Solar Cell Chargers | Solar Battery Chargers | Price, Types, Benefits, Limitations

Solar battery chargers are handy devices with solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity can be used to charge electronic devices like tablets and phones directly or stored in built-in rechargeable batteries for later use. While not all models have built-in batteries, many new models of solar battery chargers have them.

The solar-powered battery chargers are primarily of two types:

Portable solar battery chargers: These are small, lightweight, and usually foldable. Hence, they’re ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and camping, where on-the-go charging is required. The electricity generated by portable solar cell chargers can be used to charge smaller devices like power banks, mobiles, tablets, and iPods.
Fixed solar battery chargers: These are stationary solar charging stations with large solar arrays connected to a high-capacity lithium battery bank. When correctly sized, they can be big enough to store electricity that can charge EVs, RVs, and even boats.

No matter the type, solar battery chargers always have a charge controller (usually an MPPT solar charger controller) that prevents overcharging so batteries or devices are not damaged during charging.

In this blog, you’ll learn how solar battery chargers work, their types, benefits, limitations, uses, and cost. We’ll also explore when it’s better to upgrade to standalone solar charging kits versus investing in a rooftop on-grid solar system for home use.

TL;DR Summary Box: How Does Solar Charging Work?

Solar charging in solar battery chargers works by converting sunlight into electricity using solar panels. When sunlight hits the panels, photons knock electrons loose. These loose electrons start flowing in one direction, creating an electric current that can be used to charge your devices.

Here are the key pointers that have been discussed in detail in this blog:

Key Topics	Quick Takeaways
How does a solar battery charger work?	It works by converting sunlight into electricity.
What are the types of solar-powered battery chargers?	These are of two main types: Portable solar battery chargers Fixed solar battery chargers
What are the benefits of solar battery chargers?	They’re cost-effective, weather-resistant, and great for on-the-go charging while hiking.
What are the drawbacks of solar battery chargers?	They charge devices significantly slower than standard plug-in chargers.
What are the prices of solar battery chargers in India?	Portable solar battery chargers in India come in the range of ~ Rs. 1,000* to ~ Rs. 2,300*
When should you install on-grid rooftop solar systems at home?	When you want to power all appliances and reduce your electricity bills by at least 90%.

*Please note: The cost of solar battery chargers listed above is based on general market trends. Actual pricing can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer, product type, and wattage. SolarSquare does not manufacture, sell, install, or officially endorse any specific brand or product related to solar battery chargers. This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice or a product recommendation.

What Are Solar Battery Chargers and How Do They Work?

Solar battery chargers or solar cell chargers are solar-powered devices that convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power gadgets on the go. They come in various sizes, ranging from compact panel-only chargers (around 5-10 watts) to larger foldable or rigid models as big as a picnic table.

While ultra-compact, panel-only portable solar cell chargers do not usually have a built-in solar charge controller, models higher than 5 watts or those with built-in rechargeable batteries should ideally include one.

Before we take you through the step-by-step working of solar battery chargers, it’s relevant that you learn about their main components. Most solar-powered battery chargers include:

Solar panels: They convert sunlight into DC electricity.
Solar charge controller: They regulate the current and voltage flow to prevent overcharging.
Built-in rechargeable batteries: Lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells that store the converted energy.
USB ports: These provide an interface to charge phones, tablets, or other electronics.
Protection circuits: These are typically a part of the Battery Management System (BMS) in lithium-ion or lithium-polymer chargers. They safeguard your gadgets and the charger against voltage and current fluctuations.

Step-By-Step Working of Solar-Powered Battery Chargers

Like any other PV device with solar cells, solar battery chargers work based on the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight into usable electricity.

Let’s check out the step-by-step working process:

Sunlight strikes solar cells in the solar panels: Solar cells are usually made of silicon. When photons in the sunlight fall on silicon cells, they dislodge electrons from their place. These loose electrons begin flowing in one direction, which generates an electric current.
The direct current generated goes to the charge controller: The solar charge controller in the solar charger regulates the flow of current, ensuring that the battery or the device being charged is not damaged due to current overflow.
The regulated current goes to the built-in batteries (these could be Li-ion, Li-Po, or LiFePO₄): Electricity generated by panels is used to charge the batteries. This stored power can be used to charge gadgets by plugging them into the USB port.

What Are the Types of Solar Battery Chargers?

Solar battery chargers are primarily of two types: portable solar-powered battery chargers with or without built-in lithium batteries, and fixed solar battery chargers for charging EVs and RVs.

Let’s check out all types of solar cell chargers in detail.

#1. Portable Solar Battery Chargers

These solar chargers are compact and usually foldable. Since they are lightweight, they’re ideal outdoor devices that provide on-the-go charging while hiking or camping. Some of these are so small you can fit them inside your pockets.

These can be further classified into the following types:

Portable panel-only solar-powered battery chargers: As the name suggests, they do not have built-in batteries. Most of the panel-only solar chargers above 5 watts have a solar charge controller. The electricity generated by these chargers can be used to charge gadgets directly.
Portable solar battery chargers with built-in lithium batteries: Many of the latest models of solar battery chargers come with built-in lithium batteries that get recharged when sunlight hits the solar panels. This stored energy can be used whenever needed to recharge gadgets. Depending on their wattage, they can be used to charge smaller gadgets like mobiles and iPods, or slightly larger gadgets like laptops.

#2. Fixed Solar-Powered Battery Chargers

These aren’t portable in nature. It means they’re fixed installations. They’re often called solar charging systems or solar power systems. A large solar array is connected to a high-capacity battery, which stores the power generated by the panels when sunlight falls on them.

This stored power can be used to run larger electrical loads like those in RVs and boats. When integrated into full off-grid solar systems, these chargers can even help supply power for EV charging.

What Are the Benefits of a Solar-Powered Battery Charger?

Solar battery chargers require little to no maintenance. Hence, they’re quite cost-effective. Plus, they offer charging on-the-go, which is extremely handy when camping or hiking outdoors.

Let’s check out all the advantages these chargers have to offer:

They run on solar renewable energy: Solar power is infinite and non-polluting. Hence, solar-powered battery chargers are eco-friendly. At the same time, they offer charging on the go as long as there is sunlight or stored power in the built-in batteries.
They are cost-effective: Most high-quality portable solar battery chargers in India come in the range of ~ Rs. 1,000* to ~ Rs. 2,300*. Since they can last for 5-10 years* with proper care and require little maintenance, they’re extremely cost-effective.
They’re portable and a handy charging device in remote locations: You can easily carry these chargers and use them to charge your devices in emergency situations while camping or hiking in rugged mountains. As long as there’s sunlight, they will power your gadgets.
They come in handy in emergency situations: Many of the latest models come with emergency features like LED flashlights and multi-charging ports. Moreover, they’re built to survive falls and can resist rain, dust, and extreme weather conditions, making them resourceful during calamities like floods.

*Please note: The lifespan and cost of solar battery chargers listed above are based on general market trends. Actual pricing and product life may vary significantly depending on the manufacturer, product type, and wattage. Features such as emergency LED lights, multiple charging ports, and weather resistance are model-specific and not universally available. Always verify the product specifications before purchasing. SolarSquare does not manufacture, sell, install, or officially endorse any specific brand or product related to solar battery chargers. This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice or a product recommendation.

What Are the Drawbacks of Solar Cell Chargers?

While these can prove to be very resourceful during emergency situations when there’s no grid available at remote locations to charge gadgets, solar cell chargers cannot match the high-speed charging pace of regular plug-in wall chargers. That’s one of their biggest limitations.

Let’s check out all the drawbacks in detail:

They’re slower than regular chargers: Solar battery chargers generally produce less power than traditional plug-in chargers. Because of this, it takes much longer to fully charge a device or battery using solar energy, especially if sunlight is weak or inconsistent. These chargers are best used for topping up the charge slowly over time. They’re not suitable for quick power-ups.
They’re not suitable for reviving completely dead batteries: Solar battery chargers usually deliver a low current. It is perfect for maintaining the charge level in batteries, like preventing a car or RV battery from going flat when not in use. However, they aren’t powerful enough to charge a completely dead battery from zero. That’s why solar cell chargers are best used as backup. They should not be treated as your main charging source.

How Much Do Best Solar-Powered Battery Chargers in India Cost?

Some of the most reputable solar battery charger manufacturers in India include Saarrvad, Waaree Energies, and Loom Solar.

Here’s a tabulated snapshot of how much solar battery chargers made by premium manufacturers in India cost:

Solar Battery Charger Name	Solar-Powered Battery Charger Cost
Waaree WEPCWS304 solar mobile charger	~ Rs. 2,200
Saarrvad 10W solar phone charger	~ Rs. 2,300
Loom Solar 10 Wp module	~ Rs. 1,000

What Safety Certifications Should Solar Chargers Have?

For Indian consumers, BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification is a must, as it ensures that the product meets national safety and performance standards.

In addition, look for the following international safety marks:

CE marking: This European mark indicates that the product complies with EU regulations for electrical safety.
RoHS compliance: It stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. This marking ensures the product is free from dangerous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
IP rating: This marking indicates the level of protection the device has against solid particles like dust and liquids like water. This is especially important because solar battery chargers have to be used outdoors.

IP ratings alongside BIS ratings should be prioritized.

Here’s a general IP rating breakdown you can count on:

IP54: Basic dust and splash protection for indoor use
IP65: Dust-tight and water jet protection for light outdoor use
IP67: Dust-tight and temporary water immersion protection
IP68: Dust-tight and continuous water submersion protection

Fixed Solar Chargers or On-Grid Rooftop Solar Panel System For Homes, Which is Better?

If you’re purchasing a solar battery charger for charging on the go, it’s an absolutely worthy investment since it’s cost-effective and offers genuine charging options in remote locations as long as there’s sunlight. However, if you’re planning to buy a solar-powered battery charger to support multiple higher-wattage devices like laptops or lights, these might not be suitable.

In order to power all appliances in your home using solar energy to reduce electricity bills by 90% or more, you must install a rooftop solar system.

To give you a better idea, we’ve chalked down a comparison between the cost of installing an on-grid rooftop solar panel system at home vs the savings it offers during its life of 25 years in Nagpur.

Solar System Size	Solar Panel Price in Nagpur With Subsidy (Starting Price – Indicative for Base Variant)*	Solar Savings in Nagpur in 25 Years*
2 kWp	~ Rs. 1.15 lakh	~ Rs. 11.05 lakh
3 kWp	~ Rs. 1.32 lakh	~ Rs. 16.58 lakh
4 kWp	~ Rs. 1.77 lakh	~ Rs. 22.11 lakh
5 kWp	~ Rs. 2.27 lakh	~ Rs. 34.43 lakh
10 kWp	~ Rs. 5.02 lakh	~ Rs. 68.86 lakh

*Please note: The above-mentioned solar plate price is indicative as of 7th August 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The final cost of installing an on-grid rooftop solar panel system at home depends on your DISCOM charges, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change. Additionally, while calculating savings, we have considered the annual tariff escalation at 3% and the annual degradation at 1%. The actual final savings from solar panel installation depend on the types of solar panels you’ve installed and their efficiency, intensity of sunlight your rooftop receives, orientation of the panels and tilt angle, the pollution level and weather conditions in your city, the temperature, shadow on the roof, impact of dirt/dust, and how well you maintain your panels after installation.

Not from Nagpur, but curious to see how much money SolarSquare’s solar systems can save for you in 25 years? Use our rooftop solar calculator to get an estimate for free.

Our verdict? Opt for solar battery chargers if your primary goal is to power smaller gadgets while hiking or camping. On the other hand, you need on-grid solar systems for powering all home appliances and reducing electricity bills by 90%.

Go for on-grid solar when installing:

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Conclusion

Solar battery chargers are cost-effective solutions for on-the-go charging. They are portable and lightweight, making them ideal for camping or hiking. Some advanced models are also incorporated with emergency features like LED lights and weather resistance.

Adopting solar is beneficial in all ways. If you want information on how on-grid rooftop solar systems can save you tens of lakhs of rupees and whether you should install one at your home, book a free solar consultation with SolarSquare.

FAQs

Q1. How long does it take to charge a solar cell charger?

Ans. Based on standard information, a solar battery charger with 10,000-20,000 mAh Li-ion batteries can charge in 5 to 8 hours*. *Please note: Actual charging time can vary significantly based on factors such as the charger’s wattage, battery capacity, panel efficiency, weather conditions, and geographical location.

Q2. Are solar battery chargers good for emergency use?

Ans. Yes, solar battery chargers are excellent for emergency use in remote areas or during power outages. As long as there’s sunlight, they can provide backup power for essential devices like phones and flashlights.

Q3. Are solar battery chargers worth buying?

Ans. They’re worth buying if you often travel, camp, or live in areas with unreliable electricity. While slower than wall chargers, they’re portable, eco-friendly, and can keep small devices running when power isn’t available.

Q4. Is it safe to leave solar battery chargers on charge?

Ans. Yes, if the charger has a built-in charge controller or battery management system (BMS), it’s safe to leave it in the sun. These features prevent overcharging and protect both the charger and connected devices.