Does a solar power bank really work?

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Werkt een solar powerbank echt?

A power bank that charges itself using sunlight. It sounds like the perfect gadget for campers, travellers and festival-goers. Never run out of battery again, even when there is no power outlet nearby. But does a solar power bank really work as well as you are told?

In this blog you can read how a solar power bank works, what you can expect from it and whether it is smart to purchase one.

What is a solar power bank?

A solar power bank is a power bank with a built-in solar panel that converts sunlight into electricity. This electricity is stored by the power bank, with which you can later charge devices such as your smartphone or tablet. And that without having to charge the power bank via the wall socket.

How does a solar power bank work?

On top of the solar power bank is a solar panel that captures sunlight and converts it into electricity. This electricity is stored in the internal battery of the power bank. Later you can use this electricity to charge your smartphone, for example.

The solar panel actually works just like a small solar panel on a house, but then smaller and less powerful. You only have to put the power bank in the sun, and it will start charging slowly by itself.

Kun je een solar powerbank opladen met een kabel?

De meeste solar powerbanks hebben naast een zonnepaneel ook een oplaadpoort met een kabel. Als er geen zonlicht is, kun je nog steeds je solar powerbank opladen met een kabel. De meeste moderne powerbanks hebben een USB-C en USB-A poort. Oudere modellen solar powerbanks kunnen ook een Micro-USB poort hebben.

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The benefits of solar power banks

  • Independent of power outlets

A solar power bank allows you to charge devices without access to mains power, which is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping.

  • Environmentally friendly

A solar power bank uses solar energy, which contributes to a lower ecological footprint.

  • Emergency power supply

In situations where power supplies fail, a solar power bank offers an alternative to charge important electronic devices.

The disadvantages of solar power banks

  • Relatively long charging time

Because a solar power bank charges via solar energy, it can take several days to fully charge. This is because the solar panels of most power banks are small and therefore can "catch" little sun.

  • Dependence on weather conditions

Apart from the fact that solar charging is relatively slow, there has to be sunlight anyway. So you are very dependent on the weather.

  • Less strong

Due to the fragile panels, a solar power bank can break down faster than the average standard power bank.

Should you purchase a solar power bank or not?

Solar power banks have an attractive promise. Namely, charging your devices for free using solar energy wherever you are. In theory, this sounds like a perfect solution for every hiker, camper or outdoor enthusiast who can charge their smartphone in nature. In practice, this turns out to be somewhat nuanced.

Although the idea of ​​solar energy is sustainable and environmentally friendly, the performance of solar power banks is highly dependent on external conditions. It is almost impossible to fully charge a solar power bank within a day with only sunlight.

So to get back to the question, should you buy a solar power bank or not?

The answer is yes, as far as we are concerned, but only if you know what you need the power bank for and see it as a supplement and not as an emergency product. You can never fully rely on solar energy, because you are weather-dependent. Do you buy a solar power bank because it charges just as efficiently and quickly as a standard power bank ? No.

If you want a power bank that is reliable and can be charged quickly, you are better off choosing a regular power bank. This is because they charge faster, are lighter and are often cheaper than solar power banks.

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