![]() Making sure the panels were set up at the same angle, we plugged each one into a PortaPow 3-20V Dual USB Power Monitor and a Drok DC 3-21V Load Tester to see how much power they produced during the sunniest part of the day. Maximum power: We used NOAA’s Solar Calculator to determine solar noon, which is when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky for the current date and location.Accessories: Most people already have a surplus of USB charging cables, but some items (like a set of carabiners or jumper cables) are valuable add-ons.Reliability: We gave preference to models from well-established brands with a long warranty, a substantial web presence, and responsive customer support.However, we also tested some models with niche connectors like MC4 or Anderson Powerpole, since those are found in many portable power stations. Charging ports: We preferred models with DC, USB (ideally A and C), and other common port types, since they’re compatible with most phones and other devices. ![]() Weatherproofing: We preferred models with a higher Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which quantifies their resistance to dust and moisture.Power for the price: We divided each model’s output rating (in watts) by its listed price, giving preference to those offering more power per dollar.Power for the size: We divided each model’s output rating (in watts) by its listed weight, giving preference to those offering more power per pound.Like the Allpowers charger, it comes with four carabiners, so you can hang it at an angle using built-in metal grommets. Its IPX4 rating means it’s protected against water spills and splashes, though it has minimal resistance to dust and other solid particles. This makes it even easier to slip into a daypack or an emergency go-bag.īigBlue’s charger has three USB-A ports, which are covered by a rubber flap to shield them from the elements when not in use. It’s also lighter than the Allpowers model (1.4 pounds), and it folds up into a compact package about the size of a paperback novel (11 inches by 6 inches by 1 inch). Despite having just four panels and a lower output rating (28 W), it can top off a phone or other small device about as fast in the same sun conditions (it charged our power bank in just five hours). If you want something smaller, lighter, and less expensive than the Allpowers SP012, and you can live with a bit less power, you should get the BigBlue 28W USB Solar Charger. It lacks a built-in kickstand, which some other models have to more easily tilt their panels toward the sun, but small loops around the edges allow you to hang it at the optimal angle. It’s bulkier than some options we tested (4 inches thick when folded), but it’s still quite portable. And its IP65 weatherproof rating means it’s well protected against blowing dust and water. It comes with more accessories than most models: four carabiners, five DC adapters, DC and Micro-USB charging cables, and car jumper cables. An additional DC port can also be used to connect a second solar panel for even more power generation. With a rated output of 100 watts, it has three USB output ports (one USB-C and two USB-A) and a DC port that can charge a wide variety of devices. It performed relatively well in our cumulative power tests, fully charging our 10,000 mAh power bank in six hours. It measures 3 by 3 feet when unfolded, and since it weighs just 4.9 pounds, it can be easily toted around with you. Most portable solar battery chargers have just a few panels to catch the sun’s rays, but the Allpowers SP012 Solar Panel 100W has an expansive array of 15 panels to soak up as much sunlight as possible.
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