If you live in the UK or in Europe and you are looking for a portable solar charger, we will analyse the best models available and help you through this buying guide.
The popularisation of the portable solar charger has been increasingly sharp since the past two years, allowing users to have an alternative to charge their phones, especially in remote locations without access to electricity, but hopefully in the next few years as solar chargers become more powerful, we will be able to see these devices charging phones and other electronics as good as the other electricity sources can.
This article is targeted to users from the UK and Europe, if you want to buy a solar charger in North America please click here to check the best solar chargers available in North America.
Buying a Portable Solar Charger in the UK
There are few important things one needs to consider whe buying a portable solar charger, I broke it down in points so it can be made very clear about what you should look for, and what you need to avoid when choosing a solar charger:
- Nominal Power: This is probably the main point you should consider when buying your portable solar power, anything lower than 15 watts of nominal power will affect how fast and how effectively you can charge your power.
- Waterproof: Considering you will actually use your portable solar charger outdoors, you may want to know how well it’s protected from water. There are different levels of protection and you should check other customers’ feedback to guarantee you will buy a durable product.
- Number of ports: There are some chargers with more than one port, it might be useful if you want to charge your mobile phone and your camera at the same time
- Number of panels: The number of panels is strictly related with the nominal power of your charger, so far I have not seen any decent portable solar charger which has just one panel, so you should focus with those with 3 panels or more, to avoid eventual frustrations.
Buying a portable solar charger is rather simple and there is not much things that you should consider to make a successful purchase. The number of devices you can charge with them is ever growing and we can mention tablets, mobile phones, cameras, mp3 players, and virtually anything that you can charge through and USB port / cable.Here is a list of models which I consider that could be the best solar charger for your needs if you live in the UK and Europe.
List of the Best Portable Solar Chargers – UK and Europe 2016
Poweradd New Release 40W Foldable Solar Panel + Professional DC Output
Amazing Efficiency: Constructed of SUNPOWER solar arrays, up to 22% efficiency provides 2A output (MAX), easier and faster to replenish juice for your hungry gadgets.
Unique usb port(5V/2A) + DC output(18V/2.2A) design,not only charging your smartphones also keeps computer charged up and ready to use.
Uniqued voltage regulater design to ensure stable voltage and current, protects your device while charging. Premium single usb output charge your any gadgets at lightning speed.
High quality waterproof canvas for weather-resistant outdoor durability. Well-placed eyeholes enable easy attachment to backpacks while on the go.
24 months worry-free product guarantee from Poweradd.
Click here to read more and buy this solar charger from Amazon.co.uk
Anker PowerPort Solar (21W 2-Port USB Solar Charger)
The Anker Advantage: Join the 10 million+ powered by our leading technology.
Fast Charging Technology: PowerIQ delivers the fastest possible charging speed up to 2.4 amps per port or 3 amps overall under direct sunlight. 21 watt SunPower solar array is 21.5-23.5% efficient, providing enough power to charge two devices simultaneously.
Incredibly Durable: Industrial-strength PET polymer faced solar panels sewn into a rugged polyester canvas offer weather-resistant outdoor durability.
Highly Portable: Compact size (11.1 × 6.3in folded or 26.4× 11.1in opened) and stainless-steel eye-holes on each corner allow easy attachment to backpacks, trees, or tents. Lightweight (14.7 oz) and ultra-thin design (1.1in folded or 0.2in opened) make it ideal for long treks.
What You Get: Anker PowerPort Solar (21W 2-Port USB Solar Charger), 3ft Micro USB cable, welcome guide, our fan-favorite 18-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Click here to read more and buy this solar charger from Amazon.co.uk
Suaoki 20W Solar Panel Charger High Conversion Efficiency Dual-Port with TIR-C Technology
High Conversion Efficiency Solar Panel Charger: 20 watt SUNPOWER mono-crystalline solar panel increases conversion efficiency up to 25% which is much higher than common solar panel charger(≤15%).
Suaoki TIR-C Technology: Build-in smart IC for each USB port the charger can automatically and quickly identify the current of your equipment and speed up the charge process
Dual USB Output Solar Panel Charger: provide enough power to charge two devices at the same time when you run into embarrassing power outage moments
Ultra Portable Solar Panel Charger: triple fold design (153 x 263mm folded) and lightweight (480g,Suaoki solar panel charger is 1/3 lighter than the same power of monocrystalline solar panel) make it very easy to pack into your backpack.
Thoughtful Details Solar Panel Charger: well-placed eye-hole, mounting loops around the panel and 4 carabiner hooks allow easy attachment to backpacks, bicycle, tent, etc
Click here to read more and buy this solar charger from Amazon.co.uk
CHOE 19W Portable Solar Charger – High Efficiency Waterproof Solar Phone Charger With Dual USB and Auto Detect Technologies
High Efficiency & Light Weight: with Sunpower super high-efficiency solar panel applied in, you would get high-efficiency(24%) & light-weight(16.9oz) CHOETECH Portable Solar Charger
Auto Detect Tech: Intelligently identifies your device to deliver its fastest possible charge speed up to 2 amps under direct sunlight
Dual-Port Power: 19 watt Sunpower super high-efficiency solar panel provides enough power to charge two devices at a time. Polyester canvas ensure weather-resistant durability
Compact Size:( 20.9*10.2inch, Closed size:10.2*6.3*0.7inch) and well – placed eye-holes allow easy attachment to backpacks while hiking.
What You Get: CHOETECH? 19W Portable Solar Charger, User Manual, our fan-favorite 12-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Click here to read more and buy this solar charger from Amazon.co.uk
PortaPow 15 W Version 2 Rainproof Foldable Dual USB Solar Charger
15 Watt panel to charge your smartphones, tablets, GoPro or other small devices at upto 2.3A in sunny or cloudy weather.
Can be dropped, bent, or left in the rain. Just 715g, similar footprint to an iPad when folded shut.
10 mounting hoops to keep it attached to a back pack / bicycle or use on the ground with a built in stand.
12 month guarantee and after sales support from PortaPow based in the UK.
Version 2 – Now smaller, lighter, SmartCharge USB Sockets and a built in stand.
Click here to read more and buy this solar charger from Amazon.co.uk
VINSIC 22W High Efficiency Solar Panel Foldable and Portable Dual-port Solar Charger
High Efficiency: 22W high-efficiency solar panel provides up to 23.5%-25% conversion efficiency, while the monocrystalline panel conversion efficiency is only 15%.
Intelligently Identify: Under direct sunlight, when the two USB ports are both used, the maximum current can reach to 3A; otherwise, when either one of the two USB ports is used, the maximum current can reach to 2.1A. It greatly improves the charging efficiency.
No additional battery needed for charging external devices, 100% green energy with zero carbon footprint, built-in dual USB ports for simultaneously charging two devices.
Industrial-strength PET plastic faced solar panels sewn into high-wear polyester canvas for weather-resistant outdoor durability.
Perfect for rapidly charging Smartphones, Tablets, MP3 Players , GPS Units and more while emergency preparedness, Camping, Hiking , Backpacking and other Outdoor Activities.
Click here to read more and buy this solar charger from Amazon.co.uk
