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BLKBOX Portable Solar Charger

rated 3.0 of 5 stars
photo:   BLKBOX Portable Solar Charger solar panel

Quality portable folding solar chargers sold direct via Amazon. Four models available, two models evaluated. Powerbanks also available (not evaluated).

Pros

  • Price (direct via Amazon.com)
  • Quality construction
  • Mounting provisions included
  • Excellent customer service

Cons

  • 5-watt version is likely insufficient for most devices

Let me preface by saying solar charger wattage ratings are based on Maximum Output on a clear cloudless day at moderate temperatures. In many areas of the world, this is the exception rather than the rule. On average, solar panels produce a fraction of their rated Maximum Output. My suggestion is to learn what input wattage the device(s) you want to charge requires and shop for a charger with a Maximum Output around 1.5X to 2X that wattage.

I learned about BLKBOX.biz through a friend who purchased a 12w unit to charge his tablet. I was interested in an ultralight unit to charge my iPhone 5S while backpacking to use to GPS track lesser known trails.

After reviewing BLKBOX.biz's site (via Amazon), initially settled on their 5-watt model based on low weight and their indication it would charge an iPhone 5S. When the unit arrived, the brochure that came with it indicated it was NOT recommended for iPhones but would work with "GPS's, GoPros, Battery Packs, Cellphones and Androids".  

I tested the unit on a cloudless day from about 10:00am to 2:00pm and it fell just short of maintaining a charge on my iPhone 5S with the phone on. I contacted BLKBOX.bix's excellent customer service department and pointed out the discrepancy between their site and the brochure as well as the real-life shortcoming of the unit.

They suggested the site's claim the unit would work with the iPhone was based on the iPhone being in airplane mode and agreed to exchange the 5-watt unit for a more powerful unit without hesitation. The actual weight of the 5-watt unit I received is 267g/9.3oz not including the two carabiners that came with it (10g/0.2oz total).

5W-300x175.jpg
NOTE:  I should have known better. The iPhone 5S requires 5-watts to charge which is Maximum Output for this unit. In anything short of a full-sun exposure and the unit will produce less than 5-watts and is insufficient to charge/maintain an iPhone.

My 5-watt unit was exchanged for a 12-watt unit (548g/1lb. 3.3oz, not including carabiners), their largest, which features larger panels and a storage pocket for your charging cable and/or device. I tested the 12w unit on a partly cloudy to overcast day and it charged my iPhone 5S from 30% to 100% in about two hours with airplane mode off and WiFi/Bluetooth on. The 12-watt unit is also recommended for tablets and iPads (not tested).  

12W-300x244.jpg

BLKBOX.biz also offers 7-watt and 10-watt versions.  I will update if any durability concerns come up.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $50 for 12-watt, $23 for 5-watt, includes shipping

Not enough capacity to be useful. To even do the little it is capable of it must be sitting properly in relation to the sun — not at all useable when moving.

Pros

  • None

Cons

  • Useless

Talk to anyone that knows just a little about solar and they can tell you this is useless junk. It is irresponsible to sell junk like this.

A power bank can be useful: I recently carried one 12,000 mah unit on the Inca Trail. Worked great for the 4 days.

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Specs

Price Reviewers Paid: $23.00

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