The present invention relates to a charger for minimal-power consumers, such as mobile phones or the like, comprising a plug for connection to a mains supply, a housing for accommodating the charging electronics and a charger cable for connection to the minimal-power consumer, said plug being fixedly connected to one side of the housing. For providing a charger of the type specified at the beginning, which allows charging of the minimal-power consumer even if an adequate mains supply should not be available, the present invention is so conceived that another side of the housing is provided with a photovoltaic element which is connected to the charging electronics.