Outdoor power solution -- The sun

I love the outdoors, but I also love technology. When I go bicycling, hiking, camping or on deployment, I always bring my iPod, Steripen, digital camera, audio recorder, shotgun mic, LED flashlight, etc...

Running out of juice sucks and most trees or rocks don't have outlets. Here is my solution.


You can barely see it in this picture, but the bottom left blue light on the battery charger shows that it is indeed charging the batteries in the shade an hour or so before sunset here.

Pictured: Powerfilm 10W foldable solar panel, it pumps out 12-15v at 10w. Duracell AA/AAA battery charger with USB hub for charging iPod or any thing else that charges via USB (i.e most new cells phones). Rode shotgun mic, runs on single AA (brilliant sounds for a great price). Lightstar 220 lumen LED light runs on 2XAA batteries. Roland R05 audio recorder (again brilliant sound with on board mics or attached to external mic). Sanyo Eneloop batteries.

Here is it folded with a Paratchutmandu for size reference.



With the battery charger/solar panel combo, four AA will fully charge in less than 4 hours in winter sun in southern Germany - that is from personal testing. Get closer to the equator and in the summer, and I am sure it will be much less time.

I use Eneloop batteries instead of other rechargeables that have a higher energy density. They are rated at 2000mAh, while some others have 2500 mAh. Yes, your toy will run longer on the others, but they can only be charged a max of 500 times or less. The newest version of Eneloops claim 1500 recharges. They also claim the Eneloops will hold 75% of their charge after three years. I don't want to be left with worthless batteries while away from civilization.

I try to only use gadgets that run on AA batteries, so I only have to have one type and can cannibalize the batteries from say an audio recorder to use in my Steripen Classic.

My cell phone obviously doesn't run on AAs, but the car charger adapter connected to the cell and solar panel directly went from about 25% charge to full in about an 1.5 hour in full sun. Also, my iPod only charges from usb, but the Duracell battery charger takes care of that. The battery charger also taes 110-220v wall power. It will charge USB devices with the solar panel connected and no batteries in it, with charged AAs in it without the panel connected or for fastest times, with batteries in and panel attached. You can even get car lighter adapters that have USB hubs for charging with the panel.

A little longer in the tooth than I planned, but I figured this could be useful info for any techy-outdoorsmen like myself, or even you doomsday survivalist out there.

You can find the panel, charger and your favorite rechargeables for under two hundred bucks. That is a good deal for power in my eyes.

I also carry a weather/AM/FM radio, Garmin Etrex HCx gps, both run on AA batteries.

Man that's a cool setup. I have been looking in to protable solar on and off for a while. Seeing as I live in the desert, I should probably step up my search. Thanks for the info.

Check amazon for the Powerfilms, great price for a lot of power. You can get the 20w for about three to four times the price ad even charge a laptop. Or, you could get two of the ones in the pic above and daisy chain them for the same affect and half the price.
At half a pound, you won't even notice the extra weight./

JJ,

I have a Silva Tech 4.0 flexible solar battery charger in my BOB. Its a decent product, but I think it should perform better for the $99 suggested retail price.

Here's a review...

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/...ucts&cid=65

I very much like the product you have. It has a larger array, and is much more versatile.

Oh yeah, I also try to stay with AA or AAA batteries, because my charger will ... charge ... them.

This has resulted in my changing over from a lot of CR123 devices.

I just checked the specs on the Silva you have. Decent product and it actually uses the same cells as the one I have. Powerfilm produces these flexible solar panels and sells to a lot of companies. Powerfilm actually has very similar product compared to what you have. It is all just rebranding. I almost bought the Powerfilm equivalent of what you have (it has 5 instead of 4 panels though), but want a little more power, so I ended up with this one. I can't recomend this one enough. I have charged AA/AAAs under the canopy of the Black Forest in 4 hours with the panel strapped to my backpack.

I first used Powerfilm, a much bigger model, while deployed in Indonesia. I used it to charge a laptop, Nikon D3s batteries and other gadgets. Then I started looking at what they offer to the consumers. It is the same product minus the digi cam.

I think I over emphasized my negative tone about the Silva. Its a GOOD product, but it shouldn't be $99. I get bombarded with "Green Products" through my job, and I'm required to have 18 hours of continuing education (annually) to maintain my license. Some of those hours are must be "SD" (sustainable design). From all of this information, I know how inexpensive the films have become. My Silva feels like a $19.99 product from WalMart.

It does work though.

JJ - that's good information you provided. Thanks.

Today is the first day of clear blue skies here in a while. So, I grabbed four dead batteries and tested the panel/charger combo in direct sun. I placed the panel on my windshield to angle it more toward the sun. Fully charged in just under 2 hours. I am betting it would be about 1.5 hours in full summer sun.

Apparently you can shoot the thing with a .40 cal too
http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/video/video.php

Kodak has a new solar charger that seems to be pretty practical - and cheap!

http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/Solar_Charger_KS100-C%2B2/productID.161674800

$20 on amazon

That could lead to some interesting possibilities. Must ponder on this.

I have used many of those little solar chargers and couldn't get a charge on a small cell phone in direct sunlight in any reasonable amount of time. They just don't have the surface area to capture enough energy.

I used to have the UltraLast Green Solar 2 AA/USB, which is virtually identical to the one you mentioned.

I wouldn't get either one again. If I was last-minute, stocking up at a store after the SHTF and that was the only thing there ... I might grab a couple. But, it is my last choice in solar power. Right now, hand crank devices and Powerfilm are the only true well-functioning products.

Go to Amazon and read the reviews that don't sound like they were written by the people selling the product.

Here is the updated solar kit. I have added quite a few eneloop AA and AAA. I tried to keep my devices all in the AA category, but couldn't find a head lamp I liked at a decent cost, so there is one device that doesn't.

I also made an adapter that connects the two panels in a parallel circuit which keeps the voltage the same, but increases amps. More power for overcast days and the second panel provides redundancy should one fail.

Nice!

Sweet ok JJ they are on my amazon wish list now so if we make it through the week lol I'll be picking one up for sure.

You've really got a nice setup there JJ. And I agree with you about trying to keep all the devices using the same size battery.

Thanks.

It does keep the gadgets running. I brought it outside just now to test it on a snowy, overcast day. It is now on the porch charging 4 AA batteries in relatively dim light. I can see where the sun is, but it just looks like a fuzzy bright spot through all the snow and clouds.

Just remembered the charging on the porch and the sun has gone down. After about 2.5 hours of overcast light, the two arrays charged 100 percent of four AA batteries.

Nice what mah are they?

The batteries are Eneloop. I recommend them. I did a lot of research before investing in them.

I have heard good things about them and I do need some new rechargeables.

Looking good!

I'm down to getting power film or goal zero. Has anyone ever tried the goal zero?

Those are my top two choices also Luck with JJs praise of the power film I am leaning that way.

I have seen the Goal Zero in a local shop, but never used them. They seem really well built. The biggest difference I see is the Goal Zero panels are not flexible. I am too rough with my stuff to trust something that can crack.

If I were to pick up any Goal Zero products, it would be the Guide 10 Plus Adventure Kit. I don't want another battery to lug around, and the Guide 10 lets you just charge the batteries you already use - Assuming your electronics are all AA and AAA batteries like mine.

could they charge cr123s?

Not sure about the goal Zero. They seem to have propriatary connections, nut the Powerfilm could as long as your gharger has a cigarette lighter adapter.

Okay cool well I think that about sells me.

Thanks, JJ. I'm gonna get the powerfilm, but also gonna try out the small goal zero, just for my usb items like phone.

So, I got to try out a goal zero and ordered the adventure plus. I like having both USB and battery option with that kit.

My goal zere came in. A lot smaller than I thought. It came with dual nomad 7 solar panels, connections for piggybacking panels, micro USB to USB, and car charger, 4 aa batteries, aaa adapter, and charging case/power distribution center. A free led flashlight also came with the kit.

Hooked up my IPhone 5 directly to the solar panels today and took the charge from 73% to 100% in a little over an hour. Sun was bright and sky clear so this was probably the best environment for the charge. Gonna try to drain the battery pack and try to see how long it takes for a full charge tomorrow.

Initial impressions are that this is a well built system and is super easy to use. The panels are not super flexible, but are slightly pliable. This was something I was worried about when comparing it to powerfilm. Powerfilm is definitely more pliable. I would feel comfortable attaching this system to my backpack without to much worry about destroying the solar panels.

Will let you guys no more as I spend more time with it.

right now I am looking at getting a UV sterilizer before camping season starts.
How do you guys like the ones that you have

Bill, get ahold of JJ and Kanomar, I think they both have the UV ones. Oh and Howdy.

I noticed that JJ stated in this thread that he used the steripen

Howdy Randy

I like it. Easy and fast. Just remember, if the water tastes dirty, the pen won't fix that. Just makes it safe assuming there are no pollutants in the water.

Thanks JJ
Right now I use a combination of a mechanical filter and either boiling or chemical treatment
Most people that are on well water in my area use a combination of mechanical filtration and UV sterilizers.

I have been doing some research and the steri-pen has numerous good reviews

I have heard of a few other manufacturers of UV sterilizers but I don't know anyone that has used them.

I've read some reviews about the Steripen malfunctioning, but I haven't had any issues in the few years I've been using mine.

I've used the steri-pen for several years on multiple trips into the mountains. It has always worked for me.


Things to consider with the steri-pen.

Get a bottle with a wide enough mouth.

Carry an extra set of batteries

Some sort of pre-filter is a good idea. I found one that screws onto nalgene bottles, but even one of those small, metal coffee filters would take particulate matter out.

The way it works is it scrambles the genetic material of the bad "bugs" with UV light. This prevents them from being able to reproduce. But, chemicals are not removed.

If you use a hydration bladder (like camelbak) you will have to obtain, treat, then transfer the water into the bladder.

The LED model doubles as a last ditch flashlight. (Which I've used on several occasions)

In my experience, they are effective, light and durable.

can you post more pics of the parachutemandu? I've never seen that variation.

i was looking at the Goal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus a while back, but it is a bit more expensive than the powerfilms. looks like i'll have to do a comparison at some point. i do know it has variable amperage capabilities though.

Here you go.





Can't help but post this bad boy while knife pics are in the mix. The Scrapyard Regulator Bayonet!

awesome rmd variant!

DUDE!!! DUDE!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Thank you for posting these pictures. I did not realize that existed. It is so awesome!!! When did that come out? It looks so good. Wow, I can't get over it. DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I really like the Regulator Bayonet!!! Great job on that. I'll have to check out the thread of that build again.

And the sheath looks good too.

I sure don't miss lugging those sapi plates around although just a plate carrier is much better then the whole vest. Awesome pics.

We have to wear side SAPI now. ;(

Ick what does the kit weigh now?

Our IMTV (Improved Modula Tactical Vest) weighs about 35 lbs with front, back and side SAPI plates. A bit more with ESAPIs, but I don't know the weight.

But hey if its saving lifes its a good thing.

Just ordered the Duracell battery charger with USB...

Now for some solar panels.

Can't find the panels anywhere cheap.

The cheapest I have found them is on Amazon. The prices there fluctuate white a bit. I have seen them for as much as $200 and as cheap as $90. So, keep your eye on the prices and it will change.

I'll keep looking. If the 10w was available for 90 I'd order it today.

Or I could get the goal 10 Adventure Plus Kit for under 100 and maybe be set?

The Goal 10 kit performs better in direct sunlight. A buddy has one and loves it. The biggest difference is the way either operates. The Goal Zero panels don't perform well in shade, overcast or dim light, but out perform the Powerfilms in bright light.

Hmm, maybe both are in order then? Chain the two?

I can get the goal zero for about half msrp right now.

The cells on a Goal Zero are not parallel, so chaining them with a parallel Powerfilm would probably not work. The paallel design is what lets the Powerfilm work in low light. That and the type of cells. One for good weather and one for inclement weather isn't a bad idea though.

What about making a circuit so you could run them both into the same battery or CLA. Then you would kind of have the best of both worlds?

That would work as long as the two panels aren't chained (part of the same circuit). They would have to be feeding the battery separately.

Goal Zero and a couple power packs should be here soon.