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Nekteck 21W Solar Charger
The Nekteck 21W Solar Charger comes with three high-efficiency solar panels for collecting power when hiking or camping. One important thing I’ll clear up early in the review is that the Nekteck 21W can’t store power, so you’ll need to connect the device to either a power bank or your phone. However, it works much better connected to a power bank than directly to the phone.
How Does The Nekteck 21W Solar Charger Work
The build on the Nekteck 21W is of high quality, waterproof and robust, which is perfect for outdoor adventure. The panels are straightforward to attach to a backpack using the bungee loops. To get the panels working, just unfold the system and expose the 21 watts solar panel to the power of the sun, each panel pumping out approximately 800~1000mA under intense sunlight. Bear in mind that it’s a solar panel. If in the shade or under cloud covering, the charge rate will drop significantly – that’s not the products fault; it’s how solar charging works.
Dual USB Ports & Smart IC Technology
The Nekteck 21W Solar Charger features Dual USB charging ports allowing you to charge two devices at one time at a maximum output current of 3 Amps total. However, it will work best if you focus on just charging your power bank first.
Smart IC Technology is the latest charging solution. It has its own microchip that detects the type of device plugged in through USB PIN signals, which then supplies output on full power and fast charging speed. The Smart IC is much better than standard ports that only charge Apple OR Android devices at a maximum rate. With the Smart IC technology, each port cleverly recognizes your device and attempts to maximize its charging speed up to 2.0 amp per port or 3 amps overall.
Key Features & Specs
- Ultra lightweight: (18 oz)
- Ultra compact: (6.3x 11.1x 1.06in folded or 26.3x 11.1in opened) design.
- Power input: 21W High-efficiency Panel
- Power output: 5V Standard USB port x 2
- Output current: Up to 3A (2 USB port used simultaneously) up to 2A (1USB port used)
Nekteck 21W Solar Charger Tip On Charging
Another tip if you choose to get this Nekteck solar charger is to make sure the charging devices are not directing underneath the solar panels. Hopefully, with the sun shining directly on the solar cell, the area directly underneath can get hot, and batteries and phones stop charging when they get too hot.
Nothing more annoying than hiking all day in the sun, thinking your device has charged, only to realize in the camp that it has over-heated and refusing to charge. I would suggest running the USB cord from the panel to your device and carry the device in your shirt or pants pocket. Doing so will also give you quick access to check on the progress of the charge.
Should You Buy The The Nekteck 21W Solar Charger?
This solar panel set-up is a must-have for any hiker or camper spending time away from cultivation. They say for a portable solar charger to work, you need to collect at a minimum of 14W for it to charge at a timely rate. The Nekteck is 21W and charges fast if you know how to use it.
Don’t expect miracles; you can’t just plug in your iPhone and expect a super-fast charge like you would at home. If you have realistic expectations and the weather conditions are decent, you’ll get on fine with the Nekteck 21W Solar Charger. Finally, remember to use it to charge your power bank first rather than your phone or camera, as it works much more efficiently that way.
I really hope you found this review useful. I suggest also taking a look at our other guides such as the Best Gas Canister Camp Stoves, Best Shock-Aborbing Trekking Poles, and our guide of the Best Self-Inflating Camping Mats.
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