I've been seeing a huge number of 'gadget' solar chargers on the market this year. Everything from keychain size up to devices larger than your hand. Personally, I think this is fantastic, and am glad to see so many alternative energy products making it into the retail realm.
However, I do know that many of these products are not built very well, and many manufacturers cut corners. And if a Chinese factory cannot secure an OEM contract with a recognized North American brand name, they tend to dump their wares on Amazon. A pretty picture, and statements about charging digital cameras & phones, should not always be trusted.
So, how can you spot the good ones?
Well, apart from always checking ModernOutpost.com, use the following 5 questions to guide you...
1. Is the solar panel the thin-film variety?
Thin film doesn't require direct sunlight, while crystalline does. So thin film solar cells will provide a charge in most weather conditions. A thin film solar panel will outperform a crystalline panel of the same power rating any day of the week. Less efficient, but far more effective!
If they don't tell you, it will be the cheapest form of crystalline, and not worth buying.
2. Solar Panel Power?
Pocket chargers like to quote the capacity of their battery pack, or confuse you by telling you that they can pump out 2100 mAH from their USB port. All very good, but how quickly they charge from the sun is the key spec they don't always tell you.
Look for a panel of at least 2 Watts... this is large enough to cover 50% of a smartphone battery April-Sept.
3. Battery Capacity?
Look for at least 4,000 mAHr, or you won't get even 1 full charge on a Samsung Galaxy or iPhone 6.
4. Pass-Through Charging?
Pass-Through charging means that your solar gadget is able to charge your phone or camera while it is charging itself. This seems like an obvious point, but a huge number of USB batteries & solar gadgets don't do it. Imagine having to wait until your solar charger gadget is almost full before charging your phone, and while charging your phone, not being able to collect the sun's energy (or even use the USB port)! This is a must-have feature!
5. Apple Compatible?
You might not have an Apple product, but you should care if your solar gadget supports Apple.
Why?
Because if the manufacturer has taken the time to ensure that the USB port is fully functional, and able to support the fussiest of personal electronics, it is far more likely to be a product that you can rely on to charge any USB device.
Send me a note if you want my opinion on any particular product you see online.
Cheers!
