then releases its energy to the connected gadget. The storage battery can also be charged from the car's cigarette lighter or outlet.

How to choose

When choosing a charger, you should consider the following parameters:

• resistance to moisture;
• dimensions;
• compatibility with the user’s existing gadgets;
• price.

Very often on hikes, luggage is exposed to moisture, which is why water resistance is a very useful property, although not the most important one. It is also worth considering other operating conditions.

The size of the charger is very important when you need to take a lot of things with you, and the free space in your backpack is very limited. However, it is also worth remembering that the power and voltage received at the output often depends on the size of the device. On the other hand, the dimensions are also greatly influenced by the efficiency of the converter units.

First of all, when choosing a charger, you need to consider compatibility with gadgets that will need to be charged from the sun.

The cost of a charger can range from 15 – 20 to 100 dollars or more. When choosing a suitable model, you must also take into account your financial capabilities.

You can also make a camping solar battery with your own hands according to special instructions if you have photocells and certain skills in working with equipment.

Popular models

Let's look at the most popular models of solar chargers:

An excellent charger that is suitable for use with a laptop. The output produces 21 volts. The cost is approximately $60.

CHOE 19W 2-Port Solar Phone Charger

This model produces an output of 19 volts. It may not be enough for a laptop, but it is quite enough to charge a tablet or mobile phone, however, you can also experiment with connecting laptops. Such a device costs from 50 to 55 dollars.

ALLPOWERS 28W Foldable Solar Panel Laptop Charger

This charger can charge the battery of a powerful laptop in just 3 hours. Also suitable for charging phones and tablets. The cost is approximately US$100.

This model is great for charging phones and tablets, but cannot be used for more powerful gadgets. The cost of the model is approximately $20, and the main feature is the presence of a built-in storage battery, which will also allow you to charge your phone at night.

This model also has a built-in storage battery and is made in the form of a small backpack in which you can put a lot of things. While the backpack is on your back, the battery is charged, after which the energy is enough to charge your mobile phone twice. The cost is approximately $40.

This model has similar characteristics to the previous one, only it is not a backpack, but a cap, on the visor of which there are photocell panels. The cost of this cap is approximately $65.

It is also worth remembering the offers of Chinese manufacturers, which are affordable.

Such chargers include the following models:

• PETC-S14T;
• Digital Boy 14 W;
• GL-SCP7WB.

Above is a list of only the most popular Chinese chargers. The range of such devices is much more diverse. At a cost of 20 - 25 dollars, they are quite enough to charge the battery of a modern mobile phone. However, such models can hardly be called reliable.

Video

In our video, watch a review of a solar-powered portable charger.