We may not always be thinking about how much we rely on devices and gadgets daily, but we’re certainly reminded of it when we lose access to them. Being caught off guard by power outages can at the very least be immensely frustrating and can also impact livelihoods. In other cases, losing access to certain devices and appliances can be life-threatening.
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That’s why it’s best to have some kind of backup power source that doesn’t rely on a volatile power supply to function. In this overview, we will be taking a look at some of the very best solar power banks you can consider to be prepared for anything.
We will analyze some of the benefits, drawbacks, and features that each one has so that you can decide which one would be best suited to you.
Importance Of Having An Emergency Solar Power Bank
Losing access to power is always really frustrating and inconvenient, and they highlight how much we rely on electronic devices. If your power is knocked out by dangerous weather conditions, you may be left without any devices that could help you call for assistance.
Or, you may be left in a survival situation with no light, warmth, or ways to prepare food. A solar power bank is a simple and affordable gadget that can help you avoid the pitfalls associated with any loss of electrical power.
They are small and portable enough to carry around, and their solar charging capabilities mean that you have an almost unlimited supply of power as long as you have sunlight. With this device, you can ensure that you won’t be left without the gadgets and devices you need the most.
What To Look For In A Solar Power Bank For Emergencies
We can all agree that having a solar power device ready to go is a good idea for anyone, but with so many to choose from, which one should you go for? Answering this is not necessarily that simple, and there are many factors to consider.
When thinking of your own situation, there are a few standard features and specifications that will be relevant no matter which model you consider. One major aspect to consider would be how portable the device is. If you can easily carry around and store it then it becomes more useful in a wider variety of circumstances.
The power capacity will also be another important thing to consider. Some power banks hold enough power to recharge a smartphone many times, while others can only manage one or two charges. Ideally, you should have enough power capacity to charge as many devices as possible.
You should also consider the ports that the bank has. Multiple ports will not only ensure you can charge more than one device at a time but also mean that your power bank will have maximum compatibility with more kinds of devices.
This is a small selection of features to look for, but if you consider your own situation and potential situations you may find yourself in then you will have an easier time considering which features are necessary and which could be considered optional luxuries.
Our Picks- 8 Best Emergency Solar Power Banks
1: Best Overall- QuadraPro Solar Power Bank
Our first power bank, the QuadraPro Solar Power Bank, is a great all-rounder that has everything you could want out of a solar power bank.
About The Brand
This power bank is produced by the company Survival Frog. This company specializes in producing and distributing some of the best survival tools in the business. These range from power solutions like this one to survival food and shelter for emergencies or camping.
They have garnered a great reputation not only because of their selection of third-party products but also the quality of their service and self-produced products.
Key Features And Benefits
- 6500 Mah Battery
The bank features a rechargeable battery with a decent capacity of 6500 Mah. Survival Frog estimates this will be enough to charge most modern smartphones around 3 times. - Charge Up To 3 Devices
The power bank has enough ports to simultaneously charge between 1 and 3 devices. - Solar Charging
As you would hope given the name of the product, the bank has solar panels built in. The company estimates a charging time of around 12 hours. - Magnetic Case
The bank comes in a magnetic leather case that can be folded up to protect the device. You can also clip the case to a backpack or vehicle so that you can charge it while on the move. - Built-In Flashlight
Finally, you have a built-in flashlight to make sure you won’t be left in the dark during an emergency.
Design And Performance
When folded up, the QuadraPro is quite small and compact. Its dimensions come in at 6.13 x 3.38 x 1.25 inches when closed and has a length of 13.88 inches when unfolded.
The performance of the device is quite reliable, and it is built to be water resistant and durable for even the most intense situations and camping trips.
2: PocketSun- Best Pocket-Sized
Next up, we have a highly portable power solution in the PocketSun by 4Patriots. This compact solar device is great for portability and while it’s a bit more limited than some other products on this list, it can still be incredibly helpful.
About The Brand
4Patriots is another company that specializes in survival products in both distribution and production capacity. They have also come to garner quite a positive reputation among survival enthusiasts, and their products are usually of high quality with an easy to use design.
Key Features And Benefits
- 2 Ports
This PocketSun has two USB ports so that you can charge 2 devices simultaneously. - It powers many different devices.
The PocketSun has a max output of 10W, and it can charge most smaller devices. 4Patriots estimates that with direct sunlight it can charge a smartphone in around 2 hours and a tablet in around 5 hours. They also note that it can charge battery packs, batteries, emergency lights, and more. - Highly Portable
At 0.931 lbs, it is very light and small when folded up, meaning it can fit into most pockets for easy transportation.
Design And Performance
The PocketSun serves as a great charging solution, but there are a few limitations. Unless you use it to charge a battery pack, you can only use it as a charging device when there is direct sunlight.
When folded, it has dimensions of 8.875” x 4.75” x 1.25”, and it has dimensions of 22.75” x 8.875” x 1” when unfolded.
3) QiSa Solar Charger — Most Ratings
Next up, we have the QiSa solar charger power bank. This bank is notable for its high capacity as well as the thousands of positive reviews on Amazon. Now we shall see what this bank has to offer as we look at the benefits and features it provides
About The Brand
QiSa may not have the same brand recognition as some of the other companies on this list, but looking at their product homepage on Amazon shows that they have plenty of different devices focused on solar power and other niches that are all highly rated by other customers.
Key Features And Benefits
- 38800 Mah Battery
One of the biggest draws of this particular product is the high capacity 38800 battery that is attached to it. This should be more than enough to charge most smaller devices multiple times before needing a recharge. - Multiple Charging Methods
To charge the device, you can either use the included solar panels, or you can charge it via an outlet. - USB And Wireless Charging
The power bank features 2 USB ports, and there is also wireless charging for QI-compatible devices. - Durable Design
The power bank is waterproof, drop-proof, and dust-proof, making it perfect for camping and other extreme environments. - Smart Chip
The smart chip inside the device will work to ensure maximum compatibility and other safety features such as voltage protection.
Design And Performance
This power bank does have a bulkier albeit durable design when folded up. Its dimensions come in at 6.85 x 4.37 x 1.93 inches, and it weighs 1.43 lbs. It has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon from 7568 ratings, showing that most customers had a really positive experience with the performance of the device with few complaints.
4) Patriot Power Cell— Best Premium
Next, we have another product from 4Patriots, the Patriot Power Cell. This is a high-capacity device that should be a great power solution for any emergency or camping situation where power is limited.
About The Brand
This is the second 4Patriots product on this list, and it goes to show how much variety they have with their various products. The previous 4Patriots product was more of an emergency charging solution, while this one is more viable as a powerful solar-powered battery pack.
Key Features And Benefits
- Multiple Charging Methods
The Power Cell can be charged via the built-in solar panel, or you can charge it quicker using a wall outlet. 4Patriots estimate a charging time of around 6 hours via an outlet or around 40 hours of direct sunlight. This may seem like a lot, but the battery has a really high capacity and won’t need to be charged as frequently as smaller power banks. - 8000 Mah Capacity
The bank has a storage capacity of 8000 Mah, which is quite impressive. This should be more than enough to charge most smartphones around 5-6 times on a single charge and is enough for most other tablets and handheld gaming devices. - 2 Charging Ports
The Power Cell has 2 USB ports so that you can charge more than one device at a time. - Built-In Flashlight
A flashlight is built into the bank for emergencies, and it has an SOS flashing function to attract the attention of rescue teams.
Design And Performance
Unlike some other products on this list that take up space with fold-out panels, the Power Cell is robust and compact. It is a sleek, rectangular design with dimensions of 5.4” x 2.9” x .74” with a weight of 6.81 ounces.
The design is durable and weather resistant, making it perfect for camping trips or severe weather conditions that may result in a loss of power.
5) Suscell — Best for Camping
The Suscell Solar Charger is up next on our list. Not only does this robust power bank have one of the most impressive power capacity ratings of any items on this list, but it also has a few extra features that make it perfect for camping.
We will go over these features now to show you why this device should be on your radar.
About The Brand
Suscell is another brand that doesn’t have quite the same name recognition as 4Patriots or Survival Frog, however, the specs of the Solar Charger should more than speak for themselves. Over 13000 reviews on Amazon have yielded a rating of 4 stars, showing you that this brand is certainly one to consider and keep an eye on.
Key Features And Benefits
- Compatible With Most Devices
This power bank has high compatibility with pretty much any USB-charged device. There are two ports included on the power bank, meaning that you can charge more than one device at a time. - Great For Hiking And Bad Weather
The bank has a few impressive features that makes it perfect for hiking and poor weather conditions. It is durable and weatherproof, and it also includes a compass and flashlight for emergencies. - 20000 Mah Capacity
The power bank has an impressive capacity of 20000 Mah, meaning it will power smaller devices many times over before needing to be recharged. - Two charging methods
The downside of such massive capacity is that it can take a long time to charge the device. Using a USB port, it should take around 8 hours to charge, but it can take up to 7 days to charge in sunlight. For that reason, solar charging should be considered an emergency or top-up charging method.
Design And Performance
The device is fairly portable, even though it packs so much power. Its dimensions come in at 5.5 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches, and it weighs 9 ounces. This does make it slightly less portable than some other options, but it should still easily fit in most larger pockets.
The device is highly reliable, and while it may take a long time to charge, the capacity should ensure that you don’t have to charge it that often.
6) Blavor Power Bank— Best Foldable
Our next emergency solar power bank is the Blavor Power Bank. This is another impressive product with high capacity and a few useful features to make use of as well.
About The Brand
Blavor has been around for more than 10 years and they boast over 27 million customers worldwide. They prioritize using durable, quality materials for their products to ensure that they will last a long time in a myriad of conditions.
Key Features And Benefits
- 20000 Mah Capacity
This power bank also features an impressive 20000 Mah capacity to ensure that your devices will be good to go for multiple charges, making it ideal for long camping trips. - Multiple Panels
There’s no getting around the fact that mini solar panels built into power banks will be the slowest way to charge the device, especially when it has a higher capacity. This one mitigates that a bit with multiple fold-out panels for faster charging.It will take a few to more than a week to fully charge depending on the sunlight exposure, so charging via a cable whenever possible is recommended. - Flashlight
The power bank has a powerful flashlight attached that also has a few different settings. There are three light modes and a flashing SOS function for emergencies. - Durable Design
With devices such as these, you would hope that you will be covered in bad weather, and this one has you covered. It is made of durable, weatherproof materials making it perfect for camping or severe weather conditions.
Design And Performance
When folded up, the device has dimensions of 7 x 3.5 x 1.6 inches, and it weighs 1.31 lbs. It is a thick and bulky power bank, but it’s still really portable considering how much power it holds as well as the multiple panels.
It has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon from 1826 ratings, meaning that most customers had a great experience with this solar power bank.
7) Jall Radio — Best with Radio
Next up, we have something a little bit different with Jall Radio. This device is a bit of a Jack of all trades, as it has a few different functions and features that we haven’t seen so far in this list.
About The Brand
Jall is another brand that may be slightly lesser known than others on this list, but browsing their Amazon homepage shows that they have many interesting and varied products. This variety is present in this solar power bank radio, as we will see when we look at some of the features of the device.
Key Features And Benefits
- FM/AM Radio
Perhaps the most unique aspect of this particular product compared to the others on this list would be the built-in FM/AM radio that can provide entertainment and valuable forecasts when camping or during emergency situations. - 4000 Mah
The bank has a charging capacity of 4000 Mah. This isn’t as high as some others on this list but should be more than enough to charge a depleted smartphone at least once. - Multiple Charging Methods
As with any of these devices, charging it via a USB cord is the fastest and most recommended way to charge the device if available. In an emergency, you also have options for solar charging and a hand crank to operate the radio.These will naturally be much slower, but it’s still good to have that option. - 3 Mode Flashlight
Having an integrated flashlight is always a great benefit, as it can come in handy in many different situations. You have a powerful flashlight attached to this solar radio power bank, and it has three light modes.
Design And Performance
Of all the devices on this list, this one can’t be described as the sleekest of the bunch. It has a lot of parts and pieces, some of which can be folded out for usage. These would include the crank and the solar panel. It is weatherproof, making it great for outdoor weather conditions.
It has dimensions of 7.48 x 3.15 x 0.59 inches, with a weight of 3.52 ounces. This does make it less portable, but it makes up for it with its multiple charging methods and built-in radio.
8) MetFut — Best Mountable
Our final solar power bank we have on this list is the MetFut Solar Power Bank. This high-capacity bank would be perfect for people on the move that like to take long road trips while charging their power bank.
About The Brand
MetFut is another brand that may not be as well known as some others. Their Amazon homepage also shows a wide range of different products, and they are consistently highly rated for their quality offerings.
Now, we will look at the specifications of this particular bank to see what it has to offer.
Key Features And Benefits
- 38800 MahCapacity Battery
Once again, we have another power bank with impressive power capacity. This one also features 38800 Mah for its capacity, which should last a few days even if you’re charging smartphones and smaller devices multiple times. - Large Flashlight
A powerful flashlight with multiple light modes and an SOS flashing function is included for emergency lighting. On a full charge, the light can be used for up to 120 hours. - Suction Cups
One of the most interesting features of this device would be the powerful suction cups attached to it. This means you could stick it to your windshield or window during a long road trip for maximum sunlight exposure. - Multiple Charging Methods
The massive capacity of this bank does mean that the solar charging will take a long time to fully charge it. That means it’s best suited for emergency charging or top-ups, but you can charge it much faster with a USB cord.
Design And Performance
The structural makeup of this device is a bit larger and bulkier than some others on the list, but that’s to be expected for such a high-capacity power bank. It has size dimensions of 7.4 x 4.3 x 1.22 inches, and it weighs 10.2 ounces. This makes it one of the heaviest banks on the list, but should still be suitable for backpacks or carrying on trips. It has an impressive 4.5-star rating from 1215 ratings on Amazon, showing a high rate of customer satisfaction with the performance of the device.
FAQs
Are Solar Power Banks Any Good?
Solar power banks are a great solution for sustainable power in situations where power access is limited. Some are better than others, but any of the banks on this list would be an excellent option.
How Do I Charge My Solar Power Bank?
This will depend on the model, but most solar power banks can be charged with a cable or with solar panels. The solar charging should always be a last resort, as it will take much longer than cord charging.
How Long Does A Solar Power Bank Take To Charge?
This will depend on the capacity of the device and how you charge it. Using a USB outlet will normally take a few hours, whereas the solar charging can take anything from a day to a few weeks depending on the capacity.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Solar Power Banks?
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage is how long it takes to charge using smaller solar panels, but they are meant more for emergencies and top-ups, so this is a small disadvantage. It is still nice to have the option for emergencies.
Do Portable Solar Power Banks Charge On Cloudy Days?
You can charge a portable solar power bank on a cloudy day, depending on the cloud cover. It will take significantly longer, however, and if the cloud cover is heavier enough to obscure the sun entirely then you may not be able to.
Conclusion
These days, having reliable access to power is not always a given. That’s why having convenient, affordable solar power solutions can be such a lifesaver! In this overview, we hoped to provide a wide range of different devices with different capacities, form factors, and charging methods for you to choose from.
We hope that a few of these products caught your eye and that they will help to ensure you’re never left in the dark during an emergency!
