What is a solar power charger?

There’s a lot to understand about solar power chargers, but at their heart, a small solar panel consists of several photovoltaic cells grouped together to absorb some of the sun’s energy and convert it into an electric charge that you can use to charge electronics.

Are portable solar chargers a viable way to provide electricity outdoors?

Thanks to efficiency advances and cost decreases in solar cells, portable solar chargers are finally proving to be a viable means of providing electricity outdoors. A backcountry user might carry a smartphone, GoPros, headlamp, tablet, camera, headphones, and PLB or GPS devices.

How do you charge a solar panel?

How to charge a solar panel for use in the outdoors Set them up toward the sun and, if propping them up on rocks or sticks, try to minimize the shadows beneath them. You can also attach them to your tent or on the front of your backpack — just orient them so they cast the smallest shadow.

What are portable solar panels for camping?

The majority of portable solar panels for camping are pretty minimal in terms of features. Most consist primarily of the panel and USB ports. Additional features include a pocket for cables, grommets or loops to attach the panels to a pack or tent, and on some, stands to help keep the panel upright and at the right angle.

How many Watts should a portable solar charger charge?

Once you get an idea of charging capacity and your intended use for a portable solar charger, it's time to figure out what devices you plan on using. For smaller handheld items such as smartphones, a portable solar charger with five to fifteen watts should suffice.

How to choose a portable solar panel?

There are two things you need to check: load compatibility and port compatibility. For load compatibility, check that both the volts and the wattage supplied by the portable solar panel won’t overload your power station.