Any recommendations for solar chargers for laptops/ipads/iphones?

[diva77]

I've had solar chargers in the past and none of them ever worked!

[applegrove]

1. Didn't they put a solar phone charger on a backpack at one point?

[diva77]

2. I have seen those before. Am hoping someone here has had success with some type of solar charger.

[yonder]

3. My experience has been to use a battery bank (or more) to charge devices

Last edited Tue Dec 27, 2022, 03:04 AM - Edit history (2)

and an appropriate sized solar panel to charge the battery bank(s) only when stationary (like in camp). Keep the battery bank(s) topped off as you can by any fashion (household, car, another battery, etc.) and use the solar panel when necessary or convenience allows.

Strapping a panel to your pack while hiking will yield inconsistent and frustrating results. Intermittent light like clouds and shade causes some charge controllers to have to be reset. You want to have fun hiking, not worrying whether your setup is charging or not.

Stay away from those cheapish, heavy, brick-sized battery banks with small panels and other features — once empty, they might charge a phone — in a few days of near constant light. They're just not worth it. Get a dedicated power bank without all the heebergobbers. Also be wary of the advertised wattage of panels. You'll be doing good to get 80-85% of their published values in the best conditions.

My opinion only, ymmv.

Edit: I was focusing on hiking, camping applications for charging small devices like smartphones or gps. Laptops are going to need a lot more power and bigger battery banks. Probably too big for hiking. If your need is for car camping, a cabin, etc. there are tons of solutions out there using much bigger panels and battery banks. I sometimes use a Bluetti power bank rated at

[diva77]

5. I am looking for a set up that has panels separate from the dedicated power bank (I should have

specified this in OP). Thanks for clarifying that.

[yonder]

7. I'm having hell of a time editing that post.

I wanted to add that I sometimes use an old style Goal Zero 7w or Sunjack 25w panel with various small 10k mah packs for backpacking and sometimes a Baldr 120w panel with a Bluetti EB55 for car camping.

Goal Zero has a reputation for quality but expensive compared to others. Like anything, there is good and bad out there. YouTube is a great place for more info.

This spring, I'm thinking about a home project using cheapo Harbor Freight panels with quality batteries and controller. It's a big world. Good luck.

[diva77]

8. Actually, I'm looking for something to use at home - sometimes the electricity goes out for hours

and it would be nice to have a back up plan. Doesn't have to be something for travel, although I'd like to pursue that next.

[yonder]

9. It depends on your power requirements.

If just to power a few DC lights or charge small batteries, a 100w panel may work with an appropriately sized battery or power bank and charge controller.

If you're looking to keep a fridge and freezer going or running a heater, AC, sump pump - anything that draws a lot of current, you'll be looking at a much bigger and expensive panel/battery storage system. Probably time to call a pro even with no plan for roof mount panels. Be careful there too for there's lots of phony shysters out there, just waiting to take you for a ride.

Again, YouTube would be a good place to start to help get familiar with what your needs might require.

[diva77]

10. I'm only looking for enough power to recharge laptop if needed (and/or ipad, iphone)

I have googled and looked at youtube, reviews etc -- wanted DU'ers opinions as well!

[New Haven]

4. Have you tried the Goal Zero brand

[diva77]

6. I haven't tried that brand - have you had success with it?

[Bobstandard]

12. I have Goal Zero and they're great

I a couple Goal Zero solar chargers and all work very well. One is a small no-battery unit that I take backpacking to keep my phone charged for photos and videos. Another back-packable unit has a battery that is useful for overnight charging from the battery. I leave it in camp to charge the battery during the day. It's a little heavier so I take it when base camping. They are both reliable and tough.

[diva77]

13. Very helpful - goal zero was high on my list but I didn't know anyone who had had experience with it

One more question: how long have you had your goal zero gear? The chargers I had in the past worked for about a month and then conked out.

[New Haven]

15. it is a fantastic product and their customer service is first class

I would be glad to provide more if you need it

[diva77]

16. I'd be interested in knowing which of their products you have used and also what you recommend for

charging a laptop at the very least (solar panels and battery packs). Thanks!

on edit: would also like to know how long you've had the items that you've had success with (I mentioned in another post how chargers I've owned in the past stopped working after about a month)

[New Haven]

17. I invite you to quiz me further if you wish

Goal Zero products also have a smart technology built in to them. So that they are intuitive when connected to a device

I have two different power banks and two different solar panels/ The panels can be chained together to create a faster charge

I am a tent camper and often stay where there is no electrical hookup so I keep the solar panels on top of the tent or my car hood and charge the power banks all day -----there is usually enough to watch a few netflix movies at night ---I started using these in 2016

I also have several of their rechargeable Lighthouses which also have a hand crank to charge itself ---good for emergency and it has a USB port to plug in my cell phone

all of the products can charged via 110 v outlet

I have other power banks but they are not as good as Goal Zero



https://www.goalzero.com/collections/power-banks/products/venture-75-power-bank

WHAT CAN THE VENTURE 75 POWER?
The Venture 75 is great for all of your USB powered devices.

Smartphone: 5 Recharges
POV Camera: 14 Recharges
Headlamp: 14 Recharges
Tablet: 2 Recharges
USB-C Laptops: Up to 1 Recharge

[diva77]

18. Thanks for this, New Haven! What would you say is the smallest solar panel size I could get away

with to recharge a power bank enough to recharge a laptop in the span of a day's worth of sunlight?

[Locrian]

11. backup power

There really isnt a low cost off the shelf turnkey system "small scale" solar, battery backup etc. Using solar panels will take a good bit of research and money.

Solar generally takes a *long* time to charge stuff - hence the need for a battery.
And you have to set it all up etc so that its ready for when the power goes our: maintained, monitored, etc. Its a bit of a hobby.

It sounds like you just want some power just for a laptop? And we're talking hours or at most a few days?
That sounds like you would be better off with a largish backup battery like they make for phones.
They make larger ones for laptops etc that can charge or run the laptop.
You would have to make sure it's charged before any expected problems, and it wouldn't be able to be charged back up till the power comes on.

Or you *can* but some solar cells to use with the battery - but it sounds like the power would be back on before the solar charges the battery (unless you have a high watt system). Then of course if there is little sunlight, etc. nothing gets charged.

Look up "Portable Power station" on amazon



Edit
Forgot to mention (you may know this) that unless your laptop etc has cell connection your home /building internet will likely go down. Powering all that from backup is a good bit $$ and work to get everything setup.

For now I just have a few of the USB power banks for my phones that I make sure are charged before storms etc. That will keep me "connected" in an event.

I would (in my next house) love to setup a backup natural gas generator system or solar roof panels with battery - but that will have to wait till retirement.

[diva77]

14. Good point about solar taking a long time to charge stuff. I definitely want to have a backup

battery ready to go.