Vent: I bought a 'green' power bank that was a total waste of $40

Saw this solar power bank online last month, said it was perfect for camping and emergencies. The ad made it look like a real climate friendly choice. It took TWO full days in direct sun to get a 20% charge, and it couldn't even fully power my phone once. I feel so dumb for not reading the real reviews first. Has anyone found a portable charger that actually works with solar?

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3 Comments

angela4167mo ago

My old Goal Zero Nomad 7 panel from 2018 still works fine for trickle charging. Solar tech for small gadgets is just inherently slow and always has been. The marketing overpromises, but the basic function is there if you adjust your expectations.

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faith8147mo ago

Reminds me of my buddy who took his solar charger camping. He spent all afternoon moving it around a clearing for "optimal sun" and his phone only went up like 12%. He was so mad, but it did keep it from dying.

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harper_cooper216mo ago

Read a review that basically said what @faith814's friend learned the hard way.

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