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Use short cables, charge outside and position the charger so it faces the sun. The charging cable also affects charging time so make sure you only use short, thick cables.

And yes, solar phone chargers, despite the name, can charge tablets and other devices. There are also fast charging solar phone chargers so you may want to check those out too. For now, here are the best tips for faster solar charging

1. Charge with Short Cables

This might seem unrelated to charging, but using shorter cables speeds up phone charge times. This won't have any positive influence on solar panel charge times, but there is an effect when you charge devices.

Here's why: cables transmit the energy from the solar panel to the charger to your device. The longer the cable, the more energy is wasted during the transfer. The shorter the cable, the more efficient the energy transfer and the faster it gets to your device.

Get the shortest cable you can use. Of course you want to make sure the cable length is sufficient for charging, but get the shortest one possible.

Before you go hiking, test the cable if it's the right length or if you can use a shorter one. Try comparing the charge time between a short and long cable and you will notice the difference.

2. Use Rigid Solar Panels for Charging

You can use any type of solar panel for charging phones, but efficiency will vary. Rigid solar panels can charge devices twice as fast as thin film (flexible) solar panels. Thin film is cheaper and flexible, but the trade off is less efficient energy conversion. You may have to buy two flexible solar panels to get the same charge speed as a single rigid panel.

Flexible solar panels do have one advantage, you can position it on uneven surfaces. Rigid panels have to bet set on flat surfaces to work, which can be difficult if you're in the woods camping. If you go into rugged trails, it might be worth sacrificing the speed (or buying two sets) to ensure the panels work.

Solar panels are either monocrystalline or polycrystalline. Monocrystalline is more efficient in converting the sun's energy into electrical power. However, the difference it makes in charging time is not enough to justify its higher cost.

For residential or RV solar systems, it makes sense to use polycrystalline panels, but not for phone charging devices.

3. Proper Solar Panel Position

Solar charging speed depends on the solar cells' exposure to the sun. Direct exposure to the sun means faster charging speed. It's so easy to solar charge a device we sometimes take it for granted. Just set down the panel, plug the phone into the charger and let it work.

But that is not enough. You have to position the solar panel so the cells directly face the sun. Failure to do this slows charging time by more than half. If you move the solar panels while charging, it will affect charge times too.

That's why charging while walking isn't so effective. One moment the cells face the sun, the next you're under some trees. The best time to solar charge a phone is when you're resting.

4. Charge Outside

Some solar chargers work indoors, i.e. you can charge devices with indoor lighting. But it's too slow to be practical. Charge outdoors whenever possible. As mentioned in the previous tip, placing the solar panels under direct sunlight is key. But you need to be careful because solar efficiency goes down if it is too hot.

It sounds confusing but it's true. Solar power systems convert the sun's energy into electrical power. As the temperature starts rising, the solar panel heats up, the current output goes up, and the voltage reduction drops. The end result is slower charging speed.

Check the specs of your solar charger to determine the ideal temperature range. Note that the drop in voltage isn't really that significant unless it's really hot in your area. If it is too hot, wait for the temperature to cool down a bit or look for a well ventilated open area.

Do not charge your phone from your RV's window. The window obstructs the interaction of the panel and the sun and reduces charge speed. Just wait for warm - not too hot - temperature outside before starting a charge.

5. Solar Panel Size Matters

The panel surface area determines how much sunlight can be stored and placed in the battery. The larger the solar panel, the more energy is collected and the faster the charge. Smaller solar chargers are slower, but they're lighter to carry and store. You can check out the Shenzhen Portable Solar Charger as i offers nice balance between size and weight.

If charging speed is the priority, buy the largest solar phone charger you can carry. The extra weight will be worth it when you start charging. iI you want to travel light and don't mind long charging times, get a light solar charger. There are many types of solar phone chargers, but the most basic consists of just solar panels and a cable to plug in your phone.