RAVPower 24w Solar Charger Review

November 22, 2016
RAVPower 24w Solar Charger
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RAVPower-24W-1
RAVPower-24W-3
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RAVPower-24W-IMG_2570
RAVPower-24W-IMG_2632
RAVPower 24w Solar Charger RAVPower-24W-0.jpg RAVPower-24W-1 RAVPower-24W-3 RAVPower-24W-IMG_2540 RAVPower-24W-IMG_2570 RAVPower-24W-IMG_2632
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
83
Power Output
7
Efficiency
7
Durability
6
Features
6
Value
7

The Good

  • Good power output
  • Good value

The Bad

  • Large size
  • Low power/size ratios
  • Average durability
  • Minimal features
THE VERDICT

The RAVPower 24w is a good portable solar charger that delivers good power output, charges devices quickly. Though durability is only average when compared to competitors, the RAVPower 24w is still an extremely rugged charger. Overall, the RAVPower 24w is a good value and a good buy.

FULL REVIEW

Power Output
The RAVPower 24w charges devices quickly, and delivers good power output and charging times. However, despite having the highest stated watt output of any device we examined, the RAVPower 24w only placed 6th in overall charging speed. In trials with our test smartphone, the RAVPower 24w generated an average of 3.91 volts, and charged 1% of our test smartphone every 1 minute and 44 seconds.

Power/Size Ratio
The RAVPower 24w is fairly large, with four 5” x 10.25” panels and over 205 square inches of solar surface area. The RAVPower’s overall efficiency and power/size ratios, however, leave a bit to be desired. Though its Gear Institute power/size ratio score of 2.81 is respectable and places the RAVPower squarely in the middle of the pack, in our repeated tests and measurements, the RAVPower 24w delivered only 1/2 the power per square inch of the lower wattage Renogy and ChoeTech panels.

Durability
The RAVPower 24w panels are built from a polymer substrate and held together by an extremely durable synthetic canvas. The panels withstood impact strikes from a hammer of approximately 15 and 30 pounds force with only cosmetic damage, and without serious impairment. The panels also handled considerable torsion, though they appear to stress beyond approximately 90 degrees of twisting. Though the RAVPower’s overall durability is excellent, it is still however only average when compared to competitors. 

Features
Like many competitors, the RAVPower 24w is a no-frills portable solar charger, offering two 5v/2.4A USB charging ports, a micro USB charging cable, and an integrated velcro pouch for small storage.

Value
The RAVPower 24w provides high wattage output and reasonably fast charging times at a relatively low price point, and is overall a good value and a good buy.

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