3 Best Portable Solar Chargers in 2024

What makes the best portable solar chargers depends entirely on how you want to use it. If you want to go hiking, then the best charger is not the one with the largest capacity; it’s the one that is the lightest weight and most compact. If you like to camp in your car, the best option would be a good compromise between high capacity and portability. 

We’ll explore the 3 best portable chargers for 3 different uses so that you can decide which one will work best for you. Let’s get started!

EcoFlow’s Top Portable Solar Chargers 

• Best for Backpacking and Hiking EcoFlow RIVER 2 Solar Generator (PV110W)
• Best for Weekend Camping EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Solar Generator (PV220W)
• Best for Car Camping EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max Solar Generator (PV160W)

Best for Backpacking and Hiking EcoFlow RIVER 2 Solar Generator (PV110W)

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Solar Generator, with a 110W portable photovoltaic panel, is a fantastic lightweight option at only 3.5kg (7.7 lbs) and an additional 4kg (8.8 lbs) for the panel. It’s the perfect model for outdoor enthusiasts travelling on foot, for trips to the beach, or having a romantic picnic with your partner. 

It’s small enough to fit in your backpack or carry with the handle to bring it on day hikes or even on extended backpacking and camping trips in the bush. Since photovoltaic generators produce no toxic fumes, bringing them into your tent at night is perfectly safe. And, thanks to its handy portable photovoltaic panels, you can charge it while you rest during the day. 

This lightweight little unit also has a lot of power for its size; with 300W of output or up to 600W with its built-in X-boost, this allows you to run virtually any consumer electronics, including phones, tablets, laptops, speakers, lights, and small appliances like a portable blender. 

Its quality LiFePO4 battery means it should last about 10 years before you will even start to notice a decline in efficiency.

EcoFlow RIVER 2 Specifications

• Storage Capacity:256Wh
• AC Output: 300W total (surge 600W)
• Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-30V, 8A, 110W Max
• Weight: 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
• Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7 in (245 x 214 x 142 mm)
• Operating Noise Level: ~60 decibels
• Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car/USB-C Charging
• Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
• Depth of Discharge: 100%
• Warranty: 5 years
• App Monitoring and Control?: Yes

EcoFlow 110W Portable Solar Panel

• Rated Power: 110W
• Efficiency: 22.8 %
• Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline
• Weight: 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
• Folded Dimensions: 16.5×18.9×1.0 in (42.0×48×2.5 cm)
• Unfolded Dimensions: 16.5×70.3×1.0 in (42.0×178.5×2.5 cm)
• Waterproof/Dustproof Rating: IP68
• Open CircuitVoltage: 21.8V
• Short Circuit Current: 6.5 A
• Recommended Portable Power Station: EcoFlow RIVER 2

Best for Weekend Camping EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Solar Generator (PV220W)

If you want something light enough to move around but require a higher power capacity and output, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro might be the one for you. At only 7.8kg (17.2 lbs), it’s still light enough to easily move in and out of your vehicle and pack it in and out of your tent. The 220W panel that comes with it is compact and only weighs an additional 9.5kg (20.9 lbs). 

It’s the perfect size for weekend camping, festivals, and other outdoor adventures. It charges all your electronic devices and even runs small kitchen appliances, allowing you to camp with the luxuries of home!

This model is the ultimate in versatility because it’s more than a fantastic camping accessory. It even has enough power to use at home as a backup during power outages to keep your electronic devices and Wi-Fi going, which is great news for those who work from home. With 1600W of X-boost power, you can run up to 80% of household appliances. 

However, if you need more power for off-grid living, check out the EcoFlow DELTA Series, which can run virtually any household appliance. 

EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Specifications

• Storage Capacity: 768Wh
• AC Output: 800W total (surge 1600W)
• Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-50V 13A, 220W Max
• Weight: 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg )
• Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 8.9 in (270 x 260 x 226 mm)
• Operating Noise Level: ~60 decibels
• Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car/USB-C Charging
• Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
• Depth of Discharge: 100%
• Warranty: 5 years
• App Monitoring and Control?: Yes

EcoFlow 220W Portable Solar Panel Specifications 

• Rated Power: 220W Front Side/155W Rear Side
• Efficiency: 22 % – 23 %
• Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline
• Weight: 20.9 lbs (9.5 KG)
• Folded Dimensions: 32.3×19.7×1.3 in (82.0×50.0×3.2 cm)
• Unfolded Dimensions: 32.3×72.2×1.0 in (82.0×183.5×2.5 cm)
• Waterproof/Dustproof Rating: IP68
• Open CircuitVoltage: 21.8V (Vmp 18.4V)
• Short Circuit Current: 13A (lmp 12.0A) Front Side / 8.8 A (lmp 8.4A) Rear Side
• Recommended Portable Power Station: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro/EcoFlow DELTA 2

Best for Car Camping EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max Solar Generator (PV160W)

If you want a compromise between portability (weight and size) and capacity, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max is a fantastic option. It’s compact enough to easily store it with all your other camping essentials and lightweight enough to pack in and out of your car easily. 

This makes it the perfect choice for car camping, where you want more power but don’t want to carry a heavy model around. It’s also great for bringing to festivals or other outdoor off-grid adventures.  

With its 500W output, it will quickly charge your electronic devices, and with its 1000W surge, it can run most small kitchen appliances, so you can still bring your blender or coffee maker with you and camp with the luxuries of home. Gone are the days of sacrificing comfort to spend time in the great outdoors and enjoy nature. Now you can do both.

And thanks to the clean, renewable energy it produces with its 160W photovoltaic panel, you can rest easy knowing that you are not harming the environment.   

EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max Specifications

• Storage Capacity: 512Wh
• AC Output: 500W (Surge 1000W)
• Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-50V 13A, 220W Max
• Weight: 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg)
• Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 7.7 in (270 x 260 x 196mm)
• Operating Noise Level: ~60 decibels
• Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car/USB-C Charging
• Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
• Depth of Discharge: 100%
• Warranty: 5 years
• App Monitoring and Control?: Yes

EcoFlow 160W Portable Solar Panels Specifications

• Rated Power: 160W
• Efficiency: 21 % – 22 %
• Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline
• Weight: 12.3 lbs (5.6 KG)
• Folded Dimensions: 26.9×16.9×1.0 in (68.5×43.0×2.5cm)
• Unfolded Dimensions: 26.9×62.6×1.0 in (68.5×159.0×2.5 cm)
• Waterproof/Dustproof Rating: IP68
• Open CircuitVoltage: 21.4V
• Short Circuit Current: 9.6A 
• Recommended Portable Power Station: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max

How Do I Choose a Portable Solar Charger?

Several important factors must be considered when you design your photovoltaic generator system. Let’s take a look.

How You Plan to Use It

The most important thing to consider is how you plan to use it. If you want to go hiking, you want a lightweight, lower-capacity model that you can easily pack. If lightweight is your greatest need, you may even need to rethink what you want to run with it. 

On the other hand, if you want one for camping and to provide some backup for your home during a power outage, you want to find a good compromise between portability and capacity. 

Capacity

Figuring out what capacity you need is also very important. You must look at the devices and appliances you want to run and determine how many watts you need to run them for a given time. 

Power Output and Surge Power

Output power is as important as capacity as it will help you determine the maximum wattage devices you can run with it. However, with certain appliances and power tools, it is critical to understand the difference between starting watts and running watts, as this can significantly affect your choice. 

The model’s surge or X-boost output power will tell you if you can run those devices with higher starting watts.  

Weight

Weight and size are important factors when determining portability. You must balance your capacity needs with your need for portability. Look at the generator’s and photovoltaic panels’ weight and size, and measure your backpack, camping bin, etc., to determine if it will fit. 

Durability

With portability, durability is always a big factor. Choosing the cheapest model may seem appealing, but it probably won’t last long. Look for rugged design, waterproof connections, protective cases, and other factors that will help make it last longer. 

Price

Finally, price is a factor, but this should be considered last. Don’t look at the cheapest model just because you think it is affordable. It may not have the capacity or durability you need, so you may need to replace it sooner. That will cost you more in the long run than buying the right system in the first place. 

What Makes a Good Solar Charger?

What makes the best charger depends on how you plan to use it. However, a decent model will have good capacity, reasonable output power plus surge power when needed, fast recharge time, and multiple output ports and recharge options (AC, DC, sunlight, etc.). You also want lightweight, compact size, and durability features for portability. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Portable solar chargers are an excellent option for those of us who like to be on the move but need a portable power supply. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. You will need to figure out how much power you need and how you want to use it to determine the best model for you. 

For instance, if you like backpacking or hiking, choose a lightweight model like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Solar Generator (PV110W). If you need more power in a portable unit, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Photovoltaic Generator (PV220W) might be the one for you. And if you’re looking for a good compromise between portability and power output, then the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max Solar Generator (PV160W) might be your perfect choice.