Why I Bought This Solar Charger
As a digital nomad who works from coffee shops, beaches, and occasionally the middle of nowhere, I was tired of constantly hunting for power outlets. My MacBook and phone would die during long outdoor work sessions, and carrying multiple power banks was getting ridiculous.
I'd heard good things about Anker's solar chargers, so when I saw the PowerPort Solar Lite for $53 on Amazon, I decided to give it a shot. Here's what happened after 6 months of real-world use.
First Impressions & Build Quality
The packaging screams "premium" - typical Anker style. The charger itself feels solid but surprisingly lightweight at just 14.7 oz. When folded, it's about the size of a small laptop and fits easily in my backpack's laptop compartment.
The build quality is impressive. The solar panels are encased in industrial-strength PET polymer, and the whole thing is sewn into a rugged polyester canvas. After 6 months of being stuffed in backpacks, dropped on rocks, and left in the rain (accidentally), it still looks almost new.
Real-World Performance Testing
Sunny California Café (Direct sunlight): Charged my iPhone 13 from 20% to 80% in about 2.5 hours. Not bad!
Overcast Seattle Morning: Barely a trickle. Got maybe 10% charge in 3 hours. Disappointing but expected.
Camping in Colorado (High altitude, clear sky): This is where it shines! The high altitude and thin air meant incredible performance. Charged my phone and a friend's Samsung simultaneously.
Beach work session in San Diego: Great performance, but I had to be careful about sand getting in the ports. The included cable is only 3 feet, which was sometimes limiting.
✅ What I Love
- Actually works: Unlike cheap solar chargers, this delivers real power in good conditions
- Dual USB ports: Can charge two devices simultaneously
- Compact when folded: Doesn't take up much backpack space
- Durable: Survived 6 months of abuse
- PowerIQ technology: Automatically optimizes charging speed for each device
- Great for emergencies: Peace of mind during power outages
❌ Frustrations
- Weather dependent: Useless on cloudy days
- Angle matters A LOT: Need to constantly adjust for optimal sun exposure
- Slow charging indoors: Through windows, it's barely functional
- Short cable: 3-foot cable limits placement options
- No battery storage: Can't store power for later use
- Price: $53 is steep for what you get
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Buy This
✅ Perfect for:
- Weekend warriors: Camping, hiking, beach trips where you'll get 6+ hours of direct sun
- Emergency preparedness: Natural disasters, power outages
- RV travelers: Supplemental power for small devices
- Outdoor workers: Construction, photography, field research
❌ Skip if:
- You live in a cloudy climate (looking at you, Seattle)
- You need consistent, reliable charging for work
- You want something for indoor/window use
- You're expecting laptop-level charging speeds
Comparison to Alternatives
I also tested the Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus ($100) and BigBlue 28W ($60). The Anker sits right in the middle - better build quality than BigBlue, but less efficient than the Goal Zero. For most people, I think the Anker hits the sweet spot of price vs. performance.
Bottom Line
The Anker PowerPort Solar Lite isn't perfect, but it's probably the best solar charger under $60. If you spend time outdoors and want backup power that actually works, it's worth the investment. Just don't expect miracles on cloudy days.
I've been carrying mine for 6 months now, and despite the limitations, I wouldn't travel without it. There's something satisfying about charging your phone with sunlight while working from a mountain top café.
Ready to Go Solar?
The Anker PowerPort Solar Lite is currently $52.79 on Amazon with free shipping.
💚 Eco-friendly packaging • 18-month warranty • 30-day returns
Have questions about solar charging?
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