The Best Portable Solar Panels and Chargers of 2018

Best Overall Solar Charger

Anker PowerPort 21W

$65.99 at Amazon See It

Weight: 15.7 oz | Panel Size: 21 Watts
The Anker 21W was miles above every other model in our performance comparisons. In previous years, we tested the Anker PowerPort 15W and were thoroughly impressed. When we tested the more powerful 21W version, we wondered how it could be better, but trust us, it is. The Anker 21W has all the same attributes as the 15W but with 6W more power. It has a fast charging speed: 3 hours and 40 minutes to charge a 6,000 mAh external battery in full sun, one of the faster in our review. It was also the best at charging multiple devices at once (there are two USB ports) and handled charge interruption as well as you could expect.

It's not the lightest model that we tested, but it is the lightest 20 Watt and up option. Its tri-folding design is about the size of a magazine and is easy to store. This contender was hard to beat regarding charging capabilities, weight and price. Its little brother, the Anker 15, remains in production and is a great option if you don't need quite as much charging power and want to spend a bit less.

Read review: Anker PowerPort 21W

Best Bang for the Buck

Instapark Mercury 10W

$33.00 at Amazon See It

Weight: 18 oz | Panel Size: 10 Watts
The Instapark Mercury 10W continues to be a solid performer at a great price point. It has some of the best charge interruption recovery and charging speed in our review. We loved the large, easy to access external pocket for storing our accessory cables, and we were impressed with its overall durability and quality.

It didn't do so well in our multiple device tests; while it comes with two USB ports, it is only a 10W system. That means each port is only getting 5W (or less). It's a little heavier and bulkier than the Anker 21, but we appreciated the rugged design, Velcro closure, and the sewn loop for hanging the panel. If you're looking for something durable and long-lasting for simple charging tasks at a reasonable price, then the Mercury 10W is for you. As an added plus, the Instapark Mercury 10W can often be found for under $50, which is a bargain for such a high-performance model.

Read review: Instapark Mercury 10W

Top Pick for Lightweight

Renogy E.Flex5

$24.50 at Amazon See It

Weight: 6.1 oz | Panel Size: 5 Watts
While most of the 12 models we tested came within ounces of each other on the scale, the Renogy 5W blew the competition out of the water when it came to weight and portability. This sleek little puppy weighs only 6.1 oz, (whereas all the others fell between 12 and 16 ounces), and is about the size and thickness of a small clipboard. It is durable, easy to clean, and water resistant. Unlike the other models with a protective canvas outer covering, the Renogy has a barebones, simplified design that keeps it lightweight. It's a great alternative to the smaller, battery-included contenders we tested last year, combining lightweight design and portability with effective charging capabilities.

It had great charging speed for such a small device, but could not handle charge interruptions well. It also only barely charged our external battery during our charging tests - only 9% in 4 hours under the full sun. This device is not for heavy-duty charging; but if you need something to keep your phone battery full on a backpacking trip, the Renogy is a good option.

Read review: Renogy E.Flex5

Best for Fast Charging

X-Dragon 20W

$47.99 at Amazon See It

Weight: 19.7 oz | Panel Size: 20 Watt
If you're looking for the fastest charging time (in optimal conditions), the X-Dragon 20W is hard to beat. It took only 3 hours and 30 minutes to charge our external battery (fastest in review) and reliably provided fast charging. It also handled charge interruptions as well as the Anker 21W, quickly re-establishing its connection after shading occurred.

While we appreciate the dual charging ports, the X-Dragon could not charge two batteries at once. It couldn't even keep a connection to both, and they kept connecting and disconnecting. While technically the list price is $120, we often see if for around $50 on Amazon. At the first price, it is expensive, and you can get something better for less. At the second, it's a great deal and worth the money if you're looking for a fast charger for single devices for car camping trips.

Read review: X-Dragon 20W

Analysis and Test Results

Now more than ever, solar technology is growing in popularity, and we have many well-tested options when shopping for a portable model. Traveling around the southwest US during this testing period, we saw large solar arrays, of the grid homes with panels outside, to campers charging their smaller devices on the go. Not long ago, it was difficult to find a rigid, monocrystalline panel in a foldable, light design. Portable options were bulky, finicky, and didn't last long when exposed to the elements. Now, dozens of companies produce affordable, effective monocrystalline panels ranging from small 5W models to larger and more powerful 20W options for a faster charge. These monocrystalline models are much more effective and lightweight than their polycrystalline forefathers.




Last year's favorite, the Anker Powerport 15W is constructed with industrial-strength PET polymer, making super-durable and able to charge devices quickly and efficiently. This upgrade sent the Anker 15W to the top of its class last year and remains a top contender this year as well. The PowerGreen 21W use the same PET Polymer facing, making it an extremely durable option as well.


We tested small wattage models that were portable, like the Renogy 5W and the ever-popular Goal Zero Nomad 7. We also added the Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus, which is much lighter weight than the original Goal Zero, but it costs more. Though they were two different models, both the Nomad 7's performed comparably in testing.

Then, we re-tested some of our favorites from last year, including the Instapark Mercury 10W and the Anker PowerPort Lite 15W. We also chose some with some extra wattage for faster charging; these models include the PowerGreen 21W, the Anker 21W, and the X-Dragon High-Efficiency 20W. Solar technology is improving overall. Every one of these panels performed well, their metrics ratings ranging mostly due to their output capabilities (i.e., Wattage), rather than the design of the models themselves.

We recently updated our review to include two new models, both of which have an included battery. The iClever BoostCel 12W looks like a traditional fold-out solar charger but has a very thin battery inside. This model performed quite well in comparison to our other mid-range models. The Bernet 24000mAh battery/panel combo looks more like a giant battery with a small solar panel on it and performs in much the same way. It did not compare to the other 10W options in this review, such as the Instapark Mercury 10W which vastly out-performed the Bernet.

Value

Unlike some other products we test here at OutdoorGearLab (we've tested bikes that cost more than our cars!) portable solar chargers all tend to be on the affordable end of the spectrum, ranging in price from $30 to $120. However, even with such a reasonable price point, some models had much better value than others. For example, our Best Buy winner, the Instapark Mercury 10W ($63 list price, often less online) had the same overall score as products that cost twice as much. If you're looking for a budget pick that still performs well, check out our Price vs. Performance chart below. Those models on the bottom of the Y-axis (i.e., cheaper) but further along the X-axis (higher score) are where you can find great value, and include the Mercury 10W and the Anker PowerPort Lite 15.

Charge Interruption Recovery

Is your panel going to quit on you just because one tiny cloud passes overhead as you left it out on what appeared to be a cloudless afternoon? Or is the solar model strapped to your backpack causing your phone to constantly vibrate as the connection goes in and out from the USB port? These are the questions we addressed in our charge interruption recovery metric. To test these models, we measured the amount each one charged within a half hour span first in full sun, and then again in intermittent sun and shade. We also measured the output power before and after the charge interruption to see if the model could get back on track after being shaded.


The highest performing models in this category were the ones with more massive wattage, especially the Anker Powerport 21, our pick for Editors' Choice. The Renogy 5W scored low in this category because it has a small wattage. This makes it more difficult for the Renogy to return to full output after an interruption. Those with a larger surface area also tended to do better in this metric, because there are more cells exposed to the sun at one time. This is a benefit of the Instapark Mercury 10W, which unlike the other two medium watt panels, has three panels of cells, rather than two.


The included battery pack of the iClever BoostCel 12W and the Bernet 24000mAh also help in this metric, as the panels can fall back on the battery to continue a charge, even when the cells become shaded. That said, the iClever 12W worked much better to recover from an interruption since it has more surface area overall and a stronger output capacity.


The Bernet has such a small surface area with cells on it that it runs more of a risk of being shaded as the sun's orientation changes. It also just isn't able to gain as much power from the sun as a more substantial model can.

Charging Speed

The majority of the time, these solar panels are being used to charge cell phones when electricity is not available. Because this is typically the case, our highest rating metric in testing was Phone Charging Speed. We wanted to know long it took each model to charge an iPhone 6 (the main phone used for testing) as well as our small external battery packs. We set each one out in the direct sun for 30 minutes and measured how much the phone charged.


This way, we could get a good read on how efficiently the individual models worked for longer periods of time. We also timed how long it took for each one to charge our 6,000 mAh portable battery packs, so we had that data to compare as well. In general, these batteries can charge an iPhone from 0 to 100% about two times.


We found a broad range in the panel's ability to charge these batteries, from the X-Dragon, which charged to full in 3 hours 30 minutes, to the Renogy, which took 4 hours to charge the same battery only 9%. The Bernet model also scored a relatively high and was on par with the award winners.


This considerable variability is due to the extensive range in output power of the contenders we tested. 21W is four times as powerful as a 5W device, so it makes sense that panels like the X-Dragon 20 earned a 9 out of 10, the highest in our testing, alongside the Anker 21W — both are much faster. In this test, the X-Dragon 20W outperformed even our Editors' Choice winner, the Anker 21W, by charging our external battery pack the fastest. The Anker 21W was a close second, though, with the Instapark Mercury 10W, holding its own among the 15W and the 20W models.


For its size, the Renogy E.Flex5 held its own in both phone and battery charging efficiency. The Nekteck 14W and the RAVPower 16W were our two slowest performers and neither was able to fully charge our battery pack within a four hour period, unlike the other 14W and above models in this review. We found that it is overall a better idea to invest in a contender with a higher wattage since a fast charge is typically what we look for in a solar charger first and foremost. For a speedy and efficient charge, a more significant watt option is more efficient. That is unless you're trying to save weight or money, then a less powerful model might be a good compromise.

Multiple Device Charging Speed

As you might guess, when tasked with the challenge of charging multiple devices at once, the more powerful models performed better than the less powerful ones. Six out of the twelve chargers in this year's testing had numerous USB ports. The 5W and 7W models don't have the power to sustain two gadgets at once. That's why on the metrics chart, the three low watt models get a 2 out of 10, compared to the models that can charge two devices.


For the Anker 21W, charging two devices was a walk in the park. This model delivered a consistent charge to both devices, unlike its competitors.


The X-Dragon lapsed in and out of charging on both devices and the Powergreen 20W appeared to be charging each device, but we never saw an increase in percentage. With the Anker 21 being the only contender to score a 9 out of 10 for this metric, the PowerGreen 20 was the next highest scorer, earning a 6 out of 10. The PowerGreen was followed by the Nekteck 14, Instapark Mercury 10, and Anker Powerport Lite, earning 5 out of 10s.

Durability

Since their job is to lie out exposed to the elements, we had high hopes for these models regarding their ability to hang tough as we took them through deserts, mountains, sun, wind, and rain. Through months of testing, nearly all the contenders stood up to the challenge. The canvas protective fabric is like an exoskeleton-guarding the important insides of the panels. Solar technology seems to be advancing too, with companies working to make cells more durable and resistant to sun and water damage.



When scanning through customer reviews online, we saw some complaints about various models withering and warping in the sun. Because of this, we were extra vigilant, even when we set them out in the blazing southern Utah desert sun. Thankfully, in our testing period, none of the chargers endured much damage at all. These are hardy machines, and with technology advancing every year, solar panel companies have come leaps and bounds in the construction of portable options.


Models with external storage pockets, like the Anker 15W and 21W, the Powergreen 20W and the Instapark Mercury 10, won us over because their pocket not only protects extra gadgets but also keeps the USB port dry and covered when charging. Some of the models, like the Goal Zero Nomad 7, have a mesh pocket, which is nice for seeing what is inside, but also tends to wear out faster than a more burly canvas construction. Others, like the Renogy 5W and the Bernet 24000mAh lack pockets, which makes them more streamlined but also harder to keep track of your cables. The Renogy 5Ws USB port is well-protected on the back of the panel, but the ports on the Bernet are exposed to the elements and often got dirt in them when we propped it up on its side to charge.

Weight and Portability

Since the primary function of all these portable models is to be, well mobile, this is an important category. A model that is too heavy or bulky will be left behind to collect dust in the closet when you set out on your next adventure.



The models range from a mere 5.6 oz, like the Renogy 5W, the only model to earn a 10 out of 10 for portability, to the <!--to {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->iClever BoostCel 12W, which weighs in at 21.5 oz. For the most part, smaller options will be less powerful, but some of the low wattage panels, like the Goal Zero Nomad 7 and the Outad 7W, weigh almost as much as the 20W powerhouse panels.


Some come with lots of accessories and extra features, which make them easier to use and exciting, but also make them bulky and unappealing to carry on long trips. There is a happy medium, we found, between overkill and overly simple.

Accessories

This year we mostly avoided testing any models with battery packs included, though many of the companies in this review provide these products. To make the review more standardized across the board and to simplify the testing, we used a standard battery pack and USB for all the panels. We used the 1byone 6,000 mAh Portable Charger, as it was an inexpensive external battery with good reviews, used mainly for charging phones and small gadgets.


Many people choose to combine a solar charger that doesn't have an internal battery with an external battery. This allows the panel to charge the battery during the day while you're using your devices (phone, GPS unit, etc.). Then you can charge your device at night from the external battery. External batteries are an essential addition, too, because as our tablets and smartphones demand higher power (like 2A charging ports), this becomes harder to produce from the sun (which is variable at best), and requires higher wattages, and thus more panels, meaning more weight and bulk. The best option, in our opinion, is to have a less strong (and lighter weight!) solar charger that charges a high-quality external battery, which can, in turn, produce the necessary 2A of current for our devices.

Home Solar Models

The world headquarters of our sister site, SuperTopo.com, is now solar powered. Check out this detailed guide on how to choose home solar panels. The article contains photos, video, and many external links to help you evaluate if going solar is right for you.

Conclusion

Deciding on the right solar panel can be an overwhelming task. To make it easier to wrap your head around, figure out what you will be using it for, and go from there. Are you running a mobile office and need to keep multiple, energy-hungry devices happy? Or are you concerned with having a fully charged phone on a weekend excursion? The smaller watt options are going to be less expensive, and thus less powerful. As you increase the wattage, the panels become more and more efficient. The sky is the limit, but it depends on how much money you are willing to spend. We put all 12 of these competitors to the test and found that there are some that perform better than others, and a higher price tag doesn't necessarily mean a better product. We hope that our thorough tests and reviews of these products will be useful to you as you shop around for your new solar charger. If you need further assistance in finding the model that best suits your needs, check out our Buying Advice article.