![]() ![]() We narrowed the list by comparing the weight, dimensions, construction, output, number of ports, cost, and additional features of each model. (We have tested one, the Goal Zero Nomad 50, but otherwise relied on the specs and details from the brands.) These included portable solar panels and solar-rechargeable power banks, though we primarily focused on the former given their greater efficiency at converting sunshine into electricity. To find the most reliable and efficient solar chargers, we researched 29 models. ![]() In the field, dead tech is a mild inconvenience at best and a survival liability at worst. Given the variability of the weather, it’s a good idea to plug in your tech while it still has some battery life instead of letting it fully discharge first. No matter what size your model, you’ll find the best performance by setting it up in direct sunlight and occasionally moving it so it continues to soak up those rays. If portability is a chief concern, sacrificing some power is a worthwhile tradeoff for a lighter, more compact charger. Higher wattage chargers come with weight and size penalties that make them cumbersome to carry on your back, bike, or boat. How Solar Panels Turn Light into Usable Energy.Phone Need a Jump? Turn to These Battery Packs.Given the size of their batteries, the solar charging feature acts as a backup to the primary charging method: an outlet. There are also power banks outfitted with small solar arrays with outputs of five watts or less. These models are more expensive, but it can be a worthwhile investment to gain a bit more independence from the weather. Essentially, your charger works as a power bank instead of a direct transfer of energy. The battery stores energy for charging after the sun goes down or on cloudy days. Keep in mind that the advertised wattage is often higher than what’s possible in the field due to variable weather conditions.Ī handful of chargers come with a built-in battery for more consistent performance, but many do not. The higher the wattage, the faster the charging times and the more capable the charger will be at powering devices simultaneously. This power metric is crucial in determining how quickly you’ll be able to charge devices and how many you can charge at the same time (provided there are multiple ports). Shopping for a solar charger can quickly devolve into wading through specs, but the most important one to pay attention to is the combined output of the solar panels, measured in watts. The PowerPort boasts one of the best weight-to-output ratios. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |