Do Solar Power Banks Really Work?

Solar power banks sound great, you get clean, infinite power all for the price of free. But do they work well enough for you to rely on them?
We put our solar power bank to the test and tell you if one might be worth your hard earned money.
NOTE 1: The wall charging times from this video were taken while using a 5 watt charger. This bank is capable of up to 10 watt charging and using a more powerful charger allowed for a full charge in under 12 hours.
NOTE 2: This product is no longer available on Amazon. (April 2021)
Amazon link to other solar power banks:
amzn.to/46wtjRi
#solar
#solarpower
#solarpowerbank
Check us out on the social media at
Twitter: @randotechinfo
and
Instagram: randotechinfo

[@georgeseriani2482]

I'm very glad you did not have to form voltron because frankly I'm not sure you would know just how to control it's path of destruction.

[@RandoTechInfo]

George: I appreciate your concern and trust me, the other pilots and I do not take the forming of Voltron, or it's powers, lightly. That said, we have gotten pretty good with our control and our collateral damage statistics are way down as of late. You have nothing to fear. Thank you for watching citizen.

[@pooljunki1]

Lol

[@AlanSpringer2074]

Same here. This dudes awesome.

[@nicc2366]

@@RandoTechInfo what’s the link for the power bank?

[@gillesrobinsbienaime7792]

What's Form volton?

[@lauratatsch1066]

This panel can put out close to 100 watts kzbin.infoUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

[@RandoTechInfo]

I hope you like it.

[@theghostcore]

And on the seventh day the power bank rested... and it was good.

[@RandoTechInfo]

😆👍

[@professionalamateur1549]

For some reason your picture makes that funnier lol

[@d.l.jtransport9146]

Lmao 🤣 😂

[@andresciahooten9598]

So it rested like God 🤔?! 😂😂😂

[@QuantumBraced]

It has four 1.5W solar cells, so in total a 6W solar panel, which means in reality it gets about 5W under optimal conditions. The battery is 96 Wh, so it should take around 20 hrs of direct sunlight to charge fully. In the US on average you get about 5 sun hours per day, so it should take 4 days to charge, but being overcast/sub-optimal conditions might push that to 5-6 days which is in line with your findings. But that's to fully charge the battery. To get ~13 Wh which is the average cell phone battery size should be doable in one day or at least get 80% if it's overcast, and that's not too shabby for how big the thing is. Also, putting a solar panel behind a (clean) window reduces efficiency by 50%, even worse if it's double pane or a tinted windshield. It also reduces how much direct sunlight can reach it throughout the day, especially if you're not putting it right up against the window, so that's why you hardly got anything with that approach. I think this is a very cool product, but in reality you wouldn't use the solar 99% of the time when you're near civilization, yet it adds 30% more thickness and some weight. If you go camping or expect to be away from outlets, then you can buy a separate portable panel like the 21W Anker or 28W Big Blue which will give you a lot more power. So it makes more sense to get a regular power bank and just bring those portable panels with you when you think you might need them.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Thanks for sharing that information and your thoughts. Your idea about using separate portable panels is sound but they can be a bit more expensive (BigBlue for example is going for $63 on Amazon) and they don't have the added functionality of the power bank for stored charge. What's nice about this product is you can leave the power bank behind to charge while taking your phone with you. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of using separate solar panels as well. I just think both products are better suited for certain situations. Thanks for watching!

[@drzoidberg1]

Great post. Re: separate portal panels, since this is the same price as a similar sized power bank, I would just get this AND hook up the other panels for extra juice. Win-win right there I think.

[@unbroken1010]

@@drzoidberg1 but how would you connect the panels to the power bank do they make panels that attach through USB C can you make any recommendations

[@unbroken1010]

So I can buy a separate tunnel to hook up to the battery charger how does it connect through a USB C any recommendations would help what's your recommendation for the best solar charger that also has a plug for plugging in things like appliances I can be a little more expensive like under 200 I think I was looking at something called the lion cub go but seems like there plug-in had some problems I don't know if they fixed it or not

[@drzoidberg1]

@@unbroken1010 usually the small fold up panels have their own connectors on the side of the power bank. For the larger panels you plug them into the input usb-c or micro-usb on the bottom of the power bank. I suspect most banks will allow simultaneous charging from the 2 input sources.

[@genjiglove6124]

This is, like, the only helpful video on all of KZbin that I could find regarding solar power banks. Thanks!

[@RandoTechInfo]

GG: Happy to help. Thanks for watching!

[@relaxingsounds2526]

it takes 8 hours to charge, Not worth

[@tjmmcd1]

Thank you Randy for a rare, totally unbiased evaluation. Well done.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@MiMiOrt]

YES!!! You Sir, won a subscriber. I was searching for a detailed video and this is the best I have found. After a strong snowstorm and NO power for several days, I really appreciate this very well explained video. Thank you.

[@RandoTechInfo]

MiMi: Thank YOU for watching and for the sub! Glad you found it useful. Stay safe out there.

[@Fit.For.A.Firefight.]

I can’t seem to figure out why anyone would look to a pocket sized solar bank to help them during a friggin snowstorm where there is no sun.

[@dmitryru53]

Thank you, Rando, for this video. Really well done and I was able to understand all. It seems this type of device is just made for my aim: long-distance cycle touring when sometimes I can stay at some organized camping ground and some time at wild camping sites. So it permits to maintain the power bank at least partially recharged while traveling between two AC provided sites.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Thanks Dmitry. I'm glad you found the video useful. I feel like your use case is really what these type of products are designed for. Take care and happy cycling!

[@benthorne4148]

Good no-nonsense video. I have the AddAcc version, (7.5W) coupled with an Anker 21W panel that connects into it via the microUSB. As most powerbank batteries are 18W I’m pretty sure it’s not getting the full 28.5W I could potentially be capturing, but between its own 5 cells and the large Anker cells I can charge the whole thing from flat to full in about 9hrs. I’m lucky to get a full day of direct sun as I face south and am on the south coast of the UK so have slightly less cloud than the rest of the country. Today I’ve just used the Anker panel on its own to charge a separate 21500mA power bank from 0 to 75% in 5.5hrs. With the power I collect in the AddAcc solar bank and the separate Ravpower bank I charge my phone, iPad Pro, Apple Watch and air pods overnight where necessary and have essentially removed all of the devices I use all day for work from the ‘grid’. They’re all super-low power devices I know, but it’s a start. Any power left in the AddAcc gets used to top up the Ravpower bank and then it goes back outside first thing in the morning. I carry the Anker panel with me too so I can charge power banks in the car (laid across the dashboard), at work (works well in a window, unlike the AddAcc unit, we also have a roof terrace I can use) or even on the beach. If Anker can produce a battery unit that fits in their large 21.5W panel and has a digital readout displaying charge percentage and power input/output then I’d be absolutely all-in.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Ben: Wow. I admire your commitment to this. I have flirted with getting some panels. I think if I'm going to get serious about solar that will be my next step. Thank you for sharing and for watching!

[@wingmanalive]

I've owned at least half a dozen power banks and I was always interested in the solar. I bought one that had 5 total panels and here's my $.02. They will NOT charge under indoor lighting so don't try. Also don't try and charge them indoors next to a window like this guy did. They need full direct sunlight and a lot of it. They are a doomsday device only and not intended for everyday use. I bought one for my daughter's bug out bag.Great for camping and such but not for the power hogs.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Wing: I agree with most of your points. Outdoor charging is definitely the way to go if you are trying to make use of the solar panels, but don't forget if you are a power hog you can always just charge it with a cord. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and thanks for watching.

[@letsprayandfasttogether9618]

The first thing you do when you bug out is get rid of the phones 📱

[@nogo7277]

@@letsprayandfasttogether9618 do you not listen to music?

[@letsprayandfasttogether9618]

No Go only worship music. But the government won’t be tracking me down. Vaccines/mark of the beast have quantum dot tattoo, that will track you and track who has been vaccinated. They will use your phones too. They are already building camps just like the Holocaust. Go look up fema camps. We are in the end times, going to be a time when you leave everything and go into the woods or follow Jesus Christ

[@nogo7277]

@@letsprayandfasttogether9618 well they do track you by your phone location, buuut that was possible a long time ago. also quantum dot? i know you are pretending to be delirious but uhh... no.

[@nickwhite9209]

Just wanted to say thank you... I just ordered one and this is the ONLY vid I found explaining the solar charging of these chargers, thanks bro

[@RandoTechInfo]

Nick: Glad I could help and thanks for watching!

[@firstpersonstudios5514]

i love this! Nice job with the annotations (*not phone) xD Funny, informative, honest review. 👍Great job.

[@RandoTechInfo]

FPS: I was having some serious brain fartage that day. Glad you liked my solution and thanks for watching!

[@OnusBones]

I believe I have this same model, but it is only one part of my portable / backup power solution. I almost never use its attached panels (maybe good for 5W); instead I connect it through an adapter to the same much larger solar panel (100W-200W) that charges a portable power station. This device can charge my phone, UV-5R, razor, and other USB devices, plus charge NiMH and Li-ion batteries; the portable power station can run a compressor-cooler, charge tool batteries, and run other larger lights and appliances.

[@foxielady1740]

simple , clear , informative , well delivered,,,,thank you for your energy !!!

[@RandoTechInfo]

Thanks Foxie. Appreciate that!

[@Dethflash]

THANK YOU! This is the information i needed to know about solar power banks before deciding if im going to buy one. Im going to get one since i do enjoy camping, and its either sunny or raining here. All the videos i watched before seeing your amazing review, they just spewed out some tech spec opinion pieces but they never bought any solar power bank to test for themselves.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Dethflash: I'm glad you found it useful. Thank you for taking the time to share that and thanks for watching!

[@MNDashcam]

People seem to forget that it's not only phones that can be charged off of these things in a bug out scenario you can charge weapon lights or regular flashlights radios all sorts of other equipment I even have a USB chargeable lighter that is excellent for starting fires. It's basically just a coil with induction heating but it's a renewable resource that I can continue charging up off of one of these things and not rely on lighter fluid or bow drills or anything else. You can't expect wall power off of a couple tiny solar panels so I think a lot of negative reviews come from people who aren't realistic in their expectations. If you have a lot of your equipment that runs off the same 18650 batteries or other rechargable batteries and you have a USB charger, you can continue using that equipment long after the power grid goes down and generators run out of fuel. Most of the stuff that plugs into your wall is just a box with a step down transformer that usually bumps it down to 12 or less or 5 or less volts and basically anything that is going to be running in the 5 or less volts can be USB chargeable.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Nate: I think you hit the nail on the head about expectations, and if the grid ever did go down it's a heck of a lot better to have something like this than nothing at all. And while the technology is far from perfect it's not really that expensive. I am definitely willing to pay a couple of extra dollars for the added functionality. Thanks for your thoughts and thanks for watching!

[@mendellalvarado4285]

I love power banks. Thanks for the video! 👍

[@RandoTechInfo]

Mendell: Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

Uhm who doesn’t lol.

[@sacredscythe7979]

Great video! You helped me out a lot thanks!

[@RandoTechInfo]

I am glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@MichaelChanslor]

Great video. Thanks for the information! 👏

[@RandoTechInfo]

Thank YOU for watching Michael.

[@kellyklein6252]

Sweet! Great information!

[@AarronS]

Excellent review. Thank you sir. I liked and subscribed.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Appreciate that. Thank you for watching!

[@Paraver-Picture]

Thanks very much, I appreciate it.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Thank you for watching!

[@faithmercy7647]

Very well done. Thank you!

[@RandoTechInfo]

Fair: You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@leoui1085]

This is dope man, great informative video Genuinely helped me out❤️

[@RandoTechInfo]

Glad to hear it. Thanks!

[@jayfox9736]

I love the Greatest American Hero Box Set in the back!!!

[@RandoTechInfo]

Great show. Wish they'd remake it.

[@maryschwent7221]

Very useful info. Good comparison.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@AlphineWolf]

I picked up a single panel solar power bank. My purpose is a little different. People in our group each picked up a single panel one so we can go an entire day without having to use another power bank. The solar keeps the power bank topped up with trickle charge solar the entire day. It lasted me and my friend the entire day. We were doing pokemon go the entire day in the summer for an in game event

[@RandoTechInfo]

Wolf: Good idea. Glad it worked out! Thanks for watching.

[@mikecaf4538]

Subbed. Very practical information.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Mike: Thanks, that is much appreciated!

[@rockmanADV]

I use this camping all the time. The one I have has a huge LED light that can turn yellow. Works very well!!

[@adammcguinness9950]

You’ve sold me on it, thank you for your review.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Thank you for watching.

[@largelarry2126]

I have the same one in your video and it works well if it's in full sun and is maximized. Something to keep in mind is that most glass has UV protection and will stop or reduce charging of any solar device.

[@suezbell1]

So... trying to charge one on the dash of the car wouldn't work?

[@MrRockstar1968]

It's best to have the panels at an angle to face the sun rather than having it lay flat on a windowsill or table, this enables the panels to collect more sun.

[@mattc825]

Exactly.

[@juliamarcotte7812]

Hi, did you do the recommended first charge for 5-6 hours using regular electricity? That's what some of them say to do. It might have affected your results. Thanks for the video. It's always good to know how different settings affect a product.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Julia: Good question and yes I did. Thanks for watching!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

wrón use up first chred reduce charge dusscharge cyckes

[@yuugataame6088]

“Still not a phone” 😂😂🤣😂 For real though. Cool video. Liked.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Thank you. Appreciate that! FYI, it's STILL not a phone.

[@LetsGoTech]

Been looking for this

[@RandoTechInfo]

Nurcode: Glad you found it!

[@beastmode4668]

Great job my dude!! That sky was looking overcast AF on the outside portion, im sure that had something to do with it.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Beast: Actually it was just overcast when I did the outdoor filming. The six days I did the charging leading up to the recording was quite sunny. Good observation though. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelmoore2802]

Good video sir....I appreciate it !

[@RandoTechInfo]

Michael: Glad you liked it!

[@user-rv7xb3sk6g]

Thank you for useful video.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Art: Thanks for watching!

[@johnholliday5952]

It got four lights on the 6th day... It rested on the 7th day! 😆

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Bike corecy

[@ObamaoZedong]

I've used one of those for the last two years of full time boondocking. It's come in handy as a backup to my solar system but it doesn't really charge up all that fast, maybe one full phone's worth when angled toward the sun on the longest day of the year in the desert. Recently the battery started to fail such that it would take forever to charge and then it would discharge far to quickly. Over all they're gimmicks and not meant for regular use.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Not Friend Eater: I think it's a little bit harsh to call it a gimmick but I agree you would not want to use the solar panels for consistent, fast charging. I also agree it would probably work best in the desert. Perhaps I will take a drive and do another review. 😆 Thanks for watching!

[@rhoodj]

Those solar charger system do not have a long life. Not for regular use. Emergency or a trip..

[@mikey13b]

Thanks for the info. So probably best to go with a stand alone solar charger with a stand alone power bank for long term consistent use

[@derrickpittinger4444]

thanks dude, great vid!

[@RandoTechInfo]

Derrick: You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@3737dandelion]

thank you very much! i am new to all of this and found your video very helpful! once the solar bank is charged, how long will it keep the charge?

[@RandoTechInfo]

It will depend on storage temps and conditions but I can go months between usage with very little lower drain. Thanks for watching!

[@CarenWeb]

I have the Be-charming power bank you demo'd. It's been in a sunny window for 5 day and still has only 1 light. It seems like a long time to charge this. I appreciate how long you demonstrated you had to charge yours. Can I just plug it in to charge it or is it just for solar charging. Thanks for the video. It helped me alot.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Caren: Yes you can plug it in for faster charging. Good luck!

[@bodax6161]

Great Video! Thanks! I took cheap solar bank 1 panel replaced original battery because it got puffy with some old 3.7 phone batteries 2 of them run in parallel. And works well for what it is. And found the cell phone batteriez do better in heat! Thanks and good Luck!

[@RandoTechInfo]

BO: Glad you liked it and thanks for watching!

[@Tjensen999]

I love the shirt!! Childhood memories. :-)

[@RandoTechInfo]

Back when there was nothing a blazing sword couldn't handle.

[@tonytyler6755]

They do work, you just gotta get one built with quality parts!! You get what you pay for.. But yeah I’m a Extended Black-out situation they come in handy with keeping ya phone going, plus other small to mid size devices

[@jackhazz5777]

This solar powerbank is like the Poweradd power bank with 4 panels. It weighs a pound. I left it by the window in direct sunlight here in California, so you can imagine how much sun that is. I planned to leave it for a week to see if it will fully charge since the instructions says 50 hrs of sunlight to fully charge it. Before this, I charged this a few times using a wall charger and used it. It worked as it should. It still had 2 bars in it when I tried to solar charging. The indicator showed it charging when the sunlight hit the panels. Then I totally forgot about it. Over 3 weeks later, I remembered to check it and the charge went up to 3 bars. 3 weeks to up the charge to 3 bars from 2. Blah.

[@RandoTechInfo]

I'm actually surprised you got that much charge out of it. I have never been able to get any charge when trying to charge inside through a window. Thanks for sharing.

[@markmayotte301]

@@RandoTechInfo Thanks for making that comment re charging through a window. I have an older solar charger (POWER NEWS 300000 mAh capacity that I purchased several years ago and then never used really. I have had it sitting in my window for a couple of years and every now and then I see if it will charge my phone - it never does. I thought I had a bad unit, but your comments make me think like it may work but really needs to be in the direct sun (for solar charging). Thank you.

[@RandoTechInfo]

@@markmayotte301 Happy to help.

[@ChukaCustoms]

I found OUTXE with a waterproof rating of 67 on Amazon for just a little more than the generic ones plus the flashlight function seems to be more useful. After watching this video I've decided to purchase it myself. Thanks.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Chuka: Thanks for the info and thanks for watching!

[@johngifford7725]

I just got my "winlove" branded solar power bank. It looks identical to yours, except the red trim bits. I'm looking forward to playing with it. If a person is relying on the solar to keep their devices running, a minimum use strategy on the devices will help extend battery life and these small solar panels may be more viable. Just a thought.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Agreed.

[@phillipsmith650]

I’m glad to have found this. I live in Seattle and just got one like this from stealth angel. I was disappointed from indirect sunlight with overcast (almost all the time in Seattle) and I got nothing like you. I even tried putting it on my car dashboard and let it charge. Still nothing. Hope I can figure out a good way to get it a charge. I want it for emergency situations where electrical outlets aren’t available.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Hey Phillip. You won't get much charge through a window, (windows reflect photons) or indirect sunlight. You almost have to have direct sun to get any type of charge. Wish I had better news. Thanks for watching!

[@charleshead4445]

Hi Randy. I purchased this exact device last week. It is June and we have had some very sunny days. I left the solar charger opened in the direct sunlight for three days. The charger started at two lights and by the end of the three days, it was still at two lights. The device appears to work in every other way apart from charging up in the sun. The device was flashing indicating it was charging. Do you think it is faulty or was 20 hours of direct sun not enough to raise the indicator by one light? I suppose it could have gone from 50% up to 74% and the light not change up to three lights. If these devices had a better way of showing how charged up they were then you would know how much charge is accumulated in the time that you left it rather than thinking the thing is broken. Any feedback would be welcome.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Charles: I totally agree with you about the light situation. The lack of a numeric readout is an issue. On my unit the lights flash sequentially while it is solar charging. Is yours doing the same thing? If it's not, I would say you have a defective unit, if the lights are flashing sequentially then maybe give it another day or two. That's my advice for what it's worth. Please update me on your situation if you figure anything out. Thanks.

[@mikey13b]

Hi Charles do u have an update on your unit?

[@popscola2574]

Cool video. In your opinion what is the best top 5 solar banks on the market? Is there a practical option between 200 to 700 dollars or will I be getting junk? I'm new to this type of device but looking for a good device for emergencies? Thanks buddy.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Pops: Not sure about a top 5, I can give you a top 2 though. I do really like the power bank I used for this video. It still works like new and the fact that the "extra" three panels are detachable is a really nice feature. (And something I didn't mention in the video.) Here is the Amazon link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V2CQVV3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 A less expensive, but still really good choice, is the Tranmix Solar Power Bank. It's missing a USB-C charge port and the extra panels are not removable but for under $30 it's a nice value option. I did a full review of this one if you want to check it out. Here is the Amazon link: www.amazon.com/Charger-25000mAh-Tranmix-Waterproof-External/dp/B07W54NM91/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=tranmix+solar+power+bank&qid=1611416606&s=electronics&sr=1-4 Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Wrog new jude20b700 doer buy bug ascsoarvcell and ax onverterr

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Solarbgertitrfirygratvoricr

[@tom_morgandealer_pgh1648]

I watched your video before I bought anything and I'm glad I did. I went with the cheaper iesafy brand one. Love it 4 full phone charges takes about 24 hours to charge on wall outlet and a week for solar only. ( They don't tell you this but you can have it on a window sill wall chargering and still get extra solar power.( Don't do both outside)

[@RandoTechInfo]

Nice. Glad you found something you like. Thanks for watching.

[@ranbymonkeys2384]

So would you recommend the thing?

[@ahaveland]

Remember with solar panels, area doesn't lie. Allow 3 W max per 12x12 cm square or per sunpower cell.

[@quashiesuzanne]

Good review.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Suzanne: Thanks!

[@tillytothetophere]

Thanks

[@RandoTechInfo]

Tilly: You're welcome.

[@richperigo660]

NICE, Greatest American Hero in the back!

[@RandoTechInfo]

Rich: Believe it... or not.

[@leonas3840]

I think it's good enough for an emergency phone call or for camping .like how it can be carried discreetly like a phone

[@boxmanatee]

This is going to be neat in southern Norway in the summer! Sun doesn't set "properly" and there is almost never cloudy or raining!

[@ElloAir]

I have this power bank and use it every day to save on my electric bill. It was a gift and helps me cut down on using my smaller appliances and my electric bill.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Glad you are liking it!

[@ranbymonkeys2384]

@@RandoTechInfo Well if you paid $40 for it you have to use the whole battery (charging the phone 5-6 times for the whole battery) 2000 times to make your money back so charging your phone 10,000 times you will break even that's how much money you are saving. That is at 20 cents per kwh which is pretty high. The battery completely charged takes .135 kWh of energy at 20 cents for 1 kWh.

[@MontoyaMatrix]

Rando, i have an important question. Is there such a charger that charges a device in real-time solar charging (meaning NOT from the battery-pack itself). I'm not interested in how fast the power-bank will charge, but rather the fact that i can keep charging my external devices even when the lithium battery inside finally dies. My assumption is that the solar panel charges the internal battery, and then your phone, etc. is charged off the the battery (and not off of the solar panel in real-time).

[@RandoTechInfo]

Frank: Your assumption is correct, the battery always charges first. (At least in all devices I am aware of.) I hope that answers your question.

[@nonnone7060]

Would you recommend it for power outages? I just bought a solar power bank similar to the one you show because my houses power goes out often and in that scenario i would need something to get a charge while the power is out. I already have a powerbank that is normal but sometimes that isn't charged so i figured having 2 power banks and one solar powered would be a good deal but is the solar power feature good in the event of not having any power?

[@RandoTechInfo]

Xxero: Yes, I think this would server you well in a power outage so long as, 1. You had the bank charged ahead of time. 2. You can place it outside to keep adding charge to it. It doesn't charge real fast but if you gave it a nice head start with a full charge and then kept topping it off in the sun, you could keep your phone charged for a very long time with it. Thanks for watching!

[@nonnone7060]

@@RandoTechInfo thank you for your kind feedback! Def subbing and watching more of your content!

[@RandoTechInfo]

Xxero: Thanks for that!

[@vBDKv]

I charge my 15000mah battery bank with an xdragon 20w solar panel in 4-6 hours depending on the sun. This is in Denmark, where the sun dont shine all that much compared to some placed in America. I'm pretty happy with that amount of free power. Keeps my phones and stuff charged up.

[@RandoTechInfo]

I recently made another video with 65 watt solar panels and I was pretty impressed with their output. Thanks for watching!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

goód enough

[@justin6604]

Very cool!

[@RandoTechInfo]

Justin: Thanks!

[@theadventurebiker]

Good review!

[@RandoTechInfo]

Biker: Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@theadventurebiker]

@@RandoTechInfo Sure thing, man! I've looked at some of these solar power banks available on Amazon and wondered how effective and practical the solar feature actually is. You just answered my questions and suspicions. In order to get any useable level of solar output you need to have a panel that's 5x this size - at the very least! Cheers man. 👍

[@RandoTechInfo]

Not sure that would fit in your pocket. 😆 Thanks again!

[@shwartz166]

Thank you

[@RandoTechInfo]

You're welcome.

[@deanp2105]

That's it, charge it up on your mains, top it off with sunlight when out and about.

[@mrtordse9042]

i was planning on getting something like this because im going to camping in the woods for 2 weeks straight (army/military service) but then again its most likely gonna be cloudy all the time, its cold like -10 to -20 celcius and in the woods probably wont really charge the powerbank at all. So i think it just means no phone after my other powerbanks go empty with ultra power saving mode maybe in a week.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Mr Tordse: Those temps are gonna kill any and all batteries and power banks. In the scenario you will be in, I'm not sure how helpful the solar functionality will be. If you are out there for two weeks you might get a LITTLE extra juice from the solar but I certainly would not count on it. Thank you for your service and good luck out there.

[@Funcentric]

Thanks for taking the time to perform the test and sharing it. I guess the answer is no. If it takes days to charge a bank, that's terrible and completely not practical for any sort of usage. It seems like it would make more sense to charge the phone or devices directly through a solar panel vs taking 6 days to charge a bank and then another hour to charge the phone/device.

[@RandoTechInfo]

I tested that as well if you're interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/en-xepeZbahkb9E

[@donkey_mediocre7246]

Great video

[@RandoTechInfo]

donkey: Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stephendemille5424]

Awesome video… but just take into consideration that ur window has insulated glass in it which resists the heat from in

[@raheempradesh7742]

Thanks for the review was quite helpful. I just bought the XTorm solar charger with XTorm 20 000mAh powerbank, but have to say it is not ideal combination for tracking cause 20k mAh powerbank is too long and doesn't fit well with charging cable on into pocket on the back of the solar panel. If your usecase is to have it with you on a track and you want to have you power bank placed into pocket on solar panel is better to buy XTorm 10k mAh powerbank or some shorter and thinner powerbanks max 160 mm in length. I am planning to test the charger in winter conditions on snow and I am quite curious how it will be efficient in low temperatures and when sun trajectory during the day is quite low.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Cool. Let us know what you find out!

[@dacentabaal]

Would you say my indoor grow light (red light, blue light and UV light) would charge this up as it gives off the same lights source as the sun? I live in a flat so no garden, my mom's got a little grow area in a corner with a watering system and small rechargeable fans to make the plants get a more natural thing going, if I propped this up under the lights would it charge up the panels you think so we could plug the USB fans into the battery pack to save some electric on main charging?

[@RandoTechInfo]

Lucas: To be honest, I am not sure. That is a great question. Returns are pretty easy on Amazon. Perhaps get one and try it out? If you do, and you don't mind taking the time, come back and let me know how it goes. I am really curious. Thank you for watching!

[@KnivesSurvival]

I will be getting a few of these. I am also interested in a Bluetti battery bank but they are very expensive.. i will also doing reviews on the solar chargers

[@RandoTechInfo]

Knives: Good luck with your reviews. My power bank reviews haven't had a lot of traction, just the videos about how they work. 🤷 Thanks for watching!

[@justinpaye3206]

Great vid men i love it

[@RandoTechInfo]

Justin: Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@justinpaye3206]

@@RandoTechInfo no probs

[@johnmonk66]

I got two with built-in lights, one is always in my window, one always on my car dash, this way I always have a light when I need it.

[@RandoTechInfo]

John: Good idea. Thanks for watching!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

plug solar power bank car dmadoter keep car barer chared up

[@PeaceChanel]

Thank You for All that you are doing for World Peace and for our Planet... Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. La Paz.. Namaste .. 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ ☮️ ❤️ 💐 🕊

[@clevelandexplorer2221]

I'm sorry, I'm really confused. You laid it out each midday giving you three hours of light in the summer + guessed 8 days would make it an accumulated 24 hours total to charge? :S also I didn't see if you tests whether the quoted mah was correct? I tried watching it a few times :s thanks for sharing

[@danieljung2810]

I have three of these. I love these things and with the qi charging if you forget the cable just plop the phone on top of it. I have the five panel one. ;)

[@RandoTechInfo]

Daniel: I reviewed a bank with wireless charging but had to let it go in a give away. I really liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@jrhjrh9372]

Thanks for your time. Good break down. Also, thanks for the comments peeps, I learned a few things as I'm about to enter the solar madness. Lol

[@RandoTechInfo]

jrh: You are welcome and thanks for watching!

[@VinnyMickeyRickeyDickeyEddy]

Good info

[@RandoTechInfo]

Mike: Thanks!

[@tahajidedes5567]

Seems like one would only fully charge this once. If hoping to use when power is out it's extra panels are really of no use after the first time because it would be being used daily not once every 8 days to let it charge to full again.

[@RandoTechInfo]

tahaji: What you are saying is not wrong, but I also think the scenario you present is not the product's intended use. You would not want to use this as an only source of power for an extended period of time. (You are correct that would clearly not work.) It is simply a way to get some additional/free power when away from home or an outlet for a few days. To use your example, if you lost power, and were able to get some solar charge, you might get an extra couple of days out of it, as opposed to a battery that had no panels. Solar energy is not in place yet to replace a lot of major power needs, but I do think the supplemental power it provides can be useful in the right circumstances. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and thanks for watching.

[@kendalmyers9445]

In short, I believe they do work. No they dont charge your phone as fast as a regular charger but they have good battery and a led light. Plus some of them are even waterproof and drop proof. I have a 4patriots one and I love it.

[@RandoTechInfo]

kendal: Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@Joshtheweatherman]

Lol, I bought this just to keep from using power adapters, and saving energy. With a fully charged 25,000 mAH battery, I'll be able to charge my iPhone XS up 9 times, which literally means 8-12 days of use without a power outlet! Not bad, and it would definitely come in handy if a bad storm or tornado came threw and knocked out the power for a couple of days (like it did last year during Easter). Worst case scenario, if I forgot to charge the power bank up, I can just open the panels up and put it on my car's roof and charge my phone that way.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Joshua: They can be very useful, especially in a pinch. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and thanks for watching!

[@Joshtheweatherman]

You're welcome!

[@Sean-tm2eu]

Bro I have a question does it affect battery health?? I’m also an apple user iPhone X. Was it???

[@rainbowjudy8020]

Curious to know can one use this to power PA equipment? I experimented with a 20000 power pack and a 48v phantom power (USB) device to see if it would provide power to the adapter. I plugged in a condenser mic and plugged into battery pa (15w) speaker. Need to know if this would work for "Busking". Worked well inside. Should work outside approximately 4 hours. Will find out in the Spring. But Does the solar unit provide on-going supply? Or is it only an emergency provider?

[@RandoTechInfo]

Judy: I have never used a power bank in the situation you are describing, so I can't really speak to your questions about the PA equipment. As for your last question, it's more the latter. The solar charge you get will not keep up with the kind of draw you are talking about. If you charge it while using it, you might buy yourself a few extra minutes but nothing significant. Hope that helps and thanks for watching.

[@colinsdrawings8523]

Does it charge all types of USB compatible devices? Ive been screwed too many times by power banks that charge some types of phones and not others with no rhyme or reason

[@RandoTechInfo]

It should charge any phone as long as you have the right cord. This charger, and most others, comes with a Micro USB cable so you might need a different cord depending on your phone.

[@wagemawagema4618]

I have a regular Power bank which works very well with any phone. However, i would'nt recommend a solar power bank as this device could take your phone a couple of days to charge while a Regular power bank only takes a day to fully Charge your device. Just a thought.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Wagema: I would agree except you can use a solar power bank the same way as a traditional power bank. It will change with a cord. The solar panels just give it some versatility (at the cost of a little extra bulk.) Thanks for watching!

[@jorgethecoach]

Great sale 👌🏼

[@lostsailor76]

t-shirt merch idea. "Still Not a Phone".

[@RandoTechInfo]

Not a bad idea.

[@bahhaziz]

The idea is good to have a power bank that charges with solar light, but so far none of these compact ones does charge in a reasonable time

[@RandoTechInfo]

They aren't very fast, that's for sure,but it can be better than nothing. Thanks for watching.

[@Joshmakey12]

I had gotten a 21w big blue solar charger and it almost fully charges my phone in 30 min. I have an iPhone 8 plus and it can charge a power can't alongside with the phone. Much better than the feob solar power bank which is similar to the one your testing.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Josh: Good to know. Big Blue makes good stuff. Sometimes more expensive though. Thank you for sharing and thank you for watching.

[@blomkillen]

Does it not destroy the battery to charge with that much watts?

[@Joshmakey12]

@@blomkillen the usb 3.0 outputs have a maximum output of 5 watts. The solar charger I have comes with two usb 3.0 ports.

[@blomkillen]

@@Joshmakey12 You can fully charge with 5 watts in 30 minutes from empty? I am new to this

[@reveninja1642]

It seems that the unfoldable solar charged powerbank is a very good option for people living off the grid or on the road. But for people who do not really care about few thousands of miliamps drained from their home ac every now and then I think they would prefer the even slightly less chunky device.

[@RandoTechInfo]

REV: Fair

[@philipaubin4679]

I believe that glass blocks some light, so it would reduce the effectiveness of the solar panels

[@RandoTechInfo]

Phillip: Big time!

[@lachhmanlohano2460]

Great video. Kindly advise how it will charge on SUN. I kept it many times outside for charge in SUN but it is not charging.

[@RandoTechInfo]

Lach: Then I would say it's broke. Can you return it?

[@robs5688]

Thanks for the useful info. Has anyone ever told you that you look a little like the comedian Jim Breuer? You've got those slightly "stoner eyes" too, lol. That's a good thing, btw. ;-)

[@RandoTechInfo]

Rob: Goat Boy Tech Info 😂

[@renangarzon4329]

Never explained how this device makes phone calls. Lol 😂 Other than that a great review on its ability to be charged via solar panels. 👍

[@RandoTechInfo]

Renan: Thanks. Still can't figure out calls though.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

solar phñe esist solarviphine x sooarvi0hine 11 some solàr ohines exißy

[@Victorm61767]

Thank you helpful video, can be send to fix if no longer take a charge with the USB electric charge? Thanks my no more only solar charge i think

[@RandoTechInfo]

I doubt it. I don't even think they make the model I had in the video anymore. Wish I had better news.

[@Victorm61767]

@@RandoTechInfo Ok just want to know so there is not repair shop for yet ,just use the solar than it comes with it? You think it may be one in the future? Thx

[@RandoTechInfo]

@@Victorm61767 Honestly it would probably cost more to fix it than replace it.

[@dslgod]

Note to self need sun to charge! 😂

[@SirioSechi]

There is also the excellent SUNSLICE, here the review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZmnmZmKh6eDo6s