During the summer season, when we spend more time outdoors and soak up the sun, there is a perfect synergy that arises: the need for a reliable power source for long days at the beach or pool. The idea of a power bank charged through solar panels seems like an ideal solution, or at least that’s what we believe.
However, today we’ll explore whether these solar-powered devices are truly worth the investment, or if there are more affordable and compelling alternatives available that offer better value for money.
Solar external battery
We’ve all come across these products at some point, and they have a way of capturing our attention. However, if you’re considering purchasing one, it’s best to hold off. They aren’t what they seem, and the only thing you’ll end up doing is wasting your money.
To understand how they truly perform, let’s take a look at a couple of examples available on Amazon.
Typically priced around €30, which is standard for this type of device, they boast a capacity of 20,000 mAh. Supposedly, their functionality is similar to any other power bank, except they can also be recharged using light alone, or so they claim.
If we put it to the test, in about an hour of direct sunlight at the beach, the battery’s capacity increases from 25% to just 28% (equivalent to 600 mAh). This means that we would have to rely on a full 8 hours of bright sunlight on a clear day to charge our mobile device, and even then, it’s highly unlikely that it would reach a full charge.
To summarize, these solar-powered devices may serve as a last-resort emergency measure when we find ourselves in a situation with a nearly depleted battery and no access to charging facilities. They can provide a small boost, even if it’s just 5% charge, which can be helpful in dire circumstances where we’re stranded and need to make a call. However, as a practical charging solution for beach or pool trips, they fall short. We end up using them like any other power bank and don’t fully leverage the solar charging capability we paid for.
It’s important to note that exposing our devices to excessive heat and direct sunlight isn’t beneficial for their overall battery health. While the solar panel portion may be designed to handle such conditions, the rest of the power bank can still be subjected to high temperatures, which can affect its overall longevity.
In our opinion, these gadgets are primarily designed to create a perceived utility that they don’t truly possess. Once purchased, users tend to keep them since they function adequately as standard power banks. However, for the same price, you can obtain a higher-quality, better-branded, and larger-capacity power bank without the unnecessary solar panel feature. Therefore, it’s advisable not to waste money on these products unless you have specific needs that justify their use.
As an alternative, I recommend considering another device that offers superior features at a similar price point. Although it may not have solar panels, I assure you that you’ll never miss them, given their limited practicality.
