At TheSolarPanelGuide, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
How do I Choose the Best Solar Battery Charger?
A solar battery charger uses solar panels to turn light energy into electrical energy. Solar chargers provide a convenient and environmentally friendly way to charge batteries in situations where it might not otherwise be possible to charge batteries. When choosing the best solar battery charger, there are a number of things to take into consideration. The solar charger that you choose depends on what kind of battery you are charging, how portable the charger needs to be, and the price that you are willing to pay for the charger.
A larger solar charger provides more surface area to absorb sunlight, which allows the charger to produce more power. The size of the solar charger that you need depends on the capacity of the battery that you are charging. For a small battery, such as a cell phone battery, a small charger will work fine. For larger batteries, such as laptop batteries, a larger solar charger is necessary.
Another important factor to consider when purchasing a solar charger is the portability and form of the solar charger. Solar chargers are often used during outdoor activities such as camping. If you plan on using your charger for outdoor activities, it is important to make sure that you choose a solar charger that is durable and portable enough to take with you. A folding solar battery charger is much more portable than a flat panel solar charger and is probably a better choice if portability is important.
Many solar chargers designed for electronics use a universal serial bus (USB) port to charge through. This is practical because almost all modern electronics can be charged through USB cables. Some cell phones and music players also have cases specifically designed for them that have built-in solar panels. Other chargers charge through metal clips, which allows them to charge almost any kind of battery.
Typically, a solar battery charger with a higher wattage rating will be more expensive than a solar battery charger with a lower wattage rating. If cost is an issue, it may be a good idea to go with a solar charger with a lower wattage. It will take longer to charge your batter with a lower wattage rating, but the trade-off may be worth it for those with budget concerns.
Another option is to build a solar battery charger instead of purchasing one. It is fairly easy to build one, and is less expensive than purchasing a solar charger. Homemade solar chargers may not as durable, reliable, or portable as purchased solar chargers, however.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Man holding computer]()
Man holding computer
Discussion Comments
Using solar power in general is a good idea. I think it's a bit ridiculous that we've got so much roof space that could be used for power generation in the Western world and no one uses it.
It might not seem like much of a contribution to the environment to use a solar battery charger, but every little bit counts. Even if you can't switch all of your power consumption over to sustainable methods, one sustainable gadget is better than none at all.
@umbra21 - It's also a good idea to have a solar powered battery charger, even if you aren't planning to use it much, just as a safety precaution. If you're traveling across borders, you might end up somewhere with unfamiliar power outlets, or somewhere with no outlets at all. Keeping a working cell phone handy is important because you never know when you might need it.
I used to just keep one that I would turn off and only use in emergencies, but you still have to beware that the battery isn't going to wear down, even if you're not using it.
Having a solar charger as a backup gives you another layer of security.
If you are traveling overseas, particularly in a hot and sunny country, it might be worth getting a portable solar battery charger that will fit over a pack, so that you can charge your cell phone on the go. They have improved a lot over the years, to the point where a really good one isn't much different from plugging your phone into the wall if the day is bright enough, although it still takes a bit longer. The better chargers are also more expensive, so that might make some people hesitate as well.
Post your comments