Solar chargers come in many different shapes and sizes
With summer almost here, its time to think about hiking, biking, camping and other enjoyable outdoor activities. The last thing you want to think about while spending time in nature is whether your cell phone will lose its charge, or if you brought extra batteries for your flashlight.
There are a wide variety of solar chargers that offer you freedom from electrical cords. Whether you want to recharge your phone, GPS or camera, you can simply use the power of the sun to keep your gadgets running. Some solar charging devices are sold separately, and others are incorporated into the product’s design. See, for example, the very cool Puma phone.
Portable solar power could not be easier or more convenient!
Perhaps the best known solar charger is the Solio, shown below. Simply expose the solar panel to sunlight, plug in your gadget and trickle-charge with solar energy. If your battery is depleted, it could take up to 10 hours to fully charge, but for most people, a mere “top-off” is handy when you’re camping or fishing. The cost is about $50.
Solio solar charger
If you want a bit more juice in a solar gadget charger, then consider a solar backpack or solar laptop charger bag. The price will set you back a bit more (ranging from $200-450), but they can fully charge a laptop – as well as smaller electronics – in 5 hours or less.
Solar backpacks allow you to recharge devices on the go
Similarly, you could spend a little less for just as much solar charging power with an Xpower powerpack solar charger. The 5-watt device has multiple ports to allow you to charge or operate a computer, DVD player, air compressor, cell phone, camera, etc. I’d say this is perfect for camp-outs! At less than $200, its a small price to pay for ultimate convenience.
Portable solar power for various devices
Another option for solar charging on the go is found with roll-up solar panels. As we noted in a related blog post:
Several manufacturers are marketing roll-up solar panels. For example, Brunton makes “SolarRolls,” in two sizes: a 12? x 22? panel, which weighs 6.4 ounces and can output 4.5 watts, 15.4 Volts/300mA. At $169, it may be worth stashing in your backpack for your next camping trip. You’ll never be without your cell phone “juice” again.
For gadgets that need more power (laptops or camcorders), you may want the 12?x57? solar panel which outputs 14 watts and 15.4 volts/900 mA and costs $399. The roll-up panels can even be strung together for more output.
Roll-up solar panels provide flexibility and convenient in portable solar power
Solar chargers are great options for people that spend time outdoors. Whether you’re a student walking between classes, or an avid outdoorsperson that spends hours cycling, hiking, camping or fishing, its easy to make use of regular UV light exposure to keep your gadgets fully charged.
Tags: portable solar power, solar backpack, solar charge, solar chargers, solar charging devices, solar gadget charger, solio
