Top 5 Solar Gadgets for Christmas

As the holidays approach, I thought it fitting to write a brief note about solar gadgets. I want you to avoid giving (or receiving) a solar charger that doesn't do the job. I will assume that you are looking for a solar charger that really works, not just a novelty gift.

So, without further introduction, here are the solar toys that actually work well...

Fuse by Voltaic Systems

This nifty little solar charger case packs a solar panel & solar storage battery in a rugged zippered case that can attach to any backpack or bike panier rack. It has room to store your iPod, iPhone, GPS, or other small USB device safely inside. Best of all, Voltaic didn't skip on performance... this package has 8-12 times the power of typical solar chargers.

Fuse 10 by Voltaic Systems

This is the larger Fuse model, capable of supporting everything up to & including laptops. Like it's little brother, the webbing on the back of this case enables it to be easily attached to backpacks, paniers, and more. Lots of power & onboard storage for up to 2 hours of laptop use per summer day.

Amp by Voltaic Systems

The smallest of the Voltaic cases, but not lacking in performance. Like all Voltaic cases, the materials used are second to none. Rugged, yet easy to use. The Amp is a great choice for phones, iPods, & eReaders.

Restore by Brunton

This is the toughest little 1-Watt charger around. Rugged rubberized shell, snap-shut solar panel, integrated charging cable, easy attachment points, and on-board power storage. Performance will offset 50% of most GPS & smartphones during summer months.

Guide10+ Mobile Kit by Goal Zero

A modular kit comprised of a rugged, and highly efficient compact folding solar panel, and a battery storage & power pack based on NiMh rechargeable batteries. Aimed at the adventurous backpacker who needs to keep their point & shoot camera, GPS, headlamp, and other small devices running.

So, why these 5?

First, I've used them all, and they work great.

Second, apart from the Brunton Restore, I typically don't like solar chargers under 1 Watt. The reason is that a common device like a smart phone will take approx 8 Watt-Hours to fully charge from dead (try not to do this by the way... not good for the battery). So a 1Watt solar panel in summer months might only get you 50% of your charge (if you drain your smartphone daily). This is workable, but you'll get only 25% in the shoulder seasons, and if you have other devices to charge, you will find such a small charger just won't keep up. Look for devices with at least 2 watts of solar, and at least 8 Watt-Hours of on-board solar power storage.

That's it for this edition.

But, before I sign-off, I will offer you this gift...

Please let me know if you see a cool product and want my opinion on how it should perform for you, and I will reply as fast as I can.

There are a lot of 'deals' this time of year that don't turn out to be deals in the end. I'd like to help you if I can.

Cheers everybody!