Rugged Solar Charger with Battery Storage

Written by Hank Green

Saturday, 13 October 2007

Yes, we have written quite a lot about solar chargers. But it's hard to stop ourselves. The "Power Monkey Explorer Solar Charger" is extra handy (though more expensive and poorly named) than a lot of the chargers we've talked about for a couple reasons.

First, it comes with an adapter plug for just about everything. iPods, USB, European outlets, standard Borg power cuplink, everything. Second, and really, most necessary, is a fairly simple battery pack. I don't know why I haven't seen these on more solar chargers, but it Other Solar Chargers

makes a lot of sense. Instead of having to plug your charger directly into your gadget, and charge during the day (when you might actually need your gadget.) Instead, you can charge the little battery pack, and then use that pack to charge your gadgets whenever you want (including while you sleep.)

So if you're looking for a slick way to power your gadgets while away from the civilized world, or if you just want to be the coolest EcoGeek on the block, check out the Power Monkey Explorer!!!

Comments (14)

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nice
written by Lorenzo Rambaldi , October 13, 2007

Really an amazing blog! And in particular I were just looking for a slick way to powermy iPod during my camping!!

Visit me... www.energyislife.org

Great solar solar charger
written by Nick , October 14, 2007

I have been looking into solar chargers recently and that is one of the best I have seen.

Cheaper at REI
written by Jerod , October 14, 2007

REI has it for much cheaper.
http://www.rei.com/product/765640

...
written by gregor , October 15, 2007

Check also this cheaper solution:
http://www.powerguy.de/DE/eshop.html

Gregor

Try Solio instead
written by Kendall Gelner , October 15, 2007

The problem I see with this device is that panels taht face different ways are not as efficient as they could be charging. I have a Solio and really like that, it works well with the iPhone and other devices that charge over USB:

http://www.solio.com/v2/

Even cheaper knock-off
written by rwhiffen , October 15, 2007

Here's two cheaper knock offs:
http://www.geeks.com/details.a...3&cpc=SCH
for $8

and

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?InvtId=SC1000&cpc=RECOM
for $16

various adapter tips can be found if you search the site for "AOCSolar"

Cheers,
Rich

Good to live in Florida
written by electronic-solar-sails , October 15, 2007

I am going to buy a few of these for Christmas presents. Everybody will love me soooo much.

Do they work off of fluorescent light? My friends are all in the dark North.

I live in Italy
written by Fabio , October 15, 2007

I live in italy very sun.... smilies/grin.gif

This is Solar Charger I buy

you "cheaper solution" commenters
written by rivviepop , October 15, 2007

Don't suggest these cheaper solutions unless you've actually tried them - many just plain suck and don't even work half as good as advertised. I've unfortunately wasted money on some of them.

Also keep in mind this device has a 2200mA capacity and discharges at 700mA, which is a lot more than most other solutions. Your average BlackBerry needs a 500mA discharge with 1100mA capacity (some higher around 1250mA) to fully juice it back up. Cheaper solutions like all the ones linked are useless for such a device.

Solio user
written by Melissa Bauman , October 15, 2007

I have to agree with "try solio instead" girl. I have a solio and I absolutely love it. It is versatile and they are constantly updating their accessories to work with the latest gadget. One last thing I love about Solio, they seem to be working on better energy solutions for countries in Africa and other places. I like that.

Another Solio endorsement
written by Mark from MT , October 15, 2007

Solio works great for me, I put it in the dashboard of the vehicle and it charges up in a day or so, charges my treo 650 and my ipod 60 gig both on one full charge.

Go Solar Energy
written by Shrinkhala , October 17, 2007

I am new to this ecogeek thing (I came here through your video blogs). But I keep having weird ideas about energy conservation and stuff.

One of the recent ideas was if all the street lights were solar powered, we'll be saving a lot of energy. In the morning, they can be charged and in the night, they can use that energy. although the cost and cloudy days are the questions in my mind. tell me if there is something like this already out there, or any comments are most welcome.

Liberty Data Systems Inc Tech
written by Corey Fliss , April 18, 2008

I purchased one recently and was impressed by its construction and design. However after charging it once it and attempted to use it for the first time it died. I sent two emails to the company, one from the website form and one via email and I still wait for a reply. That was 2 weeks ago. I even stated that I was a tech that was evaluating it for personal, coworker and customer recommendation. It’s funny, prior to my purchase when I inquired about its compatibility with my IPhone they promptly replied the next day. If they took care of this situation they would have gotten 5 stars from me, instead they get a big old goose egg! Shame on them!!

battery
written by tang , June 09, 2008

a good raed !

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Hank Green
		About the author:
		Hank Green is the founder and chief geek at EcoGeek.org. Aside from being obsessed with saving the planet with technology, he loves to write and make videos. If you want to find out more about him, visit hankgreen.com

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