Introduction to Solar Power Bank Testing
How much battery can you get from a solar power bank that's been in the sun all day?
Experiment Methodology and Initial Impressions
I bought the best-selling one on Amazon, drained its battery, and left it outside for an entire day. At night I brought it in and plugged in a phone to see how much the battery would charge.
As the phone was charging I couldn't help but feel a little skeptical about the solar power bank. The solar panel was Tiny compared to popular solar chargers and even the brand said the solar panel should only be used as a backup Source.
Test Results and Efficiency
After 15 minutes the power bank died. The phone had started at 45 and the meter recorded 1.7 Watt hours which took the phone up to 54 percent.
Solar Power Bank Test Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Device Tested | Best-selling solar power bank (Amazon) |
| Solar Panel Size | Tiny (compared to popular solar chargers) |
| Brand Recommendation | Solar panel for backup source only |
| Experiment Duration | Entire day in sun (for power bank charging) |
| Phone Charging Duration | 15 minutes |
| Phone Initial Charge | 45% |
| Phone Final Charge | 54% |
| Energy Delivered | 1.7 Watt hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How was the solar powered gadget's charging capability tested?
A: The solar power bank was fully drained, then exposed to direct sunlight for an entire day to charge. Afterward, a phone was connected to it at night to measure the amount of charge transferred.
Q: What specific charge was transferred from the solar power bank to the phone?
A: During the 15-minute charging period, the solar power bank delivered 1.7 Watt hours, increasing the phone's battery from 45% to 54%.
Q: Why was there initial skepticism about this particular solar powered gadget's performance?
A: Skepticism arose due to the small size of the solar panel on the power bank compared to other popular solar chargers, and also because the brand itself stated that the solar panel should be considered only a backup charging source.