Pest Strategies

When you don’t have access to electricity, you can power your appliances and charge your devices with a solar power bank. This portable unit harnesses the sun’s rays to provide hours of reliable power. Pest Strategies researched a handful of products on Amazon to help you find the best solar power bank for your needs. Learn more about our top recommendations below.

 

Buying Guide

Consider battery capacity, charging speed, water resistance, size, and more before choosing a solar power bank. This buying guide gives you a quick overview of these factors. 

• Battery Capacity: Solar power banks have batteries that range in capacity from 1,000 to 30,000 milliampere hours (mAh). The average solar bank has a 10,000-to-20,000-mAh battery that can charge a smartphone two to three times when it’s fully charged. 

• Charging Speed: You probably want your devices to charge as quickly as possible. However, this may come with a tradeoff, as the battery life of your solar power bank will drain faster. Consider charging devices intermittently and using them only as necessary to prolong the battery life of your solar power bank, especially if the forecast doesn’t call for much direct sunlight. 

• Water Resistance: If you’re planning on spending time outdoors, you’ll want your solar power bank to have at least an IPX5 waterproof rating. Even with this rating, try to avoid accidentally submerging the power bank. 

• Number of Ports: While charging multiple devices at once with your solar power bank drains its battery faster, it may be necessary in some emergency situations. Most power banks have between two and four USB ports. You may even see a wireless charging option. 

• Size: The larger your bank’s battery capacity, the heavier and larger it’ll be. If you’re carrying the power bank in a backpack for multiple days, look for a less powerful model that’s compact and lightweight. 

• Additional Features: Flashlights, compasses, carabiners, and suction cups are common additional features that help you get the most out of your solar power bank. These features might not be useful if you’re using your bank around the city. However, if you need one for hiking or camping, these features can help you with navigation.

 

 

FAQs

• Will a solar power bank charge a dead car battery? 

Yes. It can charge your vehicle’s battery, providing enough juice to start the engine. However, make sure you’re using a solar power bank that’s specifically designed to charge car batteries.

• How do I extend the life of my solar power bank? 

Though most solar power banks have some level of water protection, make sure to keep the unit dry whenever possible. Additionally, keep any charging ports closed when they’re not in use to protect them from debris and damage. 

• Can you overcharge a battery using solar energy? 

It is possible. However, most solar power banks are designed to cap their energy intake once they’ve received enough sunlight.

 

 

Pest Strategies provides reviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, and other objective criteria. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for non-professionals. Because pest control products can be dangerous to your family if mishandled, we always recommend consulting with an exterminator, even if just to ask for advice on how to apply pest control products yourself.