Top 7 Best Solar Powered Calculators Under $20 in 2024
Tired of replacing batteries or dealing with dead calculators just when you need them most? Solar-powered calculators are a game-changer. These eco-friendly devices harness the power of the sun, ensuring you always have a reliable tool at your fingertips, whether you’re crunching numbers at the office, in the classroom, or on the go.
In this roundup, we’ve scoured the market to find the best solar-powered calculators that combine functionality, durability, and ease of use. From basic models perfect for everyday calculations to advanced options packed with features for more complex tasks, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dive in and discover which solar-powered calculator suits your needs best.
Best Solar Powered Calculators Roundup
- Sharp EL-243SB
Built with dual power, the Sharp EL-243SB is perfect for everyday use. It’s compact, measuring 5 inches (13 cm), and designed for low-light conditions. The eight-digit display ensures clear calculation visibility, and the durable plastic keys give a smooth typing experience. - Casio MS-80B
Combining functionality with a large display, the Casio MS-80B stands out with its efficient build. It’s 5 inches (13 cm) wide, making it compact and robust. The tax and exchange functions are user-friendly, and the dual power ensures it works without battery concerns. - Helect H1001
Ideal for both students and professionals, the Helect H1001 boasts a 12-digit display and solar power with a battery backup. It’s 5 inches (13 cm) in size, fitting easily into bags. The anti-slip design ensures stable use on any desk surface. - Canon LS-82Z
Known for its portability and efficiency, the Canon LS-82Z measures 5 inches (13 cm) and includes dual power and an eight-digit LCD. It’s excellent for quick calculations, featuring durable keys and an auto power-off function that conserves energy. - Texas Instruments TI-1795SV
With a straightforward design, the Texas Instruments TI-1795SV is user-friendly and efficient. At 5 inches (13 cm), it’s compact and features a robust eight-digit display. The large keys and dual power source make it reliable for daily calculations.
- Product Dimensions: 7 x 5.5 x 0.1 inches
- Item Weight: 9.7 ounces
- Batteries: 1 AA battery included
- Customer Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Best Sellers Rank: #283 in Office Products
Optimal Viewing: Large Desktop Calculator with 5-inch LCD
This Large Desktop Calculator offers a 5-inch LCD display, making it easy on the eyes. The sizable screen ensures numbers and functions are clear, perfect for those lengthy calculations. It’s got a sleek design with a robust build, providing longevity and durability. Solar power means it’s always ready to go, reducing your dependency on batteries.
Boasting user-friendly buttons and vivid display, this calculator gets top marks for efficiency. The buttons are large, tactile, ensuring comfort even during extended use. Ideal for office environments or school work, it tackles daily numerical tasks effortlessly. It’s also lightweight at just 4.6 ounces, making it portable despite its size.
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 0.1 inches
- Item Weight: 4.6 ounces
- Batteries: 1 LR44 battery required (included)
- Best Sellers Rank: #6 in Basic Office Calculators
- Date First Available: January 10, 2020
Compact Efficiency: CATIGa Solar Calculators
Offering an extra-large 5-inch LCD display, CATIGa’s solar calculator stands out for clarity. Its 12-digit capabilities simplify complex calculations up to [5*===+2==], instantly showing 629 as the result. Buttons provide tactile feedback for a satisfying user experience.
Featuring a durable ABS plastic and aluminum panel, the CATIGa solar calculator balances form and function. Its silver panel, paired with vibrant orange, blue, and gray buttons, adds a touch of style to any workspace. Best for financial accounting, its design meets daily and professional needs alike.
Needing both solar energy and an installed battery, the calculator ensures reliability under various lighting conditions. Many users appreciate its compact design and effective functionality, making it a top choice for efficiency.
- Product Dimensions: 7.28 x 6.14 x 1.61 inches
- Item Weight: 10.9 ounces
- Batteries: 1 AA required
- Customer Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Giant Entries: Desktop Calculator with Extra Large Display
Giant offers a desktop calculator with an extra-large display that’s perfect for various math tasks. Featuring a 10-digit display, this powerful tool helps you tackle a myriad of calculations. Its solar-powered design means you’ll have a reliable device wherever you are, without the need for batteries if light is present.
Designed to be user-friendly, Giant’s calculator includes a slide-on hard case, ensuring safe storage and easy transport. Advanced functions, including 144 built-in math operations, make it ideal for students and professionals dealing with pre-algebra, algebra, trigonometry, and statistics.
The build quality is solid, and the extra-large display is noticeable right away. Since it boosts productivity, it’s great for both school and office use. It also features memory functions like store/recall and a backspace key for correcting entry mistakes.
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 2.9 x 0.1 inches
- Item Weight: 0.317 ounces
- Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
- Customer Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars
- Best Sellers Rank: #10,677 in Office Products, #9 in Scientific Calculators
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Date First Available: April 15, 2017
- Department: Unisex-Adult
Scientific and Green: Casio FX 260 Solar II Scientific Calculator
Looking for a reliable, eco-friendly calculator? The Casio FX 260 Solar II has you covered. With its solar-powered functionality, there are no worries about replacing batteries. It’s perfect for students and professionals needing a dependable tool for calculations on the go or in the classroom.
Boasting 144 scientific functions, the FX 260 Solar II handles a wide range of math problems. For instance, it can calculate fractions, logarithms, and trigonometric functions with ease. The large, clear display ensures you can see your results without straining your eyes, making it a convenient choice for long study sessions or work hours.
Designed with a robust dual-leaf case, the Casio FX 260 Solar II protects the screen and buttons from damage. This makes it ideal for carrying in backpacks or briefcases without worrying about scratches or dust. The case also folds to provide a stand for hands-free operation, allowing for a more comfortable and streamlined computing experience.
Ease of use is another significant advantage. The intuitive layout of buttons means even beginners can quickly master its functions. The Casio FX 260 Solar II is not just efficient but also designed with user-friendliness in mind.
- Manufacturer: Casio Inc.
- Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 3.0 x 0.6 inches
- Batteries: None required
- Color: Black
- Material Type: Plastic
- Size: 6.4 x 3.0 x 0.6 inches
Travel-Friendly: Casio SL-100L Basic Solar Folding Calculator
Looking for a compact and reliable calculator for your travels? The Casio SL-100L fits the bill perfectly. Large 10-digit display ensures those on-the-go calculations are clear and precise. Tax calculation keys simplify expense tracking, making it a must-have for business trips.
Folding design adds convenience, keeping the screen and keys protected in your bag. Solar-powered with a battery backup ensures it works reliably in any lighting condition. Large keys are easy to press, minimizing input errors.
Need a calculator that handles costs, selling prices, and margins? The Casio SL-100L offers all these functionalities, tailored for travelers and professionals alike. Plus its mini desktop size means it’s handy without being cumbersome.
- Product Dimensions: 7.25 x 6.5 x 1 inches
- Item Weight: 2.4 ounces
- Batteries: 1 LR44 battery required and included
- Date First Available: May 30, 2016
- Department: Unisex-Adult
Modern and Minimalist: Casio MH-10M Mini-Desktop Calculator
Offering sleek usability, the Casio MH-10M Mini-Desktop Calculator is perfect for those who value both form and function. Its minimalist design is modern and fits neatly on desks, making it ideal for home or office. This calculator uses solar power complemented by a battery backup, ensuring it works reliably under various lighting conditions.
Providing a 10-digit display, the Casio MH-10M ensures numbers are easy to read. The keys are large and well-spaced, allowing quick and accurate data entry. As a versatile tool, it’s equipped with essential functions like cost, sell, and margin calculations, making it handy for business professionals.
Featuring a kickstand, the display remains visible without straining your neck. If you need quick corrections, the backspace key makes it easy to delete single digits. The Casio MH-10M also includes a four-key memory, further boosting efficiency for repetitive calculations.
Additional functions include automatic power-down, ensuring energy is conserved when not in use. This user-friendly calculator brings functionality and a touch of elegance to any workspace.
- Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.4 x 1.5 inches
- Item Weight: 5 ounces
- Batteries: 1 LR44 battery required (included)
- Customer Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Date First Available: November 4, 2016
Professional’s Choice: Sharp EL-334WB Business Calculator
Sharp’s EL-334WB stands out for its practicality and efficiency. It’s designed for busy professionals and has a robust solar panel that ensures it works in most lighting conditions. Its 10-digit display is large and easy to read, perfect for quick calculations during meetings.
This calculator excels in business functions. Its tax calculation keys allow for swift tax rate changes and accurate total computations. Professionals will appreciate the cost, sell, and margin keys, which simplify complex business calculations. These functions are a must-have for anyone managing finances regularly.
Crafted with durability in mind, the EL-334WB has a sturdy build, meaning it can withstand frequent use. It’s not just tough though; it’s also lightweight and portable, fitting comfortably into any business bag. This makes it an excellent option for those who travel often.
Sharp’s intelligent design extends to ease of use. Keys are responsive and well-spaced, reducing input errors. The automatic power-off feature conserves energy, enhancing battery life. While it’s solar-powered, a backup battery ensures uninterrupted usage during low-light conditions.
Additionally, the EL-334WB features a grand total (GT) key, which is perfect for summing up multiple calculations. This is useful if you need to keep track of long strings of numbers. With this key, accuracy and efficiency are easily maintained.
Sharp’s EL-334WB integrates essential business functions, durability, and portability, making it an invaluable tool for professionals. Its tax, cost, and margin keys set it apart, providing precise financial management capabilities. Whether you’re in the office or on the go, this calculator ensures you stay productive.
What to Consider When Choosing a Solar Powered Calculator
Display Size and Readability
Visibility is key. A large display makes reading numbers and symbols easier, especially for detailed calculations. Look for clear, high-contrast screens to reduce eye strain. Casio FX 260 Solar II, with its bright and crisp display, excels in this area, making it perfect for academic use.
Portability and Durability
You need durability for daily transport. Compact designs like Casio SL-100L offer portability without sacrificing function. Opt for models with protective cases to shield the calculator from scratches and drops. A lightweight but sturdy frame enhances user experience, ensuring the device withstands the rigors of travel.
Additional Functions and Features
Extra functions add value. Calculators like the CATIGa Solar Calculator provide basic and scientific operations, useful for diverse applications. Consider features like tax keys, cost/sell/margin functions, and memory buttons. Tailor your choice to specific needs, whether they’re business, academics, or general usage.
Power Backup Options
Solar power’s efficient, but reliability matters. Models with battery backups ensure uninterrupted use in low light. The dual-power system in Giant’s Desktop Calculator blends convenience and confidence in energy consistency, crucial for critical tasks. Choose a calculator that thrives in various lighting conditions to avoid downtime.
These factors help you pick a versatile, reliable solar-powered calculator suitable for different contexts.
FAQs About Solar Powered Calculators
How Long Do Solar Powered Calculators Last?
Solar-powered calculators often have a long lifespan. Manufacturers like Casio and CATIGa design these devices to operate efficiently for more than ten years with proper care. The durable materials and advanced solar cells used ensure they stay functional even with prolonged use.
Can Solar Powered Calculators Function without Sunlight?
Yes, they can. Many solar-powered calculators come equipped with a battery backup. For example, the Casio SL-100L includes a backup battery, allowing it to work in low-light conditions. This dual power source ensures reliability regardless of the light environment.
Are Solar Powered Calculators as Accurate as Battery-Powered Ones?
Absolutely, they’re equally accurate. Models like the Casio FX 260 Solar II demonstrate this precision with 144 scientific functions, maintaining the same accuracy as their battery-powered counterparts. Solar power doesn’t compromise performance or reliability.
What Types of Calculators Are Available in Solar Powered Options?
Various types exist. Basic models like the Giant’s Desktop Calculator are ideal for simple arithmetic. Scientific calculators, such as the Casio FX 260 Solar II, cater to students and professionals. Moreover, compact designs like the Casio SL-100L are perfect for travelers, providing diverse options to suit different needs.
