forclaz trek 500 solar charger

8 best solar chargers for camping and backpacking, tried and tested

T he sun is finally making its tentative return, which means garden parties , picnics in the park and – most thrillingly of all – the prospect of harvesting free electricity from the sky using one of the best portable solar panels.

While the heavy-duty solar panels you might install on your roof can help power everything from your washing machine to your portable air conditioner , smaller solar panels are perfect for keeping electronics like laptops , phones and tablets charged up while camping or hiking in the great outdoors.

Coupled with a portable power station, some of the more powerful panels in our list can be used to keep garden sheds, polytunnels or off-grid campsites thrumming with a limited supply of free electricity, even once the sun goes down.

Read more: The complete guide to solar panel home installation

Advances in technology mean today’s solar panels are smaller, lighter and more efficient than ever. Chargers that were once too big to carry can now be folded down to fit inside a travel case or hang from the back of your pack while hiking . So long as you’ve got enough sunlight, the best solar chargers can indefinitely extend the life of your phone, your headphones , and even your laptop .

Solar panels are also used to keep the batteries of cars, motorhomes and boats from going flat when they’re not being used, as most panels will start working automatically as soon as sunlight hits them, meaning you can set them and forget them.

How we tested

We tested these solar panels and chargers last summer, as well as throughout the darker and cloudier days that followed. Solar panels use the sun’s light to produce energy – not heat – so it’s possible to continue using them during the winter if the sky is clear and you can angle them correctly. You’ll still be severely limited by shorter daylight hours and overcast conditions, naturally.

We tested a range of solar chargers for different uses, from large, fold-out models capable of powering multiple devices at once, to portable power banks with convenient built-in solar panels. We trialled them under the changeable weather conditions of south England, as well as while camping and at a festival. These are the ones that really shone.

The best solar chargers for 2024 are:

Best overall – Goal zero nomad 20 solar panel: £174, Decathlon.co.uk
Best budget solar panel – Forclaz trek 500 10W: £34.99, Decathlon.co.uk
Best for camping – Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel: £217, Hampshiregenerators.co.uk
Best for campervans – Ecoflow 220W: £449, Hampshiregenerators.co.uk
Best fold-out power bank – Addtop solar charger power bank: £33.59, Amazon.co.uk

Goal zero nomad 20 solar panel

The Goal Zero nomad 20 is a flat and highly portable solar charger designed for backpackers and campers who want to travel light but need something more than a basic 5W panel. Half-a-metre wide when unfolded and weighing less than a laptop, it has an adjustable kickstand for aiming it directly towards the sun when placed on the ground. The rugged plastic frame has an attachment point on each corner, so you can strap it to a backpack or secure it firmly in place wherever it needs to be.

We liked that the USB output is on a lightly flexible arm, which helps prevent wear and tear on your charging cables. You can also chain multiple panels together with the included 6ft-long chaining cable to speed up charging.

Buy now £174.99, Decathlon.co.uk

Forclaz solar panel SLR 500 V2 - 10W

The Forclaz solar panel SLR 500 is a 10W solar charger with a single USB port, ideal for keeping battery packs topped up while on the move or camping. A respectable power output places this versatile panel somewhere in the middle of the range, delivering more energy than a small trickle charger but less than a larger and more expensive solar panel.

The dual-panel design packs away neatly into a fabric pouch and can be firmly strapped to a backpack with the help of included carabiners and eight anchor points. A reliable charging solution that straddles the gap between low-and-slow panels and more serious hardware, the Forclaz panel suits casual campers and long-distance walkers.

Buy now £34.99, Decathlon.co.uk

Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel

The Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel is designed to work with the Jackery power station – which is mainly how we tested it – but it can easily be operated solo thanks to its USB-A and USB-C outputs. The relatively high wattage and variable output of the panel means it’s a lot more suited to recharging a dedicated smaller power bank, which you would then use to charge your devices, rather than plugging your phone or laptop directly into it. That’s good news for anyone who travels light and doesn’t want to lug the heavy Jackery power station around with them.

The foldable panel itself is exceptionally well made, snapping shut magnetically and featuring a comfortable carry handle for safe transport and setup. The kickstand can be adjusted to any angle to get the most efficient performance possible, though the lightweight construction leaves it prone to falling over in windy conditions. Handily, there are reinforced eyelets and loops to secure it. The panel isn’t waterproof either, so we’d advise against leaving it outside the tent overnight.

Buy now £217.00, Hampshiregenerators.co.uk

Ecoflow 220W solar panel

The Ecoflow 220W is a dedicated solar panel that produces roughly ten times the wattage of the next best entry in our list. This does make it less portable, but also way more useful for charging the specialist batteries needed to power small appliances at campsites, off-grid rental lodges, caravans, and for emergency home backup should your electricity ever fail.

The solar panel is bifacial, meaning it’s got a second 155W panel on the reverse side. This allows it to pick up a small amount of bonus current by absorbing some ambient light in bright conditions, which creates a more even power distribution in changeable weather conditions and so less wear on the device it’s charging.

We tested the 220W panel with Ecoflow Delta power station, a 14kg beast of a battery that features four USB-A ports (two fast-charging), two USB-C ports and four three-pin plug sockets. The station can be slow-charged by solar panel, or by mains power in less than two hours.

Buy now £449.00, Hampshiregenerators.co.uk

BioLite solar panel with integrated power pack

This ultra-thin 5W solar panel is an all-in-one solution and, unlike other solar chargers in our list, has an integrated 2,200mAh battery pack embedded on the back. That’s about enough to charge your phone once, which is all you need in an emergency.

It has a simple wire-loop kickstand that can be threaded through a backpack strap, hooked from a tree branch or used to prop the panel up on the ground. Eyelets on the bottom corners also prevent it from sliding out of the sunlight as you walk. We liked the incredibly simple sundial on the corner of the device, which allows you to accurately aim the panel directly into the sunlight for maximum efficiency.

Buy now £76.00, Gooutdoors.co.uk

BigBlue 3 USB ports 28W solar charger

A folding solar charger with 28W output in optimal skies, this four-panel BigBlue solar panel can recharge three low-draw, 5V devices at the same time through its three USB-A ports. Powerful enough to slow-charge tablets and other high-drain mobile devices, this solar charger has a flexible design that’s useful for hanging from your back as you walk, from your tent as you camp, or from a window frame for household power. It comes with carabiners for attaching it to a rucksack or frame.

Buy now £74.99, Amazon.co.uk

Addtop solar charger power bank

This is a 25,000mAh battery pack with a fold out four-panel solar cell, which produces enough photonic juice to trickle-charge the pack’s power reserves over time. These super-portable chargers are limited by physics, that old killjoy, so don’t expect the rinky-dink panels to kick out enough energy to be able to run a laptop or survive entirely off-grid. They’ll charge the battery pack to full given a few days of bright, sunny weather.

Still, if you’re after a rugged outdoor power bank with a built-in LED torch that can top itself up in the background while you’re setting up camp and wrestling bears, this is a convenient and useful little gadget to have in your pack.

Buy now £33.59, Amazon.co.uk

Halfords 10W solar power battery maintainer

If your car battery has a tendency to run dry when left idle for too long, you need a solar-powered car-battery maintainer. Even in the photon-averse British weather, a solar panel affixed to the inside of your windscreen can trickle enough charge into the battery to keep it refreshed and ready to go.

This 10W solar charger can be placed inside your car, but it’s waterproof and durable enough to be positioned outside for better efficiency. It clamps directly to the battery using crocodile clips or can deliver charge via your cigarette lighter if the car’s electrics allow it. One downside is that the basic design means there’s no interface or status light to confirm that any charging is happening, so if want to be absolutely sure it’s working you’ll need to use a multimeter to double check your car battery level.

The power output is rated for charging larger batteries too, such as those found on boats, barges and trucks.

Buy now £29.49, Halfords.com

Solar chargers FAQs

What should i look for when buying a solar charger.

Before buying a solar charger, you should think about the kinds of trips you will be using it for and what you’ll be charging. There are three things worth considering – output capacity, surface area and the flexibility of the panels.

Output capacity: Solar panels are rated in watts. The higher the number, the more electricity is generated during a given time period, but the larger the panel will be.
Surface area: The larger the solar panel, the more sunlight it can collect. This means batteries can charge at faster speeds, or more devices can be charged at once. For this reason, a large surface area is a good option for times when the weather conditions are poor or daylight hours are short.
Semi-flexible or rigid panels: Flexible solar panels are great for those with limited bag space as they can be folded up for easy transport. They are also a great choice as they can be folded out to form a greater surface area than a rigid model.
Kickstands: Solar chargers need to be aimed directly at the sun to achieve peak efficiency, with even a slight offset having a big impact on how much power they produce. Look for a solar charger with a kickstand that can be adjusted to any angle, not just in increments, so you can get the positioning just right.

How long do solar chargers last?

Solar cells deteriorate over time. While performance varies from model to model, most models are rated to maintain 99 per cent efficiency for upward of three years, with some of the more premium designs claiming to last an impressive 25 years.

Do solar chargers work through a window?

Yes, but the amount of energy harvested by the panel will be greatly reduced, especially if the glass is tinted or has UV light-blocking properties. According to Sol Volatics , a website that provides advice on solar panel installations, the efficiency of a panel can be reduced by up to 50 per cent, depending on the thickness and cleanliness of the glass. So yes, a solar panel left in a car on a sunny day will continue to work, but it’ll charge up a battery far less quickly than when outside in direct sunlight.

What are the best uses for solar chargers?

Portable solar chargers are best used to power small electrical items, such as smartphones and portable battery packs. They can be perfect for topping up the batteries of devices you might take on a camping trip, but generally aren’t much help when it comes to feeding more power-hungry products, such as televisions, portable fridges and kettles.

Some portable solar panels, such as the Ecoflow 220W (£449, Hampshiregenerators.co.uk ) highlighted earlier, cost much more than others, are significantly larger, and therefore will harvest more energy. Such panels can, eventually, fill up an equally large portable battery pack capable of running anything with a domestic three-pin plug, but how quickly the battery charges will depend on weather conditions and how much sunlight the solar panel is exposed to.

Phones and laptops prefer a consistent flow of energy, but the power of output of solar panels varies based on weather conditions and the angle of the sun. Some phones will refuse to charge from a panel that’s fluctuating in output, so it’s always best to use the panel to recharge a portable power bank first, then charge your devices from that.

Will using a solar charger save me money?

A solar charger can technically save you money, though you’d need to recharge your devices a lot just to break even on using a solar charger at home. The power output of portable panels simply isn’t very high – it’s more than enough to charge electronics, but not enough to run appliances or heat tanks of water. Those energy-intensive jobs are where most of your electricity is used, so a portable solar panel will hardly make a dent in your household bills.

What are the alternatives if there is no sunlight?

Obviously, solar panels don’t work without sunlight to power them. If you live somewhere with reduced or no sunlight during the winter months (which includes the UK and parts of North America), you’ll see a dramatic downturn in solar panel energy output when the sun is low in the sky.

To supply electricity in a remote area with little sunlight, you’ll either need a very large battery pack to store up what little solar energy is available, or a fully fuelled diesel generator. The latter is by far the cheapest way of powering remote sites or an entire home, and, to deal with emergencies, they can be set up to kick into action in the event of power loss.

The verdict: Solar chargers

The Goal Zero nomad 2 has everything you might need in a solar charger: high wattage, an abundance of USB ports and a business-like folding design and the leading monocrystalline panel type.

For mains-style power output on demand, the Ecoflow portable power station and 220W panel is highly recommended.

Interested in a better phone to travel with? We’ve rounded up the best phones in 2024

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Forclaz 10w portable solar charger review

A lightweight solar panel for charging mobile devices when you're out walking or camping. Plus we look at power banks for storing solar power

Fergus Collins

Easy to use Works in overcast conditions (though slowly) Provides plenty of power over the course of a day Good value

Will not always charge a phone directly – hence the need for a power bank

Increasingly smart phones are the walker’s and camper’s friend. With a great camera, online mapping and gps locators, compass and, of course, a phone… The drawback is of course battery life and one of the stresses of camping in particular is trying to eke out battery life. It’s hard to find a plug socket at the bottom of a hedgerow.

Now imagine a lightweight, energy source that provides a decent charge for free that you can pop in your backpack. A portable solar panel could be the mini power station to transform your days out.

The Forclaz panel has a single hinge and opens to offer a large area to capture sunlight. There are loops for you to connect the panel to the outside of a backpack, a tent or other suitable support. Or you can lean it at an angle. It is waterproof in light showers.

On the back it has a net pocket to hold a battery and an energy transformer so you can plug a USB cable. With 10W of power, in full sunlight it can charge a considerable amount of battery over a sunny day . Even in overcast conditions, the panel gathered an impressive amount of energy.

While the panel will charge a phone directly, it can be inefficient as many phones don’t like the intermittent nature of solar power. When it clouds over, the power drops and the phone may simply refuse to charge. Instead, I use the solar panel to charge a portable charger known as a power bank. Mine is a PowerAdd, which holds 20000 mAH, enough to charge my Android phone four times.

I’ve estimated the Forclaz panel can charge up half of the battery over a day in the sun, (which is two full phone charges). Using these devices, I haven't charged my phone from the mains for six months though I haven't calculated the cost savings involved.

What is mAH?

This is milliampere/per hour – a measurement of how much charge a battery can hold. For example, a good AA battery can hold 1500 mAH.

Forclaz Solar Panel

Buy the Forclaz Solar Panel from Decathlon

PowerAdd Power Bank

Also consider:.

Anker Powercore Solar 20000

This versatile device is a Power Bank that also has a solar panel on one side – plus a decent torch. Its main use is as a store for energy – take it fully charged on a camping trip and it should power multiple devices (via a USB cable) for several days. The solar panel is a useful option but it is not particularly efficient.

I left the Powercore (fully discharged) out in full sun for about 8 hours and it provided only about 30% charge for my phone. It would take several days of sunshine to fully charge this device – and about 7 hours direct from a plug socket.

Interested in power banks? We've tried and tested lots of different models; see our honest reviews in our guide to the best power banks .

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Editor, BBC Countryfile Magazine

10 Best Solar Chargers

Our Top Picks

Best Overall 100-Watt Solar Charger For Camping

Looking for the best solar charger for travel, remote work, or powering your backcountry adventures? Our gear experts have been testing solar panels for well over a decade. We've tested well over 100 different portable solar chargers and best camping solar chargers to help you find the right panel for your next adventure. A solar panel can keep the devices you rely on charged when you're deep in the backcountry, whether that's camping, boondocking, backpacking, or traveling. We put each of these chargers through their paces in a myriad of locations and conditions. We hit the trails with them on backpacking trips, used them when car camping and working remotely, charged our cell phones on overnight adventures, and brought them with us while traveling by car, van, truck, train, and airplane. Whether you're looking for the best solar panel for travel, work, or play, we've compiled this list of the best options for each type of charger.

If you like getting outside and staying out there as much as we do, you'll love this. In addition to our solar reviews, we've also tested the most promising portable chargers to pair with your solar setup. You might like our reviews of the best backpacks to find one suitable for carrying on your travels and adventures. If you're backpacking, check our list of the best backpacking backpacks for men and the best women's backpacking backpacks . If overlanding is more your thing, take a look at the best rooftop tents and these great canopy tents for making your perfect basecamp. No matter where your adventures may take you, we can help you stay powered up, and we've rounded up the best packing list to help get you there.

Editor's Note: Our solar charger roundup was updated on December 6, 2023, to include charts showing the overall scores for each solar charger we tested. We also listed additional products in our award section that we like as alternatives to our award winners.

Best Overall 100-Watt Solar Charger For Camping

Jackery solarsaga 100.

The Jackery SolarSaga 100 once again is our favorite high-wattage solar charger . This lightweight panel is more affordable than most 100-watt solar panels and also performs as well as the best of them. It's user-friendly and effective in full and partial sunlight. If it's a sunny day, this panel charges your devices quickly, and it works well on cloudy days as well. When it's time to pack up camp, the SolarSaga quickly folds flat and weighs just over 10 pounds. The low weight and simple fold-in-half design make it easy to load into your car, so it's always ready for your next adventure. It has tons of useful features that make it portable and exceptionally useful, including a built-in handle that makes it easy to carry. The legs fold out easily and quickly. With a USB-A, USB-C, and a DC output, you can plug this directly into your solar power station or power any of your devices straight from the panel. The DC charging cable is hardwired into the panel and stowed into a zipper pocket along with the USB charging ports. This solar panel impressed us in every way, making it an excellent addition to any off-grid solar setup.

While the SolarSaga 100 is relatively lightweight and folds flat, it doesn't fold down as small as many other 100-watt panels we tested. Since it only folds once, its folded size is rather wide. However, this single fold means it's thinner than many other panels we tested. It's about as packable as other panels, but you'll need a slightly wider space to fit it. Also, the single-fold design makes it faster to pack away than most other panels, which makes up for its slightly larger packed size. If you need an all-around great 100-watt solar panel for your camping adventures, look no further than the SolarSaga. If you're looking for a more portable option, we also love the user-friendly BioLite Solar Panel 100 , and for our favorite of the smaller portable models, see the BigBlue SolarPowa 28 below.

Best Overall Portable Solar Charger

Bigblue solarpowa 28.

Of the smaller panels, the BigBlue SolarPowa 28 is the top dog of portable solar chargers. The BigBlue is impressively efficient in its charging capabilities and performed the best in all our testing of portable solar panels. This model is the fastest portable model we tested, and it delivers consistent charging even as conditions change. Whether it's cloudy or sunny, you'll get good charging capabilities from this model. It has three USB ports, which lets you keep all your electronics charging simultaneously so they're ready when you need them. And when you're ready to move on, this panel folds up small enough to fit in your backpack.

The SolarPowa 28 isn't the absolute fasting charging portable panel, but it still charges fast enough. And if you need an ultralight solar option, this panel also might not be the best choice. At 21.8 ounces, there are certainly lighter models out there to consider, like the Goal Zero Nomad 5 . But if you need a lot of consistent power in a relatively portable size, the BigBlue is a great option we highly recommend. And it's pretty affordable to boot.

Best Value 100+ Watt Solar Charger

Bigblue solarpowa 100 etfe.

In terms of larger 100-watt solar panels, the BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE is the best value around. This model costs significantly less than pretty much every other panel we tested. But that's where the differences stop because this performs almost as well as the more expensive large solar panels. It's lightweight and portable with a carry handle and foldable, ultra-portable design. You can easily load it into your car and unload it at a campsite quickly. It has fold-out legs, so you can point it directly at the sun to maximize low-angled morning and afternoon light. It comes with a variety of adapters that make it compatible with most power stations from any brand, eliminating the need to purchase additional cables or adapters. This adds to the already great value of this panel.

The SolarPowa 100 is a great solar panel for the price. It's easy to use and effective, and it comes with a variety of adapters, so you can charge most devices. However, it doesn't have a pocket or other storage case for those adapters or the main storage cable. We ended up transporting this with the cables wrapped around the panel, which worked but wasn't ideal. Overall, we think the SolarPowa 100 is a great, high-value option for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable solar panel. If you're seeking something that's fully waterproof with fast charging speeds, the EcoFlow 110 can do the job in a more portable package and a similar price range.

Read more: BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE review

Best Value Portable Solar Charger

X-dragon 20w.

When you're adventuring outside, a fast-charging portable solar panel is key. The X-Dragon 20W quickly charges all your devices in a small, reliable package. This 20W portable solar panel isn't particularly expensive and works with reasonable speed, charging all your devices quickly. It has a high conversion rate, so this panel charges well under sunny skies and on overcast days. Each of the X-Dragon's panels generates up to three amps, which is an exceptional amount of charging capacity for any USB device. It's also lightweight and hangs up easily, making it a solid choice for quick juice-ups on the go.

The X-Dragon folds down to the size of a notebook, so it isn't the smallest portable panel out there. But it unfolds into three panels to capture an impressive amount of sunlight for its relatively small size. If you're looking for a higher-capacity backpacking solar panel, a super portable panel to charge at base camp, or simply need an affordable solar panel to harness energy from the sun, you should check out this model. Don't bypass our favorite portable solar charger, the BigBlue SolarPowa 28 , which is only a few dollars more for faster charging speed and better functionality.

Portable Medium-Capacity Setup

Flexsolar 40w.

The FlexSolar 40W is a high-output, easy-to-use charger that can quickly unfold from the size of a large book into six linked solar panels. This medium-capacity panel has a DC output that can charge portable power stations, as well as USB-C and USB-A outputs for smaller devices. For its medium-sized capacity, it is relatively portable and folds up quite small. It doesn't use any clasps, magnets, or velcro to secure close, which makes unfolding this into a large six-panel array a cinch. And those six panels put out a lot of power, then fold away just as quickly.

While the FlexSolar 40W does fold down into a very small size, it's not the lightest panel we tested either. It weighs just shy of three pounds. That's nearly twice the weight of some other 20-30-watt panels, though less than many 50+ watt panels. There are no covers for the charging ports, so those USB and DC outputs are susceptible to dirt and debris. This hasn't been an issue for us yet, but we'll keep you posted if it does. If you're looking for a midsized option that can power larger devices yet still remain very portable, this is a great choice.

An Ultra-Compact Large-Capacity Panel

Biolite solar panel 100.

The BioLite Solar Panel 100 is the most portable 100-watt solar panel for camping we've found. This model is lighter, thinner, and more packable than most large-capacity models we tested. You can easily slide this into your trunk, with plenty of room to spare for all your gear. It has a comfortable built-in carry handle and zipper pouch, which makes it painless to haul this to your solar charging station at camp. It unfolds in a snap and has two pop-out legs to complete the setup in seconds. With a handy sundial, you can more easily angle this panel directly at the sun, and it's easy to daisy-chain together with more BioLite panels to grow your charging station capacity.

While the BioLite 100 has great portability features, it isn't the most efficient panel in terms of energy conversion. It'll definitely power your small devices better than many panels, proving itself just above average in our testing. This is also one of the more expensive panels we've seen. But it has tons of great user-friendly features and is super portable, which makes up for the just-okay charging speeds and the higher price tag. If you value performance over portability, take a look at some of our other top-scoring models, like the Jackery SolarSaga 100 or the EcoFlow 110 .

Read more: BioLite Solar Panel 100 review

High Performance in Any Weather

Ecoflow 110.

The EcoFlow 110 packs an impressive amount of charging capabilities into a small and lightweight design. This 110-watt solar panel charged our devices impressively fast, even among stiff competition from the other large panels we tested, on both bright sunny days and in gloomy overcast conditions. It folds four times and comes with a zippered carrying case, which makes it easy to bring with you wherever you're setting up your solar charging station. This is also one of just two large solar panels we tested that is completely waterproof, so you can set it up and not worry about a little rain rolling through.

While almost everything about the EcoFlow 110 is great, it is one of the few models we tested that doesn't come with all the necessary cables, adding to its already above-average cost. We also aren't huge fans of having to use the carrying case as a sort of kickstand to angle this panel at the sun. It saves a little weight by not having legs like most other models but is far less stable and secure. Still, we're impressed by the all-weather efficiency and protections offered by this portable panel.

Seriously Solid and Very Efficient

Renogy 100w foldable.

The Renogy 100W Foldable boasts a sturdy aluminum frame and legs, making it an impressively solid product. It's just as rigid and sturdy as a panel you'd install on your house — but has a single hinge for transport. Compared to the many thin, slightly bendable solar chargers we've tested, this one feels just about bombproof. Though it's tempting to mount this waterproof beast to the roof of our van, it also has seriously sturdy, fully adjustable angling legs that help it angle precisely into the sun no matter where it is in the sky (or behind the clouds). If that's not enough, this panel put up some of the best energy efficiency results across all the models we tested, rain or shine.

Of course, this durability comes at a cost, and for the Renogy , that cost is portability. Weighing in at over 21 pounds, this is one of the heaviest portable solar panels we've tested. However, if you're setting up a longer-term base camp, putting this hefty panel in place once and simply rotating it to follow the sun may not be a dealbreaker for you. If you want a solar charger that can withstand the test of time and the raging of the weather, this is the one for you.

Best Solar Charger and Battery Pack Combo

Biolite solarpanel 5+.

The BioLite SolarPanel 5+ is a 5-watt solar panel with a small 3,200 mAh battery bank built into its ultralight portable design. We tested a lot of battery banks with an integrated solar panel, but most of those don't work very well to charge via sunlight. This is the only solar panel with an integrated battery that has relatively fast charging speeds. It's one of the few portable solar panel models that also has a kickstand leg and one of even fewer with an integrated sundial to take the guesswork out of pointing it directly at the sun.

While this panel is very lightweight and portable, it isn't the most efficient solar panel available. However, this 5-watt panel is more powerful than the other battery banks with an integrated solar panel that we've seen (many of which generate so little power that it's nearly undetectable). If you're after maximum solar efficiency, you're better off getting a larger panel. However, for an extremely portable solar charger option with an integrated battery bank, this is our favorite model.

solar charger - we make sure to test every panel side by side to ensure they're...

Why You Should Trust Us

Since 2013, we've tested well over 100 different solar chargers and solar panels of varying sizes and capacities. We've used solar collectors of all shapes and sizes for everything from powering our laptops while overlanding to powering an electric bike . For this review, we compiled test results from all the most popular and most promising models currently available, all purchased at retail prices from many of the same popular merchants you likely shop at. Our teams tested and rated all these panels and chargers for different qualities depending on the type of panel and its intended use. We tested their charging speeds in direct sunlight and in overcast conditions, evaluated their portability, explored the bounds of their functionality, and poured over every detail. We hooked them up to portable power stations, our smartphones, laptops, and anything else that needed power. We camped, we hiked, we typed, and we loaded them into our vehicles and backpacks. In short, we put all these solar chargers through the wringer to find the best of the best.

A good solar camping setup involves the right solar panel to charge...

The test team for this review is led by Sam Schild with James Lucas contributing. Sam is an outdoor lover of adventure who has spent countless nights camping far, far away from the power grid. He's an avid thru-hiker who has completed several long-distance trails and has crossed the country multiple times on bicycle. His first experience using a solar panel while camping was a small battery pack with an integrated solar panel that he used bike touring. Solar panels have come a long way since that fateful tour. When he's not adventuring far and long, he's often camping somewhere in Colorado or across the American Southwest, based out of his minivan, where his solar camping setup keeps all his technology charged so he can stay connected.

James spends hundreds of days outside every year documenting the outdoors and testing gear while traveling around his home in Boulder, Colorado, and where his heart is, in the Sierra. From working out of his van in the dispersed sun of the Rockies to base camping on top of sunny El Capitan in Yosemite, James uses solar panels from large to small to harness the sun and power his adventures, charging his camera gear and his connection to the world. GearLab and James performed rigorous testing on all the models in the thorough portable solar charger review.

solar charger - we tested these solar panels in a side-by-side charging speed test.

How To Choose The Right Solar Charger

Choosing the right solar device for your needs and intended use is very important. There's a big difference between a massive unfolding set of solar panels for camping and a small, lightweight, portable solar charger for backpacking, and that difference is size and weight.

If you're going to be carrying a solar panel on your back, you obviously want it to be small and lightweight. But if you're going to load it into your car, weight isn't as much of an issue. But the smaller the solar panel, the less energy it will produce, which translates to slower charging times.

There are also differences in useability between many solar chargers. Some models are easy to use and easy to set up, while others take a little more experience and maybe some head-scratching to start powering your devices. We'll walk you through all the different types of non-permanent solar panels available to help you decide what's best for you.

What Do You Want To Do With Your Solar Power?

Before choosing a solar charger, you should determine what you want to charge with it and where you want to take it. If you want to power a large power station for boondocking or powering your battery bank at base camp, you'll want a larger, higher-watt solar panel. If you're simply trying to keep your phone charged in the backcountry, you won't need to buy as big of a panel because you don't need as much wattage to charge small electronic devices like a smartphone.

solar charger - we found that larger panels work better than the smaller ones we...

Portable Solar Chargers

The best portable solar chargers prioritize size, weight, and packability over all else. These smaller models are designed to charge electronic devices with lower energy needs, like cell phones and smartwatches. But if you're trying to charge something that takes a lot of power, they won't work as well. A portable solar panel generally has fewer solar cells, which translates to less power converted from sunlight to electrical energy or watts. The overall scores for each portable panel we tested are shown in the chart below.

Solar Panels For Camping

Solar panels for camping are generally larger than portable models. They also have a higher capacity to convert sunlight into energy. The chart below shows the overall score for each model we tested.

While many of these solar chargers are designed to be packed and unpacked to set up anywhere, they're typically not portable enough to throw in your backpack with a tent and sleeping bag when you're hitting the trail. However, solar panels for camping are portable enough to pack in the trunk of your car, truck, or van. They also usually include some way to carry them from your car to wherever you build your solar charging station. Still, they're definitely heavier than you'd want to carry for long distances.

solar charger - larger solar panels can pull more power even in lower light...

Solar Charger and Battery Bank

Some portable solar panels also have an integrated battery bank. These chargers are usually designed to be used more like a portable battery pack and less like a solar panel because the solar panel often isn't big enough to reliably generate a lot of power from the sun. The panel will work in a pinch, but it can be slow to charge the integrated battery. You're often better off charging a model with an integrated battery bank at home before your trip than using the panel to top off as you go if needed.

solar charger - battery banks with an integrated solar panel are the most portable...

What Else to Look for in a Solar Charger

Once you've figured out the type of solar panel that will fit your needs, looking at specific features of different individual models will help you narrow down the field.

Solar Panel Size

Choosing the right solar charger size depends on how much space you have to store it and set it up. A bigger solar panel will generally have a higher watt output, which means you can convert more energy from the sun. And more energy from the sun means faster charging speeds for your devices. A smaller-sized solar panel will be easier to carry, though. If you will be backpacking with your charger, we recommend getting as small of a panel as possible that will still generate enough power for your needs. If you're not going to carry your solar charger long distances, a larger size will generate more power for keeping more and larger electronics running while you're out.

solar charger - when car camping, a larger solar charger is a good thing, but for...

Solar Charger Watts

The number of watts that a solar panel can create correlates with its size. Generally speaking, more solar cells mean more watt output. Watt output is much like solar panel size, as you can see.

General Wattage Guidelines

1 watt to 10 watts: Most battery packs with an integrated solar panel. These are ideal for throwing in your backpack to charge your electronics while hiking and backpacking.
10 watts to 20 watts: Most of the smallest solar panels without an integrated battery. These are best for charging small devices or a separate battery pack while hiking, backpacking, or traveling.
20 watts to 30 watts: Many of the portable solar chargers we tested here fall into this wattage range. 20 to 30-watt chargers are great for faster charge speeds while still being relatively portable.
30 watts to 50 watts: You'll see even faster charging speeds in this range. These are ideal for charging multiple devices or larger electronics like laptops or tablets. However, some are a bit too bulky and heavy for most backpackers' preferences.
50 watts to 100 watts: Some of the largest-sized panels that don't need to be permanently installed somewhere fit in this range. These larger-capacity panels are ideal for charging a large power station when camping or boondocking.
100 watts or more: These are the largest solar chargers that you can still pack away to move. They're the best energy-intensive devices and have fast charging speeds to keep your large battery banks or power stations full.

solar charger - a 110-watt panel is best for charging a large power station when...

Direct Solar Charging Speed

Direct solar charging speed measures how quickly a solar panel will charge electronic devices. The primary purpose of a solar panel is to efficiently transform sunlight into usable energy. Therefore, we placed a lot of emphasis on direct solar charging speed in our testing. If a solar charger doesn't perform optimally under direct sunlight, it might not even be worth using.

Indirect Solar Charging Speed

You don't always have ideal blue skies and sunny days when using a solar panel, so we also tested how well a solar panel performs in cloudy conditions. Most solar panels don't work as well in partial or indirect sun, but they still generate some power. Some panels are more efficient than others in indirect sun, so this is also worth considering when looking at solar chargers.

We tested indirect solar charging speed using a thin white sheet suspended above every panel. While this isn't exactly the same as using them in cloudy conditions, we used this test to ensure we could reproduce the exact same conditions every time we test these solar chargers. During a cloudy hour in Colorado, we found that our test sheet actually prevented more solar energy from reaching the panels than during overcast conditions.

solar charger - we tested indirect solar charging speed using a thin white sheet...

Portability

None of the solar panels we tested here are designed to be permanently mounted to a roof, so they're all at least somewhat portable. But some chargers are certainly lighter and smaller than others. Small and light solar panels are more portable than big panels, but those bigger panels will generate more power than something more portable.

We considered the packed size and weight of every charger when testing portability. We also looked at other features, like carrying handles and protective cases, when testing portability. You'll likely be transporting your solar charger often, so portability is key.

solar charger - most of the solar chargers we tested are portable, but some are more...

Functionality

Functionality measures how easy it is to use the charger. When testing functionality, we asked ourselves, "How user-friendly is this panel?"

Functionality is a broad metric but an important one. We tested things like ease of setup, cable integration and storage, fold-out supports to angle the panel at the sun in the mornings or evenings, and anything else that makes a solar charger function well during real-world testing.

solar charger - a solar charger is more functional if you can angle it at the sun...

Multiple Device Charging

Many solar-powered devices can reliably charge more than one device at the same time. This is important if you'll be sharing power among a group of people or have lots of tech to keep powered. Some solar chargers only have one power output, so they can't charge multiple devices at once.

solar charger - many solar chargers have the capability to charge multiple devices...

Many chargers will charge multiple devices at once, but they'll charge those devices slower than they'd charge a single item. If you need a lot of reliable power, multiple-device charging is something to consider. Remember, though, if you're using a solar charger to charge a portable power station, that device likely has multiple device charging capabilities as well.

solar charger - stopping to recharge our batteries on a bike ride.

Best Portable Solar Chargers of 2024

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8 best solar chargers for camping and backpacking, tried and tested

Never be stranded with a dead battery again – these panels will keep you topped up while the sun shines, article bookmarked.

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The top solar panels are small enough to carry, but powerful enough to charge laptops

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The sun is finally making its tentative return, which means garden parties , picnics in the park and – most thrillingly of all – the prospect of harvesting free electricity from the sky using one of the best portable solar panels.

Read more: The complete guide to solar panel home installation

The best solar chargers for 2024 are:

Best overall – Goal zero nomad 20 solar panel: £174, Decathlon.co.uk
Best budget solar panel – Forclaz trek 500 10W: £34.99, Decathlon.co.uk
Best for camping – Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel: £217, Hampshiregenerators.co.uk
Best for campervans – Ecoflow 220W: £449, Hampshiregenerators.co.uk
Best fold-out power bank – Addtop solar charger power bank: £33.59, Amazon.co.uk

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Goal zero nomad 20 solar panel

Best : Overall
Power : 20W
Weight : 1kg
Size : 550mm x 20mm x 290mm
Size (folded) : 290mm x 20mm x 32mm
Connections : One USB-A
Easy attachments
Flexible USB port

Forclaz solar panel SLR 500 V2 - 10W

Best : Budget solar panel
Power : 10W
Weight : 285g
Size : 350mm x 290mm x 13mm
Size (folded) : 290mm x 180mm x 18mm
Packs neatly into pouch
Great value for money

Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel

Best : For camping
Power : 100W
Weight : 4.68kg
Size : 122cm x 0.5cm x 53cm
Size (folded) : 60cm x 1cm x 52cm
Connections : 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C, Anderson to power station
Packs away neatly
Can charge power stations and devices
Not weatherproof

Ecoflow 220W solar panel

Best : For campervans
Power : 220W/155W
Weight : 538g
Size : 183cm x 82cm x 2.5cm
Size (folded) : 50cm x 82cm x 3.2cm
Connections : MC4 solar port
Delivers lots of power
Bifacial design
Not very portable

BioLite solar panel with integrated power pack

Best : For phones
Weight : 390g
Size : 286mm x 39mm x 229mm
Size (folded) : N/A
Helpful alignment tool
Thin and lightweight
Just one port

BigBlue 3 USB ports 28W solar charger

Best : For multiple devices
Power : 28W
Weight : 1.2kg
Size : 1,030mm x 280mm x 5mm
Size (folded) : 280mm x 190mm x 40mm
Connections : Three USB-As
Camping and hiking attachments
Can hang from tents and backpacks

Addtop solar charger power bank

Best : Fold-out powerbank
Size : 154mm x 90mm x 35mm
Size (folded) : 154mm x 360mm x 9mm
It is its own battery pack
Very slow charging in sunlight

Halfords 10W solar power battery maintainer

Best : For car batteries
Weight : N/A
Size (unfolded) : N/A
Connections : 12V, DC power plug and battery clips
Easily affixed to windshield
Comes with required clips
Not designed for travelling

The power output is rated for charging larger batteries too, such as those found on boats, barges and trucks.

Solar chargers FAQs

What should i look for when buying a solar charger.

Output capacity: Solar panels are rated in watts. The higher the number, the more electricity is generated during a given time period, but the larger the panel will be.
Surface area: The larger the solar panel, the more sunlight it can collect. This means batteries can charge at faster speeds, or more devices can be charged at once. For this reason, a large surface area is a good option for times when the weather conditions are poor or daylight hours are short.
Semi-flexible or rigid panels: Flexible solar panels are great for those with limited bag space as they can be folded up for easy transport. They are also a great choice as they can be folded out to form a greater surface area than a rigid model.
Kickstands: Solar chargers need to be aimed directly at the sun to achieve peak efficiency, with even a slight offset having a big impact on how much power they produce. Look for a solar charger with a kickstand that can be adjusted to any angle, not just in increments, so you can get the positioning just right.

How long do solar chargers last?

Do solar chargers work through a window?

What are the best uses for solar chargers?

Will using a solar charger save me money?

What are the alternatives if there is no sunlight?

The verdict: Solar chargers

The Goal Zero nomad 2 has everything you might need in a solar charger: high wattage, an abundance of USB ports and a business-like folding design and the leading monocrystalline panel type.

For mains-style power output on demand, the Ecoflow portable power station and 220W panel is highly recommended.

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Forclaz Trek 100, Portable 10W Solar Charger

Generate your own power in order to be fully autonomous during your treks or when hiking or bivouacking. (Do not use with a smartphone if the brightness of the sunlight is irregular)

Designed to charge your external charger using the sun's rays when mountain backpacking in order to be fully autonomous

SOLAR TECHNOLOGY

SUN POWER solar cells with 19% efficiency

CONNECTIVITY

1 standard USB port compatible with all types of type A USB cable. Given that the power varies according to the brightness of the sunshine, do not use with a smartphone if the panel is attached to a backpack where the sunshine fluctuates. This is because smartphones have a security measure that prevents charging if the power supply is irregular. In such situations, connect an external charger between the phone and the panel.

Folded: 11.4" x 7.1" x 0.7" Unfolded: 13.8" x 11.4" x 0.5"

Composition

Laminated fabric : 50.0% Silicone, Laminated fabric : 30.0% Silicium, Laminated fabric : 10.0% Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Laminated fabric : 10.0% Polyethylene Terephtalate Outer fabric : 34.0% Polyvinyl chloride, Outer fabric : 33.0% Polyamide, Outer fabric : 33.0% Polyurethane Pocket : 100.0% Other fibers Foam part : 100.0% Polyurethane Shell : 50.0% Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, Shell : 50.0% Polycarbonate Electronic circuit : 100.0% PCBA

Power : 10W (max) solar panel compatible with USB appliances

Battery life : 100% self-sufficient thanks to the solar cells

Durability : Folding panel and textile cover that protects the cells.

Versatility : 1 USB port and snap shackles to hook it to a bag or tent

Compact design : Easy to pack in a bag when folded

Easy to use : Storage bag for accessories and cables

/ 5

Forclaz Trek 100, Portable 10W Solar Charger reviews

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Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

Patriarch’s Pond
Old Arbat Street
Maroseyka Street
Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography.

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita.

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

Novoslobodskaya
Mayakovskaya
Elektrozavodskaya
Komsomolskaya
Ploschad Revolyutsii
Dostoyevskaya
Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem.

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions.

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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Home » News » L-Charge’s 1st Mobile EV Charger Starts Patrolling Moscow’s Streets

L-Charge’s 1st Mobile EV Charger Starts Patrolling Moscow’s Streets

Highlights :

The company will provide on-demand charging service to electric vehicles in Moscow, Russia.
The mobile charger can be summoned via an app to any location in Moscow and takes just 8 minutes to charge an electric car to a range of 100 km, said L-Charge.

L-Charge’s 1st Mobile EV Charger Starts Patrolling Moscow’s Streets

Russian engineering firm L-Charge has announced that its first mobile EV charger has started to patrol Moscow city streets to provide on-demand charging service to electric vehicles. It can be summoned via an app to any location in Moscow and takes just 8 minutes to charge an electric car to a range of 100 km, a world record, said the company.

L-Charge also plans to build 4-5 EV charging units to launch them as a mobile charger in Paris, Berlin, New York , Amsterdam and London.

All mobile electric car chargers available in the market today operate on power bank principle and themselves need to be recharged, stated the company. What makes the Russian invention fundamentally different is that it is a mobile mini power station which itself generates energy, stores it and enables other vehicles to recharge without needing to be connected to the grid, said L-Charge. The energy is generated from liquefied natural gas, but the option to switch to hydrogen is already in place.

The company offered this solution – a super fast mobile EV charger – at a product launch in Moscow.

“Around 90% of atmospheric pollution in Moscow is caused by vehicles, and Moscow is a leader in the development of public transport. To significantly reduce hazardous emissions, private and commercial vehicles must be switched to electricity. Natural gas is the cleanest source of renewable energy available today, and in the case of our charger, generation of energy is even 5-7% cleaner than in gas thermal power stations – in other words, it is cleaner than charging a vehicle from the grid or a socket.As a result, we can cut the level of pollution from vehicles by at least one third right now,” said Dmitry Lashin, CEO of L-Charge.

Lashin noted that given the way electric vehicles are developing today, it is simpler to address the issue of moving the chargers than to create a large number of stationary chargers across the city.

“We could continue developing the network of charging networks connected to the grid, spending a huge amount of resources, both time and money. But the problem of inadequate infrastructure can be resolved straight away by deploying a network of autonomous charging stations,” he added.

Moscow has already implemented a list of measures aimed at supporting EV development, making parking for EV’s free of charge, as well as providing free charging at public chargers. A spokesman for the Moscow Department of Transport reportedly said that Moscow is ready to support developers’ initiatives through the allocation of grants.

Together Moscow transport authorities and local business are planning to help car owners to shift to EVs in the upcoming years.

Soumya Duggal

Soumya is a master's degree holder in English, with a passion for writing. It's an interest she has directed towards environmental writing recently, with a special emphasis on the progress being made in renewable energy.

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City Street Guides by f.d. walker:
*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be […]
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8 best solar chargers for camping and backpacking, tried and tested

How we tested

The best solar chargers for 2024 are:

Goal zero nomad 20 solar panel

Forclaz solar panel SLR 500 V2 - 10W

Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel

Ecoflow 220W solar panel

BioLite solar panel with integrated power pack

BigBlue 3 USB ports 28W solar charger

Addtop solar charger power bank

Halfords 10W solar power battery maintainer

Solar chargers FAQs

How long do solar chargers last?

Do solar chargers work through a window?

What are the best uses for solar chargers?

Will using a solar charger save me money?

What are the alternatives if there is no sunlight?

The verdict: Solar chargers

Forclaz 10w portable solar charger review

What is mAH?

Forclaz Solar Panel

PowerAdd Power Bank

Anker Powercore Solar 20000

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Goal zero nomad 20 solar panel

Forclaz solar panel SLR 500 V2 - 10W

Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel

Ecoflow 220W solar panel

BioLite solar panel with integrated power pack

BigBlue 3 USB ports 28W solar charger

Addtop solar charger power bank

Halfords 10W solar power battery maintainer

Solar chargers FAQs

How long do solar chargers last?

Do solar chargers work through a window?

What are the best uses for solar chargers?