Best solar chargers for gadgets
The idea of running gadgets on solar power is a tempting one -- you get a green power source, no more reliance on wall sockets and endless free energy. And as our other gadgets get ever more frugal with power and solar panels get ever more efficient, solar technology is emerging as the most practical alternative energy source for portable electronics.
But which solar charger gives you the most power for your penny? To find out, we've rounded up five of the most popular ones on the market today. All use traditional photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight, or even daylight, into electrical power. But that's often where the similarities end.
The most basic solar chargers (like the Sunlinq 6.5W) consist of just a panel and a power output. These have the advantage of being small and light, and there's less to go wrong. But if it's not sunny when you need to recharge -- or sunny when you're busy doing something else -- they're not very convenient.
More advanced chargers (such as the Freeloader, Solio Magnesium Edition and more) are based around a rechargeable battery that stores the power generated to use when you need it. These often have a variety of outputs to suit different devices, from cameras and mobile phones to MP3 players and games consoles. The most sophisticated can also draw power from a number of sources, such as USB ports and traditional wall sockets. This means they can potentially replace a whole swathe of chargers -- ideal when you're travelling.
There are several key features to look for in a charger. Obviously, you'll want it to support all, or at least most, of your portable gizmos, so check its range of output jacks (sometimes also called power tips). See how much power the panels are capable of generating -- they range from 120mA to 433mA in our test -- as it will affect how fast they can charge up. Then compare the capacity of the rechargeable batteries (again, these products range from 1000mAh to 2200mAh). A larger capacity system will be able to power up more devices from each charge.
But don't get the idea that solar tech is always environmentally friendly. Any device with rechargeable batteries uses toxic heavy metals and should be used, and disposed of, responsibly. Avoid the most polluting and less efficient nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries if possible. And cross your fingers for sunny summer.
All of these chargers have something to offer. If you want a basic battery charger, the ScottyPro will be great for anyone stuck using AA cells, but isn't so useful on the move. For a few quid more, the Freeloader is a compact travel charger that can also use USB power. The Solio Classic Hybrid (£50, not reviewed here) and PowerMonkey (£65) can both use wall sockets worldwide and could certainly replace most traditional power adaptors, though check they've got the right power tips for you.
The PowerMonkey is more powerful and better built, but disappoints by not being able to charge while it's charging. Finally, car campers should look to the Sunlinq (£95). It doesn't have a battery for storage but it generates the most power of any on test and is perfect for powering gadgets in your car.
Global Solar Sunlinq 6.5W
PowerMonkey-eXplorer
Solar Technology Freeloader
Solar Technology Scotty Pro
Solio Magnesium Edition
