Movable villa solar charging panel

Can I use a solar panel to charge my devices?

Or, even better, use your solar panel to charge an external battery (or portable power station) designed to receive solar input, such as the GoalZero Sherpa 100AC power bank we tested, and then use that battery to charge your devices safely. Scott Tharler is a Contributing Editor at Gear Junkie.

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.

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.

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.

How much does a portable solar charger cost?

Specifically for this buyer’s guide, we conducted online research and identified over a dozen portable solar chargers ranging in price from $30 to $649. After careful consideration, we narrowed down the candidates to a handful that we tested in real-world conditions.

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.