Whether you use your phone to plot a route, take pics or call our cycle rescue service if you break down, it’s all for nothing if it runs out of juice.
We’re giving away a small set of solar panels to recharge your phone while you’re on the move – as well as celebrate the long overdue appearance of the sun here in the UK.
The panels generate up to 1A under direct sunlight, which is stored in a 25000mAh battery capable of replenishing most smartphones up to 10 times on a full charge.
And for those of you who like to venture far from the beaten track, the waterproof charger features an LED flashlight with steady and strobe modes.
Attached to a bag for charging on the go
Win a solar panel phone charger
To be in with a chance of winning the solar-powered simply leave us a message below and we’ll pick a name next week.
Cycle Rescue
It’s an unfortunate fact of life that bicycles occasionally break down; even the shortest journey comes to an abrupt halt following a puncture, broken chain or buckled wheel. It’s why over 25 years ago we launched Cycle Rescue – the UK’s first breakdown cover policy for bicycles.
How much does bicycle breakdown cost?
Cycle Rescue is a snip at £24 per year with no hidden extras to pay if your bicycle suffers a breakdown.
How does bicycle breakdown cover work?
If you suffer a breakdown of your bicycle (including punctures) while out cycling, or are unable to continue due to an injury, our 24-hour Cycle Rescue team is on hand to arrange transport for you and your bicycle to a safe location. If you would prefer to arrange a taxi for yourself, simply send us your receipts and we will reimburse you for the costs (subject to terms and conditions).
Can I get bicycle breakdown for my cycling trip to Europe?
Yes. If you decide to venture further afield, Cycle Rescue cover includes the rest of Europe for up to 90 days per year. All for only £24 a year – or included free when you buy our cycle insurance.
The ethical choice
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.
Gary Dawes
Wow. That solar panel looks very very useful
Karen V
I’m all about saving the planet and cycle to work every day in September I’m even taking part in a cycle powered theatre production
Bazza
Power from out of the blue. Great idea for long summer rides…
Mags
Bring me sunshine and solar power, please!
Michael page
That solar charger is just what I need for more outdoor adventures
J Taylor
That would be great for trips away. Cycling, fishing, camping whatever.
Brendan Harrington
Just finished a 10 day trip on the Great North Trail, with lots of off-road, isolated riding in Scotland. Charge for phone/Garmin was a constant worry. Could really have done with something like this.
Tobi James
Sounds like the perfect addition to day trips on the bike
Jeff Belringer
What a great idea! One of these would be perfect as me and the missus scoot around on our bikes!
Gordon May
Perfect for working days on the road
Neil
That solar panel would be very useful 👌
Joe Stafford
I use Komoot on my phone to navigate on bike tours which eats up the battery. I have been in Germany and Switzerland this week, and twice I’ve ended my days on less than 5%! So the panels sound ideal to stop any panics about being stranded with no maps.
John Nichol
Yup
Greg Stoner
Power me up for my ride.
DarC
Brilliant idea, love that there is a power bank integrated within it too, charge that by day to top-up the phone by night, ideal.
Tracy
I would love a chance to see how well these work out in the
” real world ” … a fantastic looking prize.
deadmanjones
This would be festival-tastic
Gill
Running out of phone battery charge is always my fear on a long ride, so one of these would be fabulous!
Tim Bolton
What a great idea, this would be really useful.
Paul
That would be handy as I start my new cycling adventure
deadmanjones
This would be festival-tastic
Glyn
Amazing. I could charge my phone , garmin and lights on long rides.
Paul
Looks pretty bulky so interested in weight and feasibility for bike rides
Jo
I’ve been thinking about getting one of these for years so would love to win one!
Su
Such a bright idea – always a worry when navigating by phone that it will run out of power. This is a great solution.
Andy Brown
Here’s to more people powered packing more solar punch…
Mike Thornley
Solar panels on a bag, what a great idea.
Guy
Great for longer rides and festivals
Steve
Power to the People!
Lawrence
That was be a great accessory to have on long rides to keep my mobile and other devices batteries topped up
Katy
This would be brilliant for all our adventures
Wills McKnight
Very happy with the reassurance that ETA cycle rescue gives me and my family.
George
What a great idea – I’d certainly make good use of something like this
Pamela
As I acquire more devices that all seem to be essential (route finding, safety etc) and all need charging this would be a great help.
Kathleen Crook
As I often cycle alone this would definitely add to my peace of mind knowing that I could always be in contact
Peter
Solar panels…. Yes please!
John Stanier
What a great offer .No charge to get a charge ..Well done all .
marie elizabeth Convery
Yes please for the solar panel ! That would be amazing ….
CraigSA
I’d love this solar panel and some sun to test it in. Looks a great bit of tech!
Dave
Solar-tastic!
John Howson
Could you add a small device to put in streams for a complete outfit? But, useful bit of kit for camping trips
Pete
This has cycle touring written all over it!
Alan Sealy
Great for cycle touring!
Danny Cherry
Would be great for cycle touring abroad.
David
I need to think about what things I could charge while our and about in this weather.
Janet
That looks really useful.
Keith Dove
Now that would be super!
Sharon
A rucksack is not complete without one.
Chris
Need these quick – the sun’s out in Cumbria
Paul Magnall
Now that is something that would light up my life!
Tom
Very handy. Yes please.
Vicki Soul
Ooh they would be so useful on my cycling trips! Yes please!!
Yousaf Mirza
Looks Brill. That would be great 👍
Beverley Gibson
I am always reassured when I go on my bike I have the back up of ETA both to insure my bike and to come to the rescue in case of breakdown. ETA support and stand for cyclists safety and rights. Thank you ETA for all your hard work.
I would really love the solar panels. They look terrific!
Mark Webb
Always keen to extend my range – bring on solar panels for bikes!
Peter Clark
Great prize. Would love to win
Keith
Best prize you’ve offered so far!
Neil G
This looks brilliant! Totally useful when I’m out delivering to patients!
Stephen Warne
Solar panels, what a great addition to help my wife and I on our long days outdoors either on the saddle or on foot!
Mark B
Awesome. This would be so useful
Vick
Beam me up Scottie!
Anthony
Solar panels – they always look on the bright side of life
Alison Gibson
This would be great for keeping things charged whilst we’re out exploring on our tandem. Would even better if it would plug in and charge the tandem battery, now that would be something. fingers crossed
Jen Geddes
We cycle, camp and birdwatch, this would an amazing addition to our equipment!
Chris
Excellent!
Bikepacking Beevers
Seen these on my travels and would love to win one
Torun
Solar panels that can power my brain & bike.
Paul
Cool gadget yes please
Graham
Was just looking for something like this.
Andrew Smith
Hope the sun shines for the winner of these.
Jill
Wow, that would be so useful on our endurance rides
Wendy Dawson
I’m always out and about on my bike or walking and camping, the charger would really be a great bonus taking the worry away when your phone goes dead! 🙈
Judith Rout
It would, quite literally, light up my life!
DaveT
What an excellent solution to a perpetual problem.
Bryn Gwyndaf Jones
How ingenious and useful!
Margaret
Fantastic idea and perfect present for adult son who is out cycling day and night for work and fun. Love ETA
Diane Whateley
Brilliant idea!!
Gina
Solar panel looks really handy!
Peter Chisnall
Empowering!
Peter g
Very useful
Helen
These would be fantastic for a trip on the Camino de Santiago! What a great idea.
Stuart Young
Great for a backpack or a rooftent. Would love a set.
Leo
If I had the solar panels I would probably sing “I’ve got the power” every time I use them. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
Libby Johnston
I’d really like one for my bike. Could always use a backup when out camping.
David Beacham
Ooh I’ve been looking for one o them
Penny Price
These would be very useful in our beautiful Yorkshire sunshine
Anna Green
Yes! Just what I need for my next cycling trip!
Peter Shirley
This will heat up my ride.
Brian
What a brilliant idea, so many potential ideas.
Steve K
A great idea for keeping everything charged when away from home.
Just need to make sure the sun keeps shining …
Sam
This would be super handy for a lot of things as well as cycling. Awesome bit of kit that.
John
Fab prize to win. Will get you out of trouble
Joe Stafford
I use Komoot on my phone to navigate on bike tours which eats up the battery. I have been in Germany and Switzerland this week, and twice I’ve ended my days on less than 5%! So the panels sound ideal to stop any panics about being stranded with no maps.
David
When I saw this, I thought of the film The Martian, navigating his buggy by night and using solar panels by day to recharge his batteries.
But could they help recharge my “cycling batteries”? That would be miraculous!
Jenny C
Very useful for longer rides, arrived home today after a 50 miler and by phone battery had nearly run out
Rachel Edge
Sounds great – can you add a link to the website for the solar panels?
Colin
charge me up
Jennie Parsons
That would be so useful for hiking or cycling.
Damian Connaughton
Would be amazing for cycle trips off the beaten track!
Jane Churchill
Such a brilliant idea. This would be amazing for my son’s planned cycle tour in Europe in a couple of months!
Chris Bromwich
Looks fantastic, would love to be lucky enough to win this.
Terry
SOLAR MIO## I COULD SING WHILST BEING REALLY CHARGED UP.
Richard Pugh
All in favour of green practical items
ROBERT PEEL
yes just what i need to charge my phone
Karl Wallendszus
This would be ideal for a cycling holiday along the Loire. As it happens, that is just what I’ll be doing in the summer!
Les Gunbie
Light up my life, why doncha?
Martin Baker
I’ll give it a go.
Phil
Shine a light on me
Jonathan Hunt
Timely – the sun is back out again!
PhilipT
I was hoping the Chopper was this week’s giveaway, but solar panels will do!
Elizabeth Kerr
I’d love to have this great solar recharger.
Sandy
Useful night and day. Wonderful. Would be delighted to win one of these. ETA newsletter brings such fabuous ideas and interesting reads to my inbox.
Howard
Nunc bibendum est!
Craig
Interesting piece of kit!!
Mark Popplewell
Free sunshine power! count me in
Alan
Great bit of kit
Jeremy Hicks
Looks great. I can think of lots of uses – it would be a real help when scoring a cricket match!
Philip Gregg
Just watt (haha) I always wanted!
Thank you
Sarah
This is just the thing for our family cycling and camping trips.
Tim Earl
That would come in handy.
wesley
This would help me to love the sun a little more.
Dave
Lovely stuff
Ema A
Useful and more sustainable
Andrew
I’ll put them on top of the Tesla to extend the range
Gavin
Proper good prize. The dog’s ********!
Mike Hill
These are fantastic 👏 And so beneficial for our environment 😀
Donald Woodman
This would be great
Clive
Even an old geezer like me can see the benefits.
Elizabeth
It looks awesome 😎💯
Rob Lewis
One of these solar panels would be perfect for charging my phone on camping trips
Fred
The sun is shining. Cycle miles!
Lonnie
Just keep me charged up!
Mike Croker
Looks really useful for any field work.
Mike
Yes please, sign me up!
Raf
Fantastic for the wild cycle-camping holidays i have planned!
John E Burgess
If you rely on an electrically powered mobility aid and it breaks down it can be very distressing & even more distressing if you have no breakdown cover or means of communication. With good planning the disruption can be minimised.
Moragh
could have used that yesterday – battery died 10 miles before I got to the campsite.
Alastair
Looks good for those longer rides when stuff needs topping up.
Helen
That would be super helpful – always out & about for long days on the bike!
Pauline Gibson
Wow ! What a brilliant idea ! The next stage will be rucksacks with a solar panel on the top.
Boyd
Just what I need to keep the phone charged for maps when touring this summer.
JohnB
I’d love to try using these solar panels on my next trip!
Rod
Solar energy has to be the answer since I can’t manage to miniturise a Hydroelectric Power unit sufficiently to carry.
Sue Finnigan
Yes please to solar panels
Matthew Newell
That would be perfect for my upcoming ride from London to Dorset, hopefully in the blazing sun
Iain Shanks
Just what I’m after for extended bikepacking trips
Victoria
Yes please – this looks like a great idea.
Stephen Gosney
A wonderful idea! (Especially for old timers like me who forget to charge their phone!)
Steve
How absolutely useful is this?
TD
For my and my colleagues’ search and rescue work this would be fantastic. Our phones use a lot of their power whilst accessing maps whilst we are searching and so that our search controller can see our locations.
Jamie J
These look superb…
Mike Campbell
Decent size battery, If I don’t win one I’ll have to get myself one.
Denise Robson
I love the way ETA is always coming up with these great ideas to take the uncertainties of travel away.
John Powis
What a brilliant idea. You’ll never be left stranded again.