Best Solar Power Bank for a Power Outage
Best Solar Power Bank for a Power Outage
When the power goes out, your phone becomes the most important device in the house. A solar power bank keeps it charged without a wall outlet, and the right one depends on how much capacity you actually need and how you plan to recharge it.
How Much Capacity Do You Need?
A 10,000mAh bank is enough for two to three full phone charges, which covers most short outages. If you're charging multiple devices or expect to be without power for several days, look at 20,000mAh or higher.
Our Picks
Best All-Around: 10,000mAh Portable Power Bank with 12W Solar Panel
At $74.52, this one pairs a dedicated 12W solar panel with 10,000mAh of storage, enough for daily charging and real solar top-ups when the sun's out, not just a token panel bolted on for marketing.
Best With Built-In Lighting: 12,500mAh Portable Solar Power Kit with 3 LED Bulbs, FM Radio & USB Charging
Also $74.52, but built for a whole room rather than a single device. The three LED bulbs and FM radio make this the better pick if you want one unit that covers light, charging, and information during an outage.
Best Budget Backup: Hand Crank Emergency Weather Radio with NOAA, Solar Charging & 2600mAh Power Bank
At $31.22, its 2600mAh won't replace a dedicated power bank for heavy phone use, but it's the cheapest way to add NOAA weather alerts, a flashlight, and backup charging to a kit you're just starting to build.
What to Skip
Treat the solar panel on any of these as a backup charging method, not your primary one. Charge the bank fully from a wall outlet before a storm arrives, and let solar top it off afterward.
Gear Up With Catch These Rays
- 10,000mAh Portable Power Bank with 12W Solar Panel — $74.52
- 12,500mAh Portable Solar Power Kit with 3 LED Bulbs, FM Radio & USB Charging — $74.52
- Hand Crank Emergency Weather Radio with NOAA, Solar Charging & 2600mAh Power Bank — $31.22
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best solar power bank for a multi-day power outage?
For multi-day outages, prioritize total capacity over solar panel size. A 10,000 to 12,500mAh bank with a dedicated solar panel, charged fully before the storm, will outlast a smaller bank relying on solar alone.
Can a solar power bank fully recharge from sunlight alone?
It can, but slowly. Direct sun can take the better part of a day to fully recharge a 10,000mAh bank through its built-in panel, so solar is best used to extend a charge, not as your only method.
Do I need a power bank with a built-in light?
Not necessarily, but it's convenient if you're building a single kit rather than separate lighting and charging tools. For a whole room, a bank with built-in LED bulbs like the 12,500mAh kit covers both needs at once.
— Team Catch These Rays