Posted: 5/24/2011 12:47:18 PM EDT
|
I'm looking for a portable solar panel that can recharge batteries for GPS, flashlight, etc.
I've seen a few on Amazon, etc. but they all seem like they wouldn't do a whole lot: most only do half charge on solar alone, take forever, and are typically Chinese crap. I'm also looking for a good AA/AAA charger for NiMH's (Eneloop probably) that charges from said panel. Can anyone recommend a good portable solar charger? |
|
I have been using a Powerfilm AA/USB solar unit for over a year now. I love it. They also make a version that charges 4 AA batteries. My unit came with two Eneloops. I use it to charge my smart phone, batteries for my flashlight, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Powerfilm-USB-AA-Solar-Charger/dp/B001RMBHMK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1306270433&sr=8-2 I am also building a larger 12V based unit using a 5 watt powerfilm charger, controller, and a small 2.12 pound/2.9 amp hour sealed wheelchair battery. I love the powerfilm product line, not super cheap, but great quality and there are pretty frequent deals on amazon. |
|
Quoted:Powerfilm AA/USB
This is exactly what I'm looking for. I knew products like this were out there but I was dumbfounded by the results that came up on Amazon. Thank you very much. I really dig the color of this one, but the USB/AA seems much more useful for my purposes. Quoted:I am also building a larger 12V based unit using a 5 watt powerfilm charger, controller, and a small 2.12 pound/2.9 amp hour sealed wheelchair battery.
I would love to see how this turns out (how you make it) and what uses you have in mind. Please keep me posted. |
|
Quoted:What's your price range?
Price isn't too important. Portability and actually working are my main concerns. I suppose anything over $200 would be hard to stomach for something I don't think I'd get a ton of use out of though. 
It's beautiful!!!!!! |
|
Quoted:
I have the powerfilm AA/USB and really like it. It's light, simple and seems to work. However, there has been a charging issues with apple products discussed in other threads. Thanks for the info regarding Apple products. I have an iPhone of course 
A search led me to this thread which is fantastic. |
|
That is a great setup! For the price and portability you are looking for just keep in mind that the amount of power you will get from solar is typically less than you might expect. If you are not in full sun ALL the time I have found charging difficult. I have a 15W high quality panel and it can not keep enough batteries charged to keep my iPhone going when I am out camping.
I have found that for the cost, weight, and portability, a rechargable Lithium Ion battery pack is the best. The type with the USB port on it which seems most everything will charge off these day. My two small packs I have will keep my iPhone charged for well over a week with heavy use. If I am going on an extended outing I can charge them with the solar panel, but I really have to reduce my usage on the iPhone to make that happen. I just dont get enough sun in the Southeast part of the US to make it work. Dale http://powertalkforum.com |