Solar

Doc_Eggerton

Thought this might interest folks here.  This is part of our hurricane kit.  We learned well the year four came over our house and we went weeks without power.  This particular unit will charge a phone or Kindle, but is iffy for a laptop.  We really should get a bigger one for that.

Charges the phone in about 3-4 hours.

For any iPhone users, to save you frustration, the iPhone has a software glitch where it shuts down the charge function if there is fluctuation in the current, even if still connected to the charger.  With a solar charger that happens when a shadow (cloud, bird, whatever) crosses the panel.  By putting a battery charger in between the phone and panel you eliminate power fluctuations.  You can also charge the phone off the battery pack.

I exercise this every once in awhile to keep the batteries charged and remind myself how it works.

Griff2w2

I have one for my climbing and camping gear. Nothing worse than being halfway up a multi day without tunes. Also works great in a pinch if you leave your lights on. (You just have to wait like 24 hrs!)

berndcrisp

Very informative post for us eggers. What is the brand name and where to buy? Thank you.

Doc_Eggerton

http://www.goalzero.com

Goal Zero.  Buy on line.

Eggcelsior

I see them at Costco from time to time. Sometimes even a road show.

Griff2w2

They work pretty well with a nice variety of sizes.

nolaegghead

Mine won't charge a cell phone, but it does knock about $100 off our monthly utility bill.  Power goes out, the panels go out, and the standby generator kicks in. 

grege345

nolaegghead said:

Mine won't charge a cell phone, but it does knock about $100 off our monthly utility bill.  Power goes out, the panels go out, and the standby generator kicks in. 

Cool. In about 380 months you should break even

TexanOfTheNorth

Neat looking device. When we lost electricity last December, we had to drive around a while in the car to recharge phones (and for heat).

nolaegghead

grege345 said:

nolaegghead said:

Mine won't charge a cell phone, but it does knock about $100 off our monthly utility bill.  Power goes out, the panels go out, and the standby generator kicks in. 

Cool. In about 380 months you should break even

Naw, it was $5K total out of pocket, so 50 months, just over 4 years.