Solar Charging Basics For Mobile Devices
July 11, 2011 by Jonathan Knep
Filed under Green Electronics, Solar
From an iPhone or Blackberry to some eReaders solar chargers can power up electronic devices anywhere. Additionally solar chargers can also power up from your computer or wall outlet before you take it on the go. Whether you are frequently away from an outlet or repeatedly forget to charge, solar chargers can keep your devices charged.
Solar chargers in essence create energy from sunlight with one or more solar panels. The charge is stored within the charger’s internal battery for use at anytime. Solar chargers can also power up from a wall outlet or usb. Two kinds of solar chargers to consider keeping small devices charged are pocket sized chargers and solar backpack chargers.
Pocket size solar charges can the size of the smallest iPod or around the same size as the iPhone. With the varied size of chargers comes a range of battery sizes. Smaller batteries (500 mAh) will charge the average smart phone battery about halfway. Internal batteries which are larger (2000 mAh) can provide as much as one and a half charges.
Solar backpacks are generally the size of the average backpack. Most include a padded laptop sleeve along with multiple pockets for storage. The solar panel(s) are on the outward facing part of the backpack with the battery tucked away in an internal pocket nearby. Solar bags come in a variety of styles including messenger bags and solar iPad bags. Because solar backpacks and bags have more usable space, the solar panel(s) and internal battery are both larger (battery size 2000 mAh to 5000 mAh).
Solar charging will require lots of sun light. Small solar chargers require as much as sixteen hours (as little as eight hours) and solar charging backpacks need about six to eight hours of light. Charging the internal battery with a computer usb port or wall outlet takes a lot less time.
When searching for the best solar charger for you, be sure to find a charger that that is most suitable for you. Personally I use a P-Flip solar iPhone charger. Not only do I enjoy being able to charge my iPhone from empty to full (with some extra power to spare), but I also find myself using the charger’s built in dock while at home.
Thank you for reading. To research solar chargers further I’d suggest watching a few solar backpack videos. Have an iPhone? Read this portable iPhone charger review which covers both solar and non solar chargers.
AA NiMH or NiCD battery solar charger – compact foldable unit
February 7, 2011 by Going Green Ideas
Filed under Solar
AA NiMH or NiCD battery solar charger – compact foldable unitThis portable/foldable solar AA battery charger is really great! Easy, reliable, rugged. It is perfect for folks that want their solar charged NiMH batteries, simple and easy!2 batteries – full charge in about 4 hours of full sun. 4 batteries – full charge in about 8 hours of full sun. Charge rate is: ~ 600mAh @ 3.6V but you may experience variations due to sun exposure, etc. You can charge any AA NiCD or NiMH battery in this unit. Integrates lightweight, rugged Powerfilm flexible solar panels directly with fabric. Charging lights confirm if batteries are charging or fully charged. Rugged construction with 6 grommets for easy attachment. (originally designed for the military)Charger adds less weight than carrying 4 extra batteries. 1 year warranty from manufacturer in addition to our greenbatteries.com satisfaction guarantee. Patent applied for. Caution: never charge alkaline batteries in this charger, they could leak and become dangerous.
Powerfilm F15-600 Foldable Solar Panel – approx. 9.25 watts15.4V600mA Size: 584mm x 521mm (23 x 205 inches) Folded: 261 x 89 x 35mm (10.3 x 3.5 x 1.4 inches) Weight: 0.56 lb.
Powerfilm Accessory RA-6 Daisy Chain AccessoryUse to connect two PowerFilm Rollable chargers in parallel for increased current output (Amps) Connect multiple panels for a combined output of up to 20 Amps Includes professional marine-grade components ready to attach to your PowerFilm Rollable Solar Panel
HYmini Basic Package – Green
February 7, 2011 by Going Green Ideas
Filed under Solar
HYmini Basic Package – GreenHYmini is a handheld, universal charger/adapter device that harnesses renewable wind power / solar power and conventional wall plug power to recharge almost all your 5V digital gadgets. HYmini is a hybrid mini green power station that fits in the pal…
miniSOLAR
February 6, 2011 by Going Green Ideas
Filed under Solar
miniSOLARThe miniSOLAR accessory extends your power collection capabilities. You can attach as many as four to the HYmini.
USB + AA Solar Panel Charger
January 29, 2011 by Going Green Ideas
Filed under Solar
USB + AA Solar Panel ChargerBattery charging current: 400mA @ 3.6 voltsUSB charging current: up to 1 amp @ 5 voltsWeight: 4.9 ounces (not including packaging and batteries) Efficiently charges most USB devices directly or will charge two NiMH or NiCD AA batteries. Typically charges a 2000mAh NiMH battery in about 5 hours of full sun. Recommended to charge 1800 to 2500mAh batteries but you can charge 2700mAh batteries too, it just takes a while. Probably longer than a single day of full sun.
Powerfilm Accessory RA-1 Male Cigarette Lighter Adapter for PowerFilm Rollable Solar PanelDirectly charge any wireless electronics device with its 12V cigarette lighter adapter. Includes professional marine-grade connector ready to attach to your PowerFilm Rollable Solar Panel.
Powerfilm Accessory RA-8 is a 15 foot extension cord with Alligator Clips15 ft. Extension Cord with Alligator ClipsIncludes professional marinegrade components ready to attach to your PowerFilm Solar Panel.
Powerfilm R-28 Rollable Solar Panel – 28 watt
January 29, 2011 by Going Green Ideas
Filed under Solar
Powerfilm R-28 Rollable Solar Panel – 28 wattThis 1800 mah (approx 28 watt) solar panel comes with a cable that can connect to a battery or various other devices – including most laptops. The internal batteries of your wireless electronics can be charged by connecting the powerfilm rollable solar panel to your device’s 12v cigarette lighter adapter by using the included ra-2 female cigarette lighter adapter. (additional adapters available separately) Size: 79.75 inches x 14.5 inches Made in USA
