There are more and more devices that work without electricity - this is a solar panel for charging a phone, tablet, digital camera and other portable devices. It runs on solar energy and is capable of recharging modern gadgets in any weather, far from civilization. The most popular models are discussed below.
TOP 6: Solar panel Goal Zero Nomad 7 (12301, 11800) for 2235 rubles
The monocrystalline panel charges any mobile gadget - navigator, smartphone, video camera, etc. It is protected from snow and moisture, so it will help out in any extreme situation.
Appearance
The foldable solar panel for charging your phone resembles a folder when folded. The device is secured to a backpack or tent using a convenient mount. There is a spacious mesh pocket at the back, which is convenient to place your charging device.
Exits
The device has three outputs:
- 6.5 V for branded Guide 10 devices;
- 12V;
- for mobile.
Charger
Thanks to the large capacity – 7 W, charging a phone lasts only 1-3 hours, a smartphone – 2-4. The duration depends on the lighting.
In a word, the device will not leave the user without communication, no matter where he is.
Price
How to make a charger with your own hands?
Although modern chargers have ceased to be premium devices and are quite affordable for the average consumer, if you want to save money, there is always the opportunity to make such a device yourself.
An example of a homemade device in a hard case made from a metal can, equipped with a USB connector and an energy converter for charging low-power devices
To make a simple solar charger you need to purchase several basic elements:
- poly- or monocrystalline panel;
- battery holder;
- Schottky blocking diode;
- connector socket;
- charge controller (however, if charging produces 0.5-5V, you can use a cheaper 5V boost converter instead of the controller).
As for the panel itself, here you need to make a small calculation of the number of elements, based on the power of the device that you plan to charge.
For example, if the charging current for the battery is about 10% of its capacity, then charging at 20,000 mA requires a current of 2A, and it will take about 14 hours to power the device. If you double the current to 4A, the charging time will be reduced to 7 hours.
Replacing the controller with a converter will allow you to assemble a charger even using a low-power battery from a solar lawn lamp - you will still get the required 5V output (although it will take a long time to charge)
Depending on the current parameters for future charging (2 or 4A), crystalline elements are also selected. Typically, 1 part produces about 0.5V, that is, to get at least 5V you will need 10-12 elements.
Then they need to be soldered together in series. If you use a flashlight panel, then even a standard 70*70 cm can output from 2.5 to 4.5V, so it’s better to check with a voltmeter.
The final stage is to enclose the homemade charger in any suitable frame (even a candy jar will do) and equip it with a USB connector. Then you need to solder a blocking diode to the connector, as well as wires from the solar panel to the converter and holder according to the diagram below.
A Schottky diode is necessary so that when the device is turned on, the batteries are not discharged through the solar panel. You can purchase it, like other components, on radio markets or on the Internet
All that remains is to check the operation of the device in the sun with any discharged device. If everything is in order, you can use the appropriate adapters and charge various devices.
TOP 5: Solar panel TOPRAY Solar TPS-102-4.8, 4.8W at a price of 1910 rubles
Main characteristics
- Manufacturer - China;
- Current - 0.274A;
- Power - 4.5 W;
- Dimensions - 410/14/343 mm;
- Weight - 1.4 kg.
The solar battery is installed in a sealed housing made of high-quality ABS plastic.
The front part of the panel, the elements of which are created using thin-film technology, is protected by double impact-resistant glass that can withstand hail at a speed of 23 meters per second with a size of up to 25 mm.
pros
It works effectively not only in the area where the sun's rays fall on the surface at right angles, but also in cloudy weather with diffused light. Another advantage is the slight loss of power when heating a surface exposed to the open sun for a long time.
Usage
It is suitable for charging car batteries, light boats and minibuses (12V).
Connection
This model connects directly to the battery contacts, as well as through the cigarette lighter. To prevent overcharging, it is advisable to connect it via a TPS-545 controller.
Price
General recommendations for using the charger
To increase the durability of the PowerBank with a solar battery, you should follow several rules when operating the device:
- During a long break in using PowerBancoa on solar energy, it is better to store the device at room temperature;
- To collect a larger volume of charge, it is better to place the device so that the beams are directed at an angle of 90˚;
- In cloudy weather, charging speed may slow down;
- Some devices require compliance with temperature conditions, so during operation it is necessary to avoid overheating of the equipment;
- To increase the capacity of a solar battery, it needs to be overclocked;
- It is better to use the device with a storage device, then you will always be able to charge your cell phone or gadget if necessary;
- The charging speed of gadgets will depend on the output power of the battery;
- For use, it is much more convenient to take a charger with wireless charging.
TOP 4: Feron 2.4 W solar panel to maintain charge 0101 for only 1657 rubles
Short review
This model is used to charge car batteries. It will serve well the batteries of motor boats and motorcycles, and will come in handy when going on a picnic, fishing, or at the dacha. The work is based on converting the energy of the luminary into electricity.
It will not take up much space due to its small dimensions. It won't add much weight to your luggage.
Installation
You can place it on the roof of a car, hood, glass.
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Completeness
- A solar panel;
- Cable with adapter – length 30 cm;
- With clamps – 30 cm;
- Regular cable – 2.4 meters;
- Suction cups – 4 pcs.;
- Dimensions – 360/214/12 mm.
Indicators
- Temperature range – from minus 10 to plus forty;
- Power – 2.4 Watts;
- Country of origin – China;
- Voltage – 18V;
- Protection - IP20.
Price
Online stores offer inexpensive solar panels for charging phones:
What is solar charging
A portable device that operates by converting daylight energy into electricity is in great demand among many consumers. An external battery with a solar battery can be used to charge navigation equipment, laptops, netbooks, video cameras, players and other gadgets. Universal solar battery chargers are designed to recharge a variety of devices. Manufacturers place USB connectors on the body part. The vast majority of options for external solar batteries are complemented by an adapter for different types of electrical equipment.
TOP 2: Powerbank Acces-One Solar with a solar panel worth 1000 rubles
Review
The external battery can be recharged from a built-in solar battery. Aluminum alloy was used for the body - a durable and lightweight material with an anodized coating on top.
It serves to replenish the energy of two devices at the same time. The LED indicator allows you to judge the charge level.
Main settings
- Built-in battery capacity – 10000 mAh;
- Dimensions - 153x75x10 mm;
- Weight – 205 grams;
- Number of outputs – 2 pcs. (1 and 2 A);
- Micro USB port.
Price
Basic parameters and nice additions
Among the fundamental characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing a Power Bank from a solar battery, it is worth noting:
- Waterproof;
- Type of photocells;
- Performance;
- Compatible with different gadgets;
- Interface;
- Compactness;
- Price;
- Reliability;
- Ergonomics;
- Specifications;
- Durability;
- Availability of battery.
When purchasing this product, pay attention to the temperature conditions at which the charger will fully operate.
TOP 1: Powertraveller Falcon 7 solar panel for 7190 rubles
Review
The panel has a folding design, is small in size and weight, has a durable polyester body, and is equipped with a USB output for charging smartphones, navigators, cameras, etc.
The installed IPX4 level of protection makes it immune to splashes of water for five minutes. For ease of fastening to various surfaces, eyelets are provided at the corners of the case.
Characteristics
- Device power 7 W;
- Dimensions when folded and opened are 157 x 179 x 11 and 498 x 179 x 2 mm;
- Weight - 230 grams.
The monocrystalline cells from which the panel is assembled make it highly efficient. It produces 35% more energy compared to commonly used standard cells.
Indicator
It is located on the body and allows you to control the charge level.
Review of popular models
There are quite a lot of such solar chargers, but only a few of them deserve attention and are in demand.
Solar-Charger P1100F-2600
The characteristics of this charger allow it to charge not only phones, but also digital cameras and several other types of devices. This model comes with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 2600 mA. It also has a charge control device. The entire charger is relatively small in size and light in weight. Very convenient for country walks.
PETC S09
A charger that belongs to simpler and cheaper brands and is produced by a Chinese manufacturer. The maximum output voltage is 5.5 V, and the battery capacity is up to 600 mA. Designed to work only with telephone devices.
PETC S08-2.6
It has no fundamental differences with other models of its brand, except that this model is produced without a battery. Therefore, it can only be used during daylight hours, and also in temperature conditions not higher than +60 °C.
