Science Technology The 7 Best Solar Power Banks of 2022 The QiSa Solar Power Bank is our top choice. By Amber Nolan Amber Nolan College at Brockport, State University of New York Amber Nolan is a freelance writer for Treehugger who is passionate about sustainable living, nature, and outdoor adventure. Learn about our editorial process Updated May 6, 2022 Fact checked by Elizabeth MacLennan Fact checked by Elizabeth MacLennan University of Tennessee Elizabeth MacLennan is a fact checker and expert on climate change. Learn about our fact checking process Share Twitter Pinterest Email Science Space Natural Science Technology Agriculture Energy We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Treehugger / Chloe Jeong Solar power banks are an essential for outdoor enthusiasts and offer a way to keep cell phones, cameras, and other gadgets charged when electricity is scarce. They’re also invaluable when severe weather or power surges cause widespread outages. These convenient, portable devices have evolved into several different styles, but the two most common are around the size of a cell phone and have either a single portable solar panel or several expanding, folding panels. Solar chargers with one panel are more compact, but also slower to recharge using the sun’s energy. Multiple panels can speed things up a bit but are often bulkier. The fastest way to recharge both is by plugging a USB into a traditional power source and storing the energy. Once the power bank has been replenished, various electronics can still be charged on the device indoors or at night. Here are the best solar power banks, many with added features such as wireless charging, waterproof exteriors, and built-in flashlights. The Rundown Best Overall: QiSa Solar Power Bank at Amazon Jump to Review Best Single Panel: Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel at REI Jump to Review Best Foldout: FEELLE Solar Power Bank at Amazon Jump to Review Best Versatile: BLAVOR Solar Charger Five Panels Detachable at Walmart Jump to Review Best for Laptops: Rockpals 250W Portable Power Station at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Camping: Raddy SW5 Emergency Radio at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Home: BLUETTI EB55 Portable Power Station with Solar Panel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall: QiSa Solar Power Bank 4.9 View On Amazon Weight: 1.21 pounds | Dimensions: 8.35 x 4.25 x 1.18 inches | Output ports: Two USB, one Type-C, one wireless output charging for your phone | Accessories: Micro USB charging cable, lanyard, carabiner With an enormous 30,000 mAh battery, the QiSa Solar Bank is one of the largest while still offering a reasonable price tag, making it our top choice. The heavy-duty device is ideal for staying plugged in on long camping trips. Plus, the power bank’s ability to charge multiple devices and the bright, 200-lumen flashlight (with an SOS mode) can come in handy during emergency situations. Hassle-free wireless charging is available to Qi-compatible electronics, and additional USB ports allow up to four devices to connect at a time. The IP66-rated, rainproof solar panel can withstand moderate weather; however, it should not be completely submerged. Best Single Panel: Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel Courtesy of Goal Zero View On REI View On B&H Photo Video View On Goalzero.com Weight: 0.79 pounds | Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 0.8 inches | Output ports: USB Port: 5V, up to 830mA (5W max) | Accessories: Kickstand, small battery pack The compact size of most single-panel power banks limits the solar charging capability of the panel, but the Goal Zero Nomad 5 is both portable and powerful. The Nomad 5 offers a 5-watt, rugged solar panel that’s lightweight (12.7 ounces) and water-resistant (though not waterproof). The simple design includes a kickstand on the back to angle it into the sun, or carabiners can connect to the top and attach to a backpack for charging on the go. The Nomad 5 kit comes with Goal Zero’s Flip, a small battery pack (3,350 mAh) with a USB port so you can charge devices after the sun goes down. When the sun is out, the Nomad’s panel can charge the Flip in just three hours—making it one of the fastest single-panel chargers. The 7 Best LED Light Bulbs of 2022 Best Foldout: FEELLE Solar Power Bank Amazon View On Amazon Weight: 1.18 pounds | Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.35 x 1.37 inches | Output ports: USB 5V/2.1A | Accessories: Micro USB cable Fold-out solar chargers increase the number of solar panels available to charge a device, but their collapsible design means they’re also portable. While some fold-out panels can only be used to charge devices directly when the sun is out, the FEELLE Solar Power Bank includes a staggering 25,000 mAh high-capacity battery capable of charging an iPhone upwards of nine times. Combined, the four foldable solar panels produce 5 watts, while dual USB ports allow for two devices to charge at once. The moderately priced FEELLE also contains an LED light (with an SOS mode), is water-resistant, and weighs just 1.18 pounds. Best Versatile: BLAVOR Solar Charger Five Panels Detachable Courtesy of Walmart View On Walmart View On Amazon View On Blavor.com Weight: 1.25 pounds | Dimensions: 7.28 x 5.51 x 2.16 inches | Output ports: dual USB max 2.1A | Accessories: Type C cable, LED flashlight, compass ring kit For a versatile power bank that can be used during day-to-day activities or on outdoor adventures, the BLAVOR is an excellent option. Four of the five collapsible solar panels are detachable, so you don’t have to tote them around when they’re not needed. The 20,000 mAh battery bank features Qi wireless technology to charge compatible devices, plus two USB ports, a small compass, and a built-in flashlight for wilderness jaunts. One drawback of the BLAVOR, however, is that the solar panel connectors are not waterproof. Best for Laptops: Rockpals 250W Portable Power Station Courtesy of Rockpals View On Amazon Weight: 11 pounds | Dimensions (solar panel): 13.78 x 13.39 x 2.36 inches | Output ports: 250W continuous dual AC outputs, two USB 2.1A, four DC 12V (60W) ports | Accessories: 6.5 foot AC adapter, 3.3 foot car charger cable, DC to cigarette lighter socket adapter Most laptops consume between 40 and 70 watts when charging, compared with just 2 to 6 watts used by cell phones. This means you’ll need a larger power bank plus a stronger (and more costly) solar panel to continuously replenish it—so typical power banks won’t cut it. The Rockpals 250-watt power station includes a 60-watt expanding solar panel case (with four panels) and a multi-purpose power station with a 64,800 mAh lithium battery for charging several devices. The Rockpals station and panel is a convenient, portable unit that can turn any area into an off-grid office. The 5 Best Rechargeable Batteries of 2022 Best for Camping: Raddy SW5 Emergency Radio Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Radioddity.com Weight: 1.21 pounds | Dimensions: 7.83 x 3.46 x 2.56 inches | Output Ports: USB-C 5V, 1.5A | Accessories: USB cord, wrist attachment Although most portable solar charge banks are useful in the great outdoors, multi-purpose devices are even better and can save space when camping and hiking. The Raddy SW5 Emergency Radio is a durable device that’s a must-have piece of survival gear. The 5,000 mAh battery can be recharged with the small solar panel, by the USB port, or with the hand crank. Equipped with a waterproof rating of IPX5, the durable device includes an AM/FM/NOAA radio, compass, flashlight (with SOS setting), and floodlight. The Raddy portable radio charger can replenish cell phones up to two times before needing to be recharged. Best for Home: BLUETTI EB55 Portable Power Station with Foldable Solar Panel Courtesy of Bluetti View On Amazon View On Bluettipower.com Weight: 12.57 pounds (panel) 16.5 pounds (unit) | Dimensions: 21 x 18.5 inches (panel)10.94 x 7.87 x 7.79 inches (unit) | Output Ports: AC 4 x 700W (1400w surge), USB-A 4 x 5V/3A; 1 x type-C 100w, 1 Car Port, 2 x 12V/10A | Accessories: 200w AC adapter and cable, car charging cable, solar charging cable Keeping a solar power at home is especially handy during power outages, and the BLUETTI EB55 is a complete charging station that can keep home devices running long after the lights go out. The back-up power supply includes four outlets (120 volt) as well as four for USB charging ports with built in MPPT technology to ensure higher efficiency. The battery can be recharged through a wall outlet, 12/24-volt car port, or by propping open the foldable, 120-watt monocrystalline panel. In full sun, the panel can recharge the unit in under seven hours. Both the panel and the unit have a carry handle for easy transportation. Final Verdict With a massive battery and the convenience of wireless charging, our top pick for a solar power bank is the QiSa solar charger. Or, if you need a complete unit to use in the home as a backup power source, we recommend Bluetti EB55 solar charging station. What to Look for in a Solar Power Bank Panel Size Most portable solar chargers have smaller panels of around two watts or less, so the panel serves as a slow, emergency-charging system and the battery does the lion’s share of the work. If you know you’ll be away from an electric outlet for a while and need to rely more heavily on the solar aspect of the unit, you’ll want to opt for a larger solar panel. If this is the case, a folding panel charger might be a better option since they are still relatively compact. “Weather, where you live, time of year, and the size and type of solar panels your device uses can all have a significant impact on charging speeds," says Paul Schwent, tech expert and the creator of the Rando Tech Info YouTube channel. "Most four-panel 25,000 mAh power banks charge from 0 to 100% in around a week with good sun. A single panel power bank will usually take around twice as long." Battery Size Consider how many devices you’ll be toting along with you that will need a recharge, and how often you’ll be away from an outlet for a fast recharge. If you’re just spending a day sightseeing and need to keep your phone juiced up, a battery of less than 10,000 mAh should be adequate. If you’re planning on being without grid power for several days and have multiple devices to charge, opt for a battery with 25,000 mAh or more. Schwent adds that portability is another factor in battery size. “A 6000 mAh power bank is going to fit in your pocket or purse much better than a 25,000 mAh power bank and if you don't need the extra power between charges, you can save some money with something smaller.” Added Features Many chargers have convenient features like wireless charging, flashlights, and carry handles. If you plan on hiking, going kayaking or rafting, mountain biking, or other active adventures consider a charger that’s also waterproof or shockproof. Frequently Asked Questions How do you use a solar power bank? Before use, charge a solar-power bank either using the solar panel (very slow option) or by connecting to an electric outlet using a USB adapter plug. When you need to recharge a device (or several devices) simply connect the USB to the power pack (or in some cases, use wireless connection). Can any solar power banks be charged without the sun? Most solar power chargers contain battery banks that can be used without the sun—as long as they are charged before use by plugging into a wall outlet or other power source. Solar panels that do not contain battery packs require a direct connection to the device and cannot be charged without the sun. Can I take a solar power bank on an airplane? Generally, speaking, yes, you can take a solar power bank on an airplane. However, solar powered chargers contain lithium-based batteries, and should not be put in checked luggage (where they are more likely to be damaged). For more information on FAA rules regarding solar chargers, refer to the TSA website. Why Trust Treehugger? Living completely off the grid herself, Amber Nolan relies on solar energy in her daily life as well as on backcountry adventures. An avid camper, kayaker, and outdoor enthusiast who resides in hurricane-prone Florida, she knows firsthand that solar power banks are a necessity for keeping modern devices ready to go when you need them the most. She has personally tested multiple solar power banks from several different brands, and also interview a tech expert about what to look for in a solar power bank. The Best Solar Lanterns for Camping and Emergencies