However, portable solar panels aren’t free and are not always effective.

So, are portable solar chargers worth buying?

A portable solar panel is exactly what it sounds like.

Tuya Wi-Fi IR Blaster on a wooden desk.

USB solar chargers are a great option if you’re taking an extended camping trip or other activities.

Plus, once you use it enough, it’ll run out of battery.

That brings us to portable solar panel chargers, which give you free on-demand power anywhere the sun shines.

Person wearing the Apple Watch Series 10

A portable solar panel works essentially the same way as a regular solar panel on a roof.

Think of it like magnetic fields, only electric.

Can a Portable Solar Panel Charge My Phone?

The main page of the Homepage homelab dashboard with services running on it.

The short answer is yes, absolutely.

However, there is a slew of different variables you’ll want to consider before buying one.

Locations with more sunshine (and fewer clouds) will benefit the most.

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However, it’s not powerful enough to recharge a MacBook Pro or larger items.

And while brands sell bigger “portable” panels, it’ll depend on your needs.

Unfortunately, not all panels are worth buying, in my opinion.

solar panel and sunshine

Anker’s 24W flexible solar panels can charge three devices at a time at up to 9w per device.

I have a small portable solar charger roughly the size of a smartphone.

It’s mostly useless.

Related:How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Anker 515 solar panel charging a phone

One of those tiny phone-sized panels can’t, so keep that in mind.

Don’t get me wrong.

It’ll just depend on your wants and the situation.

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Anker’s 24W flexible solar panels can charge three devices at a time at up to 9w per device.

Anker’s 24W flexible solar panels can charge three devices at a time at up to 9w per gear.

For example, the larger the watt output, the better and faster it’ll charge a given product.

There are simply too many variables.

Anker 515 solar panel ports

A rugged portable solar charger and power bank that charges two devices at once.

Are Portable Solar Chargers Worth It?

So, are portable solar chargers worth it, and which ones should you buy?

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A rugged portable solar charger and power bank that charges two devices at once.

Again, that depends entirely on your wants, needs, situation, or budget.

Either way, there are several excellent options linked throughout for those interested.

Goal zero solar panel while camping

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The BigBlue 3 delivers 28W of power and can charge three devices at a time, yet it’s small enough to fit in a daypack.

female hiker using a solar charger

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If you need even more power or want to charge bigger devices like a power station, consider the SolarSaga from Jackery.