A solar phone charger combines a rechargeable battery with a solar panel. The battery stores energy for your phone, while the panel converts sunlight into electricity. For camping and travel, it helps you distinguish between stored battery power and power replenished by sunlight.
Solar charging versus charging from an outlet
Charge your power bank before leaving home. Treat its small solar panel as a supplemental charging option, not a promise of unlimited power. Performance depends on panel size and efficiency, direct sunlight, shade, clouds, temperature, and location. There is no single solar charging time that applies to every trip.
What to look for in a camping power bank
- Battery capacity suited to your devices and time away from outlets.
- Output ports compatible with your charging cables.
- A size and weight you are comfortable carrying.
- Useful extras such as a flashlight, without relying on them as your only emergency equipment.
Capacity in mAh alone does not tell you exactly how many phone charges you will get. Device battery size, voltage conversion losses, and phone use during charging affect the result.
Compare two REF Power options
The Original REF Solar Power Charger is listed with a 10,000mAh battery, dual USB outputs, LED flashlights, a compass, and a hanging clip. Its listing describes it as water-resistant; do not assume it is suitable for submersion.
The Hardcore REF Power Solar Charger is listed with a 26,800mAh battery, wireless charging, and an LED flashlight. Compare its larger listed capacity when planning longer trips, but remember that actual runtime depends on your devices and how you use it.
Plan your power before the trip
Pack compatible cables, start with a charged battery, and conserve phone power when outlets are scarce. Protect your equipment and follow its instructions. A solar power bank can supplement your charging plan, but cannot guarantee your phone will never run out of power.
