11 Best Solar Battery Chargers & Maintainers [Buyer’s Guide]

Everybody loves a road trip, right? There is good music, good snacks, and with the right people, it can be the most fun time ever!

But, all this fun can come crashing down to a halt the minute you sense the car slowing down. With tires pumped with air and a tank full of gas, it can only mean one thing – a dead car battery.

If that image and the possibility of being stranded in the middle of nowhere sent shivers down your spine, we need to have a chat about solar-powered battery chargers. A solar-powered battery charger enables easier charging and is a tool that everyone must have if they are on the road a lot. It is portable, durable, and can help you out of sticky situations.

To help pick the best one for your batteries, we have compiled a list of the 11 best solar battery chargers and maintainers and reviewed them in great detail.

Time is of the essence, so let’s begin!

Best Solar Battery Chargers & Maintainers

1. ECO-WORTHY Solar Battery Charger & Maintainer

Finding a solar-powered charger that can be used for any 12v battery has never been easier. The ECO-WORTHY solar battery charger and maintainer ensures that the batteries are in their best condition, even if you forget about them for a while.

This charger has a 10w solar panel and is ideal for trucks, cars, tractors, lawn mowers, jet skis, and many other such automobiles.

Why Did We Like It?

One of the first things that stood out for us was that it was easy to install and use. Moreover, it also has strong suction pads that allow it to stick firmly to the windshield.

This solar battery charger is lightweight and easy to store in your car so that you’re always ready to give the batteries a bit of a kick start.

Another great feature is the 2 wiring ways it has. The charger can be plugged to the cigarette lighter or directly connected to the battery with high quality crocodile clips that minimize the risk of short circuits.

Lastly, these also come with an inbuilt diode that blocks current coming in from the positive side, ensuring the panel charges the battery and not the other way around.

What Could’ve Been Better?

This solar battery charger has a lot to offer and is quite versatile, but it does not have an LED indicator to show if it is doing the work. Moreover, the charger is safe for boats and jet skis, but it is not waterproof.

2. Sunway Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger & Maintainer

If you like taking your car out on short drives now and then, it is essential to take care of the battery. Frequent short drives can spoil the battery, which is why we recommend keeping the Sunway solar car battery charger close to you. This lightweight and compact charger will ensure that the battery stays in perfect condition.

Why Did We Like It?

The Sunway solar car battery charger has so many unique features that it’s hard to pick one to start with. The most significant and essential feature is that this solar battery car charger has an LED indicator. So, you do not have to keep guessing if the charger is working its magic.

Plus, with a built-in diode and indicator, you will always know when to unplug the charger, and the risk of discharging or overcharging is also minimized.

Furthermore, the battery charger is also waterproof making it suitable for boats and jet skis as long as it is not submerged in water. A sprinkle here and there should not harm it.

Coming to the design of the battery, it is quite compact. It has a better shape allowing it to be placed comfortably on the windshield without blocking most of it.

What Could’ve Been Better?

It has a low waterproof rate, which puts it at a bit of a risk if you intend to be around water for a long time or there’s sudden rainfall. Plus, many reviewers have said that the suction cups are not that strong, making it difficult to place correctly for optimum sunlight.

3. SUNER POWER Solar Car Battery Charger & Maintainer

Camping trips can be ruined by dying car batteries, and the best way to avoid a mishap like that is to have a battery charger always on hand. We recommend the SUNER POWER solar battery charger for this purpose. With multiple variants with different power, this battery charger is not going to let you down.

Why Did We Like It?

First things first, this is a sturdy looking battery charger. The materials used and the glass protection with the frame show that this charger will last for a long time.

Secondly, the charger has a one-way connector. This makes the product quite user friendly and less complicated as there is no confusion on how it has to be connected. Just insert it, and it’s done.

Much like the others, we have reviewed, this battery charger also has an inbuilt diode that helps prevent discharge of the battery. Plus, it can be easily plugged into the cigarette lighter or clipped onto the batteries directly.

Lastly, a point worth mentioning is that should you face any battery issues, the company has an incredibly responsive tech support team. Plus, the battery has a 12 month warranty and lifetime technical support.

What Could’ve Been Better?

While it has so much to offer, one crucial thing is that it is not as lightweight as some of the other batteries we have reviewed. That being said, it is still portable, but many reviewers have stated that it is not as light as they had hoped for it to be.

4. ALLPOWERS Portable Solar Panel Battery Charger Maintainer

The problem with solar chargers is the potential risk of not charging on a cloudy day. But with the ALLPOWERS portable solar battery charger, you won’t have to worry about that. This is a really efficient charger that works even if you have a tinted windshield. It is weatherproof and works on most batteries.

Why Did We Like It?

The first great thing about this solar-powered battery charger is that it works through any daylight conditions and is not affected by tinted windshields.

Moreover, it has an LED indicator that will notify you of the working status and also let you know when the charger has done its work.

Additionally, you will never have to worry about the battery discharging as this charger is equipped with a diode that will prevent reverse charging.

Another amazing aspect is the ease of mounting. The solar charger can be fixed on the glass using the suction cups or attached to the car’s sun visor using the back straps.

It is worth mentioning that this charger is weatherproof and can handle a few splashes, but it is advised not to expose it to heavy rainfall or submerge it in water.

Overall, this is an efficient solar battery charger that is affordable and does what it says.

What Could’ve Been Better?

One major downside to the battery charger is that the cable is only 1.5 meters long. Since most cables are around 2 meters long, the cable’s short length is restricting and does not allow it to be mounted to the sun visor.

5. Schumacher Solar Battery Charger and Maintainer

The next item on this review list is the Schumacher battery charger. A battery charger by itself is energy efficient, but Schumacher takes it one step further. The company uses recycled and recovered components for their products, thereby reducing their carbon footprint. An ideal choice for environment-conscious buyers.

Why Did We Like It?

We appreciated that the company is attempting to reduce its footprint by using recycled plastic and used components for its products.

Along with being eco-friendly, their solar charger is also quite efficient. It works brilliantly in bright sunshine as well as on cloudy days.

Plus, it is also water-resistant, so you do not need to worry if a little rain comes down on those cloudy days.

Additionally, this product is suitable for all battery types and will keep it alive even if you do not use the  automobile for a little while.

Moreover, you can also leave your worries of overcharging behind as it only gives out 2.4W.

Overall, this is a small, lightweight, and compact solar battery charger and maintainer that is durable and accurate.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Although the charger only gives out 2.4w, it is necessary to plug it out before starting your automobile to avoid reverse charging. This charger does not come with an inbuilt controller. However, the controller can be purchased from the same brand, and it is worth spending on.

6. TP-solar Portable Solar Trickle Battery Maintainer

The TP-solar battery charger and maintainer comes with an elaborate kit that makes it user friendly and enables easy usage. This solar charger can be used on various batteries and efficiently converts sunlight to keep your batteries alive. This elegantly designed charger is a must-have for any car, RV, tractor, etc.

Why Did We Like It?

One of the most significant features of this solar charger and maintainer was the kit is included. If you are looking for a product that is user friendly, this is the one to consider.

It comes with both crocodile clips and O-ring terminals so that you can use the correct extension based on the battery. Additionally, it also comes with a lighter plug, suction cups, and carabiner clips for easy mounting.

Moreover, it has a one-way connector that makes it beginner-friendly and easy to use. The charger is small and weighs a little more than a pound making it portable and easy to carry.

Another great feature is that the charger is water and heat resistant. And, it works just as efficiently through tinted windshields.

Furthermore, it has a built-in controller to prevent reverse charging and will not discharge through the panels when the voltage is low during the night.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The charger is equipped with 2 LED lights that work brilliantly. The only issue is that the lights take charge from the battery causing it to discharge a tiny bit. But it is nothing to worry about as it is very little power and the battery is back to being fully charged by morning.

7. SOLPERK Solar Battery Charger and Maintainer

This SOLPERK product is sleek looking, efficient, and durable enough to kick your dying batteries to life. It has an amorphous solar panel, which means it can work on cloudy days as well. This easy to install and use charger is worth considering for your automobile.

Why Did We Like It?

The first thing that stood out for us is the dual lighting on the LED indicators. The red light indicates that it is working but not plugged in, while the green light indicates it is plugged in and working.

Moreover, this solar charger and maintainer is not only windproof but also waterproof to a certain extent making it an ideal choice for marine automobiles.

Now, let’s talk about the overall usage of this charger. It is quite simple and easy to use as it does not have any complicated components.

Furthermore, it has a plug and play connector where the positive and negative sides are already configured.

Additionally, it can be plugged into the cigarette lighter or attached directly to the crocodile clips. The choice is entirely yours.

You can count on this charger to keep the batteries alive and not discharge them, thanks to the built-in blocking diode.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The persisting issue with this charger and maintainer is the suction cups. The charger often fails to stick to the windshield, making it difficult to mount. It is also worth mentioning that the plastic around the panel can potentially melt under scorching weather conditions.

8. POWOXI Solar Battery Trickle Charger and Maintainer

If you are looking for a solar-powered battery charger with a high conversion rate, this is the one to consider. The POWOXI solar battery charger is an excellent option for all automobiles where a 12V battery is used. It weighs about 2 pounds and is built small, making it easy to carry around.

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Why Did We Like It?

The most impressive feature about this charger was the high energy conversion rate it has. This will allow it to maintain the power of your battery more efficiently.

Another great feature is that this charger is snow resistant, making it ideal to use for your snowmobiles that use a 12v battery.

Furthermore, if your car is in the garage more than it is on the road or a piece of equipment is collecting dust by sitting idle, POWOXI will effortlessly keep the battery from dying and also extend its life.

Overall, it is a great charger with all the essential features like a one-way connector, crocodile clips, and a cigarette lighter plug to keep the car battery alive for a long time.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The most consistent downside to this charger is that it has a short life span. Reviewers have mentioned that either the LED indicators or the panel stops working after a few months. However, the product is backed by a 12-month warranty, which should aid if the charger stops working.

9. POWISER Solar Battery Maintainer & Charger

The next maintainer and charger we are reviewing is the one by POWISER. This POWISER unit is cost-efficient and will ensure your automobile’s batteries remain in the best condition effortlessly. This charger is lightweight and includes accessories that make it easy to carry.

Why Did We Like It?

The fact that this charger is rain, snow, and hail resistant is what stood out for us. This weather-resistant material of the charger makes it suitable for snow equipment.

Another great feature is that the charger’s overall design is quite sturdy, thanks to the tempered glass force. Plus, this glass protects it from high impact and also makes it easy and quick to clean.

Additionally, it is straightforward to install and use. All you need to do is fix the solar panel where it suits you and plug it in. Alternatively, this charger can be attached directly to the battery with the crocodile clips.

Furthermore, there is no need to worry about this charger discharging the battery, as the in-built diode will prevent reverse charging.

What Could’ve Been Better?

It is worth mentioning that if your automobile’s battery is dead, it will take a while to charge it fully because this is a trickle charger and is more efficient in maintaining the battery’s charge. Plus, the LED indicator does not function properly sometimes.

10. Aeiusny Solar Panel Battery Charger

The Aeiusny battery charger is an excellent option for anyone looking for on-the-go charging by a small yet efficient device. This charger is easy to install on your automobile and will give some tender love and care to the battery.

With the Aeiusny charger and maintainer, you never have to worry about the battery of a vehicle that’s sitting idle in the garage.

Why Did We Like It?

The fantastic thing about this charger is that it weighs a little over 1 pound, making it super light and easy to carry wherever you go.

Furthermore, installation is a breeze as it has 6 rotatable suction cups and straps to hang it on the sun visor. The rotatable suction cups allow it to stick inside and outside the windshield.

Speaking of outside, the charger is rainproof, so you do not have to worry while attaching it to the outside of the car (however, it cannot be submerged in water).

It has the essential features that make it an efficient charger, like an in-built blocking diode and an LED indicator that shows the charger’s status. Plus, it has a great customer support team too!

What Could’ve Been Better?

This charger does its job well and will maintain the charge of any automobile that uses a 12v battery. However, it does have a history of having a short life span. Reviewers have mentioned that it works perfectly for a while before completely giving out.

11. Kingsolar Solar Trickle Charger and Maintainer

The last item on this list is the Kingsolar charger and maintainer. If you are looking for a charger that is lightweight and is easy to carry around, this one is a great option. This device has multiple accessories included that make it ideal for outdoor trips.

What Did We Like About It?

The most impressive feature was the conversion rate. It has a 23.5% energy conversion rate, which is the highest on this list and also significantly higher in the market.

Now, let’s move on to the make of the charger. It is quite slim and lightweight but not fragile, making it a great device to have if you are heading out.

Additionally, it comes with carabiner clips and o-ring terminals. The clips, along with foldable suction cups, make it easy to carry and attach.

The inclusion of o-rings with crocodile clips facilitates the use of the correct extension based on the battery.

Overall, it is a great device to have that will effortlessly and efficiently help extend the life of any 12v battery.

What Could’ve Been Better?

It was quite a task finding anything wrong with this particular charger as it works beautifully. But, based on certain observations, it is noteworthy that the customer service team is not very responsive. Plus, few users have mentioned it not being suitable for marine batteries.

Solar Battery Chargers Buyer’s Guide

Now that we have gone over a few solar-powered chargers and maintainers, it’s time to identify what you need to be looking at while buying these products.

Multiple factors must be considered so that the charger and maintainer meet your expectations and efficiently extend the battery’s life.

To help identify these key factors, here are some pointers that you can quickly go over while searching for the ideal device.

1. Charging Power

The ideal solar charger and maintainer will do its job even if it is a cloudy day. Plus, it is essential to make sure the device can be plugged into a cigarette lighter and also attached to the battery directly to charge it.

2. Reverse Charge Protection

While searching for an efficient charger and maintainer, make sure it has an in-built diode. What this does is, it will prevent the charger from taking power from the battery once it’s done. The diode will protect the battery from discharging as well as overcharging.

3. Size

Based on the automobile or equipment that needs the charger, it is crucial to select something that will fit comfortably and without hindering your vision.

These chargers and maintainers come in various sizes, so it is vital to keep in mind that it needs to be portable and easy to carry.

4. Mounting

Suction cups are included with all chargers and maintainers to allow attaching them to the windshield. However, specific devices also come with back straps through which it can be attached to the sun visor.

If you intend to carry it around, then having both suction cups and straps will significantly help.

5. Overall Design and Make

Since these solar chargers and maintainers are aimed at outdoor use, it is essential for them to be waterproof and windproof. Ensure that the device can withstand all the different kinds of weather conditions and heavy wind and impact (especially if it is for marine automobiles).

Verdict

Solar battery chargers and maintainers are of great help if you have vehicles that are not being used and are in the garage for a greater part of the year. We hope that this review and the buyer’s guide clears out any confusion or doubt about solar-powered chargers and maintainers.

Before leaving, we would like to reiterate that we recommend the TP solar unit in spite of its LED indicator issues. But, if the LED light taking power (although very low) is a concern, then the Kingsolar Solar Trickle Charger and Maintainer is a great product to consider.

Let us know if we missed out on any chargers that are worth checking out and reviewing. Until then, stay safe and be healthy.

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