Keeping mobile devices charged can turn into a chore, especially when you spend extended periods of time away from a wall outlet. One option for insuring your mobile devices are charged is a portable solar charger. When considering a solar charger it is important to learn how a solar charger works, the available options and what to expect. Solar powered chargers are a great device for increasing battery life and ultimately assuring you can use your mobile electronics anytime.

In the simplest sense solar chargers convert sunlight into usable energy. Solar panels rely on photovoltaic cells or PV. The PV cells’ semiconductors collect energy. After the solar energy has been collected, it is next stored in the charger’s battery. Once there it is ready for use. Many solar chargers begin to charge at the first signs of usable energy, while others require there to be at least a partial charge to begin charging portable electronics.

Now that you have a better idea of how solar chargers store and transfer energy, it is important to understand what mobile devices can be charged. Portable solar chargers can charge almost any portable gadget including smart phones, GPS units, ereaders, and mp3 players. Solar chargers are also capable of charging via usb or wall outlet to insure you have energy on the go. The only device which most solar chargers cannot handle are laptop computers. This laptop solar chargers are available, however just aren’t as common.

Most notably there are two styles of portable solar powered chargers. The first type are solar chargers which plug in and travel on the device you are charging. This style of solar charger typically only works with one device. It is designed to be lightweight and form fitting. Most commonly on device chargers are made for smart phones. This style of charger has minimal impact on pocket space and are designed to be compact. Removing the charger is as easy as unplugging your phone from a standard wall outlet.

The second style of portable solar charger is much more versatile. Cabled solar chargers are capable of charging a variety of portable devices. Each solar powered charger has interchangeable charging tips available, and in some cases use your existing usb charger. Cabled solar chargers can usually store larger internally batteries and work with existing cases and covers. One of the major disadvantages to this type of solar powered charger is it does require you to carry another gadget. Even though they are small, it can take up extra pocket space.