How to charge laptop while camping
· 2 min read
What I'd like to have
Solar Panel → Power Bank → Laptop
Legenda
Wh = Watt-hour (Wattora)
mAh = Milliamp-hour
Laptop's informations:
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion |
| Capacity | 54Wh |
| AC Adapter to DC Output Voltage | DC Output 19V |
| AC Adapter to DC Output Max Current | 4.74A |
| AC Adapter to DC Max Output Power | 19*4.74 = 90W |
Whereas Power Bank efficiency is about 70–75%.
The real Capacity for at least one complete charge is:
54Wh * efficiency
54 : x = 70 : 100
54 * 100 / 70
77,1Wh aka ~78Wh
So the Power Bank has to have at minimum:
| Capacity | 78Wh | To calculate the capacity in mAh, see below |
| DC Output Voltage | 20V | The USB-C PD standard is 20V |
| DC Output Max Current | 5A | Another standard |
| DC Max Output Power | 100W | Another standard |
Capacity in Milliamp-hour for at least one complete charge
The mAh values for the internal lithium cells almost always have a nominal voltage of 3.7V. So:
78Wh
78VAh
78 * 1000 = 78000VmAh
78000VmAh / 3.7V = ~21.000mAh
warning
Current 2026 airline regulations for carrying power banks on planes, based on FAA, IATA, and major airline policies says that between 101–160Wh airline approval is required if you want to bring the powerbank with you. Meanwhile over 160Wh it's likely banned or have a special flight, idk, it's heavily restricted.
Anyway, anytime, you should check.