Solar Charger vs More Camera Batteries

The question almost always comes up... do I really need a solar charger for my upcoming wilderness trek, or should I just buy a bunch of camera batteries?
Knowing that you will be away from power for days, weeks, or even months, what is the best way to keep your camera charged?

The decision comes down to the following: how long the trip is, and how many other devices you need to keep charged (GPS, headlamps, phones, radios, etc), and how well you are able to budget power.

Remember... If you only pack camera batteries, then once you are out, you are out!

Let's look at your options for cameras first, and then we will consider your other gear...

1. Extra Camera Batteries

Most people who take their cameras on their adventures find that they get anywhere from 1-3 days per battery. Anyone sensible will be taking a spare, so with two or even three batteries, you will be able to power through 3-9 days (if nothing goes wrong!). So, for weekend trips, take a couple of batteries with you, and you will be fine.
dSLR camera are a lot more power hungry than the smaller point & shoots, and most serious photographers I talk to seem to want to budget 1 day per battery.

A quick look at the current price of dSLR batteries will quickly make you look for alternatives for longer time frames. At anywhere from $80-$120 per battery, the 2 or 3 batteries you probably already have in your camera bag will suffice if you are looking at a trip of 7 days or less. But, you will need to control your shutterbug urges and stick to a power budget!
Because when your batteries are drained... you are done with the camera.

2. Solar Storage Battery = 3 dSLR batteries

Going for longer than 1 week?
Consider the advantages of using a solar storage battery to pack the extra power you will need. Cheaper than a complete solar kit, and cheaper than buying more camera batteries.

A solar storage battery is the equivalent of 3-4 camera batteries, but when you consider that the price tag is not much more than a new Canon LP-E6 battery, the economics is obvious. Combined with your 2-3 back-up batteries, you now have the ability to go up to 2 weeks, or even 3 weeks for the smaller point-and-shoot cameras.

The advantages of using a solar storage battery...
1. Economy - saving money over buying more camera batteries.
2. Expandability - being able to add a solar panel later if you ever want to.
3. Versatility - works with any camera brand/model. There's nothing worse than having a bag full of model x batteries @ $70each, only to decide to buy a new camera a year later.

What does a solar storage battery look like?
Here's a current top seller... Voltaic V60

How would you get the power from the storage battery into your camera?
Use the solar storage battery to drive a universal battery charger or DC car charger for your particular camera model. The AC charger that came with your camera is not designed for this job.
examples: Ansmann Vario or DC LP-E6 charger.

3. Complete Solar Power Kit

This is for serious trekkers... this is the power system that generates power continuously. You will never run out of power as long as the sun comes up each day. The power varies with the strength of sunlight (latitude and weather), but we take all that into account when we recommend equipment for you.
So, if your trip is longer than 1-2 weeks, and/or you would rather not take chances with getting your power budget correct, using a complete solar kit is your best option.

solar panel -> storage battery -> battery charger -> camera battery

How does it work?

Plug the solar storage battery into the solar panel to start collecting charge.

Whenever you need to top-off a camera battery, simply fit it into the camera charger and plug the charger into the universal battery. Just like you plug it into the wall at home (except we use DC instead of AC power when we're packing it on our backs).

There are many ways to design the solar kit. From fully integrated packs, to custom plug-n-play sets of equipment. Be sure to get information about several options that fit your mode of transport, weight restrictions, and power needs.

What about other electronics?

It is a fairly simple matter to add all sorts of other devices to the mix, and have everything charged from the same power system. We budget for power consumption in things like GPS receivers, headlamp batteries, phones, and even laptops. A good solar storage battery like the V60 is able to provide the voltages needed to support all this gear, and many times you still only need one charger cradle to support them all.

Discover Your Options...

Want to know what I would recommend for you to have a completely independent power system that works everywhere?

... Just let me know where you are going, for how long, what time of year, and what camera(s) & other gear you want to pack, and I will let you know what equipment will serve you best.

Click Here : I look forward to your email!

Personal Power for Nepal Trekkers

I just helped Mick Bromley of Wilderness Trekking head off to Nepal on his latest excursion with two sets of portable solar power systems. One is designed to keep a videographer's equipment charged while he chronicles Mick's legendary attention to every aspect of the Nepal experience. The second is for Mick himself, so that he is able to keep his own camera, tablet, and communications gear charged. His system will also come in handy when his clients need a power boost for their own cameras.

Here is an overview of the systems...

For the Videographer : SunLINQ 5 Solar Panel with Brunton Sustain2 Storage Battery & LP-E6 DC Charger

The SunLINQ panel folds down small & light, and features CIGS efficient thin film cells that excel in the high-UV exposure at altitude, and at the higher ambient temperatures in the lower regions of the country. The Brunton Sustain is a ruggedized lithium pack that stores 75 Watt-Hours of power... enough for 5 full charges on a Canon dSLR battery, so there is plenty of back-up in case of several days of inclement weather.

The balance is in the logistics. With the panel deployed for several hours each day during stops, or at camp, the power produced will easily offset the power being drawn for camera battery charging & video editing/archiving. The power budget was designed around the need for 2-3 Canon LP-E6 charges per day. Because it is never a good idea to drain a lithium battery below 50% on a regular basis, the videographer will be bringing several battery packs that he will top-off at various times during the day & at camp at night.
Lastly, I do not like the DC input connector provided with the Brunton Sustain2. Too fragile, and introduces a mysterious voltage drop that makes it incompatible with slightly lower voltage panels like the Powerfilm series. So, I sent one of the Modern Outpost Solar Input Cables... a tougher & much longer cable that makes camp set-up options easier.

For Mick : Voltaic Fuse 10W with Ansmann Vario Pro Charger

This is a fantastic solar kit. 10W of premium Bosch crystalline solar cells in a rugged encapsulation, set into a rugged case that can carry a laptop & tablet at the same time. The case features webbing on the back, so strapping it to the outside of a backpack is a simple task. Having all the solar charging gear in one place instead of being spread around with wiring has its advantages too. Mick simply opens the case and connects his camera charger, tablet, phone, radio, or virtually anything else he might need.
The panels produce the power he needs each day, and just in case he runs into bad weather, he has 60 Watt-Hours of power stored in the Fuse10W's internal V60 battery pack.

While laptops, tablets, and USB devices can all be connected directly to the Fuse10's internal battery pack, getting the power from the Fuse10 kit into camera batteries is done via an Ansmann Vario Pro universal charger. Plug the charger into the 12V socket on the Fuse10, snap your camera battery into the cradle, and the charger selects the correct voltage, polarity, and begins charging. It even shows you the state-of-charge so you can better manage your power usage.
Simple. Elegant. Functional. Reliable.

Mick's Client Pick :  Fuse 4W with Pixo Charger

Mick and I talked about an option for his clients, should they want to bring a charger of their own. Something simple to use, simple to pack, rugged, and able to charge virtually any type of camera, phone, iPod, etc. The Voltaic Fuse 4W fits perfectly. 4 Watts of German-made Bosch panels in a small pack that straps to a backpack. Inside is room for small gadgets, & the 4000mAHr solar storage battery, capable of charging or powering everything USB including tablets.

The German Pixo charger is universal, adapting to all 3.6/3.7V camera batteries, plus all 7.2/7.4V dSLR & camcorder batteries (a neat trick not seen in other USB chargers).
This kit is able to offset approx 75% of a dSLR battery every day, or a mix of devices adding up to same.

Well, that's it. Trekking with electronics made easy.
Should you need any further details, or want help with the math concerning your own trekking power needs, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best!

Considering A Goal Zero Solar Kit? Read this first.

Everyone in the solar industry has at least heard of Goal Zero by now. They are the American portable solar power company that was born out of african humanitarian aid projects. Goal Zero builds some fantastic products... heck, I sell a lot of them myself (see here). And Goal Zero does a great job of marketing their equipment, which is why you can find it almost everywhere solar panels and innovative outdoor gear are sold. But, should they be on your equipment short-list?

Just as the old saying goes: "There is a tool for every job", so it is with packable solar power systems. In this article, I will take a look at several popular Goal Zero power kits, suggest the best applications for them, and suggest excellent alternatives that may be better suited to your specific needs.

A few numbers to help you compare:

     Smart Phone battery full charge = 5-6 Watt-Hours
     GPS receiver battery full charge = 8+ Watt-Hours
     Tablet PC battery full charge = 20+ Watt-Hours
     Laptop battery full charge = 50+ Watt-Hours

Onward...

The Goal Zero Switch 8 : $139.99 (est)

This is the latest kit release from Goal Zero. It features their Nomad 3.5 folding panel, with the new Switch8 lithium USB battery pack. Following are the key specifications...

     Solar Panel Type : Monocrystalline

     Max power generation : 2.5 Watts (USB)
                or 3 Watts if using the Guide10 battery

     Power Storage : 7.92 Watt-Hours
     Max output : 1,000mA @ 5V USB
     Total Weight : 310g (11.2oz)

The verdict:
Like all Goal Zero products, this kit is very well built to take the abuse of wilderness use. The monocrystalline panel is best suited to direct sunlight, so it makes sense for regions that have a lot of sunshine (Africa, SW USA, Mexico, etc).
But, an integrated Voltaic charger like the Fuse 4W provides better performance with the same solar technology for less money, plus you get a very nice gear case...

Voltaic Fuse 4W : $129.99
     Solar Panel Type : Monocrystalline

     Max power generation : 4 Watts
     Power Storage : 11.1 Watt-Hours
     Max output : 1,000mA @ 5V USB
     Total Weight : 600g (20.8oz)

So, that being said, what USB solar charger would be my lead recommendation for difficult Canadian & other North American locations? If there is a good chance you will get partial shade, variable sun exposure, variable weather, or will be working at high latitudes, then the following will be the best options for you...

1. SUNLINQ1 + Voltaic V11 : $99.99 (est)
        Solar Panel Type : CIGS thin film
        Max power generation : 2 Watts
        Power Storage : 11.1 Watt-Hours
        Max output : 1,000mA @ 5V USB
        Total Weight : 2.21g (7.9oz)

        - lighter weight, more sensitive in low-light & partial shade,
          & more affordable

2. SUNLINQ2 + Voltaic V39 : $189.99 (est)

        Solar Panel Type : CIGS thin film
        Max power generation : 4 Watts
        Power Storage : 39 Watt-Hours
        Max output : up to 2.1A @ 5V USB (supports tablets)
        Total Weight : 540g (19oz)

        - More power in any light condition, greater sensitivity,
          & greater power storage.

The Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Adventure Kit : $119.99 (est)

This is the most popular Goal Zero kit. It features their Nomad 7 folding panel, with the Guide 10 Plus USB battery pack. This kit has all sorts of strange specifications... it says the rated output of the panel is 7 Watts, but the most you can get out of it is 6 Watts (USB) if connected directly to the Guide 10 pack using the special cable.
Following are the key specifications...

     Solar Panel Type : Monocrystalline

     Max power generation : 2.5 Watts (USB), 3 Watts (12V socket),
                          or 6 Watts via special Guide10 interface cable

     Power Storage : 12 Watt-Hours
                         (using 4 NiMh rechargeables - included)
     Max output : 1,000mA @ 5V USB via Guide 10,
                         (see above for max solar-direct performance)
     Total Weight : 540g (19.2oz)

The verdict:
I find this kit to be a bit disappointing... for $120 you get a very low-power 12V charger, and a very ordinary USB charger. I like the concept of the dual-voltage Nomad panel, but it is NOT a 7W panel! At the performance level of the Nomad 7, you should not expect to be able to charge many things directly from the panel... certainly not your iPhone or iPad. The monocrystalline solar cell type is best suited to direct sunlight, so it makes sense for regions that have a lot of sunshine (Africa, SW USA, Mexico, etc), so you might get frustrated in non-intense sunlight.
The Guide 10 performs well, and being able to use NiMh cells comes in handy, but even it lacks the punch to support many of the new 'smart' devices while they are running.

So, what alternatives would I recommend for Canadian latitudes & most North American locations? What systems would properly support 12V & USB devices in difficult weather & mountainous terrain?...

1. Powerfilm F5 + Novuscell 24 : $279.99 (est)
        Solar Panel Type : Amorphous thin film
        Max power generation : 4.8 Watts (12V)
        Power Storage : 24 Watt-Hours
        Max output : approx 20 Watts (2.1A @ 5V USB -or- 2A @ 11.1V)
        Total Weight : 340g (12oz)

        - lighter weight, more sensitive in low-light & partial shade,
           & powers far more 12V & USB devices (which is the point!)

2. Powerfilm R-7 + Voltaic V60 : $289.99 (est)

        Solar Panel Type : Amorphous thin film
        Max power generation : 6.9 Watts (12V)
        Power Storage : 60 Watt-Hours
        Max output : up to 48 Watts @ 12V, 16V or 19V, plus 2.1A USB
        Total Weight : 840g (29.6oz)

        - More power in any light condition, greater sensitivity,
          waterproof solar, & greater power storage,
          varied output voltage support.

Keep these options in mind, as they form a foundation for looking at the next level of portable power. This brings us to the last of the three Goal Zero kits I will look at in this article...

The Sherpa 50 Solar Recharger : $349.99 (est)
Goal Zero has put this kit together to address the varied needs of remote camps, serious trekkers, and anyone who has a comprehensive list of electronics to keep running while miles from civilization. The 13W Nomad panel is a good match to the Sherpa 50, and the combination supports both 12V & USB devices.
Here are the details...
     Solar Panel Type : Monocrystalline
     Max power generation : 13 Watts (12V), 5W (USB)
     Power Storage : 55 Watt-Hours (Sherpa 50 v2)
     Max output : 75W @ 12V & 1.5A @ 5V USB
     Total Weight : 1.22Kg (2.7 lbs)

The verdict:
This is a good kit, but again designed for sunny, tropical environments. The Nomad 13 panel provides solid 12V output, plus a USB option that is strong enough for fussy USB devices (in full sun of course). If you really need household AC power (not recommended), there is an inverter option for the Sherpa and this in itself is unique for a lithium system.

So, what alternatives to the Sherpa 50 Solar Kit would I recommend for Canadian latitudes & most other North American locations? What systems would properly support 12V & USB devices in difficult weather & mountainous terrain?

First, I will dispense with an AC inverter option. This is rarely needed as there are more efficient DC options available for most devices. Therefore we are left with specifying a comparable solar panel, but with improved low-light sensitivity, and bundle it with a storage battery that supports 12V & USB devices.
Here they are...

1. SUNLINQ4 + Brunton Sustain : $444.99 (est)

        Solar Panel Type : CIGS thin film
        Max power generation : 12 Watts (12V)
        Power Storage : 72 Watt-Hours
        Max output : up to 60 Watts @ 12V, 16V or 19V, plus 2.1A USB
        Total Weight : 937g (2.06 lbs)

2. Powerfilm R-14 + Voltaic V60 : $379.99 (est)

        Solar Panel Type : Amorphous thin film
        Max power generation : 13.9 Watts (12V)
        Power Storage : 60 Watt-Hours
        Max output : up to 48 Watts @ 12V, 16V or 19V, plus 2.1A USB
        Total Weight : 1.14Kg (2.5 lbs)

This concludes my little report on Goal Zero and what alternative equipment combinations I would recommend for Canadian & North American locations. Again, the point of the exercise is to pack along equipment that will work under the widest range of conditions. Goal Zero equipment is good, but not the best option in challenging northern latitudes.

I understand that I presented quite a few numbers here. Sorry about that. I tried to keep them simple so that you can make meaningful comparisons between devices. If you have any questions regarding anything I have presented here, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Cheers!