Solar AA Battery Chargers

I like em. I have 2 of the 4AA chargers. I like these since they are small, lightweight and work good. I also have 4 of the 10watt panels. Amazon put them on for $99 a piece (for the 10Watt panel), I like that the individual panels can be linked together to increase capacity. Only down side is that they are not waterproof at all. If they get wet, they short since this it just cloth holding the individual panels, together, on the AA charger type, you can see the circutry under the name plate. I also bought 2 of the 28watt rollable panels, but have not been able to use them since I am traveling for work. The rollables are waterproof so they can be used when they expect to get wet. But since htey roll they do not store as small as the foldable arrays.

I also own a varatiy of cables, adapters, and accessories to include the AA and AAA 4 cell charger. The charger also couples as an alarm clock and has a temp sensor in it as well. The power film ones are actually built by a differnt comany and just relabled. its the same at this one http://www.amazon.com/Lenmar-R2G802...U4IE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1293234248&sr=8-4 I like mine and would recommend them to anyone looking for a packable field source. Here are some photos I took, the buisness card is just that, but upside down so I dont advertise on here.

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Thanks for the feedback, especially re; not waterproof. Have you tried the 4AA charger on an overcast day? Just wondering how much longer it generally takes to charge 4AA's in less than direct sunlight.

Based on your feedback I'm thinking the rollable might be better for a pack model in mixed conditions.
 
Solar panels work best when in direct sunlight and facing directly to the sun. Its hard to say how they work on overcast since there are MANY differences in type of overcast. But yes, I have used them on cloudy days, and the difference is about null. I use them to charge a set of Eneloops when camping on a regular basis, and rig the panel on the side of my supertarp to help angle the panel to the rising or setting sun, or just lay it on the ground for noonish charging times if needed. The AA charger is nicly sized so that you can lash is on the back when hiking if walking away from the setting sun or visa versa. Also a word of the wise. Use a spare stake and some 550 cord on the windward side to prevent the panel from blowing away or fliiping over on itself if laying on the ground.

Also be advised the rollable are not recommended to be rolled tighter than it is shipped IE dont expect to wrap it around a tent pole, and you will need an external battery charger, thus increasing the weight and cost since rollables are more expensive than the foldables.

The AA foldable is a great cost (seen them at $69), lightweight, folds way small, but I do store it in a ziplock baggie just to be on the safe side. Really cant beat it for GPS, flashlight, headlamp, Camera, etc. Hence why AA is a requirement when I buy something.
 
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