Solar chargers - what to look for?

[Daniel L]

This is something I know nothing about... what are some of the better solar chargers, in particular for AA sized batteries, but possibly even USB charging.

What should I be looking for in extended periods?

 

[Burwick]

This USB charger was a xmas gift. Use it for back packing. http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Solar...U3K0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333362783&sr=8-1 Charges the cell phone and other USB devices just fine. Can tie it to the outside of the bag to charge. Haven't had it long, or on that many hikes, but so far so good. As for AA charging I got a whole other set up for that, not so portable. Solar panel, 12v battery, inverter, charger.

 

[Daniel L]

Thanks.. I followed the link and looked at this one from Powerfilm: http://www.amazon.com/PowerFilm-USB-AA-Solar-Charger/dp/B001RMBHMK

Charges 2AA and then has a USB port which is charged by the AA batteries. Nice idea.

 

[kgd]

Most of the electronic gadgets I use (flashlight, headlamp, GPS) have long enough battery life that all I do is carry a couple of back-up batteries. I wish everything were standardized to AA but it seems like I can't avoid AAA for some things. I understand that safety blanket idea of having a perpetual charging source, but I also think that you can encounter many problems with solar as well - cloud cover, canopy cover ect. may take you multi-days before you have access to sufficient sunlight. In the long run, even if I had a solar charging set up, I think I would carry spare batteries anyway.

 

[Les Snyder]

this is kind of a repost... for hurricane season, I've decided to standardize with AA and D batteries...I obtained a Goal Zero 7w panel last year, and Sanyo AA Eneloop NiMH rechargables... using a separate charge controller and 120v it took a little less than 2hrs to charge 4 of the Eneloops (they come partially charged)... using the 12v tubular outlet (the additional USB port should charge at a higher rate as it's less voltage, more current) on the 7w panel in bright sunlight, it took slightly over 3 1/2 hours to charge the remaining 4 Eneloops... since then I've obtained the Goal Zero Guide 10 battery pack that has a USB plug to use with the 7w panel.... USB to mini USB cable to charge my cell phone was with it.... waiting for the Eneloops to run down so I can try the new charger....a Fenix E21, Black Diamond head light, and old Grundig FR200 are the primary users of the AAs

 

[dfarm]

How do you like the goalzero charger? Does it seem like a piece of kit that will last a while?

 

[JV3]

i've been using my goal zero for awhile now and i really like it. see my review: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/909365-review-goalzero-nomad-7-solar-charger-amp-battery-pack

 

[Quirt]

I have a pair of the 26 watt solar panels which can be run solo or in tandem. I use it all the time to charge my cell phones, GPS, HAM HT, and a four bay AA,AAA, & 9 v batteries. In tandem even on cloudy days the work amazingly well.

They both come with a wide array of adapters and even 12 volt battery clamps to charge a car battery. Folds up thin and slim.