How To Choose The Right Solar Charger

Keeping mobile devices charged can quickly become a pain, especially when you spend extended periods of time away from a wall outlet. One option for insuring your mobile devices are charged is a portable solar charger. When considering a solar charger it is important to learn how a solar charger works, the available options and what to expect.

To convert solar energy into real power that can be used, the solar panel first needs to receive direct sunlight. This direct sunlight is trapped and converted into real energy where it can be used by means of the charger’s internal battery. Commonly portable solar powered chargers can begin to power up small electronics at the first signs of energy in the battery.

Solar powered chargers can power up just about any portable gadget including smart phones, GPS units, and ereaders. An added bonus is portable solar chargers can also charge from your computer’s usb port or a standard wall outlet. While this won’t help when you are on the go, it can allow you to charge your charger ahead of time.

The first style of solar powered charger available attaches directly to your device. It fits similarly to a case and positions a solar panel on the back of your device, usually a smart phone. Removing the charger for storage or to charge it from a usb or wall outlet is easy. Simply unplug it and slide it off. This style of charger is ultra portable being both lightweight and small in size.

The style of portable solar charger which can charge a range of devices are cabled solar powered charger. As the name implies this type of charger using a charging cable and interchangeable tips to charge your device. Along with the pocket size version, cabled solar chargers are also available in a solar backpack version. Solar backpacks house the solar panel, battery and even the charging tips.

Above all it is important to consider if a portable solar charger is right for you before deciding upon which style of charger. Both styles of portable solar chargers mentioned do have the benefits and drawbacks. At any rate, both can provide power at times when it is most needed.

The style of portable solar charger with fastest charge times and largest battery is the solar backpack. Check out this list of my 3 favorite portable solar chargers today.