Keep Your Phone Charged With a Solar Powered Phone Charger

Solar Powered Phone Charger Buying Guide

If you are overwhelmed by the sheer variety of solar powered phone chargers out there, here is a buying guide to help you make the right choice.

Factors to Consider

A solar powered phone charger is not a thing to be purchased on a whim. You have to factor in some features and aspects before finalizing your choice.

We have listed them below:

Power output  

One of the most important considerations in a solar powered phone charger is its power output. Power output is essentially how much electricity the kit can generate and store.

A kit with a high amperage battery may recharge your cell phone multiple times but will also require longer sun exposure to charge itself. If you are getting a solar powered rechargeable kit for charging your phone then a smaller, portable kit would be a better choice.

Some kits naturally lack a battery, meaning they can produce a current but are unable to store it. You have to keep your device connected to store the charge.

Durability 

The durability of the solar charging kit and its panels is another important aspect that you have to factor in. Since you will be mostly using it outdoors, it’s important to purchase a solar powered phone charger that can withstand harsh outdoor environments and resist wear and tear.

Choose a kit that features robust construction. It should be rugged and dependable so you can use it without worrying about damage.

It is also important for the panels to be waterproof so they can withstand light rain.

Portability

Portability is a feature that is common in all solar powered phone chargers.  At least in a technical sense, their degree of portability does vary from model to model.

Some units contain high-capacity batteries that increase the weight and bulk of the device. You also have to connect them with multiple heavy panels for adequate charging input. Others are more compact, with built-in solar panels and low-capacity batteries.

The model you choose depends upon your unique needs. If you are getting a solar setup to power various appliances, a high-capacity system should be your choice. Now, if you want a solar kit for recharging your phone then a low-capacity, the portable kit is a better option.

Cost

While none of the listed solar powered phone chargers are enough to break your bank, some are more expensive than others. You might have also noticed that the price of these units also increases with those features.

We suggest saving money on features that you don’t absolutely need. Instead, a basic solar charger that serves as a backup to recharge your phone would be more budget-friendly.

If additional features are important, you should go for a costlier model.

Advantages of Using a Solar Powered Phone Charger

Here are some advantages associated with using solar energy for recharging your phone:

• Solar power is a sustainable source of energy. You can use it without any adverse environmental effects, and because it doesn’t consume natural resources it won’t run out.
• Most solar powered phone chargers are lightweight, allowing you to easily carry them around in your pocket or bag pack without burdening yourself.
• You can use a solar powered phone charger without having to worry about the availability or the type of electric sockets.
• Solar powered chargers are completely mobile. You can use it just about anywhere so as long as it gets sun exposure.

Making the Most Out of a Solar Powered Phone Charger

A solar powered phone charger is a low maintenance device that needs very little care and maintenance. This does not mean, however, that you shouldn’t give it some TLC.

Here’s how you can make the most out of your solar phone charger.

Keep it clean and dust-free 

Dust can interfere with the electricity generation process of your solar phone charger. It creates a barrier that prevents the sunlight from making direct contact with the solar cells.

Because of this, you should regularly clean the panels of your solar charger to prevent dust from building over it. Using a soft, damp cloth for this purpose should be more than enough to accomplish this.

Angle the panels correctly 

Setting the solar panel at the right angle is important for maxing out your power output. As a general rule of thumb, the angle your solar panels make face the ground should be the same as your latitude. The more the distance from the poles, the steeper the angle should be.

If you are unsure about the accurate angle you can get help from various websites. Put in your location and try to replicate the setup they show. Setting the panels at an accurate angle noticeably increases their power generation.

Prevent your phone from overheating

Many solar phone charging kits include a pocket in their design where you can place your phone as it charges. Usually black in color, this pocket absorbs the sun’s heat and becomes a hot oven for your phone. It’s best to avoid keeping your phone in there as the excess heat can cause it to overheat and shut off.

You should put it in a more shaded area for optimal charging. Try placing it under the solar panels or in the triangular gap between the angling panel and the ground.

Choose a kit sensibly 

If your sole purpose for buying a solar charging kit is cell phone charging, you should choose a kit very sensibly. We won’t stop you from buying a high-capacity solar generator, but it’s not a very practical purchase decision.

Instead, a lightweight solar charging kit will do you much good.

Conclusion

Solar charging technology has improved by leaps and bounds. Over the years, not only has it become more sophisticated but affordable, too. Today you can get your hands on a good solar phone charger for as little as $50.

This small investment will serve you for years to come!