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1. SolarGorilla

The SolarGorilla offers awesome portability, but works best as a back-up battery charger, using the solar device to recharge the complimentary PowerGorilla back-up battery pack.

Power: The nice portable solar charger about this duo is that if you don’t have sun, you can still have portable power by charging up the PowerGorilla in a wall socket and waltzing off to wherever it is you need backup power.

Portability: The SolarGorilla folds open from a durable hard case that is water resistant. About 10” x 7.8” x less than one inch thick, and weighing just 1.4 pounds, means that this is highly portable. However, you will have to carry both the SolarGorilla and the PowerGorilla.

Price: For the PowerGorilla and SolarGorilla combo, you’ll need to dole out about $580.

2. The Notepower

This charger has made previous appearances on TreeHugger, and has hung around for awhile, proving its handiness among consumers.

Power: The Notepower comes in two options, a 15 watt and a 22 watt version.

Portability: Well, it’s a case, which gives two-in-one loving.  The case opens up and two solar panels fold out. The two panels of the 15 watt version opens up to 24.5” x 13.5” and the 22 watt version has three panels opening up to 37” x 16”.

Price: The price on the Notepower is very reasonable, coming in at $262 for the 15 watt version and $386 for the 22 watt version.

3. SolarRolls

This charger has proven itself a favorite among the outdoor types for backpacking and camping excursions.

Power: The SolarRoll comes in three sizes, depending on the output need. The roll that is powerful enough to charge a laptop has an output of 14 watts.

Portability: SolarRolls, as the name says, rolls up, making it very easy to carry around. Also, its waterproof durability makes it safer to cart around and use on damp lawns, or café tables where drinks may be spilled.

Price: Ranges from $295 to $655 depending on the size. However, panel with enough power to charge a laptop is the one price at $655.

4.  The Voltaci Generator

We’ve been eyeballing this handy solar bag for some time. It comes with battery packs to store energy, holding enough for a full laptop battery charge. It is also large enough to hold a 17” laptop inside.

Power: This is on the more powerful end, generating up to 15 watts. It takes about a day of charging, though.

Portability: The Generator is the essence of portability because it is, in fact, a bag. It is made of recycled PET, which makes it water resistant and light weight – though the bag is 4.5 pounds.

Price: A tag of $599 puts it on par with other solar chargers. Given that it is also a handy carrying case, the price tag looks a bit more attractive.

5. Sunshine Solar Briefcase Charger

This charger offers a briefcase style, but doesn’t double as a briefcase. We talked about it a few years ago, and the fact that it’s still around says something for its functionality.

Power: Offering 13 watts, this isn’t the most powerful of options, though it is enough to extend the battery time of a laptop while in use.

Portability: While it is shaped like a briefcase, it doesn’t carry like one. Rather, it weighs a hefty 9.25 pounds, putting a damper on running around with one during the day.

Price: This solar charger for laptop is surprisingly inexpensive, coming in at about $160. However, there’s a selection of accessories, like a charge regulator ($30), a four-panel connector cable ($18) and others that can bring up the total cost of the system.