A portable solar charger solves a specific problem: keeping devices charged when you're away from power outlets for extended periods. For camping, multi-day hiking, remote travel, and destinations with unreliable power, a fold-out solar panel paired with a power bank gives you a self-sufficient charging system that works anywhere the sun shines. It's not a replacement for mains power — it's a supplement for situations where mains power isn't available.
Travel Gear stocks portable solar chargers and panels for travel and camping, shipping from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.
Types of Solar Chargers
Foldable Solar Panels
Fold-out panels with multiple solar cells that generate power from sunlight and output via USB or DC. The most efficient solar charging option — a quality 21W panel charges a phone directly in 1–2 hours in full sun, or charges a 10,000mAh power bank in 4–6 hours. Panels fold to a compact size for packing and can be attached to a backpack to charge while hiking. Key specs: wattage (higher = faster charging), number of USB ports, and whether the panel includes a built-in battery.
Solar Power Banks
Power banks with a small integrated solar panel on the back. The solar panel is a backup trickle charger rather than a primary charging source — the integrated panels on most solar power banks are too small to charge the battery meaningfully in a day. Useful as an emergency backup but not a substitute for a dedicated solar panel. For serious off-grid charging, a separate panel and power bank is more effective.
Solar Lanterns
Collapsible or inflatable lanterns with integrated solar panels that charge during the day and provide light at night. Sea to Summit's Lighthouse lanterns are the benchmark — they charge via USB or solar, collapse flat for packing, and provide 360° light for a campsite. Useful for camping, power outages, and destinations with unreliable electricity.
What to Look for in a Travel Solar Charger
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Wattage: 10W is adequate for phone charging; 21W charges faster and can charge tablets; 28W+ suits power banks and multiple devices
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Efficiency rating: Quality panels convert 21–24% of sunlight to electricity; cheap panels convert 10–15%
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USB-C output: Essential for modern devices — check the panel includes USB-C as well as USB-A
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Weight: A 21W foldable panel weighs 400–600g — acceptable for camping; heavier for ultralight hiking
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Durability: Look for panels with a water-resistant coating and reinforced stitching on the fold points
Solar Charging in Australian Conditions
Australia has some of the highest solar irradiance in the world — a quality 21W panel in full Australian summer sun generates close to its rated output. In overcast conditions, output drops to 10–20% of rated wattage. For reliable off-grid charging in variable weather, pair a solar panel with a high-capacity power bank that stores energy generated on sunny days for use on cloudy ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge a laptop with a solar panel?
Yes — but you need a panel with sufficient wattage and a USB-C Power Delivery (PD) output. Most laptops require 45–65W to charge at full speed; a 21W panel will charge a laptop slowly or maintain the battery level during light use. A 60W+ panel with USB-C PD is required for reliable laptop charging.
How long does it take to charge a phone with a solar panel?
In full sun, a quality 21W panel charges a modern smartphone (3,000–5,000mAh battery) in 1–2 hours via direct connection. Charging via a power bank takes longer due to conversion losses. In partial shade or overcast conditions, charging time increases significantly — plan for 3–4 hours in typical Australian bush conditions with variable cloud cover.
Are solar chargers allowed on planes?
Solar panels (without a built-in battery) are carry-on and checked baggage safe with no restrictions. Solar power banks with a built-in battery must be in carry-on luggage — never checked baggage — and must be under 100Wh. Check the Wh rating on the device before flying. For the full power and tech range, see our travel technology collection.
