What to Look for in a Solar Power Bank?

In today’s world, staying connected isn’t a luxury; it's a necessity. Portable power comes in 3 forms. A rechargeable battery (power bank) to store power, a folding solar panel to generate power or a combination of the two a solar power bank, which, although a compromise of a rechargeable battery and an inbuilt solar panel, can be extremely useful and a real lifesaver, whether you’re hiking in Snowdonia, working remotely, or just want peace of mind during power cuts. It is a solar power bank that we will discuss in this blog. But with so many on the market, how do you know which one to choose?

For ongoing off-grid travel, we recommend a separate power bank (10Ah+) and folding solar panel (10W +) from our diverse range of expedition-proven products.

At Mobile Solar Chargers Ltd, we’ve been perfecting off-grid charging solutions for over a decade. From daily backup batteries (solar power banks) to rugged expedition gear (power bank + folding solar panel), we know exactly what makes a solar charger worth your money.

Let’s explore the key things to look for before you buy.

1. Battery Capacity — How Much Power Do You Really Need?

The first number you’ll see is the capacity, measured in Ah (or milliamp hours) or Wh (watt hours). This tells you how much energy the bank can store.

• For a quick day trip, a 5-10Ah bank might be enough.

• For camping or off-grid travel, you’ll need 20Ah+.

• A modern smartphone usually requires around 2.5Ah to fully recharge once.

That means a 10Ah power bank could charge a phone roughly three + times. But remember: solar charging is slower than mains charging, so battery capacity matters more than flashy numbers on the box.

Tip: Check out our Power Banks Collection; each listing clearly shows the real-world charge capacity.

2. Solar Panel Size & Efficiency: Bigger Really is Better

Solar charging relies on the surface area and sunlight hours. A small phone-sized panel might not be able to keep up with a modern smartphone, but it will extend the capacity of the power bank, constantly topping it up when in direct sunlight. This is ideal for occasional use or as an emergency backup, since it will always be fully charged. A solar charger with a fold-out panel and a 20Ah battery has around 6 stored phone charges, and the addition of the solar can extend this to 10 +, always recovering charge. 

At Mobile Solar Chargers, we explain this clearly: if you get regular daylight access, a folding solar panel plus power bank combo is ideal. But if you’re using it mostly indoors, go for a larger capacity battery with USB input for reliability.

3. Compatibility: Can It Power All Your Devices?

Modern users often juggle multiple gadgets: phones, tablets, smartwatches and cameras. These are all 5V USB-charged and suitable to recharge from a USB solar power bank.
Before buying, check that your solar bank offers:

• Multiple USB outputs (e.g., USB-A, USB-C)

• Fast-charging support (QC or PD)

To recharge Laptops and larger devices, you would generally need a separate, larger power bank with a minimum of 12V (or C Type) output and an inverter if it is mains-charged. Our folding solar chargers and power banks are built with universal compatibility, ensuring you can plug in just about anything, even laptops and GoPros on certain models.

4. Build Quality Choose Tested, Not Tacky

Our products are field-tested on expeditions because we believe reliability is non-negotiable. You want something that’s:

• Water-resistant and dust-proof

• True capacity and specifications

• Drop-tested for rugged use

• Equipped with overcharge and short-circuit protection

As an Independent trusted solar power supplier, we take pride in transparent specs and honest results, no exaggerated claims, just fit for purpose charging. 

5. Portability & Design — Power You Can Carry

A huge power bank is great… until it becomes too heavy to carry. Balance is key. If you’re using it daily, go for a compact, lightweight design. If you’re travelling off-grid, 2 x medium power banks with a folding panel make more sense.

At Mobile Solar Chargers, we retail products that fit both lifestyles, urban convenience and adventure reliability.

Why Choose Mobile Solar Chargers?

Here’s why thousands of UK customers trust us:

• Over 13 years of expertise in portable solar power.

• Proven track record used by the British Antarctic Survey and Royal Navy teams.

• Transparent specifications with real testing data.

• Fast UK delivery and helpful after-sales advice.

Every purchase supports innovation in renewable technology, helping you and the planet stay powered responsibly.

Quick Buying Checklist

Before you buy, ask yourself:

• Is a solar power bank adequate for my needs, or do I need a separate power bank & solar panel

• How many times do I need to recharge my devices?
   

•  Will I use it indoors or outdoors?
   

• Does it have safety protections built in?
   

• Is the solar panel size realistic for UK sunlight?
   

• Can I rely on the brand’s quality and service?

If you’ve ticked these off, you’re ready to find the perfect solar power bank.

FAQs

1: Can I charge my phone using sunlight alone?

Yes, but solar current is variable, especially if you are moving, modern devices like a constant current. The best practice to overcome this is to use solar to charge a power bank and a power bank to charge devices, which also gives stored power at night.

A solar power bank takes care of this: the solar recharges the power bank, and the power bank gives a constant charge to your device. 

2: Are solar power banks good for winter use?

Absolutely. They can still store mains power and top up with any daylight available. Many users keep them as emergency backups during power cuts.

3: How long do solar power banks last?

A good-quality lithium battery typically lasts 500+ charge cycles, that is, several years of use if properly maintained.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a solar power bank isn’t just about tech spec; it's about freedom. The freedom to explore, to stay connected, and to rely less on the grid.

At Mobile Solar Chargers, every product is designed for real-world performance. Whether you’re an adventurer, a camper, or someone who simply wants peace of mind during a blackout, we’ve got the perfect power solution for you.

Explore our latest solar power banks today and experience the freedom of solar energy in your pocket.