Staying Charged in a Disaster

I have been piecing together my deployment solar setup for years, buying, selling and replacing parts trying to improve. I need it to be light, versatile and reliable. My setup isn't perfect yet, but it meets my three needs.



Main components; two F15-600 10W Powerfilm panels, Nitecore Digicharger D2, Anker E5 Gen 2 external battery and an Anker Car charger two ports.

A single panel will charge any of my batteries (rechargeable CR 123, Anker external, AA, AAA, Gopro and Cannon 5D Mark III, Android phone) in clear skies. I have to daisy chain the two panels in overcast skies. Daisychaining them in clear skies allows me to charge my Macbook Pro 13" Retina.

The Nitecore charger is the best I've come across for this setup. It is a smart charger that adjust output voltage and amperage depending on the individual battery. Charges both slots independently. It also stops charging when full, so you are free from monitoring it. It will charge;
IMR / Li-ion / LiFePO4:
26650, 22650, 18650, 18490, 18350,
17670, 17500, 16340(RCR123), 14500, 10440

Ni-MH / Ni-Cd:
AA, AAA, AAAA, C

I highly recommend it.

I have most of my kit (flashlight, shortwave, headlamp, etc) running on either AA or AAA Eneloops. I recommend them too.

The Anker battery also stops taking a charge when full. It has 16000mah. It will charge my other devices and batteries at night, so I usually have it collecting juice during the day while I'm using the others devices. I'm looking to get the E7 for more storage space.

The Anker battery and car charger both have "IQ" technology, which like the Nitecore, adapts output for whatever they are charging allowing faster charging.

It's a work in progress, but keeps the lights on and has proven itself in a real-world disaster operation. Two thumbs up to all the components.

That is a pretty cool setup, thanks for sharing. I could of used something like that when I was in Iraq. I will definitely look into some of those items for my list of things better to have than be without.

I have been using Eneloops for about 6 years myself with great results. The newest packs of them from Costco come with a much better "advanced" wall charger that charges all four slots separately now instead of in mandatory pairs like the old ones.

I have tried several portable solar setups and none of them have impressed me much, but those solar panels look pretty good.

Very Nice JJ, how much do you think you have into the whole setup?

Powerfilm prices fluctuate quiet a bit. I was patient and picked up my panels for $100 a piece. So, the items listed in the post cost $350+/-.

Nice that's a heck of a set up for that price.

That Digicharger is a great choice. Xtar makes great chargers too. Check them out. Xtar and Nitecore have newer chargers that can be used as a powerbank.

I just checked both. Looks like I'll have good options when it's time to replace the ones I have.

That's pretty high speed. Nice.

I have to admit though that not having power is something I look forward to when a storm hits. I was born a century or two too late I think.

I understand the bliss of disconnecting.

I use my setup to keep powered in the field during work. Otherwise, it isn't needed.