Today, more than ever, every Ukrainian feels the need to stay connected around the clock. Therefore, they need to find reliable power sources to be able to recharge their phones or flashlights at any time. A power bank equipped with a solar panel can help, as it combines portability and environmental friendliness. But to choose the right device, you need to pay attention to a number of factors, which we will discuss in this article. We also wrote about solar-powered power banks in our previous article:“TOP-3 solar powered power banks“. We recommend that you read it.
- Here are the advantages and disadvantages of solar-powered power banks.
Thus, the advantages include the environmental friendliness of the device (it uses renewable energy from the sun, which makes it climate-resistant and environmentally friendly), portability (they are light and compact), and independence from the power grid. Undoubtedly, these factors are attractive to buyers. However, it should be remembered that there are also certain disadvantages. For example, they include dependence on weather conditions (if there is sunshine, charging takes place; if it is cloudy, the solar panel does not work), slow charging, and a rather high price. This is the first step in choosing the right device.
- Next, we need to pay attention to the type of solar panel
Today, the most popular types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient, polycrystalline panels are characterized by a balance between cost and performance, and thin-film panels have the worst performance but are lightweight and flexible.
- After that, we look at the power
It is important to understand what gadgets you plan to charge with a solar power bank. Since the output power of the power bank should exceed the requirements of gadgets (smartphones, phones, tablets, laptops). Accordingly, if you plan to charge only your phone, 10-15 watts will be enough, but for tablets and other powerful devices, this figure should be 20-25 watts.
- Next and no less important is charging efficiency
It is important to understand how much of the collected solar energy will be converted into usable power. So when you see that the conversion rate is more than 20%, it guarantees that you will get the most out of the light.
- Next comes durability
A good solar powered power bank should be designed to withstand all kinds of weather. Pay attention to water permeability, water resistance, dust permeability, and resistance to impacts of varying strengths. Also, the ability to resist scratches and damage.
- The next step is to carefully study the connection options.
- It’s worth checking the number and type of available USB ports. Some chargers come with additional cables that make it easier to connect gadgets.
- The sizes of solar power banks differ from each other in terms of power, type and design of the solar panel. Therefore, choose the option that suits you best.
- Charging time is about 5000 mAh, about 14 x 7.6 x 1.3 seconds – easily fits in jeans pockets, but can only charge a phone.
- Batteries 10,000-20,000 mAh in the range of 16.5 x 8.9 x 2 cm,
- The 20,000 mAh devices are bulky, with dimensions of 19 x 11.4 x 3 cm, but they can charge several gadgets at the same time.
- The last thing is additional features
If we want to choose a more modern device, we buy one that is equipped with LED flashlights, a built-in compass, or one that can be charged “over the air.” Taking these nuances into account, it will be easier to choose a solar-powered Power Bank and stay connected wherever you go.