Do you have experience with portable solar chargers for phone?

United States
February 7, 2018 4:39am CST
I find many interesting discussions on this platform and could spend a lot of time "chatting" here with many of you. As you know from my previous discussions, I like to explore alternatives to our current polluting energy sources. But since I am just a small fish, I cannot invest in my own solar powered house (yet). I just have to stay put and keep paying my fossil fuel energy bill to some large corporation. However, I like new gadgets and stuff. I also like outdoors, camping, taking pics, getting "lost". So I was wondering, with approaching spring, does any of you have experience with portable solar panels - only small size to charge my phone and my camera? Are they worth it? Are they resistant enough to stay overnight in my humid backpack somewhere in the camp? I saw this article listing a couple of them. It says pretty good things, and seems pretty honest to me. But of course, the real users experience is more precious. :) Tell me yours, if you can! Thank you.
If you're an outdoorsy person and want to keep your devices charged while on the go, a portable solar charger can be the answer. Reviews inside.
2 people like this
2 responses
@Plethos (13581)
• United States
8 Feb 18
im interested in this tech. i just havent come across any that makes me want to buy it.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Feb 18
Well, I guess, I will take that plunge soon...And then test them on some of my hikes. Just really hope they can withstand humidity because that's something you cannot avoid, while camping pretty much anywhere.
1 person likes this
@Plethos (13581)
• United States
9 Feb 18
@tristanex - i think i once saw a video on how to make one out of the solar panels you can buy at a harbor freight. i think a phone charger was part of it.
1 person likes this
• United States
1 Mar 18
@Plethos Guess, I prefer to buy one already manufactured...since the market is expanding. Also, these things have pretty good reviews already.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121729)
• Gainesville, Florida
24 Feb 18
I have the Anker 21w 3-panel portable solar charging panels, and I have found that it is better to use it to charge a portable power pack (such as a pocket juice portable charger) and then use the portable power pack to charge your phone, rather than just trying to use the solar panels directly to charge your phone. My solar charger will charge my phone directly, but it is only at a trickle and it takes forever.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121729)
• Gainesville, Florida
3 Mar 18
@tristanex Although I haven't done a ton of research, I'm sure there are even better solar chargers available out there, but for the price, the one I got is pretty decent. I'm sure if you are willing to invest the money, there are much better systems out there that will do the job!
• United States
1 Mar 18
Thank you for such a great feedback. I've heard people talking well about portable power packs, so it seems like the combo you are recommending might be a good one.
1 person likes this