SolarPanel & On-Board Battery 5+

BioLite SolarPanel 5+ — a power-outage backup so a blackout doesn't cost you an interview

The gist: A compact solar charger with a built-in battery bank that can keep a phone alive through a power outage or an unreliable outlet at a co-working spot.

• 3,200mAh onboard battery (8Wh): banks charge in advance, so a stored top-up is ready even after the sun's down or the power's out.
• 5W monocrystalline panel with sundial + 360-degree kickstand: makes it realistic to prop on a windowsill or balcony and actually catch direct sun during a workday.
• 13.76oz (390g) and under an inch thick: light enough to keep in a laptop bag as emergency backup power without adding real bulk.
• IPX4 weather resistance: holds up to rain spray if you're charging outdoors or it gets left near a window.

Desk to Dirtbag's hands-on review rated it reliable for keeping one device topped off, while noting it's not the fastest or highest-value option if you need to charge more than a phone.

Best for: remote workers who want a low-cost insurance policy against a dead phone during a blackout or spotty power during a job search. Skip it if: you need to keep a laptop charged too — this panel and battery are sized for a single phone, and a few users report the stored capacity dropping below the rated spec with age. Runs ~$44.98 — check the current price before buying.